Author: Don Lamont

I just love it when the leaves on the trees start to turn different colours and the geese are flying in a V formation all over the place and I can see my breath in the air.  Fall is here and that only means one thing. It’s time to go hunt GREEN-BACK WALLEYES! Anglers come from all over North America at this time of year to invade Selkirk, Manitoba for a chance to land a huge green-back walleye on the world famous Red River. What is a green-back Walleye you may ask? It’s only the most awesome looking freshwater fish in…

Those of us that grew up on the water and started fishing at a very young age can usually attest to a vivid angling experience that has stayed with us throughout our progressive years. An experience that was likely responsible for shaping our enduring passion for the sport of fishing and one that introduced us to many of life’s little lessons. I can remember like it was yesterday, spending the better part of two weeks during the month of August at my grandparents waterfront home on the Winnipeg River. I was only nine years old when I was first acquainted…

Moose and Walleye in the Middle of Nowhere The drone of the floatplane had just faded off into the distance and my buddy Jason and I were contemplating setting up our moose camp for the week on our own private island on a remote northern lake. We were finally here after a year of anticipation and were ready for a hard week of hunting to try and bag our first moose together. Standing over our large pile of gear on the shore, I let out a long cow call just to see if I could remember how to do it…

Knowing what the big cats are dining on helps land monsters! The open water season is slowly winding down and lots of folks pack away the tackle and focus on one of the many other unique opportunities fall has to offer. The shorelines aren’t as crowded as they were in the peak of summer and I will often take advantage of this by getting out fishing, sometimes for catfish. Some years we are lucky with a slow transition from summer to fall and fall to winter and others not so much. A sustained milder weather pattern is ideal for both…

It’s that time of year again when ever so subtly more and more of our camouflage attire starts to creep its way back into many of our fishing photos, and for good reason! Hunting Season is within reach, and some of the best fishing opportunities of the year are right around the corner. Oftentimes the weather can be less than ideal but the fishing and hunting can be tremendous! Make sure you dress properly, plan accordingly, and carry the necessary safety equipment in order to brave the elements. It will make your weekend that much more enjoyable and you will…

Illustration by Sara Wilde Grandpa owned the road in his Town Car. Expansive like a rec room, it carried steel and velour so fine as to cushion him from the crashes and sirens of an outside world. It was twice the car that I had ever been trusted with. Through the city, up Highway 6 North, then West to The Narrows, Eddystone, away on my first goose hunt. From the backseat Grandpa roars for me to speed up and pass (and some choice words), and my Uncle laughs like he’s heard it all before. Grandpa was a farm boy and…

Rob Olson is the Managing Director of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. Since being hired one and half years ago he has provided the organization with a new focus and energy that has the group moving once again to place of prominence in this provinces conservation circles. Hooked had a chance recently to sit down with Rob and discuss his background and his vision of the future. “When I came here the Federation was grappling with the issue of what is the right mix of volunteers and staff. You will always need the great volunteer support but you need a strong…

Some anglers get intimidated by hot weather and their ability to catch fish during the dog days of summer. As it turns out, some of the best angling for walleye occurs during the heat of the summer. Action might be better early or later in the day, but if the wind blows, action can be brisk all day long. Last month I got a call from friend Boyd Holmen about fishing a small walleye tournament on Tobin Lake. Seems he needed a last minute replacement in his boat. I don’t really fish tournaments anymore, haven’t for years but since all…

Jake’s first fish Jake with the greedy pikeKnown for its wildlife, great golf course and scenery, Riding Mountain National Park is also an angler’s paradise. The gem of all the lakes within the park though, is Clear Lake. Over the course of my life, I have always found time to visit this beautiful park. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, the majority of people that launch their boats use it for watersports such as tubing and water skiing. The Lamont family has a long history with this region, having made the Wasagaming town site a summer destination from…

The year was 1983, my second year guiding for Eagle Nest Lodge on the Winnipeg River. I spent three seasons working at this remote lodge and during that time I made two portages into Big Echo Lake. Eagle Nest had two boats cached in Big Echo when I arrived and I can remember carrying in the third. In my second year I had also taken over as the manager so it was on me to portage a sixteen foot Lund in there down a rocky, windy trail that was just plain nasty. With me were two young students who were…