text by Brad Fenson map by Robert Biron Have It All (part 7) LAKE NIPISSING, Ontario Big water, big fish: Hook into Nipissing’s prized walleye Lake Nipissing has long been recognized as one of the top fishing destinations in Ontario. No wonder: named Gichn-bee, or “big water,” by the local Ojibway people, Nipissing is the province’s fourth largest lake. Plus, it boasts a world-class walleye fishery, as well as plenty of largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskies, northern pike, perch and whitefish. Perhaps not surprisingly, then, there are more than 50 fishing resorts on Lake Nipissing, almost all of which cater to family fishing vacations. Nipissing is a four-hour drive north of Toronto and an equal distance from Ottawa. On its eastern shores is North Bay, a modern city of more than 70,000, which provides many tourist-related amenities. Other tourist centres on the lake include nearby Callander and Sturgeon Falls, with its strong French-Canadian influences. THE HOT SPOTS ANGLING ADVICE 47 Callander Bay (Lake Nipissing): Largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike, perch, walleye, whitefish 48 The Nipissing Basin (open, central part of Lake Nipissing): Northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass, walleye, whitefish 49 The South Shore (Lake Nipissing): Largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike, perch, walleye, whitefish 50 The French River (at the mouth on Lake Nipissing): Largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike, perch, walleye, whitefish 51 The West Arm (Lake Nipissing): Largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, northern pike, perch, walleye, whitefish GETTING THERE North Bay, the gateway to Lake Nipissing, is roughly a four-hour drive north of Toronto up Highway 11 at Highway 17. Most fishing camps are less than 30 minutes from the city. There are also flights from North Bay’s Jack Garland Airport to both Toronto and Ottawa. • Rob’s Fishing Charters (Callander), (705) 752-1727 • Murdoch’s Fishing Charters (Callander), (705) 752-1068 • Lakepoint Charters (Callander), 1-888-285-6925 • Yemm’s Fishing Charters (Nipissing Village), (705) 724-1795 BEYOND FISHING • Concerts, musicals, art exhibits: The Capitol Centre (North Bay), 1-888-834-4747 • Golfing: Osprey Links Golf Course (Callander), (705) 752-5225; Clarion Resort Pinewood Park and Golf Course (North Bay), (705) 472-2264 • Hiking, in-line skating, cycling: North Bay Trails, (705) 474-5420 • Horseback riding: Stoneoaks Riding Stables (Astorville), (705) 752-2437 • Museums: Musée Sturgeon River House Museum (Sturgeon Falls), (705) 753-4716; the Dionne Quintuplet Museum (North Bay), Callander Bay Heritage Museum (Callander), (705) 474-0400 • Sightseeing: Chief Commanda II cruise ship, (705) 494-8167 • Stock car races: North Bay Speedway, (705) 495-3041 • Swimming: The North Bay waterfront’s Marathon Beach is one of 42 area beaches GOINGS ON • Celtfest (Callander): Victoria Day weekend, (705) 752-5176 • Heritage Festival and Air Show (North Bay): first weekend in August, (705) 474-0400 LEARN MORE • Almaguin-Nipissing Travel Association, 1-800-387-0516; • North Bay Tourism and Leisure Services, (705) 474-0400; 1 - HAINES JUNCTION, Yukon Territory 2 - BAMFIELD, B.C. 3 - KANANASKIS COUNTRY, Alberta 4 - LAST MOUNTAIN LAKE, Saskatchewan 5 - WHITESHELL PROVINCIAL PARK, Manitoba 6 - THUNDER BAY, Ontario 7 - LAKE NIPISSING, Ontario 8 - PAPINEAU REGION, Quebec 9 - ANNE'S LAND, P.E.I. 10 - WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND