Do you love history, particularly living history? Imagine yourself swimming with living dinosaurs, or perhaps even holding one. While this may not be Jurassic Park, in Ontario you can get close to that experience by encountering some of the oldest living fish still swimming on Earth: Bowfin, Gar, and Sturgeon. These three fish species have lived for hundreds of millions of years, surviving mass extinctions, ice ages and human impacts. These living fossils have remained largely unchanged, allowing us to glimpse the secrets of evolution and the history of life on our planet. In this article, we ..read more

What do you get when you cross a Black Crappie and a White Crappie? A Gray Crappie? No, that’s a silly joke. But seriously, what are the differences between these two fish, and why should you care? Well, if you’re a fan of fishing or eating crappie, you should definitely care. Knowing the differences can help you catch more fish and enjoy them more. In this article, we’ll learn how to identify and compare Black and White Crappie. Don’t worry, you won’t receive any ‘crappie’ advice. Important Differences Between Black & White Crappie Black and White Crappie are currently the only two member ..read more

What are the most interesting aspects of a Walleye? Some may imagine hooking into a trophy 20-pounder. Others may just think they taste delicious fried or on the grill. Sure, that’s Walleye, Canada’s favourite freshwater fish. However, have you considered their adaptability and what lends to their elusive and sometimes mysterious behaviour? Walleye spawn in the spring, when the water temperature reaches a certain range, and then disappear into the depths of lakes and rivers. But where do they go? How do they find their mates? And how can you catch them after they spawn? These are some of the q ..read more

So, what are the differences between Pike and Walleye? Or how does Pike taste compared to Walleye? Having lived most of my life in a fishing camp in Northern Ontario these are some of the many common questions I’m asked by novice anglers. There are many differences between the two species from their appearance, hunting strategies and of course taste. Whether you are looking for a delicious meal or a fun challenge, you will find out which fish suits your needs and tastes better below! Differences in Appearance Before discussing further, we must be able to identify the differences in appearances ..read more

Did you ever wonder if a Gar or a Pike are the same species? Looking at them, they both have long, slender bodies, sharp teeth, and voracious appetites. But don’t let their looks fool you. They’re very different fish, with different origins, habitats, and fishing methods. I’ve worked in Ontario’s fishing industry for nearly two decades, and have learned a lot about these amazing creatures. Let me share some of my insights with you! History and Evolution of Pike and Gar To understand how these fish are so different, we need to go back in time and look at their origins and adaptations. Example o ..read more

Sea lampreys are vampiric invasive species that have caused significant damage to the native fish populations in the Great Lakes. The French River in Northeastern Ontario is one of the many waterways they have invaded. While sea lampreys are monitored and population controlled by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, it is also important for us – as anglers – to be able to identify and report our findings. In this article, we will discuss their appearance, the historical impact on Ontario’s waterways, concerns, and measures taken to control the ..read more

Imagine hooking a fish that can weigh up to 20 pounds, fight like a bull, and tastes like a delicacy. For many, this is the allure of cold water Walleye fishing, Ontario’s most coveted freshwater fish. However, catching Walleye in cold water is not as easy as it sounds. These fish are masters of adaptation and survival, and they change their behavior and preferences according to the water temperatures and conditions. I will share some of the secrets and strategies for finding and catching French River Walleye in cold water, as well as some of the joys and challenges of this type of fall fishin ..read more

Hi Brenda and Bears Den Team, Just wanted to extend a sincere thanks for an incredible and memorable trip to the French River. The highlight of course was the tale of the legend that got away (for now). While reeling in a hammer handle sized pike a giant musky shot up from the depths and grabbed on to the fish. I had the excitement of believing there would be a chance to land this behemoth even though it was not actually hooked but just holding on to its mid morning snack. For roughly 5-6 minutes I carefully fought the monster musky in which time my brother and I had the privilege to see it up ..read more

The Palomar Knot is a quick and easy fishing knot to tie. It is a very strong hitch knot for freshwater fishing. It’s a versatile knot that ties the fishing line directly to hooks, lures, snaps, and swivels. Below are the 4 simple steps with pictures to tying the Palomar Knot: Step 1 Double 4 to 6 inches tag end back beside the standing part. This forms a which we push through the eye of a hook or ring of the swivel. Step 2 Next make an Overhand Knot with the loop. You have an option to add more twists in the loop if desired. Step 3 Slip the hook, swivel or lure through the original loop. A ..read more

“Weed Walleyes” is a term used to describe walleyes that are found in or around vegetation on lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. While walleye are known for their preference for deep water and rocky structures, they are also found in shallow weed beds (salad) throughout the season. Sometimes it’s not just the fish that needs cover. Photo credit: Alex R.Walleye Fishing in Weeds Most Walleye anglers using traditional fishing methods, like trolling or deepwater jigging, often overlook fishing in weed beds. Yet, knowing how to walleye fish in weeds is useful, rewarding, and an exciting challenge when ..read more