Hunting and fishing opportunities abound for the person willing to ask a few questions. A couple of days ago I was thinking about where I would fish this spring. A list of my regular spots quickly came to mind but I wanted to see some new territory. Where do I start looking for that kind of information? I tried the easiest thing that came to mind and it paid off.
I simply started asking people I interacted with at work, at the mall, or my neighbours. At some point our conversation would lead to asking what I have been doing. I would tell them a list of things that had been keeping me busy. Then, I would tell them that I have been doing some spring trout fishing. This would lead to me asking them if they knew any place to catch some trout. To my amazement a large number of people suggested various spots to me.
Some were general, while others were specific and included driving directions. After one day of asking I have 5 new spots to try that are in, or just outside, the Huntsville area. I will blog about them in the weeks to come. All of them have public access so visit again and I will let you know where I have been.
The point is that it NEVER hurts to ask.
I don’t care if you live in a major city. I came across a picture the other day that had an angler fishing in a beautiful looking section of a river under the looming shadow of a city’s skyscrapers. I thought I had bookmarked it, but unfortunately I can not seem to find it. Regardless, the interesting thing about the picture was that it was taken in the Credit River, which is in close proximity to Toronto. For those of you close to Toronto (Mississauga Area) ask around for public access to this river. Mississauga.ca says that,
The Credit River is a jewel set in the heart of southern Ontario, Canada. The Credit boasts huge runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead as well as some coho, pink and Atlantic salmon. The steelhead run is estimated to be over 10,000 fish every year. The steelhead first enter the river in late August with fresh fish still available in mid-May. The credit’s steelhead are currently 90% wild fish and that number has been steadily increasing due to the work by the Credit River Anglers Association (CRAA)… In addition to this incredible migratory salmon fishery there is a phenomenal resident fishery for brook trout and brown trout.
I have to travel 2 hours to get there but for millions of Toronto residents this river is at your doorstep. Kitchener/Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph residents could try here for some fishing opportunities on the Grand River. Ask around. I suspect you will be pleasantly surprised. You could also search the net for blog, websites, and forums that may be available in the areas you want to fish.
If asking leads you to a spot that someone has given you permission to access a lake or river from their property – be sure to thank them and/or leave a card. If they have kids take some time to teach one (or more) about the sport you are enjoying. You will probably get permission to come again.
Let me know if it works for you. Photos would be great too!
Bill Anderson – Muskoka Outdoors
