Knowing the Seasons

One of the most exciting times of the year for an angler is when winter starts to loosen its grip on cottage country and spring thaw begins. It means the fishing season is nearing and the anticipation of casting a line is most intense. 

I often get asked what my favourite time of the year is to fish. I usually reply that as a fishing guide and tournament angler it’s anytime I can hit the water. However, when booking species specific tours, I usually tell clients that on or near the opening of a specific season can yield some of the most successful fishing. 

Opening of fishing seasons for sportfish coincide with the end of their spawning season; fish feed heavily after doing their business of laying and fertilizing their eggs. Some species like bass guard their fry (their young) against predators and can be easily caught, and others like walleye and muskie can be found aggressively feeding on forage in waters which are more shallow than normal. With weed growth minimal early in the spring you can target these fish using a wider variety of lures with a simple cast and retrieve method, or jig without worrying about hanging up in the weeds, which can be frustrating to inexperienced anglers. 

This is also a great time to introduce young people to fishing as their catch rate will be greater, which means less chance of them getting bored or frustrated. It is also a good idea to acquaint yourself with the dates of seasons and mark them on your calendar to remind you of when these hot times to fish will occur. You can do this by reading your MNR regulations which can be found on their website – www.ontario.ca – or generally available in a booklet from local tackle shops. Reading these regulations is particularly important to understand things such as daily catch limits, size limits and open seasons in your area to prevent getting in trouble when out on the water. Plus, it is always a good idea to be educated and up to date with any changes so we can all do our part to protect and preserve this precious resource. 

So next time you hit the water, or when planning your next fishing adventure, try booking it around the opening season date, I promise you will have more success and an enjoyable time on the water.

Happy Fishing and Tight Lines

By Mike Williams, Pro Angler & Owner of Williams Outfitters in Curve Lake First Nation
www.williamsoutfitters.com