Angling for Muskies Along the Ottawa River

Canada's long winding Ottawa River, which largely defines the border between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, represents one of the last fisheries with a natural reproducing musky population. Undoubtedly, the aggressive freshwater muskellunge with their razor sharp canines and violent strikes present the ultimate challenge for many freshwater anglers. As the old saying goes, "it takes 10,000 casts to land a muskie." Fishing guide Marc Thorpe's clients echo this sentiment as they tell him repeatedly, "Muskies are one of the most elusive fish to entice into biting a fly."

During the upcoming fishing season, while flyfishers can target these fighting fish from June 16, 2006 through November 30, 2006, according to Marc, the ideal times to target muskies tends to be from the third Saturday in June till around July 10th. Marc finds that the best available waters to find trophy cows are the stained shallow portions of the Ottawa River. These waters allow him to pinpoint and ambush with ease those areas where these fish tend to hide. He will fish the Ottawa River in the early mornings and evenings when the waters are still. For those clients that want to continue fishing, they will switch to spinning gear during the late morning and early afternoon.

Marc recommends using tarpon style flyfishing rods and reels with fluro or steel leaders. Large flies and poppers that disturb the water are best suited to luring a muskie. Also, Marc chooses to wear a Lindy fish-handling glove to prevent any injuries when landing a musky.

Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, many anglers now report landing muskies that surpass 50-inches. As long as the trend continues to preserve these waters, Marc predicts that this fishery is primed to set some muskie world records.