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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PAM STEWART
Ottawa, Ontario
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Year-round multispecies angler who also competes in bass tournaments in Eastern Ontario.
Instagram: @613angleress
#11 LAKE ONTARIO, ONTARIO
Lake Ontario is a hot spot for numbers of quality lake trout and chinook salmon. Both species commonly grow to 20-plus pounds, making them much sought-after and fun to catch for the whole family. There’s also fairly easy access to good fishing from public boat launches around the lake.
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Best time: Early May (lakers); mid-summer (salmon)
Must-have lures: Freedom Tackle Herring Cutbait (lakers); spoon-and-meat rigs (salmon)
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Learn more: www.gofishinontario.com
ASHLEY RAE
Ottawa, Ontario
Multispecies angler, three-time Major League Fishing championship qualifier fishing writer and seminar presenter.
Website: www.shelovestofish.com
#12 BAY OF QUINTE, ONTARIO
This is an incredible fishery with year-round fishing opportunities and a wide range of species to pursue. Some of my favourites include the large migratory walleye that come in from Lake Ontario during fall and winter, largemouth and smallmouth bass during summer, and common carp and panfish during spring.
Best time: Year-round
Must-have lures: Down Deep Husky Jerk 14 (walleye); ChatterBait JackHammer (bass)
Learn more: www.bayofquinte.ca
SARAH DELYEA
Clarington, Ontario
Multispecies angler whose father taught her at a young age about fishing and the importance of conservation.
Instagram: @msflipnripoutdoors
#13 STOCO LAKE, ONTARIO
With two public boat launches, Stoco offers easy access to an abundance of healthy, pan-sized black crappies. They’re often found in large schools, and easy to target for anglers of all skill levels. Its small size makes this shallow lake manageable to cover with most types of watercraft.
Best time: Shortly after ice-out
Must-have lure: Tungsten teardrop jig with a Bobby Garland Slab Slay’r
Learn more: www.gofishinontario.com
SHELBY PRESCOTT
Chalk River, Ontario
Multispecies angler who gained an unbridled passion for fishing as a child from her papa and stepdad.
Instagram: @cdn_huntress
#14 RYAN LAKE, ONTARIO
Algonquin Provincial Park’s Ryan Lake has breathtaking scenery, numerous shoreline camping spots and outstanding fishing. There are smallmouth bass and brook trout, but splake are the most remarkable, growing up to 20 inches in length. And they’re not hit-or-miss, so you’re guaranteed a few eaters.
Best time: End of April to mid-May
Must-have lure: Weighted-body spinner tipped with a worm
Learn more: www.algonquinoutfitters.com
CARRIE CARTRIGHT
Brantford, Ontario
Lifelong angler and tournament competitor who loves exploring new destinations—as long as she can fish.
Instagram: @greatlakes_mermaid1
#15 LOWER BUCKHORN LAKE, ONTARIO
Lower Buckhorn is known for numbers of muskies, especially in the fall. And don’t let a little rain keep you off the water—muskies thrive in it, becoming especially aggressive. To increase your chances of hook-ups, try casting baits with smaller profiles, and keep them close to the surface.
Best time: September to November
Must-have lure: #5 Mepps in red, orange or black
Learn more: www.gofishinontario.com