TV fishing star J.P. DeRose reveals his top 5 Canadian hot spots

Smallmouth, tuna, walleye and trout spots are among J.P. DeRose’s favourites.

To compile Outdoor Canada’s 2020 fishing hot spots feature story, we turned to our friends at Sportsman Channel Canada. The hosts of 19 Canadian fishing shows agreed to reveal their top choices, along with tips on when to go and how best to tackle the fish. For all the hot spots, see our 2020 Fishing Special issue, or check out the growing list at www.outdoorcanada.ca/2020HotSpots.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Based on a “Fishing Family Tree” he created, Breaking Boundaries host and professional angler J.P. DeRose travels the globe catching new and different species of fish, all while striving to learn new angling techniques. His aim is to fill in all 512 branches of the tree, which cover every aspect of sportfishing. Learn more: www.jpderose.com

 

1. GULF OF THE ST. LAWRENCE, P.E.I.: Bluefin tuna

THE ATTRACTION: The chance to have a 1,000-pound fish on the end of your line, pulling like a runaway freight train during the fall bluefin migration

BEST TIME: October

TOP TACTIC: For a topwater explosion of epic proportions, suspend a live mackerel on a 12/0 circle hook from a fishing kite.

 

2. LAKE ERIE, ONTARIO: Smallmouth bass

THE ATTRACTION: The eastern basin’s Crystal Beach out to Windmill Point gives you all the structure you can dream of in five to 50 feet of gin-clear water

BEST TIME: July and August

TOP TACTICS: Fish minnow-imitating suspending jerkbaits up shallow, and drop-shot on the deep humps and rock piles.

 

3. LAKE SIMCOE, ONTARIO: Yellow perch

THE ATTRACTION: Simcoe is arguably the world’s best perch fishery, with jumbos often pushing the two-pound mark

BEST TIME: April, right after ice-out

TOP TACTIC: Using light tackle in 10 to 15 feet of water, fish a 1/8- to 3/16-ounce jig head rigged with a 2.8-inch Jackall iShad or Rhythm Wave swimbait.

 

4. LOWER NIAGARA RIVER, ONTARIO: Brown & rainbow trout

THE ATTRACTION: An open winter season for several trophy species, including browns and ’bows, promising big numbers and double-digit fish

BEST TIME: December through April

TOP TACTIC: Drift-fish a three-way swivel set-up, with a nickel-sized roe bag pinned to a size 12 to 14 hook.

 

5. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER, ONTARIO: Walleye

THE ATTRACTION: In and around Brockville, both spring and fall offer ample chances to catch trophy walleye, as well as serious numbers of fish

BEST TIMES: May opener; late October to early November

TOP TACTIC: Cast a 3/8-ounce jig head with a 3.8-inch Jackall Rhythm Wave swimbait (bluegill or goby pattern).

 

ALSO PICKED: Fraser River, B.C., for white sturgeon

*This hot spot was picked by other anglers in our survey. Find the complete list at www.outdoorcanada.ca/2020hotspots.