37 great Canadian fishing hot spots—all selected by this country’s top women anglers

Canadian women have long been keen to wet a line, but in recent years, an impressive and growing roster of accomplished female anglers has come to the fore on the sportfishing scene. From guides to tournament pros to media personalities, these women are proving they can be just as serious about angling as their male counterparts—and then some. So, where exactly do they like to go fishing? To find out, we asked 37 of Canada’s most avid female anglers to share their favourite hot spots. Here’s what they chose—and why—starting down East.

KASTINE COLEMAN

Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador

Certified fly-casting instructor, guide and host of TV’s Tight Loops Tight Lines and Fishing The Rock.

Instagram: @Kastine_C

#1  HUMBER RIVER, NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

The Humber is a challenging and technical river, so you earn every success. But it has some of the island’s largest Atlantic salmon, ranging from five to 40 pounds. They love dry flies, and with the dark water, you never know a fish’s size until you feel the power of its run.

Best time: June to October

Must-have flies: Blue Charm and Smokey Ball Bomber (sizes 2 to 8)

Learn more: www.tightloopstightlines.com

 

SARAH FERGUSON

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Fly tier, and former fly-fishing trout purist turned lover of catching rough and toothy fish.

Instagram: @fishy.ferg

#2  SALMONIER RIVER, NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

Only an hour from St. John’s, the Salmonier is easily accessible via riverside trails. While not known for producing giants, the river hosts a large run of Atlantic salmon, as well as brook and brown trout. It also offers incredible sight-fishing, where you can watch salmon approach and take your fly.

Best time: Late June through mid-July

Must-have fly: Green Paddy Francis

Learn more: www.atlanticrivers.com

 

 

GIOIA USHER

Baddeck, Nova Scotia

Avid fly angler for salmon and trout, conservationist and a director of the Margaree Salmon Association.

Instagram: @gioiausher

#3  BRAS D’OR LAKE, NOVA SCOTIA

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the centre of Cape Breton Island, this brackish lake offers a huge variety of fishing opportunities, from cod to brook trout. The unique geography offers more than 1,000 kilometres of lakeshore to wade, or you can fish from a boat. Ice fishing is also popular here in winter.

Best time: Year-round

Must-have fly: Lester the Lobster

Learn more: www.fishnovascotia.ca

 

EMILY RODGER

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Seasoned Atlantic salmon angler who also hosts fly-fishing trips to exotic locales across the globe.

Website: www.emilysrodger.com

#4  RESTIGOUCHE RIVER, NEW BRUNSWICK

With its gin-clear waters and world-renowned Atlantic salmon runs, the Restigouche offers some of Canada’s most exceptional fly fishing. Known for producing salmon in the 20- to 40-pound range, this river’s breathtaking beauty, exclusivity and history make it a truly unforgettable place to chase trophy fish.

Best time: Mid-May to late June; August to September

Must-have flies: Yellow Picasse (early season); Bomber (late season)

Learn more: www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca

 

ALYSSA LLOYD

Bancroft, Ontario

Fly-fishing addict and photojournalist, with a life centred around fishing and the outdoors.

Instagram: @blindcasts

#5  GEORGE RIVER, QUEBEC

Flowing through Quebec’s Arctic region of Nunavik, the George is an incredible place to land your first Atlantic salmon on the fly. Every day the river offers new challenges, including fishing for brook trout under the northern lights, right in front of camp. It’s more magical than words can express.

Best time: Mid-August

Must-have fly: Grizzly Bomber

Learn more: www.wedgehillslodge.com