Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Canada
Smallmouth bass in Canada pack a punch for their size. Because they prefer waters with fast currents, their metabolisms and appetites are constantly stimulated, and they can be quick to snag your offering. Mammoth leaps and tail-walks will often ensue, and if your line is not kept slack, the fish can shake off your hook. Nicknames for smallmouth bass are "brown bass," "browny," "bronze back," and "smallie." Native populations of the species are fished in eastern Canada, and hatchery smallmouth bass are available in central and western Canada and in the Maritimes. Where abundant, smallmouth are easy to catch.
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Fish
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Smallmouth bass are colored to match their environment. In most waters they are dark green with vertical bands over their backs. In clearer waters they take on a more brownish tone. The lower jaw of a smallmouth does not extend past the eye, and this distinguishes them from largemouth bass, which have jaws that extend farther. Smallmouth are slim and streamlined. Their average weight is 2 to 3 lbs. and a 5-pounder can be considered a trophy catch, but 6- and 7-pounders are not uncommon in the Great Lakes region. Bass are omnivores, feeding on small fish, crustaceans and aquatic and terrestrial insects.
Bait and Tackle
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A medium- or light-action spinning rod is recommended for fishing smallmouth. Because they often live in clearer waters, a light line that is difficult to see is best. Fluorocarbon leaders will make your line virtually invisible and they are abrasion resistant which is useful for fishing in rocky areas. Minnow or crayfish colored jigs, diving crankbaits like the Rattlin Spot and Shad Rap, and live baits such as minnows, crayfish and worms can all be effective. When fishing shallow rock shoals, white and yellow spinners can work well.
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Locations
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Smallmouth bass originated in eastern North America and native Canadian smallmouth can be found in northern Ontario and Quebec. The Great Lakes region of northwestern Ontario offers thousands of fishing lakes with high populations of the species. In eastern Ontario and Quebec, the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers have many smallmouth, as do many of the lakes in southern Quebec. In addition to Canada's native populations, smallmouth bass have been successfully stocked in central Canada, and on the east and west coasts. Large populations of the fish are available in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Manitoba, and moderate populations are available in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
Fees and Regulations
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Fishing in Canada requires a provincial fishing license, which can be obtained online through provincial government websites. Fishing in Ontario requires a fishing license tag and an "Outdoors Card." You can purchase a sport or a conservation license, and your choice will limit the number of particular fish you are permitted to catch and keep. For the 2010 season, the cost of a Sport Fishing License and an Outdoors Card for one year is $33.75 (Canadian) for Ontario residents. Bag limits and size restrictions vary in Ontario, and they can be specific to a pbody of water. Consult with local fishing authorities for regulations. The smallmouth bass fishing season is open all year.
Considerations
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Bass like clear, rocky waters. In the spring and fall they can be found in the shallow portions of lakes and rivers around downed trees and large rocks. That is where they often find large schools of minnows and crayfish. In the summer, bass often migrate to the deeper, cooler waters of lakes and river pools. Where ever you're casting for smallmouth, you are sure to be casting into or around rocks and debris. In fact, bouncing your lure or bait off rocks can be effective. To avoid constantly snagging your line, keep your hand active.
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References
- Photo Credit fishing image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com
