FISHING ALGOMA COUNTRY

Wil Wegman is an award-winning outdoor writer, seminar host and tournament angler from Bradford Ontario. In 2017 Wil was recognized for his dedication to the sport by being inducted into the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame. www.wilwegman.com

- Wil Wegman

“Have I just died and gone to Heaven?”

When I heard Bob Izumi say that during a Real Fishing episode, while on one of his fishing trips up to Northern Ontario’s Algoma Country, I knew I had to check out the Spanish River’s Blue Heron Resort for myself. I tried to arrange a quick trip but their early-season bookings were almost full and any opening didn’t mesh with my schedule. Determined though, we agreed to visit later in September, but would visit Birchland Cottages on Clear Lake, further west in Algoma Country, in early June for bass. This article reflects our experiences during both of those epic fishing adventures - with a special thank you to Bob for sparking the flame to make it happen.

For many years now I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the early catch and release bass fishing season that New York State has to offer. Trips to lakes like Chautauqua or Oneida at the end of May or early June were a great way to get a head start on the late opener we have throughout southern and central Ontario, where I live and usually fish. However, I recently became aware of a fully legit, year ‘round open bass season in an area of my home province that I haven’t spent a great deal of time in. So, in early June my brother Marcel (aka Red) and I pulled my bass boat up to Northern Ontario’s Algoma Country in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 10.

Driving on Highway 17, west of Sudbury, I had forgotten how the topography changes from hilly and rugged Canadian Shield primarily moose country - to flatter, tamer agricultural lands preferred by whitetail deer. As we approached the Town of Blind River we knew we were only about half an hour from our first destination.