OUT WITH THE GIRLS
Forget fishing with the boys! These hardcore female anglers know exactly where to hit the water, as our roundup of their favourite fishing hot spots reveals
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SHARON GAUTREY
Sherbrooke, Quebec
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Owner of tackle maker Brecks International, and lifelong angler whose mom instilled in her a passion for fishing. Website: www.brecksinc.com
#6 GRAND CASCAPEDIA RIVER, QUEBEC
The Grand Cascapedia is renowned for its trophy-sized Atlantic salmon. With plentiful deer, moose and birds, and the nearby Chic-Choc Mountains to the north, it’s the most picturesque and peaceful river in Eastern Canada. It’s also remote enough that you don’t hear cars or get cell-phone notifications.
Best time: June to September
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Must-have fly: Stonefly
Learn more: www.gaspecoastal.com
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MARIE-PIER MICHAUD
Eastern Townships, Quebec
Passionate about fishing since childhood, and a keen supporter of the sport for women and young people.
Instagram: @marie.piermichaud
#7 LAC BAPTISTE, QUEBEC
Baptiste is a small, remote northern lake that, despite its size, is full of fish. It’s especially a great place to catch walleye in quality and quantity. And since the local walleye record is a 34-incher, Baptiste would make a good destination to try topping your own personal best catch.
Best time: June to August
Must-have lure: Eye-Ball Jig and leech
Learn more: www.pourvoiriedulacbaptiste.com
LISA GOODIER
Plantagenet, Ontario
Full-time guide at the Ottawa River Musky Factory, fishing media veteran and show speaker.
Instagram: @lisagoodier_muskyguide
#8 OTTAWA RIVER, ONTARIO/QUEBEC
The most bio-diverse section of this 1,270-kilometre-long river stretches from Ottawa down to Hawkesbury, boasting 85 fish species. There’s a huge focus on the world-class muskie fishing in this section, but anglers can also target largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, channel cats and longnose gar.
Best time: Early June to mid-December
Must-have lure: Suick 9″ Weighted Thriller
Learn more: www.ottawarivermuskyfactory.com
CHRISSY CLEMENT
Lansdowne, Ontario
Multispecies angler who targets both small backcountry lakes and big water, and can’t imagine life without fishing.
Instagram: @chrissyspursuit
#9 ST. LAWRENCE RIVER, ONTARIO
The quality and quantity of fish in the St. Lawrence’s tremendous smallmouth fishery attracts trophy-seeking anglers from across North America. The river is loaded with prime smallie habitat, and on calm sunny days, you can often sight-fish on sandy flats and around shallow structure.
Best time: Early July after the opener
Must-have lure: Drop-shot rig with ¼- to ½-ounce weights
Learn more: www.gofishinontario.com
YVONNE BROWN
Inverary, Ontario
Founder of Ontario Women Anglers and Keep Canada Fishing ambassador, focused on growing female participation.
Facebook: Yvonne.Brown64
#10 LOUGHBOROUGH LAKE, ONTARIO
This long, narrow lake two distinct parts. The east basin, with depths of 15 to 18 feet, promises smallmouth and largemouth bass, pike and panfish. The west basin plumets to 130 feet and offers the same species, as well as lake trout. It also features mid-depth shoals where trophy-sized smallies roam.
Best time: Fall
Must-have lures: Drop-shot and Ned rigs
Learn more: www.loughboroughlake.org