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."

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.

Furbys boat launch