muskie fishing trips canada

Trophy Muskie Fishing on Eagle Lake, Ontario, Canada

Muskie fishing.

When a pike or walleye angler has the fish of a lifetime on the line and suddenly a shadowy monster emerges from the depths to crush the trophy sideways in its jaws, the true top of the food chain in Eagle Lake is revealed. The lake is famous as one of only a handful of places that have produced true 60 inch, 60-pound muskies, and the biggest Eagle Lake fish was caught by a guest at historic Andy Myers Lodge in Ontario, Canada.

Unforgettable Muskie Fishing Trips

The complex structure and rich forage base of Eagle Lake, Ontario provides perfect habitat for a genetically pure strain of giant muskies. For a generation, essentially all muskie fishing on this storied water has been 100% catch and release, with the result that you will see fish that scare you. During the Muskie fishing season at Andy Myers Lodge, at least several trophy muskies over 50 inches are boated every week.

As the top predator, these beasts are afraid of nothing and chase baits all the way to the side of your boat. If you are good or lucky, you can get them to strike the lure literally at your feet, an explosion that ranks as the greatest thrill in freshwater angling. Many experts believe that the next world record muskie might come from Eagle Lake, and no lodge has more history, a better location, or more experienced guides than Andy Myers Lodge. It is the ultimate destination for your muskie fishing trip in Canada.

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Muskie Fishing Season

Muskies spawn later in the spring and the muskie fishing season is closed until the third Saturday in June to protect them. In late June and early July, they can be found near the spawning grounds in shallow bays with emerging weeds, or nearby rocky points, bars, or the saddles between islands. As the weeds thicken in July, look for a topwater muskie bite. You will not soon forget the sight of a muskie striking your surface lure.

With the warming water of summer, muskies can be found almost anywhere, from weedbeds to island points, to reefs, channels, and deep humps. Like 800 pound gorillas, they go wherever they want to, chasing food and comfortable conditions. Muskies are called the fish of 10,000 casts because they are such effective predators that they can lounge around in the knowledge that they will easily catch a meal whenever they are hungry. Be ready for the windows when a seemingly empty lake suddenly comes alive with hungry muskies chasing nearly every cast. These are the moments muskie anglers live for. Check out our Trophy Muskie Special Week with Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Famer Spence Petros.

The cooling water and shorter days of fall trigger muskies to feed heavily to build an egg mass and prepare for the rigors of winter. This is the time for the justly famous Fall Trophy Muskie Hunt at Andy Myers Lodge, when many of the biggest fish of the year have been caught. You will be in the boat with one of the finest guides anywhere, casting, trolling, and fishing live bait for the fish of a lifetime. This legendary fishing books up fast, so contact Andy Myers Lodge today to schedule your muskie fishing trip in Canada!

Bass, Walleye & Muskie Opener

Join Tony Puccio and The Bait Rigs Team for springtime fishing for big, aggressive smallmouth bass, shallow water walleye, and hungry muskies ready to rumble after the winter and the spawn. Learn innovative early-season techniques from one of the best!


Tony Puccio is the owner of Serious Walleye Guide Service and co-owner of Bait Rigs tackle. He is a multi-faceted guide and touring pro on the In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail and the Pro Team Walleye Circuit. With over 125 tournaments fished, Tony is an accomplished bass, walleye, and muskie fisherman and fishing tackle designer.

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To learn more about the availability, dates, and pricing for these weeks, please contact us.

Ultimate Guided Fall Trophy Muskie Hunt

The final 5 weeks of the season are Trophy Time at Andy Myers Lodge. Only 18 guests get to join Steve Herbeck and the AML Pro Staff for the legendary Fall Muskie Hunt. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the most exciting fishing adventures a freshwater angler can have!

For 25 seasons, Andy Myers Lodge has been the place for muskie fanatics from late September through the end of October. This period has produced 80 muskies over 40 pounds in the 1994 – 2018 seasons! Learn how to target giants as they fatten up for the winter on Eagle Lake’s world record potential water.

As an added incentive, we offer a FREE Rick Lax Reproduction of the largest fish released during this time period.

Occupancy will be limited to 18 muskie hunters per week in camp – American Plan Guided Only.

Trophy Muskie Week 1

Each summer we are blessed when legendary angler Spence Petros visits Andy Myers Lodge for hardcore muskie fishing and serious good times. Spence invented much of the modern approach to muskie fishing and is still innovating. After nearly seven decades of fishing, you cannot imagine the stories he has to tell around the dinner table. Don’t miss a chance to learn from him!

Spence Petros is one of North America’s most versatile and well-respected anglers, inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, and listed among the “Living Legends of American Sportfishing.”He has written hundreds of articles and has done countless TV shows and seminars from New York to Nevada. Now semi-retired, he still guides on a limited basis in Wisconsin. Spence has chased big Eagle Lake muskies for over 35 years.

Trophy Muskie Week 2

The second trophy muskie week of the Andy Myers Lodge season features Pete Maina, another legend of muskie angling. Pete began guiding for muskies as soon as he was old enough to row a boat, and he has never stopped studying them. Come learn directly from the source!

Pete Maina is an author, professional muskie angler, photographer, TV show host, in-demand speaker, and former magazine owner. He is considered North America’s greatest muskie and pike authority and is a powerful advocate for the conservation of his beloved Esox. Maina resides in Hayward, Wisconsin, and has made yearly pilgrimages to Eagle Lake for decades.

Walleye, Muskie & Bass Week

Each fall John Gillespie brings the crew of his popular Waters and Woods TV show to Andy Myers Lodge along with musky expert Pete Maina. These guys have been producing weekly shows for over 1,400 episodes without airing a repeat, and their Eagle Lake hunt for big walleye, smallmouth bass, and trophy muskies is a highlight of the year. They are a gregarious and hilarious presence in camp. Join them if you dare!

One of the nation’s most popular TV hosts will be filming the exciting TV series John Gillespie’s Waters & Woods. For nearly three decades, John’s enthusiasm and passion for the sport have been unmatched in the fishing industry!

Pete Maina is North America’s number one authority on muskie and pike fishing. He is an entrepreneur, an accomplished author, photographer, and speaker.

Muskie & Walleye Week

If you’re the kind of angler who likes to break up the obsessive hunt for muskies with lively action for trophy walleye, then you owe it to yourself to come meet Rob Manthei at Andy Myers Lodge. He is one of the rare breeds who is equally accomplished at catching both species, and his insights can make your fishing far more productive.

Rob Manthei is a champion professional tournament angler, registered guide, writer, and TV personality. As owner and operator of the St. Germain Lodge and Fibber’s Bar & Restaurant, Rob provides his clients with a unique and memorable fishing experience in one of Northern Wisconsin’s most pristine and scenic areas. He has been a popular part of the Andy Myers Lodge guest instructor program for more than 15 years.

Multi-Species Week

Not many anglers can show up at a lake as big and complex as Eagle Lake and just go out cold and successfully target any species they feel like catching, but Ron Barefield and John Stone aren’t just any anglers. If you have fantasized about catching an Eagle Lake grand slam during your trip or want to learn to read the water and structure and understand the fish better, then you need to meet these guys. They can take your fishing education to the next level!

Ron Barefield has more than 40-years of experience as one of the top tournament pros and fishing guides in the mid-west. He is a Multi-Species expert and one of the most thoughtful outdoor educators and writers in the country. John Stone is a representative of G Loomis and Shimano. Together, these fishing buddies are a powerhouse of experience and knowledge.

We make it easy

At Andy Myers Lodge we understand the camaraderie that comes with fishing. We also hold all of our seminars in the main lodge to further your skills and show you the spots to make your fishing trip an exciting one. You can enjoy a superb American breakfast and evening meals in our dining room overlooking Eagle Lake. After a long day outdoors, we want you to feel comfortable while staying in one of our cabins. You'll be provided with a very casual feel.

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Lake Of The Woods Musky Fishing

Sabaskong Bay on Lake of the Woods offers one of the finest Canadian muskie fishing areas in the world and is well known among muskie enthusiasts. Its darker water gives the perfect presentation, increasing the chances of catching that trophy fish. Due to Lake of the Woods having one of the highest muskie minimum lengths anywhere, the fish are large. Every season offers the chance for a trophy fish!

Lake of the Woods muskie fishing season opens the third Saturday in June; minimum length is 54 inches.

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What You Need To Know About Catching Muskie

Even though their ferocity and cunning make them a challenge for even experienced anglers, muskies are not as tough to reel in as you might believe. Armed with the right know-how, you can make the most of your musky fishing in Ontario.

Catching Muskie In The Spring

Muskie season in the province begins on the third Saturday of June. Starting early could increase your chance of catching big numbers of high-quality fish.

Where you’ll find muskie at Ontario’s Lake of the Woods:

• Weedy bays and shorelines

Because the muskies enjoy relatively shallow water, these areas are some of the best Lake of the Woods muskie spots during the spring. Thick, healthy weeds are ideal locations for muskies to stalk and ambush their prey. Be sure to target bays and shorelines for the best catch.

THE BAIT AND BAITING TIPS YOU’LL NEED IN THE SPRING

• When choosing bait, spinnerbaits, bucktails and crankbaits tend to be the most successful in the spring. Start with “bass size” baits for the best results.
• In early spring the musky hunts smaller fish for its food supply, which is why you want to keep your bait small. Anything in the three- to five-inch range will be most appealing to the fish.
• After casting your bait, be sure to keep it moving quickly in a figure-eight motion. This mimics the activity of the musky’s favorite prey.

Catching Muskie In The Summer

As the weather warms, muskies move out of the shallows. This means the deeper waters of the Lake of the Woods are some of the best places for musky fishing in Canada during the summer. The bigger specimens will be over the deepest parts of the water, which means you might want to consider trolling to nab them faster and cover more surface area. Although not everyone has the patience for this technique, those who are willing to tough it out could cash in big time.

• Trolling for muskies in the summer works well near rocky points, sharp break-lines and underwater humps. Change up the color of your lure and vary the depths to experience the best chance of success.

SUMMER BAIT & BAITING TIPS

Continue to move your baits quickly, as you did in the spring, but now select a bait between six to 10 inches. Entice the fish by increasing your trolling speed.

One trick to remember is to keep your lures on a short line directly in the prop wash of your motor. This works especially well in shallow waters with plenty of weeds growing along the shoreline.

Fall Muskie Fishing

The autumn months bring some of the best muskie fishing in Ontario. That’s because these fish are at their biggest and easiest to catch right before winter. They put on extra weight and start to slow down just enough to make catching them that much less of a chore.

FALL BAIT FOR ALL MUSKIE

• At this point, you’ll want large, sturdy jerkbaits. These will be big enough to make the muskie take notice and slow enough to look especially appealing.
• To catch these behemoths of the lake, use at least an 8-inch jerkbait. It wouldn’t hurt to go up to 12 inches, however.

Where to find muskie in the fall and the bait to use:

• If you’re casting, stay in waters that are between six and 12 feet deep, plenty of green weeds. Anything deeper will call for trolling.
• When choosing your baits, natural colors will work best at this time of year. Make sure your hooks are as sharp as possible, too.
• The success of your fishing adventure depends on robust tackle — these fish are giants. Wire leaders are a must if you want to get the best haul.

Best Fishing Tips For Catching Muskie

Best fishing method:, other recommended tackle for muskie:.

• Haug wobblers
• Red eye spoons
• Large spoons
• Cherry bombs

Ontario is home to some of the largest muskies in North America, and they’re among the top predators in Lake of the Woods. That means anglers will have the ultimate experience when they come to Duck Bay Lodge for a muskie fishing trip. There’s no better place to test the waters and your skill than right here. Our musky fishing guides are here to prepare you and show you the best spots so you can take on one of these beasts!

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Contact us today at (833) DUCKBAY (382.5229).

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Welcome to Musky Heaven

Ontario is the top destination in the world for Muskie fishing. Ontario is also home to most of the biggest fish even caught, which is why it's a meca for fishing. Muskellunge have been referred to as the freshwater sharks of the north and sit at the top of the food chain as the freshwater apex predatory fish in North America. They have a reputation for being the hardest fighting freshwater fish and have become the fishing poster fish representing true sports-fishing and conservation in Ontario, Canada. You already know that if you are an experienced Muskie hunter.

Even though most fish caught are in the 30 to 45 inch range there are thousands of Muskie caught in Ontario's lakes every year in the 50 to 62-inch range. Ontario is your best chance at a trophy fish and there are hundreds of Muskie fishing lodges ready to make your fishing vacation a very enjoyable experience and help you catch one of Ontario Monster Trophy Musky. I have all the top fishing lodges in Ontario listed in this website as well as tons of fishing photos, fishing tips, techniques and fishing information. I even have outpost camps with Musky fishing listed.

Top 10 Musky Fishing Lakes / Fishing Destinations in Ontario:

• Wabigoon • Eagle • Dinorwic • Lac Seul • Canyon • Lake of the Woods / Shoal • Lake St. Clair • Ottawa River / Petawawa River • Kawartha Lakes (Sturgeon, Pigeon, Buckhorn, Lower Buckhorn & Chemong) • St. Lawrence River / 1000 Islands

Musky Research Information

If you are new to Ontario and you are specifically looking for a trophy Musky then I suggest you first look at the following lakes & Rivers: Eagle Lake, Canyon Lake, Wabigoon Lake, Dinorwick Lake, Lake Nipissing, French River, Ottawa River, St. Lawrence River, Lake of the Woods, Lake St. Clair and Lake Nosbonsin. In eastern Ontario there are the Kawartha Lakes and north of Kingston and Belleville is Big Gull Lake. These lakes all produce Muskie over 40 inches. Even though Musky are not found in great numbers in Lac Suel, which is French for Lake of Soles, there have been Musky of unbelievable sizes coming out of Lac Seul in the last couple of years including three fish that hit the 62-inch mark in 2012. Lac Suel is in Northwestern Ontario, which is where most of the biggest fish come from and where you will find the best fresh-water fishing in the world.

Musky Biology & Reproduction

Big musky alert (not ontario):, muskie growth rates.

In lakes with warmer water and higher concentrations of suspended organic material, the Muskie can grow a little faster but also rarely live past 20 years old due to the increase chance of contracting diseases; with Lymph Sarcoma being one of the top killers. Muskie in water systems with Zebra Mussels are more prone to scratches, which causes skin infections and death. In northern Lakes with no Zebra Mussels and clean clear water the Muskie growth is slower but can they live much longer.

Muskie Age Calculation

Length = 54 inches A = 4 (first 4 years - 24 inches) B = 8 (Next 8 years - 16 inches)

Age = (A + B) + (length-40) Age = (4 + 8) + (54-40) Age = (12) + (14) Age = 26 years

Try my Muskie Weight Calculator located in the menu above.

If you are a Muskie fanatic and would like to contribute to this web site, please send your fishing tips, fishing stories and Muskie photos to me and I will post them. Please do not send me any copied or copyrighted material. I am also here to help you find the perfect Muskie lodge or destination for your Ontario Fishing vacation. Email me at [email protected]

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Ottawa River Musky Factory

Guided musky fishing on the ottawa river..

Guide services for the musky trip of your life!

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The Ottawa River Musky Factory is located on one of the most exciting and productive stretches of musky water in the world. We are halfway between Ottawa and Montreal in the Prescott-Russell region.

Less than 30 minutes in either direction of the Factory are many world class musky spots, both trolling and casting, that annually produces dozens of fat 50+ inch muskies.  Jim Saric (Musky Hunter magazine and television) called this section of the Ottawa River ‘ The last bastion of pure musky fishing left in the world ‘!

We offer single day trips, half day trips, or book as long a trip as you want.  For true trophy hunts we recommend bookings of 3 days or more.  For years we have boated muskies on over 80% of our charters. Weekdays offer less boat traffic on the river and are recommended if you have the option but Ottawa River waters have very little pressure in general.  No one has more experience, spent more time, or landed more muskies on the Ottawa River.  It’s not even close!

There are three top guides on staff including John Anderson, Mike Kadoura, and Lisa Goodier.  This allows us to accommodate larger parties and multiple bookings on any given day.

A strong focus of our services is teaching.  Whether you are brand new to the sport or a seasoned veteran who wants to learn the latest tricks, tips, and behaviors of muskellunge, we can help.  Learning to use the right equipment the right way not only makes for better casting, it keeps your body in top shape and avoids fatigue.  Teaching anglers the best handling and release practices based on the latest science and understanding how to read the signs of stress in muskies is also very important to us.

While you hunt your trophy you will be guided in a spacious Mercury powered Crestliner Raptor and fish with only the best Loomis and Shimano Rods and a complete line of Shimano reels spooled with PowerPro line.

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Canada is Doug's favorite place in the world to chase muskies! With vast amount of endless water, spots, loads of fish, and low fishing pressure, it is always truly a trip of a lifetime. Lake of The Woods (LOTW) has a high quantity of muskies that can range from 36-54 inches, where multiple fish days are highly common. It's a great place to sharpen up your skills with plenty of opportunities and encounters boat side. With over 10,000 islands and a million miles of shore line the spots are truly endless! Fishing fast and aggressive on LOTW is my preferred method. Running and gunning all over the lake trying to fish as many spots as possible increasing our odds of a multiple fish experience! This style brings out the best in muskies, fast follows, hard strikes and tons of boat side action.

Prices are final, no tax added. 50% Down, non-refundable deposit per trip is required to book a date (2 trips 2 deposits).

Prices are for 1-2 people. There is a 2 person max on this trip.

Cancellation 10 days before a trip 1/2 of the amount is due.

Cancellation Within 72 hours of the start time owe the FULL RATE !!!

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ONTARIO MUSKY (MUSKELLUNGE) FISHING

he elusive musky is both a shallow water creature, and a denizen of the deep. Successful anglers will target warm, weedy bays; rocky points adjacent to weeds or deep water; midlake humps; or rocky outcroppings.

Summer musky fishing is mostly casting, but as the season turns to fall, anglers often troll for those fat, autumn hogs. The cold, end of season waters are often where a musky angler will catch the biggest fish of the year, fattened up on ciscoes or walleye for that long cold winter under the ice.

Lake of the Woods is known as one of the finest musky lakes in the world. An aggressive conservation policy is in place on the lake, and the minimum size limit for is 54 inches. This has allowed the already strong musky population to increase in both size and numbers.

From Sabaskong Bay to Miles Bay there are thousands of acres of prime musky real estate, dying to be casted or trolled.

We fish Sabaskong Bay and the area right from the docks here at Meline’s, as well as many other local lakes.  Anglers who join in on our multi-lake musky packages will have the option of spending their time on:

• Sabaskong Bay and area
• Whitefish Bay
• Sunset Channel and all of Lake of the Woods.

Watch how we pull out a 47" Muskie

MUSKIE PHOTO GALLERY

CONTACT MELINE’S

Phone: 1-807-484-2483 Fax: 1-807-484-2483 [email protected]

Box 499 Nestor Falls, Ontario Canada, P0X 1K0

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Muskie Fishing in Ontario

DESCRIPTION:  World-renowned for its bad attitude, this fish has an average length of 36 inches to 50+ inches. The colour of this fish can be extremely variable but always having dark markings on a light background, which is in contrast to the Northern Pike. The colour varies from iridescent green-gold to light brown, gray, or very silvery. This fish has similar features to the Northern Pike including the shape of its body, the positioning of its eyes, and the amount of razor sharp teeth in its mouth. A distinct feature to identify this species is the presence of small pores under its bottom jaw. This fish will have from 12 to 18 pores in comparison to a Northern Pike which will have a maximum of only 11 pores.

If you choose to fish for Musky and don’t have this type of gear it can get very expensive to start up. The recommended tackle can be modified to get you started with everything you need for just around $300.00 complete. Just ask our office for details!

We fish a variety of lakes for Musky ~ a few of which have great populations with fish ranging from 30”- 40”+ that are great to fish using your normal Pike rod and reel. When fishing Lac Seul ~ expect big fish, very big fish! You will work cabbage beds, the edge of weed lines, and huge stump fields.

DISTRIBUTION:  Lac Seul is fast becoming known for its World Class Live Release Muskellunge fishing. There have been fish caught on this lake that exceed the present World Record but have not been entered or have been disqualified due to technicalities. This is only one of the many area lakes where this species is found. We also fish for Muskellunge on Little Vermilion, Closs, Cedarbough, Maskinonge, and Hooch lakes. These fish are angled for in various settings including weed beds, stump fields, reefs, sand beaches, and rocky shorelines. They spawn in the spring shortly after the ice has melted (but later than the Northern Pike) usually in early to mid May when the water temperature is between 49° F and 59° F.

ANGLING METHODS:  The majority of these fish are caught by casting large artificial baits. A description of the baits used can be found in the chart on this page.   Another technique used is to troll for them. This is done at a rather high trolling speed and artificial baits are again used.

TROPHY MUSKELLUNGE FISHING:  Most of the lakes we fish have Muskies in them but we will target Lac Seul for the Trophy Muskie Fishing. Lac Seul is home to some of the largest Silver Muskies in Ontario and it is not uncommon to catch a big Tiger Muskie as well. If you’re more for Muskie action with a greater rate of success catching this elusive fighter, you can fish Big Vermilion Lake, Little Vermilion Lake, Cedarbough, Maskinonge, and Hooch Lakes where they are typically not as big as a Lac Seul Muskie but with higher populations on smaller lakes, your success rate will be higher. These smaller lakes also have higher populations of Tiger Muskies. We also have groups that stay at our  Lac Seul Fly-In Outposts  that do trophy Muskie fishing, and they do very well!

You can also enjoy fishing for:

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Nipissing Muskies

Esox guiding service.

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About Nipissing Muskies

Are you serious about muskie fishing? Then you owe it to yourself to put Lake Nipissing on your list of ‘must-fish’ destinations! Situated approximately 3 1/2 hours north of metropolitan Toronto, Ontario, Nipissing has been a closely kept secret among serious muskie chasers for decades.

Muskies can be caught from the 3rd weekend in June through until December. Late fall is trophy time. We also target bass, walleye & pike and teach proper handling & releasing techniques for all fish. Rates start at $500+ HST for a day-long excursion for two, including all gear, lunch on board and digital photos of your catch.

Book with Nipissing Muskies

Big water, BIG fish! So book your guided tour of our Lake Nipissing fishery today! Reach out using the contact form or give us a shout - we'll be happy to answer any questions you have.

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Callander, Ontario, Canada

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Gilles Benoit

Great Experience! When we decided to hire a guide to go musky fishing on Lake Nipissing our Hosts at Saenchiur Flechey Resort suggested we contact Danny Colomby. After returning from a long day of fishing with Danny, my wife and I could not believe our luck in finding such a passionate fisherman, teacher, and all-around great guy!

This was not only a musky fishing trip, it was a tutorial in musky fishing and we learned not only the proper techniques, but the fundamentals of “hunting for the big ones”. Danny patiently explained the reasoning behind site selection, lures to use, the topography to look for, water clarity, the type of weeds we were fishing in, etc.

By the end of the day we both felt that we were fishing with a very generous friend, one willing to share all of his knowledge and experience to ensure a truly unforgettable day.

By the way, we raised five and landed two.

If you book only one guided trip this year, make sure it’s with Danny Colomby.

Peter Robertson

In a lifetime of fishing with guides across Canada, I can tell you that Danny Colomby is in a class by himself. It’s not because he’s really knowledgeable (which he is) or because he’s going to have you all over fish (which he will). It’s because you will walk off that boat a better musky fisherman than you were when you started. You’ll also have the company of the nicest guy on the water.

I’ve taken multiple multi day trips with Danny every year for the last seven years so I’ve had enough experience to be confident in what I’m telling you. You couldn’t make a better investment to catch that fish of a lifetime or build your Esox A-game.

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Vicious fishes guide service, south river resort fishing charters, tank industries guide service.

Call or Text 613-805-0362

BOOKING FOR 2024

An unforgettable fishing adventure awaits you.

GUIDED SERVICES

GUIDED TRIPS + SHORE LUNCH

One of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. Nothing compares to the feeling of hooking a musky after hours on the water. Brad walked me thru the entire process and made the day fun and informational. Will definitely be using Brad as my tour guide from this point on!

BUMP IN THE NIGHT

THERE IS NOTHING MORE THRILLING THAN THE FEELING OF HOOKING A MUSKY DURING THE NIGHT. NIGHTTIME TRIPS ALLOW US TO BE FREE FROM TRAFFIC ON THE WATER, AND EXPERIENCE MUSKY FISHING LIKE NO OTHER.

NIGHT TRIPS AVAILABLE JUNE-AUGUST

PLEASE NOTE: Due to our high volume of repeat clients, we are not able to book any new clients for 2024.

Why Choose Georgian Bay Musky Charters?

We offer a professional, educational, safe and fun musky guide service

We specialize in advanced techniques for catching big musky

We are the only full-time musky guide service on Georgian Bay

20 years of experience

Close to Toronto

Maxiumum two anglers to ensure safety

Ages 14 and up 

Georgian Bay is known for giant musky and many experts say that this is where the next world record will come from. Join us for the ultimate Georgian Bay Musky Experience and see for yourself why Georgian Bay is a world class musky fishery for serious anglers!

Georgian Bay Musky Charters offers a regular day (8 hours) package or a one week package for one or a maximum of two people.  Our season starts the first Saturday in June with inland lake trips and runs into November, depending on the weather. We also offer early season guided pike packages.

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Escape to the Wilderness with Nestor Falls Fly-In Outposts for some spectacular Northwestern Ontario Muskie Fishing in your own private luxury outpost cabin on Kay Lake. If you haven’t fished for Muskies then you are missing out on the fishing experience of a lifetime. Muskies are the only fish that will make your heart pound when they do strike your lure, and then it’s your will against theirs. Few words can describe the suspense of casting out big bait, reeling it back as fast as you can and having a large aggressive fish come out of nowhere and try to tear the rod out of your hands.

We have been practicing catch and release of these monster size fish for several years which keep the population of trophy Muskie high. Some of the best areas are within a short distance of the cabin. With so much variety in structure such as deep ledges, large basins holding tons of bait fish, large deep weed beds and sunken rock, the area has become a haven for Muskie. Kay Lake, with its spring-fed waters, holds abundant Smallmouth Bass, Lake Trout and Cisco populations which attract the Muskie. These Muskies will eat bass for breakfast!

Favorite baits here are Mepps Bucktails, Crank Baits, Rubber Baits and Jerk Baits. Due to the high populations of Cisco, Perch and Bass, choosing lure colors that mimic these bait fish work best.

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The Over-Planner’s Guide to Canadian Fishing Trips

Jodie Paul January 30, 2023

Lately you’ve found yourself dreaming of Canada: the lakes, the vistas, and most especially the muskies.  The vast unexplored Canadian wilderness is something that calls to many outdoorsmen for a chance to get away from the hustle of the US and experience some of the best musky waters in North America.  It is most certainly an adventure that most can afford, but for those that haven’t been there, and for those who rely heavily on their partners for creature comforts, let this article be your guide to navigating some of the surprises and more unpleasant realities of traveling through the Southern fisheries of Canada.

Canadian holidays are fantastic for those traveling from the Northern States to enjoy as it is a quick jaunt over the boarder to many lakes with muskies ripe for the taking, but I’ll share a few pointers to keep the newly traveled fisherman a float.

If you are not prepared for grocery shopping in Canada, it can be a sobering experience.  With Kroger, Walmart, Trigs, and fancy Kwik Trips, giving us an unending selection of food and goods, Americans are not always prepared for the limitations of grocery shopping near your Canadian camp.  Larger towns are scattered in Canada, and even Walmart is stark and stocked more like an Aldi with locating your desired groceries taking hours.  Also, Canadian goods that appeal to Americans are trucked in causing a price hike that is eye-popping.  To help ease the pain and hit to the pocketbook, I recommend taking canned food and staples packed heavily throughout your car and boat.  A trunk and a covered boat can hold weeks’ worth of canned ravioli, Saltine crackers and frozen breakfast sandwiches, so do yourself a favor and shop before you leave.

Parts and Repair

Prior to setting out for Canada, make sure you have a good understanding of your trolling motor and outboard.  Many Canadian lakes hold boulders the size of a 3-story house with nothing noticeable above water causing you to lose a prop or a skeg.  I recommend if you don’t have it already, equipping your outboard with a stainless prop and a skeg guard, as well as keeping an extra trolling prop and outboard prop and the tools needed to change them.  You might be able to find what you need at a Canadian Tire, but it will cost you twice as much and no one will be around to put it on for you. 

It helps to find the best lake maps you can prior to your trip to help guide you across some of the more treacherous lakes in Canada; from the previous paragraph, the lakes can be boulder filled or hard to navigate, so make sure you are prepared for something new by getting the best navigational maps available.  Many of the lake lodges can also be helpful with pointing out areas that can cause a future headache.

Reservations and Lodges

All lodgings in Canada are not equal.  There are accommodations for all types of travelers; but if it is your first time, I highly recommend finding a nice lodge that will make sure you are fed and cared for during your time off the water.  It would also help to find a lake lodge with a productive guide to help you learn more about the area you want to fish and the lures that work best on that particular Canadian lake.  Never expect to become an expert on a vast lake after your first trip.  Many fishermen make the trek every year and still have trouble boating fish due to constant changing conditions. 

Also, make sure when you find a lake lodge that looks great, to make a point to ask about the “facilities”.  Many Canadian locations don’t have access to running water, so you might have an outdoor toilet, electric shower (these are hard to control the water temp), or any number of unusual situations.  Many lodges are like "roughing it" while others are like a condo in Florida, it’s all about the type of experience you want to have.  So, make sure you are booking your stay with all of the relevant information, not just a picture from a webpage.  You will be out of the country, so it’s very important to connect with the hosts and make sure your needs and requirements will be met at the property you’ve chosen.

Also, expect a few unwelcomed visitors to be part of your stay.  Being in the wilderness sometimes mean a few rodents, spiders, mosquitos and maybe coyotes in or near camp.  Make sure not to leave boxed goods on the counters unless you plan to share with a mouse!

Be aware of long days in Ontario Canada, depending on the time of year, daylight can last at some lakes until late into the evening.  Nights are shorter, so winding down and going to bed can be difficult.  It can be effective to bring an extra blanket for a window blackout as well if you need your beauty rest as the sunset may not happen until 9:30PM.  Otherwise, utilize this extra time to get more hours on the lake, because you’re there to musky fish.  FYI, there is an exceptionally late bite, so get back on the water after dinner if you’ve got the gusto.

Daily Weather Changes

The musky season in Canada is short and sweet with just a few months of good fishing; but a head’s up, the weather can change on a dime.  You might be wearing shorts and a t-shirt one day and the next will have you suited up in your ice fishing gear.  It is uncommon for that amount of cold in the heart of summer but as the season gets towards the end, you never know what you’ll be facing. 

When packing for Canada, take a wide variety of garments from hoodies and padded jeans, to shorts and t-shirts.  You will thank me later when you catch a musky in extreme conditions as the weather under the water is consistent, so the muskies are always biting.

Getting through the boarder isn’t tricky but it does require some paperwork to participate in Canadian Musky Fishing.  A standard passport will get you over the boarder but there are two required cards to musky fish.  Ontario, Canada requires a renewable “Outdoors Card” that will give you the ability to purchase a fishing license.  Both cards must be presented if you are discovered fishing Canadian waters.  Both can be purchased online and are a bit on the expensive side for what you might be used to.  There are two types of fishing licenses in Ontario: sport and conservation.  If you are planning to catch your lunch, you must purchase a sport license to eat your catch.  If you are only fishing for catch and release, a conservation license is your ticket.  Getting your outdoors card well in advance will help prevent a hassle in Canada, it will be mailed to your house and you can have it at the ready.  It must be presented if you plan to purchase a short-term license once you get over the border.

Medical Problems

Most health insurance plans are not accepted once you cross the Canadian border, so all expenses for medical emergencies must be paid out of pocket.   If you have existing medical issues or are just a clumsy fisherman, it might be a good idea to buy Canadian Traveler Insurance.  Hospital stays in Canada can be equally expensive as those in the US if you are a foreigner.  So, expect emergency room style fees for any major treatment. 

If you plan to wing it without insurance, please take an appropriately large first aid kit to Canada.  If there is a doctor in the family, get your hands on some sutures.  If not, get lots of butterfly bandages.  Muskies can give you nasty cuts, so make sure electrical tape is on the boat for lack of other first aid.  Keep a waterproof container with lots of quick use items from alcohol to numbing cream.  Trust me, when you are on a boat for a week straight, accidents are bound to happen.

Phone, Cards, and Entertainment

When you plan your trip, make sure your bank cards and phone will work over the border.  Nothing is worse than being declined when you need toilet paper.  Check with your bank and your cellular service to make sure you won’t be hung out to dry.  Also, be prepared that a majority of the time, despite adding international service, your phone will not work.  If you are traveling with multiple boats, it’s always a nice touch to keep some long-distance walkies for keeping in touch with your fellow man.

Also, as your internet might be spotty at best, plan for some alternative entertainment after hours as you won’t be utilizing phone apps.  If you aren’t used to the wilderness and need something to fall asleep, books on tape are always a welcomed distraction and can help you wind down.  Alternatively, make sure the company you keep are compatible companions for long hours of talk or you might wish you rescinded that invite after a few days.

Guess that about gets around all of the unexpected parts of traveling to Canada.  Maybe many of these particular tips you’ve heard before, or if you are an experienced traveler, you knew already, but as the title states they are meant to help you plan.  Some folks depend on the people around them more than others, and if you’re roughing it alone or with different company, it always helps to get the unexpected out of the way so you can just enjoy the sites and splashes on your next Canadian Lake.

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Musky Fishing | Ice Fishing Shanty | Fish Finder | Trolling Motor Reviews

Canadian Muskie Ice Fishing Guide, Ice Fishing Shelter Reviews, Fish Finder Reviews & Electric Trolling Motor Information

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Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 03:48 pm

Muskie, AKA Musky, is the biggest and relatively uncommon predatory freshwater fish found in North America. They are nicknamed  the “Sharks of the north” and the largest member of the Esocidae or pike family. They have the reputation for being hard fighting and extremely aggressive. Muskie fishing in Canada is one of the most popular activities in Canada.

Musky Fishing In Ontario Canada

Ontario, Canada is one of the best destinations for Muskie fishing and also the home where some of the biggest Muskies ever caught. An average Muskie is in the range of 30-45 inch, but they can grow as big as 50-62 inch. Ontario is the best place to catch a monster Musky and there are some of the finest fishing lodges to make your fishing trip a memorable one.

Best Lakes For Muskie Fishing In Canada

If you are looking for Muskie Fishing in Canada and want to capture a trophy Musky, then we would suggest you to check out these lakes and rivers: Eagle Lake, Wabigoon Lake, Dinorwick Lake, Canyon Lake, French River, Lake Nipissing, Lake of the Woods, Ottawa River, St. Lawrence River, Lake Nosbonsin and Lake St. Clair. Even though Lac Suel (Lake of Soles) does not have an abundance of Muskies, it is also the home to some of the largest muskies reported in the last couple of years.

Best Season For Musky Fishing In Canada

Muskies are mainly found in weeds and rocks. So, if you find a lake with a good combination of rocks and weeds, then you are in a prime spot to catch a Muskie. During early season, Canadian Muskie can be found in emerging weed beds with warm water. As the summer approaches, Muskies often move away a little deeper and wait on the edge of weeds for it’s prey.

Muskie Fishing Tips For Catching Muskies In Canada

There are various myths associated with Muskie fishing. You might have heard that you need to use really big lures or troll really fast to capture a Muskie. They are not always true when it comes to Muskie fishing.

Choice of Lures: Traditional myths suggest that you need to use bigger lures for catching a Muskie. The fact remains that you can catch a Muskie with any size lure. Anglers trolling with small, medium or big muskie lures are capable of catching Musky. The lure sizes depend on the amount of weeds inside the lake.

Trolling Speed: It is the key to a successful Muskie fishing trip. Many Muskie fishermen troll as fast as 10 MPH, but the ideal speed is between 4-8 MPH. You can catch Muskie by trolling very fast and generally the large Muskies tend to hit the faster baits. But with slower trolling you can catch Muskies of all sizes.

Tackle: It is recommended to use proper musky tackle. A bass rod, spinning rod or an old fiberglass musky rod would make your musky fishing more difficult. Using a rod which is too flexible or too light can make all the difference between catching a musky or not.

You need to choose a relatively long rod (around 7-8 feet) that will be able to handle the lures and help you in fishing. You also need to have a good bait casting reel to match your rod. Spinning reels or bass reels are not just good enough for musky fishing. When it comes to leaders, you should always look for a quality wire or steel leader with a sturdy ball bearing swivel.

Canadian Muskie Fishing: Patience Is Key

Patience is the key to successful Muskie fishing. You may fish for many hours and end up getting nothing and then start getting them like crazy in the next moment. It is important to have a positive attitude for Muskie fishing.

If ice fishing if more your style, be sure to check out our post on the best ice huts for ice fishing in Canada.

Happy Fishing!

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The Muskellunge, more commonly known as the "Muskie", is a species of large, relatively uncommon freshwater fish that are native to North America. The close cousin of the Northern Pike , these fish species are similar in many ways. Both species are extremely aggressive and physically designed to ambush its prey and take them with haste. Muskie can be a light silver, brown, or green, with dark vertical stripes on the flank, which may tend to break up into spots. The major difference between the two species is size - Muskies will grow to be much larger than its cousin. Common Northern Pike will fall in the 18" to 40" range while the typical Muskie caught will be in the 40" to 50" range. The record Muskie caught in Canada is listed at 58" in length and weighing 65 pounds; it was caught in Georgian Bay's Blackstone Harbour .

Where to Fish for Muskie

Muskellunge are found in lakes and large rivers from Northern Michigan and Wisconsin, through Northern Minnesota and the Great Lakes region as well as North into Canada. While you can find Muskie in almost every Canadian province, Ontario and Quebec are two of the best provinces if you are targeting Muskie.

Understanding Muskie Behavior

Muskie prefer clear waters where they lurk along weed edges, rock outcrops, or other structures to rest. A Muskie has two distinct home ranges in summer: a shallow range and a deeper one. The shallow range is generally much smaller than the deeper range due to shallow water heating up. Muskie will continually patrol the ranges in search of available food in the appropriate conditions and water temperature. Unlike the Northern Pike, Muskie will sometimes form small schools.

Most of the Muskie diet consists of fish but also includes crayfish, frogs, ducklings, snakes, muskrats, mice, other small mammals, and small birds. Their mouth is large with many long, needle-like teeth. Muskies will attempt to take their prey head-first, sometimes in a single gulp, and will take prey that is up to 30% of their own length. In the spring, they prefer smaller bait since their metabolism is slower, while large bait is preferred in fall as preparation for winter.

Anglers seek large Muskies as trophies or for sport. These fish are fast, but do not maneuver well. The fastest runs are usually fairly short, but can be quite impressive and intense. They are known for their strength and for their ability to surface from the water in amazing acrobatic displays. The Muskie also does headshaking in an attempt to rid itself of a hook. All these factors result in a challenging fish to catch and the Muskie has been called "the fish of ten thousand casts".

Preparing to Catch Muskie

Anglers tend to use smaller lures in spring or during cold-front conditions and larger lures in fall or the heat of summer due to the Muskie's slower metabolism in the spring and its tendency to feast on smaller prey during that time. The average lure is 7.9-12" long (20-30 cm), but longer lures of 14-26" (36-66 cm) (14-26 in) are not uncommon. Many times, live bait can be used in the form of "Muskie Minnows" or 8-12" (20-30 cm) long fish strung on treble hooks. Frogs can also be used as live bait, as they are part of the Muskie diet.

Due to the size of a typical Muskie, it is important to have the right equipment when targeting them. A heavy duty pole with heavier fishing line is recommended (target 20-25 pound line) and be sure to use a leader wire in the 75-100 pound range. Nobody wants to lose a trophy Muskie (or any fish) because they aren't prepared.

Anglers in many areas are strongly encouraged to practice catch and release when fishing for muskellunge due to their low population. Be sure to check to local/provincial websites for the specific conservation guidelines and regulations

Additional Info

Big baits for big muskie.

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MUSKY ON THE SUSKY

Nick Kolivras Experienced Fishing Guide

Guided Musky & Multi-Species Fishing Trips

Helping You Achieve Fishing Greatness

25+ Years of

River Ratting

From the avid musky fisherman to the total beginner, Nick will ensure an enjoyable and memorable trip on the Susquehanna River.

✔   Specializing in Musky Fishing

✔   Booking Days or Weekends

✔   Can Pair with Lodging & Meals

✔   Multi-Species Available As Well

✔   Jokes Available Upon Request

Don't miss out on the muskies this year!

PACKAGE ONE

Musky Fishing Day Trip $320

6 Hours of Guided Fishing 

$100.00 Dollar Deposit Required to Hold Date Up to Two People 

$20 Goes into the Musky Money Pot

Add on Shore Lunch | Ask for Details

PACKAGE TWO

Stay & Play $1,040

2 Days of Guided Fishing 

$300.00 Dollar Deposit Required to Hold Date Up to Two People

1 Night Stay

$40 Goes into the Musky Money Pot

Shore Lunch, Restaurant Dinner & Drinks on both days (Ask for Details)

TESTIMONIALS

If you want to fish with one of the coolest cats on the planet, you better book with Nick! As a full time guide myself, I know those that talk the talk or walk the walk! This man does the walking! Great guy and a great fishery! Rock On Nick!

MEET YOUR GUIDE

My name is Nick, and I have been fishing for 20-some years. I grew up in Central PA and did the majority of my fishing on the Susquehanna River and surrounding waterways. I have always appreciated the beauty of Central PA, and it is important to me to fish with respect to keep our rivers sustainable so that we can continue our amazing fishing experiences.

I started my fishing career with small mouth bass and once I mastered that I found a new hobby; "Musky." These stubborn fish have truly given me "nightmares." They are difficult to see and even more difficult to catch.

The challenge for me is no longer a hobby but an addiction - one that I am very good at. I have top-notch equipment; lures and rods for every scenario. My boat allows me to get on very shallow water which gives me a competitive edge and will make your chances of catching a musky better than going by yourself.

I hope you join me on chasing your nightmare because once you Musky fish with me, nothing will compare.

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High school coach teaching the game of fishing at another level

Kelly macdonald utilizes a broad spectrum approach to teaching and coaching the bass fishing team at prairie ridge high school..

Tyler Heavey holds his personal-best northern pike, caught on a crappie rod he made in Kelly MacDonald’s rod-building class.

Kelly MacDonald mentioned Tyler Heavey recently catching his personal best northern pike.

That’s not unusual for those vacationing in northern Wisconsin after school is out.

But the 38-inch pike came on a crappie rod Heavey built in MacDonald’s rod-building class, an offshoot of her role as the coach of the bass fishing team at Prairie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake.

Tyler Heavey of the rod-building class works intently on his crappie rod during the rod-building class at Prairie Ridge High School.

Then there’s Carter Haese and his dad, who built at least two other rods since the class.

“Dad was so awesome,” MacDonald said. “Carter was showing him some imperfections on the rod and his dad said, `That’s how you know it is homemade. You will hand that down to your kids.’ That was the best part.”

MacDonald’s an influencer of the right sort.

“I had an awesome in with kids in my classes who didn’t really love school but loved bass fishing,” MacDonald said.

The long-time cross-country and track coach took over coaching the bass team from John Pellikan, who coached Prairie Ridge to its only state appearance in 2017.

“I do love fishing and catching just about anything, but more importantly I love teaching kids how to fish,” emailed MacDonald, a physical education teacher who used to teach science. “That smile and excitement they have when they catch their first fish is just priceless!”

MacDonald is an anomaly. Bass fishing is an activity open to any student, but anglers, coaches and boat drivers are overwhelming male.

But fishing becomes MacDonald, who “grew up on Griswold Lake and loved fishing [her] whole life.”

During the solar eclipse, she played hooky with their daughter Kylie (who hates fishing) and went to Downstate Marshall in southeastern Illinois. In a little pond by where they watched the eclipse, MacDonald caught a memorable fish.

“On the seventh cast, a 7- pound [largemouth] bass, 22 inches, by far the biggest bass I’ve caught,” she said.

Kelly MacDonald holds the 6-pound largemouth bass she caught at Downstate Marshall while there to view the solar eclipse.

Then she said, “I caught a 31-inch walleye while muskie fishing, I was sorta of excited because I thought I caught a little muskie.”

The guide on Eagle Lake in Canada was even more excited because for most a 31-inch walleye is the fish of a lifetime.

To give a glimpse of how MacDonald thinks, she said, “Most exciting is the 53-inch muskie my son [Cade] caught [on Eagle Lake], just a jumbo. We were hiding in a thunderstorm and the third cast he caught it.”

I learned of the rod-building class from her proud husband John MacDonald.

The rod-building class at Prairie Ridge High School, which included the bass fishing team and others, organized by coach Kelly MacDonald.

“So I like to make things, I built a [cedar-strip] canoe and [tortured ply] kayak at home,” she said. “I heard of Mud Hole and called the guy.”

Mud Hole Rod Building & Tackle Crafting offered 50-percent off kits. She sent a note to the school paper for anyone to help. Darrell Cook, a lieutenant with the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department, offered to help.

“Oh my God, the rods looked awesome,” MacDonald said. “I am hoping to do this with maybe some other schools, it was so much fun. Some girls picked out the colors. It was really a great experience, the best thing I did.”

“Best thing in her career,” her husband chimed in from the background.

“It was a lot of work, took about three times longer than expected,” she said.

Matt Moritz, Jacob Lutton, Jonah Wolfgram and Carter Haese of the rod-building class at Prairie Ridge High School.

For $40, the rod-builders received a kit and helped pay for equipment to build the rods. Cook bought the dryer for the rods.

The kids built the equivalent of a mid-level St. Croix rod of about $150.

“If they took their time, it looked almost as good as rod as you go out and buy,” she said.

Barrett Roberts and Trevor Sebastian working with a tape measure during the rod-building class at Prairie Ridge High School.

MacDonald also gave a glimpse into building a team for the love of fishing.

“The biggest problem is a lot of kids are in other sports, they are required to be there,” she said.

Not to mention, as the kids get older they also get jobs.

“Lots of freshman, they know nothing, catch their first fish and get really excited, then they get a job or in a sport and can’t come,” she said.

She has tried to have classes before or after school in such things as knot tying, different types of rigging and simply what is a bass and how to fish for them.

“This year I had 12 kids who showed up regularly: one senior, one junior, a couple of sophomores and the rest freshmen,” she said. “That is almost how it breaks down every year.”

She summed up, “So my goal is that I want to them to learn how to fish and have the confidence to go out on their own.”

Anna Borg, who recently graduated Prairie Ridge, caught a 3.6-pound smallmouth bass on the senior XC/Track fishing trip to Geneva Lake with coach Kelly MacDonald.