3 Cool Early-Season Hunting and Fishing Getaways

Lake of the Prairies

Veteran Lake of the Prairies guide John Boyd calls the sprawling reservoir along the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border a “fish factory.” May and June are top months for walleye up to 32 inches, pike to 46 inches and jumbo perch longer than 14 inches. Best of all, the fish are still up shallow in 10 to 14 feet of water, which makes for easy early-season action.

More Info: (204) 638-8659; www.foryourwalleyesonly.com

—Gord Pyzer

Silent Lake

The only development on this small Shield lake near Bancroft, Ontario, is namesake Shield Lake Provincial Park, with 160 sites and 10 yurts. Motorized boats are prohibited, so it truly is silent. There’s good largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing all season, but just after ice-out, surprisingly large lake trout readily take flies and lures in the shallows.

More info: (613) 339-2807; www.ontarioparks.com

—Scott Gardner

Thompson

Hunters seeking an exciting and remote black-bear hunt should consider the area around Thompson in northern Manitoba. The region is known for producing big-bodied bruins with huge skulls. Hunting is almost exclusively over bait, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to choose from many different bears. Consult the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association.

More info: 1-800-305-0013; www.mloa.com

—Ken Bailey

For more 2015 fishing getaways, check out this article: Three Angling Adventures to Try This Spring and Summer.