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Northern Pike being pulled out of the water. |
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Unhooking a caught muskie |
Special Note: Maintaining Focus
Fishing for trophy size muskie or northern pike with big rods heavy lures and the constant casting is physically and mentally challenging even for the most experienced angler. Over a period of a week a typical Canadian fishing trip you will find yourself losing the mental edge and having a tough time maintaining concentration.
When these situations occur someone often gets hurt either you or your fishing partner. Take a break, pull up on shore and take a walk. Pull into a small bay where you can safely clean up the boat, sharpen hooks or put away some of those extra lures and equipment you are not using.
Like most Canadian lakes the most obvious and striking feature of Rough Rock Lake is its massive rock formations, many of which are large uninhabited islands. Of course with a name like"Rough Rock" that should not come as a surprise.
Trophy size muskie and northern pike relate to deep, cold water and the best way to locate them is to fish the deep structural elements on the main lake body. Main lake points, rock bars, humps, and the saddles between islands are all good choices. Pay particular attention to any main lake structure covered with small rocks, gravel, or plant growth that gradually tapers off into deep water. Avoid sheer walls or under-water cliffs.
Large, deep bays may hold some credible fish but if you fish them there are specific spots in them that you should focus on. Transition areas where the bottom changes from rock to gravel, patches of muck with weed cover, gravel bars, or piles of small rocks close to the surface next to deep water are good choices.
When you work main lake structure or large deep bays the water depth should be between 10 and 30 feet. Normally you will find smaller fish in shallow water, but not always. If you are catching small fish water and suddenly the bite stops, there is good possibility that a big fish moved into the area. Change lures and continue to work the spot. When the big fish move out the smaller fish will move right back in.
Shallow muck bottom bays are not the best choice for trophy fish, especially during the summer months because the water in them will be to warm. Typically these bays will have big weed beds and any place you find weeds you will find plenty of action on smaller fish. Occasionally you will take a big fish off the deep weed edge in a shallow bay, but normally I fish them just for the fast action they provide. It is hard for bass fishermen to pass-up a likely looking weed bed, even in Canada.
Current flow is an important consideration when selecting a spot to fish, but often overlooked by anglers when fishing Rough Rock Lake. In fact the main reason I like to fish this lake is the way current flow positions fish. It is a very predictable summer pattern and is easy to understand. Once you identify the depth that fish are at -- use that depth all around the lake.
When you work current restrictions start with the outlet end which is normally the end towards the rapids. Look for some type of structure in or alongside the area such as a gravel bar, or hump made up of small rocks. Water depth should be between 15 and 30 feet. Work the area where the structural element breaks the current flow and along the edge of the current where it comes out of the channel or restriction. Avoid areas with sheer walls and depths over 35 feet.
Another area that provides exceptional fishing is in the large bays off the channel called the rapids. Again I need to caution you about the dangers of entering the rapids without a guide. No fish is worth putting yourself in a dangerous situation.
Big muskie or northern pike will find any weakness in your equipment, so leave the light tackle at home. If you are going to make the trip to Canada, use equipment capable of handling big fish. A standard muskie set-up is a long handled 7 ft. heavy action bait casting rod and a 6500C reel spooled with 36 or 45 pound test Dacron Musky Master line.
A good strategy for fishing Canadian lakes is to use a map and break the lake down into small comparable areas. You and your fishing partners should get together and develop a strategy with alternatives well before your trip begins.
Lure selection is dictated by the species of fish you after and the conditions you are fishing. Locating trophy muskie or northern pike means quickly covering lots of water and at various depths. The three types of lures you should have include surface baits such as the"Hawg Wobbler" or #18 "Rapalas", spinner baits such as the "Skimmer Bucktail", and a variety of large crankbaits for working medium to deep water.
Walleye will readily take a plain lead-head jig dressed with a minnow. Bring an assortment of different weights so you can adjust for wind and depth. Keep in mind you will be fishing rocky areas that means snags and losing jigs. Smallmouth bass will take a variety of small crankbaits, straight shaft spinners such as a #3 "Mepps" as well as a jig dressed with a minnow. Spinning gear and clear 6 or 8 pound test line such as "Berkley Trilene XL" is good choice for both walleye and smallmouth bass.
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