Renowned bluesman Donnie Walsh shares his top Canadian fishing spots

For our 2016 Fishing Special issue, Outdoor Canada recruited a supergroup of acclaimed Canadian recording artists, who also happen to be hard-core anglers. And these fishin’ musicians agreed to sing about their favourite Canadian fishing holes—74 in all. For the full list, see The Fishin’ Musicians.

If any group is synonymous with blues in Canada, it’s the Downchild Blues Band. Founded in 1969 by Donnie Walsh (above, seated in centre) and his brother, the late Richard “Hock” Walsh, Downchild is still a vital force today. In fact, the group’s latest release, Can You Hear the Music, nabbed the 2014 Juno for Blues Album of the Year. Walsh is famous for his songwriting, along with his slide-guitar and harp prowess, but his love of fishing is nearly as well known. Growing up along Ontario’s Trent Waterway, Walsh started fishing with his father at age six. And although he’s travelled the world, his top spots aren’t too far from his childhood home.

Learn more: www.downchild.com

Favourite fish: Walleye

Favourite type of fishing: Baitcasting in the evening

Favourite fishing song: “Gone Fishing” by Downchild Blues Band

CLEAR LAKE, ONTARIO

GPS: 44.495, -78.208

FISH: Walleye

WHY: Good weedy rock shoals

BEST TIME: Spring and early summer evenings

BEST LURE: Smithwick Rogue jerkbait

KASHAGAWIGAMOG LAKE, ONTARIO

GPS: 44.986, -78.602

FISH: Smallmouth bass, walleye

WHY: My best buddy’s boat is there, and he knows all the spots

BEST TIME: Spring to fall, late evenings

BEST LURE: Rapala Original Floater

LAKE ONTARIO, ONTARIO

GPS: 43.844, -78.160

FISH: Chinook salmon

WHY: I love gravlax

BEST TIME: Late summer

BEST LURE: Whatever the charter skipper recommends

LOVESICK LAKE, ONTARIO

GPS: 44.562, -78.238

FISH: Walleye

WHY: Easy access—I live there

BEST TIME: Early and late season

BEST LURE: Jig with two- or three-inch soft-plastic

SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY, ONTARIO

GPS: 44.880, -79.927

FISH: Northern pike

WHY: I had my boat docked there for many years

BEST TIME: All summer

BEST LURE: Smithwick Rogue jerkbait