Fishing Canada's Rideau Lake Chain

My first visit to the area, Newboro Lake to be precise, was back in 1981. Making the plans and preparing all the gear was a monumental task to say the least. Everything was checked over and over to ensure that there would be no hang-ups or problems.
We studied for weeks in advance and gathered whatever information we could from any source we could find. It was also necessary to plan our driving route as well. This was before the Internet so a good old Rand McNally was our best friend.

The plan was that we would be camping near Mosquito Lake, well named I might say, and sleep in the back of my truck which had a aluminum cap on for protection from the weather and insects. We would cook outside on a grill and even enjoy a good old "Shore Lunch". In those days we were much younger and this seemed to be a first class arrangement!

Fishing from this base camp we could explore six different lakes without going through any locks. Other than Newboro Lake you can navigate to Clear, Indian, Benson, Mosquito and Loon Lakes.

Our many trips to the area have made it easy for us to get around without any navigational aids. First timers, however, should have a good lake map and keep track of where you are because it is easy to get lost among the many islands and coves. If you do take time to go through the locks you will be exposed to many more beautiful lakes with diversified fishing opportunities.

Here is a link for the Rideau Canal Lock System:
http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/map-waterway.html


Now that all went well but as the years went by things changed. I have returned almost every year since then.  As time went on my overnight accommodations changed from truck bed to a friends rustic cabin then friends house etc. During our trips we noticed that there were a two fishing lodges right on the lake and eventually we stayed at one or the other a few times. I have found that booking at any lodge makes your stay more memorable. Situated side by side, but offering different decors are "The Poplars" and "The Stirling" Lodge. I had stayed at the Poplars 3 or 4 times and the Stirling once before. This year, for my 3 day visit, reservations were made to stay again at The Stirling Lodge.

The Stirling Lodge http://www.stirlinglodge.com/ has accommodations that will meet any need. We choose the lakeside rooms that are situated, well, at lakeside and close to the docks.

The rates vary depending on your choice of rooms but include three meals each day and maid service. This is very common at most fishing lodges and is referred to as "The American Plan".

Our stay was comfortable, the food was great.

The rooms feature A/C and cable TV to make your nights relaxing. The Victorian atmosphere in the main lodge is intriguing.

There is a beautiful bar area and spacious pool room for those that care for a little evening entertainment.


Anyway, getting back to the fishing...

The waters here are clear and Bass, Pike and Panfish are plentiful for anglers of all ages. The lodges have boats of many configurations for daily rental.

Normally there are no crowds especially when you get off the main canal route that the pleasure boats use as they traverse the deeper channels and go through the lock systems.


The fishing can, at times, be challenging but with a little effort you can have a great time.

I'm not writing this to brag about big fish but just to share some information so that you too might plan and enjoy some time on the wonderful Rideau Lakes!


Again, thanks for reading ...


One Cast ... One Fish !

Downsizing ...



This past month was a excellent time for downsizing my tackle box since many of the lures I already had proved to be useless.  I didn't get rid of the ineffectual ones just tossed them in a bag and put the bag in a cabinet for now. In order to do this there needed to be some guidelines that could be used to make the final selections.

This would be the only fair way to ensure that I would have only the lures that catch fish instead of the ones that instead snagged me as I prowled the aisles of sporting good stores. After careful thought I came up with the following ground rules that would decide the winners.

(A point system for each qualification would be the determining factor and a total of 10 points would be needed to gain a coveted spot in my tackle box. Possible top score is 24)

a. Has this lure ever actually caught a fish? Yes = 3 points
b. Has this lure caught more than one fish? Yes = 5 points
c. Has this lure ever enticed a fish to follow it for a few seconds? Yes = 1 point
d. Can this lure be used in heavy weeds/lily pads? Yes = 2 points
e. Has this lure caught more than one species? Yes = 2 points
f. Can this lure be fished at various depths? Yes = 2 points
g. Do I actually have any confidence in this lure? Yes = 5 points
h. Do other people laugh when I use this lure? No = 1 point
i. Have I used this lure in the last two years? Yes = 1 point
j. Have I used this lure more than once? Yes = 2 points

You would be surprised how many of my lures fall short of the mandatory requirement. I know that you may disagree with my experiences with certain lures listed here but let's just agree to disagree and continue on here ...

Starting out with the now wildly popular WopperPlopper (try saying that 5x's fast) . This lure is over-rated, over-packaged and over-priced. It is useless in or anywhere around weeds. It can be found taking up lots of space on the walls of many tackle stores. We (Anglers), in turn, cram it into our tackle boxes while Larry Dalburg laughs all the way to the bank!

On my fifth cast, while fishing Marsh Creek Lake, with my model 130 a nice two and one-half pound bass smashed it hard. This one fish made me a believer but now after tossing it at least one thousand more times I can only count that one bass. Let's just say the YouTube video created to sell the WP is a stroke of genius! Although this lure gets only 6 points (a, h, j) I will have it ready to go when I travel to Lake St. Clair later this summer and see if the Muskies like it.


Next will be the Bill Dance Excalibur Spit'n Image.
Here is a top water lure that has proved itself time after time.

Bill deserves every dollar he was paid to put his signature on this baby! It is exciting and easy to use and the hooks are extremely sharp. Although it works best at dusk or dawn many bass have been fooled at other times too. This lure gets a spot in the top row of my tackle box and 18 points. (a,b,c,g,h,i,j)


If you haven't noticed the "Live Target" brand of lures yet you must be blind .Arguably one of the most realistic looking line of lures ever to adorn the tackle shelves of Sporting Good stores.

Again I was sold by it's introduction video on YouTube. The Sunfish lure enticed big bass and tremendous strikes. I had to have one! I purchased five on my next trip to the tackle store. One for my buddy in Canada, one for another friend here at home and three for me! I couldn't wait to cast this lure into thick lily pads. So far ... nothing! Ok, so I have not used it alot but enough casts have been made for me to loose all my enthusiasm that I had when purchased. Somewhere, sometime I will try it again but for now it is destined for the shelf above my computer only because it looks soooooo good! A generous but undeserving 6 points (d,h,i,j) will keep this beauty out of my box for now.

Ok, let's look at Wacky Worms (a.k.a. "Senko) for a minute. Here is creature bait that will be in my box for a long time to come. Fished "Wacky" style is a sure-fire way to fool bass. A smooth soft flip in the weed bed holes is usually the best presentation. The worm will slowly wiggle it's way toward the bottom as it draws attention from nearby fish. Total score for this one is a most possible 24 points (a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j)

Single or Double blade Buzzbaits are one of my favorites. They produce heart pounding top water strikes, and can be effectively worked by novice and seasoned anglers alike. From early spring to late fall there is always one tied on and ready to cast whenever the conditions call for it. They get top priority in my tackle box and score 22 points (a,b,c,d,e,g,h,i,j).


Crankbaits take up a lot of space in my box but personally I don't catch many fish with them.

Some folks swear by them but me... nope!

I have a bunch of them for all different depths. I don't do any trolling which could make a difference. There are one or two that  are made for shallow retrieves. They look enticing and I will keep them around for casting submerged weed beds. Also, shallow running Squarebills are good to have in the spring. Other than that, well, I just don't use 'em much. My favorite, even though it has produced only a few fish is the Strike King® KVD Series Crankbait. It, alone gets a score of 18  (a,b,c,g,h,i,j) So with all that being said most of my Crankbaits score a measly 6 points and will be evicted from their ill earned spaces.

Jigs of various color and weight consistently produce fish. Flipping jigs in and around weed beds, drop-offs and submerged wood is a sure winner. A great cold water lure but will shine anytime when other lures fail. Tip them with a rubber creature of choice and toss it in. Bass, Muskies and Catfish will not ignore this lure.  A solid score of 24 earns these lures a special box in my main tackle box all for themselves.

Spinnerbaits rank right up close to my Buzzbaits and share the same area in my box. They are best in the spring but if used properly will produce jarring strikes at any time. In addition to the big three (Willow, Colorado and Indiana), there are a handful of other proven  Spinnerbait blade shapes that can adorn a Spinnerbait. I always like a big thumping Colorado blade with a slow retrieve. Consider using a stinger hook to get those fish that strike just a little short. Be ready for Bass, Muskies, Catfish and even Walleye to chase this lure. Here is another real winner with a score of 24.


I will finish with the Rubber Worm and include with them any Rubber Creature that you can name. I became hooked on rubber worm fishing back in the 70's after reading the Bill Dance book titled "THERE HE IS!"

So fish 'em Texas or Carolina rig style and follow a few basic tactics and the bass will follow. Look up all the details for yourself  and pick any brand you like. There will always be Rubber Worms and Creatures in my box. Score these softies a foolproof and deserving 24 points!


So for now my tackle box is lighter and less cluttered. All I need to do is stop watching sales pitches on YouTube that feature the newest "Magic Lure!"






Thanks again for reading "One Cast ... One Fish" and please pass on the link via social media of your choice.