Canadian Reports/Discussion
Silver Dollar Area Ontario
NWWisco, the last place I stayed in Canada was Lumberjack, which was 10 years ago. At that time it was a good place to stay, no complaints. We used it as a jumping off point, so no experience on Sturgeon. But if you like River fishing we did well on the English river between Barrel and press lake and we would go that last week in May.
NWWisco, Ok, Sturgeon is a different animal in comparison to the out lakes like Wintering, LOB, Watcomb, Young etc in that area. It is probably going to be 6-10 degrees colder than the out lakes at that time of the year. The lake trout will probably be spread all over the place, and or near the surface just depends on temps. Walleye fishing will probably not be very friendly on Sturgeon, if you can get into Jackpot or way back into Cobb bay / Mosquito bay or further up were the river and creeks come in you might have a fighting chance on Walleye. The lake is big, the south end is a lot more open. Watch the weather it get can get big and rough in a hurry. I typically fish the north end, its been a lot of year since I have spent anytime on the south end below the Sturgeon Narrows. There is a lot of water out there so hopefully your camp can steer you in the right direction.
What I am trying to say it is not a gentle lake for a new comer both from a fishing and with potential for some pretty rough water. It can also be very rewarding with plentiful lake trout, large pike, and some pretty nice walleye when you find them. Good luck.
You can camp on Lake of Bays, you will have to see what is paper company land and what is not. You used to be able to get paper company camping permits at the Silver Dollar but that was before the current owners so some research is probably required on what is company land and what is crown land. Fishing is always good, causeway is always a pita. good luck.
Shorecrest,
A friend of mine stayed at Young Lake a few weeks ago and is up there right now for another go! Anyway, I spoke with him before he left for this most recent trip, and he told me he was out on Sturgeon and did really good on lakers. He said the owner of Young Lake gave him some good advice on where to launch and fish. I think you'll have a good resource at your lodge.
I've been on Sturgeon a couple times for lakers and the fishing has been good. Be cautious if you go. Like others have outlined, you really need to be careful for rocks and reefs in that lake! I suspect those who fish Sturgeon with any regularity have bone chilling stories about a run in with a rock or reef. I know I got a story and I don't even fish it that much! Be cognizant of the wind too. It can kick-up some decent sized rollers.
Good Luck and have fun!
Jimmy Mac
Shorecrest, there are two public landings that I am aware of on Sturgeon but must admit I have not used either.
Eddy Creek landing on the south end, to the south of the small earthen dam. and on the North end going past the airport ? dirt strip there is a road to a landing. These are on extreme opposite ends of the lake.
For years I fished the south end of Sturgeon but for close to 15+ years now I have made yearly trips to the North end among other lakes along 599 throughout the summer.
I would tell you that there are some long runs required to get to what I consider some of the prime walleye waters regardless what end you put in on. Depending on temps and when in September the lake trout could be starting to transition to shallow water. Trout are your best bet for easy day trips, as most deep water sections will hold good numbers of eater size trout. On the south end, Mosquito bay, by way of 3rd, 2nd, and 1st bay would be a likely walleye location have done well in there. On the North end your best bet is up the North east arm, and finding mid lake humps. Or back behind Covington Island. All of which are probably going to be close to hour or much longer runs on plane at speed just to get in the general area. If you don't know the routes darn risky running on plane multiple area's where 20 feet either way is disaster vs a blissful ride. Sturgeon is not a walleye factory but can definitely have its days, and typically the walleye run bigger than the outlakes. There are days you can catch more trout than you would walleye on out lakes.
Not trying to discourage you but your really need a full week just to learn the basic's what will work for you, and about 30-50 gallons of gas. I have a 32 gallon on board tank, bring an extra 24, know for the most part exactly where I am going most days and usually pull the boat out on fumes after a week on Sturgeon. Sturgeon can be a tough nut without a home base on the lake.
Enough rocks just below the surface in the middle of no where and deep water to make you say some prayers if your going into an unknown area.
Good luck
I have fished this area for many years, mostly lower LOB, Watcomb, upper Pepperbell and Wintering. In the last 8-10 years have been going up in fall and will be returning this year in September. I have heard of big fish being caught on Sturgeon, but have only been on it a couple times in spring for trout on the very lower tip by Lumberjack and over to Jackpot for walleye.
My group is staying at Young, but would like to make a day trip or two over to Sturgeon. Any suggestions on how to get on the lake and where to go? Am interested in walleye, but trout or northern would be good too.
I know there are some serious navigation hazards. Heard stories and saw boats towed in at Lumberjack when we stayed there.
Any assistance greatly appreciated. Thanks!
My group was there from June 26th thru July 1 (Canada Day!). We were welcomed on Sunday with heavy rains and strong winds. We didn't even attempt to put boats in the water. Although we did have fun fishing the flowage between watcomb and hut from shore. The week's weather didn't really improve. It was very, very, very windy most of the time. This limited when and where we could fish. That wind really wears you out quickly. Relentless was the adjective that comes to my mind when describing it. Even some of the guys in bigger boats didn't even leave camp a couple days. This was especially disappointing because I took 2 newbies up with me. Although they were both impressed with the health of the Canadian fisheries, I would grade that week with a solid C. Very average in numbers and size. This again was mostly because we couldn't get to the fish. Very limited on when and where to go.
Water Temps were around 67 at the beginning of the week and dropped to 62 by the end on lakes like lake of Bays, watcomb, Young, whiterock. Sturgeon Lake was mid 50's.
Walleye were good and easy to catch when we were on the water. Average size was 17in. Actually we just started finding the biggers at the end of the week.
We never targeted big pike, but caught several over 30in when walleye or bass fishing.
Speaking of the bass, I was so confused as to where they are in the spawn cycle. In years past we catch a ton of shallow water spawning fish during the last week of June. This year we caught a few, but not like previous trips. The ones we did catch were fat and big. Most over 2.5lbs. But not as hot as usual. Again, white caps and wind kept me off a lot of my good spots. They may have been there but difficult to get the right bait in front of them.
Still a lot of fun and better fishing than most places in the states. Loved the Northwoods and can't wait to get back. Saw a couple big moose, bears, wolves, and even got to watch some eagles catch a few fish.
