MANITOBA
“FLY BITES” MIKE CORRIGAN, PRESIDENT MFFA
Reports from members of the Manitoba Fly Fishers Association (MFFA)
The MFFA will add to the weekly fish reports available through Hooked as members are out and about this summer. Please note this part the fishing report will only refer to fly-caught fish only! We typically target the smaller lakes early season and follow temperature trends as most of us transition from Trout and Char to post spawn Pike/Bass/Musky. You will also find members targeting the world class Channel Cat fishery at Lockport.
Small Lake Musky
The backcountry Musky lakes continue to produce very well as the water temperature drops and the fine Fall weather continues. The fish are very aggressive with flies stripped without pausing. Even as the water starts to cool down (14-15C), the fish continue to hold in very shallow water and along the sharp basin edges during the warmer parts of the day. Position the boat in 10-12’ of water and cast towards the weed edges. Some of the weeds are now starting to die off, but the cabbage remains.
Red River
Some of the MFFA members are having success fishing small dark coloured minnow patters, like a DDH Leech, for Catfish. Target the current seams. Small Walleye are also being reported, as are Drum, and Goldeye. Speaking of goldeye Selena Sacher recently caught this Master Angler on more conventional gear!
LAKE OF THE PRAIRIES
This dammed reservoir along the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border has been producing some incredibly big walleye this year. In the early days many of the Master Angler walleye were long and skinny. Not so much any more.
NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
It’s that time of the year as we head into October to catch really large fish! Every fall at this time fish go on a feeding tear to get ready for the long Canadian. Right now the smallmouth are heading out to deeper water reefs close to bays and congregating in large schools. Use your electronics and mapping to zero in on key spots. Once you know what you are looking for you can just milk run to similar spots and catch fish consistently all day. I really like to use a Ned Rigged Jig at this time of year.
Jeff Gustafson fishes a bass tournament almost every weekend and here how he approaches bass at this time of year.
I’m really big on idling around with my big motor, over top of humps, flats and points and not putting a bait in the water until I see fish. I rely on the Down-Imaging on my Humminbirds to show me fish under the boat. I use Side-Imaging to find sneaky little rock piles and bumps that other anglers might miss. There are always some bass, both largemouths and smallmouths that stay shallow late into the fall and you have to fish to find these ones. Having access to high detailed mapping like the Lakemaster mapping we have for Woods and Rainy makes seeing those small “stick-outs” and subtle points where the fish are, really easy.
Once I start fishing, I’m relying on Mega-Live to show me exactly where the fish are on the spot. Forward-facing sonar has changed the game so much over the past couple of years.
If you’re serious about your fishing and you aren’t using this technology, you’re missing out
big time.
Speaking of shallow bass, Jamie Bruce is not afraid to put the work into find them.
Finding life near the bank is critical. Shallow fall smallmouth feed heavily on yellow perch and shiners, depending on where you are fishing. If you’re not seeing one these two types of baitfish, you need to keep moving. Perch are generally in massive schools this time of year, and they often relate to remaining healthy cabbage weeds. Shiners, on the other hand, are often related to mud bottoms and current pinches into the fall, so keep those in mind as you plan your attack.
Even though you find the bait, these shallow smallmouths will still almost always relate to structure for ambushing. This can be anything from trees to weeds to boulders to ledges. If you find this kind of cover and structure near the bait, you’re likely going to be around some bass, and you need to throw the right baits to catch their attention.
MUSKY ARE ON A TEAR
Hardcore musky anglers are in heaven right now as conditions are perfect for consistent success. Hooked Contributor Glenn McDonald is putting the hours in near his home of Vermillion Bay.
SASKATCHEWAN
RAFFERTY RESERVOIR – RALPH SMART, PRAIRE PRO OUTFITTERS
The fall bite has walleye and pike shallow and anglers here are taking advantage when the weather is cooperating. Tapping bottom a couple times to get their attention and then hovering for 30 seconds is key. Over working a jigand minnow or crawler will turn them away every time We find our three species mixed in our spots. I always say on Rafferty if the pike are there so are the walleye and perch ! Keep moving till you find them and it’s non stop action.
Here’s a client from Denver Colorado last week that wanted his first pike. First pike bite ever measured right at 40 inches and 18 1/4 lb. Catching Memories. Say just received the latest issue today. Thanks so much for the article !! Your advertising has helped immensely! I get lots of compliments also. Happy fall fishing
QU’APPELLE CHAIN OF LAKES – ROGER AND SUE GERES
Check out this 32 inch bruiser that friend Roger Geres caught this past week. He was snap jigging a 1/4 ounce mooneye jig tipped with a large frozen minnow when this beast hit!
Congrats Roger, a real fish of a lifetime
TOBIN LAKE
I am going to miss the fall brawl this fall up there due to some eye surgery. It is a great time of the year to be up there with the walleye starting to turn on with mass migrations of bait fish.. Don’t be afraid to check out the flats near the main river channel with bottom bouncers and floating crankbaits. User a light bouncer in the shallower water to long line them away from the boat. I prefer line counter reels spooled with 12 pound Fireline. For cranking deep divers use 10 pound fluro leader.
I love to do one trolling run then go back to drift jigging. Once you find a concentration of fish hit the spotlock on your troll motor. For those heading out to the lake, get out bouncers and blades and cover water, working in and out of the old river channel.
LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE
One of the BIG THREE walleye lakes in the province is Last Mountain Lake just north of Regina. I have fished it for years, competing in numerous walleye events or just spending time on the water with friend Rob Schulz. I had Rob on my t.v. show many times over the years, catching big walleye and carp. Rob still guides on the lake and you can find him at https://gsmarina.com
This natural lake only continues to get better with great management regulations in place. Layne Maier, better known as the Mountain Man has been putting out some good YouTube content over the last few years. You will want to check out this new one sponsored by Pokeys Tackle in Regina!
Suspended walleye don’t always bite but one of the keys is finding a concentration like Layne did. If you watch the video you will find out why all those walleye were on that one long sand point. Simple, same wind direction for three days in a row stacked the bait, a real key to fall success for trophy fish. Congrats Layne, great video! Brings back a lot of fun memories.
ALBERTA – WES DAVID FISHING THE WILD WEST TV
There is some exciting news for southern Alberta and southern Alberta outdoorsmen and women. After 20 years, there will be an outdoor show! Master Promotions is hosting The Southern Alberta Outdoors Show, on April 5th-7th, 2024, at the brand-new Agri-Food Hub & Trade Center in Lethbridge, Alberta.
The Southern Alberta Outdoors Show is the ultimate destination for those who live and breathe outdoor sports and activities. Outdoors men and women can immerse themselves in a world filled with cutting-edge gear, state-of-the-art technology, and invaluable advice from industry leaders. Whether you’re a veteran outdoorsman or woman or a newcomer to the outdoor world, the Southern Alberta Outdoors Show is sure to offer something for everyone. This is also a very timely event. The ice fishing season will be closed, and the opening of the 2024 fair-weather fishing, camping, and spring hunting season will be right around the corner.
HUGE DISPLAY AREA
Outdoorsmen and women will have the opportunity to explore a vast floor plan of exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest in all things outdoors! Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of booths filling the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre in the following key categories: Hunting, fishing, guides and lodges, boating, power sports, equipment and gear, RV’s and camping, hiking backpacking, conservation, tourism, kayaking, and so much more.
As exciting as it is to hear about the return of the Southern Alberta Outdoors Show, Master Promotions will also be hosting the Calgary Boat & Outdoor Show, on February 9-11 at the Calgary BMO Center on Stampede Park. And the Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen’s Show, March 14-17, at the Edmonton Expo Center. I hope to see you at one of this season’s sports shows. Let’s talk everything hunting and fishing!