33" pike from little lake, Barrie

Fishing with my father in Famme harbour

Map Of The Day : Bay of Islands NFLD

"Gary Warren, from Good Buddy Sports in Corner Brook, says that if you’re fishing on the ocean, chances are you’re going after mackerel or catfish. “Catfishing is good around here, and mackerel is popular in the Bonne Bay area,” he suggests. “A lot of people go down there to fish for catfish and mackerel and whatever, and there’s a nice river that runs through. The Lomond River runs into Bonne Bay.” Another productive fishing spot is right around Corner Brook. “At Bay of Islands, where Corner Brook is, you’re looking at Penguin Arm, right in the way where Cox’s Cove is. That’s a pretty good place for sea trout,” Warren suggests. There are dozens of productive areas in those bays, and Warren says that some of the best times to fish are in late summer. “Well, you can fish anytime for sea trout, anytime in the summer, usually up to about mid-August. Once you get into August you’re getting into a good run of sea trout coming into the rivers. So, anywhere from mid-August into the first week of September is about the best time.” As for techniques, Warren notes that it varies. “Mostly lures, though, and not really big stuff, just something around 2 1/2 to three inches long. Lucky Strike lures, the Crok spoons, things like that will be good.” As Warren mentioned, the Lomond River is an excellent spot for those interested in salmon fishing. Fly fishing is the name of the game there, and Jeremy Rumbolt, also on staff at Good Buddy Sports, says that the Green Machine Bomber and the Green Highlander are two of the local favourite flies. Anywhere from June to August is the best time for river fishing. Good Buddy Sports has been in the business of outfitting Newfoundlanders for 25 years. Gary Warren, Jeremy Rumbolt and the helpful staff really know their fishing! Stop by to gear up for your next trip and ask them about some of their favourites. Find them online at goodbuddysports.ca."

Lake Of The Day : Shabogamo Lake

Another of Gary Shaw’s favourite local fishing spots is Shabogamo Lake, just outside of Labrador City. This massive waterbody has easy access, excellent fishing, and cold, deep water. Shaw notes that the Shabogamo Lake system has world-class fishing for lake trout. “Like the Ashuanipi River, it helps to know when to fish as much as how to fish,” he suggests. “A boat is the only way to get on this lake because it’s so big, and because there’s no fishing from shore,” he advises. “Troll with big hardware for the lake trout. The really big ones are there, and they’re caught.” In more southern large lakes, people often use downriggers to make sure they’re targeting the right depths, as lake trout like to be in the cooler water. In Shabogamo Lake, Shaw says a downrigger is a good tool to use, “but it’s not necessary. The water is so cold all over.” Like the Ashuanipi River, you’ll find whitefish in Shabogamo Lake. You’ll also find pike. “There are really big pike, especially in the shallows,” Shaw says. Many anglers will avoid fishing for pike, for several reasons. One is that they are so easy to catch, and anglers often like to pursue more challenging species. Another reason is that unless you’re particularly skilled with a filleting knife, their bones will be beyond frustrating for eating. However, Shaw suggests that they can be great fun to target, especially for kids. They do prefer the flashy lures, but they’re really not fussy. “I took the grandkids out last week, and they had great fun fishing for pike.” Please be sure you’re familiar with all of the fishing regulations for all waters in Newfoundland and Labrador. Season-open times, scheduled rivers for salmon fishing on the coast and guiding regulations for non-residents, as well as size and retention rules are imperative to know before you drop your lines. Also, on a lake this size, it’s extremely easy to be turned around and get lost. Consider hiring a guide, even if you’re a resident of the province. Stop by Canadian Tire in Labrador City and talk with Gary Shaw for some great tips, stories, and of course, all the gear you need. The Canadian Tire staff can help you fish more effectively and efficiently! Lake Access Shabogamo Lake is easy to access from several parts of the lake. Gary Shaw, from Canadian Tire in Labrador City, says that there are boat launches on the lake, and that some of them depend on the lake’s water levels. Caution: Do not use this map for navigational purposes. This map may not reflect current conditions. Uncharted hazards may exist.

River of the Day: Humber River, Newfoundland and Labrador

The Humber River is not that large or long compared to some other famous fishing rivers, but its world-class fishing opportunities are packed into a smaller stretch. The Humber River is a popular and productive river with excellent access and consistent opportunities. Jeremy Rumbolt, from Good Buddy Sports in Corner Brook, says that if you’re going after Atlantic salmon, the Humber River has some of the best fishing around. “Usually from July to August is some of the best fishing,” he suggests. Good access points are close to Corner Brook (labelled on the map at right). Rumbolt says that one of the most popular spots is at the Humber Valley Resort. There is a bridge that crosses the river, which leads to the Humber Valley Resort golf course. “All along there, from the bridge to the turning point with the golf course is good,” he says. The next spot down is past Deer Lake, at Little Falls, or where Cormack Road crosses the river. “Go over the bridge, past Little Falls. There’s a main dirt road there. The trail leads to some well-known pools at the river. Late June to August is about the best time there,” Rumbolt advises. The third spot is quite close to Little Falls, at the Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park, or Big Falls as it’s known locally. “Big Falls, you’ll be at the campground. There’s a fairly long stretch of river, a huge area that’s really good,” Rumbolt says. “There are always lots of people fishing there, and they’ll gladly tell you where to fish,” he adds. Further than that, Rumbolt says that a guide is helpful, and an ATV. In general, he notes that the salmon runs are usually best from June to August, early morning or later evening. Rumbolt offers several suggestions for great flies. For wet flies, he says that green and black bodies are popular. “Try a Green Highlander or a White-wing Blue Charm,” he suggests. Some later-season dry flies would be large Orange Bombers. “Scale it down in size for the early season,” he says. While the Humber River itself is fly-fishing only, there are places you can go outside of the river where you can use conventional gear, and people often enjoy trout fishing on gear. Rumbolt says that while salmon fishing is popular, people often enjoy trout fishing because you can get more action going after trout. He notes that a fishing guide can help anglers determine where to fish and what to use. Check out Good Buddy Sports for everything you need for fishing and hunting in Newfoundland and Labrador! Jeremy, Garry and the knowledgeable staff will get you on the right track. Stop by their store in Corner Brook, or find them at goodbuddysports.ca.

River of the Day: Ashuanipi River

Labrador has abundant rivers and waterways, and in spots it seems that lakes and rivers are indistinguishable. In fact, the Churchill River system, which dominates the landscape, is fed by a multitude of streams and lakes of all sizes. The Churchill River is dammed in some places, flows quietly and peacefully in others, and is dammed at Churchill Falls in the process of a new hydro development project at Muskrat Falls. The Ashuanipi River is the first part of the mighty Churchill River system, beginning in Ashuanipi Lake. From Ashuanipi Lake, the river flows north to Menihek, and then turns east to Churchill Falls. While the Churchill River system itself could be intimidating to anglers, particularly beginners, the Ashuanipi River is not. It holds thriving populations of brook trout and ouananiche, or landlocked salmon, both of which are large and make for excellent fishing. Ashuanipi River is a favourite of Gary Shaw, Pro Fishing Staff at Canadian Tire in Labrador City. “Ashuanipi River is really good for fly fishing,” he advises. “It changes in places from fast-moving to slower, lazier moving waters. It’s ideal for canoeing and boat fishing if you know when and where to go,” he adds. Like many of the rivers in Labrador, hiring a guide can be useful, especially if you’re from out-of-province. Shaw notes that there are many places along the river where private property runs up tight against the riverbanks, and a guide is the best way to get on the river and get to the best spots. Mind you, Shaw notes that “hotspots” aren’t confined to a few places. “It’s moving water,” he says. “It’s all good. You just learn to read the water. If you’re from here, you already know where to go, and if you’re not, a guide can get you to the right spots.” Shaw can provide some tips for fishing the river, especially given his more than twenty years of guiding experience. A lot depends on knowing the habits of the fish you’re after. He says that the brook trout and ouananiche are both large in the Ashuanipi River, and will feed on both annual fly hatches and the whitefish that are also plentiful in the region. Before you fish any unfamiliar water, please make sure you’re aware of the regulations. There are season limits and minimum sizes, as well as retention regulations that will all determine when and how you fish in Newfoundland and Labrador. If you’re fishing in the area, stop by Canadian Tire in Labrador City, and talk with Gary Shaw and the helpful staff. Not only do they have the gear you need, but also expert tips and advice to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Victoria Cove Wharf and Boat launch

Furbys boat launch

Carmanville Wharf and Boat Launch