Hello All, I am a bit wet behind the ears with fishing in the Canadian outback. My only experience has been one fly in trip, many years ago to the Reservoir Gouin. I have been asked to put together a similar trip to that, for a group of relatives in memory of my late uncle who loved to fish Canada.
My thoughts have been "in order to keep the price down" to organize a remote drive in trip. So, after much research I have kinda settled on the Kipawa area because of it being a bit more remote, yet still able to drive in, then be boated into a more remote area. Kipawa and the surrounding area, is also appealing logistically. Half our group is coming from NW Pa and half from NJ and the Kipawa area is fairly equidistant. I've also looked at Lake Ogascanan as another option. I have many questions I'm hoping the forum can help with.
1:What time of year would be the best balance of comfort, weighed against Black flies and yet still decent fishing? We are pretty open to any time from May-Sept
2:When I look at the Kipawa outfitters map on this forum, it makes the lake look possibly over crowded? Is it? If so, any suggestions for other lakes or outfitters in the same general area?
3:We are not overly set on any one particular fish species "I particularly" just want a good trip, with a decent count of fish caught. I see most of our group as novice to intermediate fishermen that will mostly be catching and releasing. Having said all that, I see that there are small mouth in Kipawa, are their numbers decent, because we all like the fight of the smallie.
4: I guess I don't have a 4th at this time. Thanks for any help and insight in advance.
Have been up to Lake Kipawa 17 times...here's my feedback:
1. We've been up all through the summer from early-June into early-September. Late-July / early-August is best for weather and bugs. No black flies, few mosquitoes, few other nuisance bugs. Typically wonderful weather. Warm days, cool evenings / mornings. June can be great fishing, but the bugs will drive you insane (they drive me insane, at least). Later in summer there are no bugs, but fish are transitioning and a bit harder to find. Late-July / early-August is great weather, few bugs, and always good fishing...more on that to come.
2. Crowded? Guess that's subjective, but no...it's not a crowded lake...I don't believe...no matter where you go. If you go in June or early-July there are probably more people there at that time (fishing a bit easier, summer holidays are around that time), but it's still not what I'd call crowded.
3. Smallmouth are up in the NE end near Taggart Bay Lodge, 3 Seasons, et al. We struggled to catch a meaningful quantity of walleye in that area of the lake though, so it depends on what you're going for. Where we go (central area / Alwaki Lodge) there are no smallmouth (yet), decent pike populations, and plenty of walleye. We caught over 1,200 walleye last year across 10 of us...some of us getting over 200 each for 6 days fishing. As for novice / intermediate, I'll say this. If you know what you're doing and you know where the fish will be located depending on wind, structure, weather, etc. you should be fine. But it's no secret Kipawa does take a bit to "learn". I recall doing well our first few years up there all in the central area of the lake, but nothing like the success we enjoy on our trips recently. We know where to go and what to do based on what the conditions are...and that success can be attributed to experience on the lake.
4. Kipawa is a wonderful lake and beautiful piece of heaven on earth. No matter where you go or when, you'll love it.
239 days until I'm there again.
I can't add anything to what T-Bone Stated.
The lake is not overcrowded at the north end at all.
Four outpost camps to try out at the north end would be
3Seasons Camp
Two Moons
Smith Bay
Cedar Valley
Try any of those to try to find an opening.
Tell 3Seasons you hear it from RHYBAK
Hi Hodgey1, T-Bone was right on with the best times to go. Bass are better in July. He also said the most important thing for first timers to know. Kipawa is an absolutely beautiful lac, but it's not like the lakes you fish back home. Wherever you choose to go PM people on this site that go there for tips. Also, LISTEN to your outfitter as to what to use and especially how to fish it. I've seen so many 1st timers at Taggarts Bay Loodge think they know it all because they catch fish back home and they have little success. I think most of the camps on Kipawa have some form of an outpost cabin, it depends on how remote you want to get. Taggart's is 6 miles from the main camp, that has 13 cabins. It's a beautiful cabin on a point with 2 bedrooms that sleep 3 in each and futons that can sleep 2 more. As far as bass, like T-Bone said, the Taggart area does have them. My son and I don't target them but get some nice ones each year. Good luck, and let us know where you chose to go. I'll try to add a few pics of Taggart's outpost. I know T-Bone stayed at Whispering Pines at Alwaki Lodge, which is also a large beautiful cabin. Oarin.(http://i64.tinypic.com/8ywaw6.jpg)[(http://i66.tinypic.com/29wsihg.jpg)(http://i65.tinypic.com/dgts1e.jpg)
I really appreciate all of the quick input from everyone. I'm in the process of contacting my group now in order to pin them down on when to go. Going with Tbones suggestion, I'm going to steer the group toward late July-August for our week of fishing.
thanks for clearing up my thoughts on crowding, sound like Kipawa is a beautiful place. I am very much looking forward to exploring and fishing in Canada again, it's been too long since my last trip.
@Hodgey1 I've been to Kipawa about a dozen or more times now, crowding is not an issue and one of the reasons I enjoy going.
I stay near Alwaki in central area and a ton of walleye and trout to be caught. They move around but once you locate them you'll get your limits easily.
Bugs can be thick, if you have a choice go after the critters are gone.
Kipawa is so peaceful!
Quote from: Oarin on November 30, 2016, 03:05:27 PMGood luck, and let us know where you chose to Oarin.
Oarin,
Great pictures, where is that cabin?
Hodgey1
Quote from: Canuckbass on December 01, 2016, 04:49:05 PM
@Hodgey1
I've been to Kipawa about a dozen or more times now, crowding is not an issue and one of the reasons I enjoy going.
I stay near Alwaki in central area and a ton of walleye and trout to be caught. They move around but once you locate them you'll get your limits easily.
Bugs can be thick, if you have a choice go after the critters are gone.
Kipawa is so peaceful!
CB,
Thanks for the input, I feel confident now that Kipawa is a valid choice from all the great posts. What's your favorite time to go/skip the critters?
Hodgey1
I always got week of july or first week in aug.
Quote from: Hodgey1 on December 01, 2016, 08:23:11 PM
Quote from: Canuckbass on December 01, 2016, 04:49:05 PM
@Hodgey1
I've been to Kipawa about a dozen or more times now, crowding is not an issue and one of the reasons I enjoy going.
I stay near Alwaki in central area and a ton of walleye and trout to be caught. They move around but once you locate them you'll get your limits easily.
Bugs can be thick, if you have a choice go after the critters are gone.
Kipawa is so peaceful!
CB,
Thanks for the input, I feel confident now that Kipawa is a valid choice from all the great posts. What's your favorite time to go/skip the critters?
Hodgey1
I have use of friends lodge so I am lucky I can venture up all season. For warm days and swimming August is nice, for good fishing, weather and no critters early September is hard to beat.
Hodgey1, that's Taggart Bay Lodge's outpost cabin. You drive for about 20 minutes down a good dirt road from the little town of Laniel, which is a little less than an hour from Temiscaming, into Taggarts main camp and then 6 miles by boat the the cabin. (http://i64.tinypic.com/2dbwf9z.jpg)(http://i63.tinypic.com/2vwcp5g.jpg) T-Bone said the fishing is better near the central part of the lake, and it very well may be, but if you listen to the people who have been going to the Taggart area you'll get fish, but you really can't go wrong on any of the camps mentioned. The lac is absolutely beautiful.
Quote from: Oarin on December 02, 2016, 12:54:03 PM
Hodgey1, that's Taggart Bay Lodge's outpost cabin. You drive for about 20 minutes down a good dirt road from the little town of Laniel, which is a little less than an hour from Temiscaming, into Taggarts main camp and then 6 miles by boat the the cabin. T-Bone said the fishing is better near the central part of the lake, and it very well may be, but if you listen to the people who have been going to the Taggart area you'll get fish, but you really can't go wrong on any of the camps mentioned. The lac is absolutely beautiful.
Thanks Oarin for the information. Nice pics!
Hodgey, if you go to trip reports and to the master trip index you can get info on many of the outfitters on the lake. It might help narrow your search.
Quote from: Oarin on December 02, 2016, 02:57:38 PM
Hodgey, if you go to trip reports and to the master trip index you can get info on many of the outfitters on the lake. It might help narrow your search.
I will take a look at the index, thanks Oarin.
I am getting very excited about a week in Kipawa. I wish I had a firm plan so we could start a count down! I'm suggesting to my group that we think about a late July early august trip.
Hodgey, my son and I go the 3rd week of July. We usually only fish evening and have always done well. I also take a trip in late August. The bugs are gone, but the fish can be harder to find. Where ever you choose to go you should PM someone who goes there about tips. Don't forget that what works back home probably won't work as well at Kipawa. It's a magical place, once you go you be "hooked!"(http://i64.tinypic.com/2yyrvpe.jpg)(http://i66.tinypic.com/vpaw4x.jpg)(http://i64.tinypic.com/qs2qn7.jpg)(http://i67.tinypic.com/3rkgi.jpg)
All good advice so far - I stay at Alwaki in mid-July - Next summer will be my 12th trip - I always take 1 or 2 days to explore the lake and go in a new direction where I have never been before (2015 was to Grindstone, 2016 was to Hunters point church, 2017...??? not sure yet???).
To give you a better feel for the lake and some nice pictures... highlights of our 2015 trip...
http://gregkipawa2015.weebly.com/ (http://gregkipawa2015.weebly.com/)
(see the narrative at the bottom describing our the pictures).
Crowded - no!! - if I end up in a bay or part of the lake with 2 or more other boats, I usually leave, simply because there is SOOO much space (and by bay I don't mean something the size of a football field - I mean a bay is something the size of 20 foot ball stadiums including the stadium parking - and there are hundreds of areas like this in any direction).
If you are in the mindset of wanting to relax, have peace and quiet, enjoy the outdoors, you will not be sorry for picking Kipawa.
I've never been to the north end of the lake yet - you have heard people say there are more bass there, I hope to getup there and see what I can find someday - but I did catch one small mouth bass near Alwaki last summer.
Enjoy...
Quote from: Oarin on December 02, 2016, 11:33:08 PM
Hodgey, my son and I go the 3rd week of July. We usually only fish evening and have always done well. I also take a trip in late August. The bugs are gone, but the fish can be harder to find.It's a magical place, once you go you be "hooked!"
Beautiful pics! I'm hooked and haven't been! Is the third week in July better fishing than your august trip?
Quote from: Greg on December 03, 2016, 09:14:56 AM
If you are in the mindset of wanting to relax, have peace and quiet, enjoy the outdoors, you will not be sorry for picking Kipawa.
Greg, relaxing beside a beautiful lake is just what I want. Thanks for sharing your nice trip pics and experience.
Lovely pics Gary. Thanks for sharing.
Jay
Thanks Jay, but the real thanks goes to Nancy who taught an old dinosaur a new trick.
I am thinking that our group will book our trip to Kipawa for Late July/Aug. Like I mentioned previously, I'm not a great fisherman, though I really enjoy it when time allows. I gather the fishing is better in June because the fish are hungry and concentrated in the warmer shallows. Also gather the fishing in August would be somewhat the opposite, with the fish concentrated in the cooler deeper waters. My question is how deep is Kipawa in general and how deep will the fish be in general that time of the year?
Seeing that we will be using an outfitters boats, trolling won't really be an option. What is the best method to catch deep walleye in the warmer months?
Hodgey, kipawa has some very deep areas, well over 100ft., but the walleyes won't be there. In mid July we usually fish in 15-20 feet of water. Look for structure or a shallower point or island with deeper water nearby as they come in to feed in the evenings. Camp boats at any of the camps are fine for trolling. Most are 15 hp. Taggart's upgraded ones are 20 horse electric start, with a depth finder/fish finder and come with a trolling motor. Some of the other camps may have them too. The lure of choice for trolling at Taggarts is a Hot-n-Tot. I've found leeches out fish worms for jigging and using a slip bobber(my favorite method), but both work fine. There are new regulations on the size and filleting a walleye. Go to the Fishing Discussion area and read Threading a walleye.
How many people are in your group?
Most every outfitter should be at the Harrisburg PA Sportsman Show , I believe it's in Feb. You could talk to the outfitters there.
If you have questions about Taggarts or that part of the lake PM me and I'll tell you what I know.
May I suggest you buy yourself a small 18" drift sock.
I drag one of them along side the camp boat when trolling.
Slows the boat down perfectly.
My two cents for the trip to Kipawa...I've been up at all times of the year. Personally, it honestly boils down to bugs and weather for me. Up through about the middle of July the bugs, at least for me, are a huge minus. It's not so much the mosquitos because they don't bite me for some reason but the black flies are relentless unless they have died off. My feeling is that I am on vacation and prefer to wear shorts/t-shirts around camp and out fishing. With that point of view, we normally go either the last week of July or first week of August. What does that do to the fishing? We still catch very good numbers of northern pike and walleye...almost every year we limit out and have plenty to eat in camp. I will admit the fishing is probably better in the May/June time period but, for me, not so much better that I would trade the weather and lack of bugs.
Quote from: NortonJoe on December 06, 2016, 09:17:05 AM
My two cents for the trip to Kipawa...I've been up at all times of the year. Personally, it honestly boils down to bugs and weather for me. Up through about the middle of July the bugs, at least for me, are a huge minus. It's not so much the mosquitos because they don't bite me for some reason but the black flies are relentless unless they have died off. My feeling is that I am on vacation and prefer to wear shorts/t-shirts around camp and out fishing. With that point of view, we normally go either the last week of July or first week of August. What does that do to the fishing? We still catch very good numbers of northern pike and walleye...almost every year we limit out and have plenty to eat in camp. I will admit the fishing is probably better in the May/June time period but, for me, not so much better that I would trade the weather and lack of bugs.
NJ,
Your thoughts ring inline with mine and the same as others here have suggested. I'm no bug pussy, but definitely don't want to be uncomfortable on vacation " It's in short supply". Thanks for your input!
Quote from: RHYBAK on December 06, 2016, 08:01:29 AM
May I suggest you buy yourself a small 18" drift sock.
I drag one of them along side the camp boat when trolling.
Slows the boat down perfectly.
Great tip, thanks Rhybak
To be very honest with you, My main trip is the third week of June and I really never noticed the bugs.
The worst is around 9:15 in the evening. If it's a calm evening, you can hear the hum in the air.
I put on my impenetrable rain suit and good luck to them.
At that time, there is only 5 to 10 minutes of fishing left so I ignore them.
Then I put up with them for a short time while docking the boat.
It's not like there are millions of them on you draining every speck of blood out of your body.
I'm there to fish and enjoy and a few tiny bugs are not going to define whether I go fishing or not.
I control my destiny not the bugs.
Hodgey...one thing you need to know about Mr. Rhybak...he's a bad a$$. And don't let him fool you...there ARE a buh-zillion of them flying around (somewhere near you at least). Me...not a bad a$$. I do believe I'm a better fisherman than he is though... ;) :o
He's right though...even at "the witching hour" around 9:15PM they come out strong....even in late-July. But...they only last maybe 20 minutes. In early-June...the witching hour lasts all day, everyday...no matter what the weather is doing. Not good. Mid/later June they're thicker than they are in late-July...and the black flies are still out at that time too. I hate those little buggers worst of all. Had one fly in my ear once...I think his petrified carcass is still in there.
232...
Quote from: T-Bone on December 07, 2016, 12:54:19 PM
Hodgey...one thing you need to know about Mr. Rhybak...he's a bad a$$. And don't let him fool you...there ARE a buh-zillion of them flying around (somewhere near you at least). Me...not a bad a$$. I do believe I'm a better fisherman than he is though... ;) :o
He's right though...even at "the witching hour" around 9:15PM they come out strong....even in late-July. But...they only last maybe 20 minutes. In early-June...the witching hour lasts all day, everyday...no matter what the weather is doing. Not good. Mid/later June they're thicker than they are in late-July...and the black flies are still out at that time too. I hate those little buggers worst of all. Had one fly in my ear once...I think his petrified carcass is still in there.
232...
I turned 50 last August and my man badge is tarnishing now in dog years :-\.......... Like I mentioned earlier, I'm no bug pussy, but I want to be in Kipawa when the two lines on the chart cross at the intersection of still good fishing, yet not terrible bugs. Drinking a beer or two outside near a fire in the evening and not being swarmed would also be a plus.
When typically does the ice recede and the fishing begin to be good? April-May?
O.K.
I will admit.
If you want to enjoy sitting near the evening fire, June is NOT the time.
The bugs don't go dormant until around 11:30.
By then , any dedicated fisherman should be in bed getting ready for the Morning wake up call.
Hodgey, invest in a couple of Thermacell bug repellants. They work great. My son and I used them at TBL's outpost. The skeeters were "thick", but after 10 minutes with them lit you could sit by a camp fire pretty much bug free. We go in mid July and I wouldn't be without them.
Quote from: Oarin on December 07, 2016, 04:55:09 PM
Hodgey, invest in a couple of Thermacell bug repellants. They work great. My son and I used them at TBL's outpost. The skeeters were "thick", but after 10 minutes with them lit you could sit by a camp fire pretty much bug free. We go in mid July and I wouldn't be without them.
Good tip Oarin, thanks.
Ice out is usually the first week of May
Quote from: puckster_guy on December 07, 2016, 08:10:19 PM
Ice out is usually the first week of May
At what point after ice out does the fishing improve?
QuoteI want to be in Kipawa when the two lines on the chart cross at the intersection of still good fishing, yet not terrible bugs.
@Hodgey1 in my opinion this is late July-early August. As I said, I don't mind the mosquitos, they don't seem to bite me (may be the alcohol content of my blood); but I despise the black flies so that pushes the season to post die off for me! IMHO the fish are always there...we just need to adjust fishing technique for different times of the year. Let me suggest one other thing though not having to do with bugs.
Take an oscillating fan. Most if not all of the cabins have ceiling fans but an end of July/first of August trip can be gawd awful hot in the sleeping department. I personally like hot but not when I'm trying to sleep! That extra air movement makes it perfect.
@Oarin every year I say I'm going to buy the Thermacell bug repellants, especially for the fish cleaning house (the bugs seem the worst there) and then I always forget. This year it's happening! Those old "mosquito coils" help to some degree, and I would probably still use them just for the ambience (you know some things are all about tradition) but its time to try new technology too.
Quote from: NortonJoe on December 08, 2016, 08:38:10 AM
QuoteI want to be in Kipawa when the two lines on the chart cross at the intersection of still good fishing, yet not terrible bugs.
@Hodgey1 in my opinion this is late July-early August. As I said, I don't mind the mosquitos, they don't seem to bite me (may be the alcohol content of my blood); but I despise the black flies so that pushes the season to post die off for me!
@Oarin every year I say I'm going to buy the Thermacell
Thanks for the advice Joe. I will be ordering up a Thermacell or two myself. I am in the process of getting my group pinned down "challenging when group is spread across diff states" once I do that, I am looking forward to the more fun parts of the planning. Barring conflicts in people's schedules, I'm focusing on late July-early august.
Hodgey1,
Here's another opinion. Like NortonJoe, I don't like bugs. Unlike NortonJoe, I don't like hot. Of my 17 trips to Lake Kipawa, several were during July. While we could always comfortably fish early mornings and evenings, some days were so hot that we would only fish 11 AM to 1:30 PM before getting off the lake and finding a shady spot. Anyway, my preferred time of the year for walleye fishing in the Abitibi/Témiscaming region is mid Aug to mid Sep.
Jay
Quote from: Jay Thomas on December 08, 2016, 10:34:16 AM
Hodgey1,
Here's another opinion. Like NortonJoe, I don't like bugs. Unlike NortonJoe, I don't like hot. Of my 17 trips to Lake Kipawa, several were during July. While we could always comfortably fish early mornings and evenings, some days were so hot that we would only fish 11 AM to 1:30 PM before getting off the lake and finding a shady spot. Anyway, my preferred time of the year for walleye fishing in the Abitibi/Témiscaming region is mid Aug to mid Sep.
Jay
Jay,
How's the fishing in the beginning of September and what's the weather typically like? I live along lake Erie's southern shores and September is typically beautiful here.
Hodgey1
Hi again Hodgey1,
I spent the first 23 years of my life living very close to the northern shore of Lake Erie. Colchester Harbour (about 12 miles west of Point Pelee) was where my Dad kept his boat moored and our farm was only three miles away from the launch. Consequently, I'm familiar with the weather and the walleye fishing there.
While the weather in the Abitibi/Témiscaming region can be quite nice from mid August to mid Sep (shirt sleeve weather), there are times in Sep when a cold front can bring cooler temperatures and rain. However, no bugs and much lower boat traffic make up for the odd cool wet day. By mid Sep, nights can cool down to the low 50s - but I love a wood fire in the cabin by the side of the lake. Fishing during these months remains good - just need good electronics and the bathymetric maps to find them.
Jay
Quote from: Jay Thomas on December 08, 2016, 07:13:27 PM
Hi again Hodgey1,
I spent the first 23 years of my life living very close to the northern shore of Lake Erie. Colchester Harbour (about 12 miles west of Point Pelee) was where my Dad kept his boat moored and our farm was only three miles away from the launch. Consequently, I'm familiar with the weather and the walleye fishing there.
While the weather in the Abitibi/Témiscaming region can be quite nice from mid August to mid Sep (shirt sleeve weather), there are times in Sep when a cold front can bring cooler temperatures and rain. However, no bugs and much lower boat traffic make up for the odd cool wet day. By mid Sep, nights can cool down to the low 50s - but I love a wood fire in the cabin by the side of the lake. Fishing during these months remains good - just need good electronics and the bathymetric maps to find them.
Jay
Thanks Jay, great info. A fire lakeside in a cabin sounds very appealing!
@Hodgey1 Where along the southern shore? An Akron, Ohio boy here...
Quote from: NortonJoe on December 09, 2016, 08:28:36 AM
@Hodgey1 Where along the southern shore? An Akron, Ohio boy here...
Just south of Erie, Pa. :D
I'm pretty excited to report that we have our trip booked. With a lot of help from the forum we have decided to go to Kipawa lake at Alwaki lodge. I also decided to try to hit the lesser bug time "so I am a bug pussy after all" and booked the last week in July that bleeds into August. Hopefully, the fishing will be decent, but honestly, my thoughts are to explore and enjoy the wonderfulness of Kipawa, that you all have described to me. Once we progress threw Christmas, I will have lot-so questions that I'm sure you will all help with.
Quote from: Hodgey1 on December 17, 2016, 06:03:42 PM
I'm pretty excited to report that we have our trip booked. With a lot of help from the forum we have decided to go to Kipawa lake at Alwaki lodge. I also decided to try to hit the lesser bug time "so I am a bug pussy after all" and booked the last week in July that bleeds into August. Hopefully, the fishing will be decent, but honestly, my thoughts are to explore and enjoy the wonderfulness of Kipawa, that you all have described to me. Once we progress threw Christmas, I will have lot-so questions that I'm sure you will all help with.
Congrats, you're in a good area and tons of walleye around. I'll try and plan to up for a few days and very close by. If you hear saws and hammers it's usually us. We have the giant fry pan, may need a group fish fry and pints.
May long weekend
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/Canuckbass/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-05/3ED79ED7-EF1D-4724-8591-F76436CE615F_zpsy1dbkqie.jpg)
This is my setup, basically all I use is jig head and Berkley Power Minnow
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/Canuckbass/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09/30640506-B887-493C-B26A-209DF37FA3EF_zpsb2hhyuh4.jpg)
Quote from: Canuckbass on December 18, 2016, 11:25:51 PMCongrats, you're in a good area and tons of walleye around. I'll try and plan to up for a few days and very close by. If you hear saws and hammers it's usually us. We have the giant fry pan, may need a group fish fry and pints.
Thanks CBass. I'm in! Beer and fish, sounds great.
Quote from: Canuckbass on December 18, 2016, 11:44:59 PM
This is my setup, basically all I use is jig head and Berkley Power Minnow
Great tip, I will take all the fishing tips I can get being a novice.
Hodgey, what cabin is your group in?
Quote from: Oarin on December 20, 2016, 03:35:59 PM
Hodgey, what cabin is your group in?
We are in cabin 10 and if our group grows we'll spill into another.
I have a few fishing gear and technique questions for the forum, can I post them here on this thread I started, or should I start a new thread elsewhere?
Hodgey1
First I would suggest you do a search.
Most questions imaginable have been answered here at one time or another.
If the question is to a certain individual... P.M. them.
Other than that, start another thread.
Questions you'll find in searching:
Who catches more fish...T-Bone or Rhybak? [T-Bone]
Should I try slip-bobber for walleye?[yes]
Trolling or jigging? [trolling for a nice ride around the lake, jigging if you want to catch fish]
Lake trout in late-July? [good luck]
Anchor or drifting? [anchor]
Jigs or crankbaits? [both]
Worms or leeches? [either]
Minnows allowed? [no]
Ogopogo in Lac Kipawa? [yes, I've seen it]
Probably would learn more from your search, but I had a few minutes and took the opportunity to poke my friend Mr. Rhybak... :)
No problem.
I can take it
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Quote from: T-Bone on December 21, 2016, 03:51:47 PM
Questions you'll find in searching:
Who catches more fish...T-Bone or Rhybak? [T-Bone]
Should I try slip-bobber for walleye?[yes]
Trolling or jigging? [trolling for a nice ride around the lake, jigging if you want to catch fish]
Lake trout in late-July? [good luck]
Anchor or drifting? [anchor]
Jigs or crankbaits? [both]
Worms or leeches? [either]
Minnows allowed? [no]
Ogopogo in Lac Kipawa? [yes, I've seen it]
Probably would learn more from your search, but I had a few minutes and took the opportunity to poke my friend Mr. Rhybak... :)
How about faux Minnie's? :o
This is the first thread I started last year when I joined the forum. My purpose was to figure out where and when to go to fishing in Quebec. My group departs tomorrow, for our very first, of what I hope are many trips to Kipawa. My late Uncle "who I loved and admired" was a Quebec fishing fanatic and spent many years flying into the reservoir Gouin and was the inspiration for this trip. I unfortunately, I was only there with him once, to busy raising kids and counting pennies. :(
In less than 48 hours I will have a line in the water and can't wait. This forum has been a wealth of help and information. Many people have offered up lots of information that I'm certain is going to go a very long way to making our trip better and I thank all of you for it!
Hodgey and others,
The posts from previous years are invaluable if you want to learn. It's a lot of reading but most questions have been asked and answered by seasoned veterans of fishing and of the Kipawa area.
It's a cheap way to learn too.
Well have a great trip Hodgey1. You are going to really enjoy Alwaki lodge. Brian and Tina will point you in the right direction to catch lots of fish. If you want some more info just Pm today and I will send you some info I have gathered over the years. We have been to Alwaki 6 out of last 7 years. Enjoy
Have a great trip Hodgey! Best of luck and look forward to hearing how you made out!
Have a great trip, and please post a trip report when you get home.
Quote from: SgtCrabby on July 30, 2017, 09:04:51 PM
Have a great trip, and please post a trip report when you get home.
All done Sgt! We had a great trip!!!!!!
http://kipawafishingforum.net/index.php?topic=798.msg8446#new (http://kipawafishingforum.net/index.php?topic=798.msg8446#new)
Starting some planning for next year and wonder when does the ice come off kipawa typically and when do the walleye start bitting in the Spring?
I think ice out means bugs in. We always go the end of July and the bugs are gone and the fish are in transition so you can catch them shallow and deep. You'll love it.(http://i63.tinypic.com/14aa828.jpg) Scenery is incredible and the people are great (for the most part) and like Orin mentioned, listen to the outfitter for what is working at the time you visit. I rarely use all the gear that I take, but it is fun to strategize about location and techniques.
I went the end of July this year, bugs, fishing and weather where great. So bugs start as soon as ice comes off?
From what I remember, ice out (as I have read on this forum) is usually completely out.. mid to late April... and most outfitters don't open up until early to mid-May (Victoria day weekend even) - and this is when the black fly's begin their peak season... I've been up there in early June years ago... bugs (black flies and mosquitoes were vicious) at certain times of the day. Walleye still bit though.
If you are considering early spring, consider when walleye season opens. I believe its the 3rd Friday in May. We usually go late May and do very well.
if you do go, prepare for black flies, get bug hats, lots of spray etc.
Hodgey...as I've stated before...the bugs in June are brutal. Don't listen to what others say..."they're not that bad"..."I don't even notice them...", etc. They're lying. On your trip by Sunday, you start to lose it, by Monday you're seeing and feeling crawling things that may or may not be there, by Tuesday you want to leave. That's no way to spend a week in paradise. Fishing is OK, but no better than when we were up there this year.
Maybe opening weekend (mid-May) you can escape both the black flies and skeeters...but after that you're rolling the dice until late-May, and by first week in June it's a full-on Category 5 Bugfest.
May long weekend we still have to call up and check for ice, the past couple years about mid Mayice is out but water is still so low. May long weekend is safe to play usually and walleye open.
The reason for asking about ice off and such is now that I have purchased a boat, I would like to go twice a year. The question is when? after Tbones reply, i'm thinking the end of July for one trip and another early September?
Quote from: Hodgey1 on September 06, 2017, 11:41:51 AM
The reason for asking about ice off and such is now that I have purchased a boat, I would like to go twice a year. The question is when? after Tbones reply, i'm thinking the end of July for one trip and another early September?
I'm there almost every weekend. Take it from me....TBone's advise is wise.
Quote from: limacharley on September 06, 2017, 01:04:21 PM
I'm there almost every weekend. Take it from me....TBone's advise is wise.
T Bone has been a great resource for me and helped make my last trip to Kipawa the success it was. I think for 2018, I will do a week the end of July and then a second trip in early September.
I started this thread last year, clueless about Kipawa and what equipment I needed to be successful. I've now had two trips to Kipawa and I would categorize each as a great success. I was steered by the forum to use poles with fast action and med-light weight. I equipped each pole I bought with recommended reels, line and jigs. To say the least, all good information.
I am now planning to get downriggers mounted before spring "we'll see" so I want to be prepared so I want to see what the members thoughts are on trolling gear as far as poles, reels and line weight. Middle of the road quality would be preferred as the purchase of a boat has hit the purse hard. Thanks!
I've got these and they work great Kipawa type of lake. I've also used this unit in Lake Huron for salmon and browns.
I've got the Tournament series. I don't need no fancy chrome.
http://www.walkerdownriggers.com/electric_downriggers.html
My rods are simple yet inexpensive. Penn 209 Level Wind with Chinook Classic Tournament Twist.
https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Penn+209+Level+Wind+with+Chinook+Classic+Tournament+Twist.&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3APenn+209+Level+Wind+with+Chinook+Classic+Tournament+Twist.
Quote from: limacharley on September 25, 2017, 02:59:56 PM
Penn 209 Level Wind with Chinook Classic Tournament Twist
I have two salt water trolling rod/reels hanging on my walls that were my grandpas. The reel looks identical to the 209. :D
Quote from: Hodgey1 on September 25, 2017, 08:38:53 PM
Quote from: limacharley on September 25, 2017, 02:59:56 PM
Penn 209 Level Wind with Chinook Classic Tournament Twist
I have two salt water trolling rod/reels hanging on my walls that were my grandpas. The reel looks identical to the 209. :D
There you go Chris. Put some leadcore on those reels, get some gang trolls and you'll be all set up for Greys. Your grandpa will be smiling too. :)
Cheers
Smitty, I wish my pap was still here, I'd take him fishing at Kipawa.
What are Trolling rod preferred power and lengths recommend for lake trout for Erie & kipawa ? I see lengths from 5' - 9' and powers from medium light to heavy?
Quote from: Hodgey1 on September 26, 2017, 08:16:46 PM
What are Trolling rod preferred power and lengths recommend for lake trout for Erie & kipawa ? I see lengths from 5' - 9' and powers from medium light to heavy?
Are you referring to a lead core setup?
Quote from: smitty55 on September 26, 2017, 09:54:57 PM
Quote from: Hodgey1 on September 26, 2017, 08:16:46 PM
What are Trolling rod preferred power and lengths recommend for lake trout for Erie & kipawa ? I see lengths from 5' - 9' and powers from medium light to heavy?
Are you referring to a lead core setup?
Smitty, I'm a trolling dumby :o My plan is to add downriggers, so the majority use would be with them. My hope would be that they would serve dual purpose, trolling for trout in Kipawa and also Trolling for Walleye and trout occasionally in lake Erie, all from a D-Rigger. Lima C suggested a pole, but it is discontinued. So pole power, weight and length are what I'm not certain on. My guess is something longer for downrigger use, so 8'-9" and guessing medium to med heavy action?
Here is what I'm leaning towards to get my feet wet: http://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/rod-reel-combos/trolling-combos/pc/104793480/c/104762880/sc/104653080/penn-reg-lc-cabelas-depthmaster-reg-trolling-combo/751543.uts?slotId=5#tabsCollection (http://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/rod-reel-combos/trolling-combos/pc/104793480/c/104762880/sc/104653080/penn-reg-lc-cabelas-depthmaster-reg-trolling-combo/751543.uts?slotId=5#tabsCollection)
hodgey, that set-up will work nicely for walleye on Erie and probably for lakers on both. the 8'6"medium action will be fun on some of those bigger Erie lakers.
Quote from: mark1758 on September 27, 2017, 10:22:21 AM
hodgey, that set-up will work nicely for walleye on Erie and probably for lakers on both. the 8'6"medium action will be fun on some of those bigger Erie lakers.
Can't wait!