Fishing FAQ

1. I've booked one of your deluxe outpost cabins for a fishing trip, what do I need to bring?
2. What is the fishing season for conservation lakes?
3. What is the difference between "conservation limit" and "catch and release" lakes?
4. Do I need a fishing license?
5. What is the price of a fishing license?
6. What kinds of hooks can I use to abide by catch and release regulations?
7. Can I bring live bait onto a catch and release lake?
8. What happens if I land a trophy fish on a catch and release lake?
9. How do I release a fish?
10. What happens if my fish is unconscious?
11. What should I do when photographing my fish?
12. Why is it necessary to release my fish?

1. I've booked one of your deluxe outpost cabins for a fishing trip, what do I need to bring?
2. We supply so much that really all you need to bring is your clothes and personal effects, fishing or hunting gear, fishing or hunting license, cooler and bath towels. We supply landing nets, anchors, garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper, bed linens, dish towels/rags, cleaning supplies, and all of your kitchen pot/pan/utensil needs. You can bring your own food and beverages, or arrange for us to purchase your groceries for you and have them ready and waiting for your arrival. Don't forget your camera!
   
   Download our complete food and outdoor gear packing list. (PDF)
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2. What is the fishing season for conservation lakes?
3. Northern Pike (Limit 2) No Closed Season
   Bass (Limit 2) No Closed Season
   Trout (Limit 1) Jan. 1 to Sept. 30
   Walleye (Limit 2) 3rd Sat. May - April 15
   Muskie (Limit 0) 3rd Sat. June - Nov. 30
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3. What is the difference between "conservation limit" and "catch and release" lakes?
4. On a conservation limit lake, you can take home the limit as listed above an3d fish with live bait such as minnows, leeches or worms. On catch and release lakes, you can keep enough to eat for a shorelunch (same limit as above) but cannot take any fish home with you and you are fishing with artificial bait such as twister tails.
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4. Do I need a fishing license?
5. Any non-resident of Ontario over the age of 18 must have a fishing license. Anglers under the age of 18 may fish when accompanied by a licensed adult, however, any fish caught become part of the catch and possession limit of the adult. To prevent this, anglers under the age of 18 may also purchase a license.
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5. What is the price of a fishing license?
6. A 7-day Ontario fishing license for non-residents is $36.00 (Canadian), and a license for the season is $56.50. Conservation licenses are slightly less, with a 7-day fishing license costing $21.50 and a season license being $34.00. Carry your licenses with you whenever you are fishing.
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6. What kinds of hooks can I use to abide by catch and release regulations?
7. Use single barbless hooks only. Tackle tests determined that single barbless hooks significantly reduced the number of fish dying following release. Anglers will be permitted to use only single barbless hooks. This applies to all species and the waters of the specified lakes. Hooks can be easily converted to barbless by squeezing or filing the barb. The tackle most commonly used in all of our lakes are Jigs, Mr. Twisters, Spinners and Spoons. These lures can be modified to single barbless hooks for the Catch and Release Lakes.
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7. Can I bring live bait onto a catch and release lake?
8. No, the possession and use of live bait-fish is prohibited in this area.
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8. What happens if I land a trophy fish on a catch and release lake?
9. All trophy fish should be released back to the water. A replica of your trophy is recommended. This will ensure quality sport fishing opportunities for the future. Measure the length and girth and then take a picture. Return the fish back to the water as soon as possible. Let that trophy fish be a thrill for the next sportsman or for you on a later trip!
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9. How do I release a fish?
10. Time is essential. Quickly play and release fish. A fish played for too long will be too exhausted to recover. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Remove the hook as quickly as possible. Single barbless hooks can often be removed while the fish is still in the water. Gentle handling is essential. Avoid squeezing or putting your fingers in the gills or eye sockets.
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10. What happens if my fish is unconscious?
11. To revive an unconscious fish hold it upright in the water. Move the fish forward and backward so that water runs through the gills. This may take a few minutes. When it begins to struggle release it.
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11. What should I do when photographing my fish?
12. When photographing a fish, hold it horizontally and do not squeeze the fish. Do not put your hands in its gills or hold it vertical by its gills. Oh - and don't forget to smile!
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12. Why is it necessary to release my fish?
13. It is the opinion of Ministry of Natural Resources fishery biologists that the voluntary adherence to these guidelines will enhance the opportunities for catching big fish while concurrently preserving the brood stock and fish numbers. The Ministry, as well as Wilderness Air, believes this strategy will ensure quality sport trophy fishing opportunities for the future.
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