Canadian Angling Giants
Canadian Angling Giants
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By Logan E.
Read Time: 40 minutes
You'd be forgiven if you believed that the Canadian freshwater fishing scene only consisted of smallmouth bass, walleye, and the occasional pike, because the truth is these are the mainstream species that get the majority of coverage in tournaments, tv shows, and fishing news. The fact of the matter is that there are dozens of species in Canada that do not get the attention that they deserve, and there are some bonafide giants on the list. I have compiled a list of several Canadian freshwater or anadromous fish (saltwater species that spend time in freshwater) that get to ten pounds or more.
1) White Sturgeon:
It is no surprise that in a long list of species that the sturgeon reigns supreme, at the top of the heap in a class of its own is the white sturgeon. This prehistoric bottom dweller from the upper cretaceous period absolutely dwarfs all other contenders. The white sturgeon is a prized target for a select few angler seeking to achieve the infamous triple-digit range fish with the possibility of hooking the four-digit fish of a lifetime. These fish are rapidly gaining popularity because of their massive size, bizarre reptilian appearance, their acrobatic jumps, and their ability to absolutely scream drag on massive rod and reel set-ups. An added bonus for many thrill-seeking anglers is the pristine wilderness in British Columbia where these fish reside. This fish is technically anadromous in its native range but has been dam-locked in most of its habitats; because of this, the white sturgeon is not the biggest purely freshwater fish in Canada. All sturgeon species are typically targeted utilizing bottom rigs baited with cut-bait or nightcrawlers (maybe a combo of the two).
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: up to 1100 lbs.
Trophy Locations: The Fraser River in British Columbia reigns supreme for size and numbers of white sturgeon.
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| A monster white sturgeon caught in Idaho by David Graham from the boundless pursuit website/blog/podcast/Instagram page |
If the white sturgeon is the king of the West Coast/Pacific then the Atlantic sturgeon reigns supreme in the East/Atlantic. This species is lesser known/pursued than its Pacific counter part but it gets nearly as large, it is also another freshwater/ salt water migrating species. A unique fishery exists in Canada's East Coast on the St. John River of New Brunswick where anglers can target Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, introduced muskies, ocean-running striped bass, and a variety of other species. I believe the Atlantic sturgeon will gain traction with the hardcore angler seeking a truly monstrous fish. All sturgeon species are typically targeted utilizing bottom rigs baited with cut-bait or nightcrawlers (maybe a combo of the two).
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 811 lbs.
Trophy Locations: the St. John's River in New Brunswick and the adjacent tidal waters. Caution: be aware of regulations due to threatened status in Canada.
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| A behemoth Atlantic Sturgeon caught by Government Scientists Credit: Outdoor Life |
The lake sturgeon holds the unique distinction of being Canada's largest truly freshwater fish; unlike most of its cousins who are at least transiently ocean dwellers the lake sturgeon spends its entire life in freshwater. This sturgeon species is also the most wide-spread across Canada; unfortunately due to extirpation in parts of its native range angling opportunities across Ontario are limited. Like its larger anadromous cousins the lake sturgeon puts up incredible fights, have the propensity to jump, and when anglers are dialed-in they have the opportunity to catch several sturgeon in a day. The lake sturgeon is gaining popularity as sport fish as more anglers seek to catch truly large species of fish. All sturgeon species are typically targeted utilizing bottom rigs baited with cut-bait or nightcrawlers (maybe a combo of the two).
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 406 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Rainy River Manitoba, Ottawa and St. Lawrence Rivers Ontario, various watersheds in Timmins Ontario. Caution: closed throughout most of the Great Lakes region in Ontario due to extirpation from over-fishing, habitat degradation, and a previous commercial fishery.
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| Multispecies Angler Andrew Bunker with a nice Lake Sturgeon, see Bunks Outdoor Angle for photos, blogs, and Great stories |
The green sturgeon is at-risk in Canadian waters and no legal angling opportunities exist. This species is similar in appearance to the white sturgeon but with a green tone (hence the name) and it doesn't get as large. It resides in the same bodies of water in British Columbia as its larger cousin including stints to the Pacific Ocean and its estuaries. Hopefully this species can rebound not only to create another angling opportunity for giant seekers but to promote the biodiversity of native species in its range. All sturgeon species are typically targeted utilizing bottom rigs baited with cut-bait or nightcrawlers (maybe a combo of the two).
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 350 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Pacific coast of Canada in the Ocean and tidal rivers; it is illegal to target in Canada due to at-risk status.
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| The rare green sturgeon |
The chinook or 'king' is absolute salmon royalty, it exists in a class of its own. Very few salmonid, not only in Canada, but across the globe have the genetic potential to get into the triple-digit range, the chinook is one of those species. This species is renowned for its athletic fights, huge size, ability to peel line, and tasty flesh. A unique trifecta of anglers pursue this fish with fly fishermen, gear heads, and monster hunters all converging to pursue salmon royalty.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 105.9 lbs. (netted not angled)
Trophy Locations: The Wannock River in British Columbia is known for its natural migration of king salmon. The Great Lakes in Ontario also have stocked purely freshwater kings that grow to trophy sizes.
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| My buddy Andrew with a monster Lake Superior Chinook |
Although it doesn't get as heavy as the chinook salmon the lake trout holds the unique distinction of being Canada's largest truly freshwater salmonid, although some rare populations have been discovered to be sea-running. This long-lived species is an adaption specialist with the ability to alter its diet and shut down its appetite for long periods to survive frigid and scarce Canadian winters. Triple digit specimens have been netted but an angler has yet to catch one on a rod and reel (fingers crossed it transpires soon). Lake trout in their native frigid waters put up a great fight, despite what most salmon die-hards would tell you. Lakers are unique bounty for anglers because they can be caught in rivers, shallow shoals, deep abysses, and basins using casting gear, down-rigging, flat line trolling, fly fishing, vertical jigging, and ice fishing.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 102 lbs. (netted not angled)
Trophy Locations: Lake Athabasca on the Alberta-Saskatchewan Border, Great Bear and Great Slave lakes in the North West Territories, Lake Temagami in Ontario, and Lake Superior in Ontario.
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| Andrew Bunker of Bunks Outdoor Angle with a gargantuan Laker |
This species is affectionally called the 'tarpon of the north' for very good reason, its silvery scales, large size, general body shape, and propensity to jump reflect that of the popular tarpon. The inconnu or 'sheefish' is the world's largest predatory species of whitefish! This species has the potential to get massive and unlike other species of whitefish and cisco they will actively stalk and hit fast-retrieved lures using the same presentations and tactics anglers would utilize to target northern pike and lake trout. The inconnu is relatively unknown and untargeted by most anglers due to the sheer remoteness of their range in the sparsely populated and hard-to-reach Canadian Territories. The grey ghost of the north will surely gain traction as more outfitters and die-hard anglers learn to appreciate how special this species is.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 68 lbs.
Trophy Locations: the Mackenzie River in the Yukon, Great Slave Lake in the NWT and the Peel River (NWT/Yukon).
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| Inconnu Credit: Roughfish.com |
The muskellunge is the world's largest species of pike(Esox). For anyone that knows me, they know how muskie-obsessed I am; I am very biased in my enthusiasm towards this species. Muskies ignited my passion for stalking big fish species; this species has a dedicated die-hard group of passionate anglers. Known as 'the fish of 10, 000 casts' the muskie is a difficult species to catch. It is unique due to its propensity to follow lures to the side of the boat offering anglers heart-stopping moments of pure adrenaline and excitement as this monster Esox materializes out of nowhere. The difficulty of their pursuits, the size of the fish, their athletic jumps, and their stalking behaviours cement muskies as one of the most hard-core fish species in Canada. Muskie fishermen typically fit into one of the two camps: they are either team casting, or team trolling with some also running live bait like suckers every fall. There's also a group of pioneering muskie fishermen targeting them by vertical jigging in open-water basins, fly fishermen have also began to pursue this species using massive streamers, and some anglers are even finding success utilizing cut-bait and dead bait suspended off bottom.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 65 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Georgian Bay Ontario, Lake Nipissing Ontario, St. Lawrence River Quebec and Ontario, The French River Ontario, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
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| My heaviest muskie to date (app. 30-32 lbs.) crazy to think they can more than double this weight |
Like most of the species of sturgeon on this list the striped bass can survive solely in freshwater but it is naturally an anadromous species that migrates between fresh and saltwater following forage. It is in these estuaries that this species reaches its pinnacle in size and numbers of fish. Renowned fisheries in Canada's East Coast offer exciting opportunities for anglers to cast lures at huge schools of marauding striped bass. This species is known to indulge in a ferocious top water bite, it fights hard, and can be an action-packed angling target. Stripers can be targeted by diverse means using live bait, artificial lures, and cut-bait.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 63 lbs.
Trophy Locations: the Gulf of the St. Lawrence (East Coast) and the St. John's River in New Brunswick.
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| Huge striped bass credit: The fisherman |
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| My PB striper caught on coastal PEI where stripers are just now recovering! |
The northern pike is the epitome of the north; it perfectly exemplifies the rugged beauty and tenacity of the environment it resides in Northern Canada. This apex predator occupies the humblest of streams to the largest of Great Lakes, it is one of the most diverse fish in Canada in relation to habitat occupation. Fishermen may wrongfully scorn the pike as being a bait and lure stealing menace, but for those who have tangled with 40+ inch specimens they have a deeper respect for this species. Pike are a great introductory species for the novice angler fishing for hammer handles and are also the target for trophy hunters looking for a new personal best. Pike reside in shallow water habitats adjacent to main lake basins across most of Canada and can be caught trolling, casting, jigging, fly fishing, soaking live or cut-bait, and by ice fishing. A large pike can really arc a fishing rod and the bigger specimens can prove to be cunning and frustrating for even experienced anglers.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 56 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Ontario Great Lakes Watershed, Lac Seul Ontario, Great Bear and Great Slave Lakes NWT, Lake of the Woods (Ontario/ Manitoba) and various more!
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| My buddy Calvin with a hog of an Albertan Pike |
The shortnose sturgeon is the smallest species of sturgeon in Canada, but that may be an unfair comparison, this species can still hit the magical 50lb mark! Like all other sturgeons this species fights hard, pulls drag, can be caught in numbers with some knowledge of the fishery, and most importantly (in my opinion) engages in the sturgeon trademark of going aerial during a fight with an angler. This species is present in the very unique fishery of the St. John's river in New Brunswick alongside Atlantic sturgeon, muskies, striped bass, smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel- that is an amazing fishery full of unique species. All sturgeon species are typically targeted utilizing bottom rigs baited with cut-bait or nightcrawlers (maybe a combo of the two).
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 51.9 lbs.
Trophy Locations: St. John's River in New Brunswick.
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| A monster shortnose sturgeon credit: NBkayakfishing.ca |
The rainbow trout is native to the West Coast of Canada in the Rocky Mountain streams and rivers but it has been introduced across much of Canada, this is for good reason- the rainbow trout (or steelhead for ocean migrating fish) gets to large sizes, peels drag, engages in acrobatic jumps, and can be targeted in a surplus of ways. From tranquil fly fishing to Great Lakes gang trolling this fish is diverse in angling tactics and habitats. This species is renowned for its beauty and for the ferocity of its fight.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 48 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Lake Huron Ontario, The Cowichan River British Columbia, Various more in the Great Lakes and Canadian West Coast rivers.
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| My PB Rainbow trout which is a small example of the species potential |
Although labelled as a salmon species the Atlantic salmon is more closely related in genealogy and behaviour to its char cousins; Atlantics do not die after they spawn like true salmon do. Their name gives away their residence with this species occupying the Atlantic ocean, Atlantic estuaries, and creeks and rivers that dump into the ocean. Unfortunately the East Coast fishery for this species has been in sharp decline due to commercial harvest and habitat changes. Anglers have traditionally targeted Atlantics with center pin set-ups, fly rods, and traditional fishing methods. Like other salmonids they are celebrated for their ability to fight and because of their striking beauty which perfectly encapsulates the pure Canadiana of this pristine species. Hopefully they can rebound and be present for future generations to target.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 47 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Various rivers and estuaries in Newfoundland and Labrador. It formerly had a native range in Lake Ontario but they were extirpated from over-harvest, Atlantics are stocked in most of the Great Lakes with varying success rates. Known as the 'ghost' of the Great Lakes, some cunning anglers have dialed in secretive haunts in Lake Superior and Lake Huron.
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| An Atlantic caught by my friend Andrew |
The bigmouth buffalo is a unique species of freshwater fish as it has the highest longevity of any known freshwater species; buffalos can live to be a centurion which is virtually unknown in any other freshwater species. Buffalos eat almost exclusively invertebrates which make them a challenging forage for anglers. Unfortunately considering their old age, slow sexual maturity, and slow growth rates they are often the target of the bow-fishing community or they are used as bait for other species. The buffalo, although finicky to entice to bite, is a hard scrapping fish that deserves respect and protection from conscientious anglers.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 45 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Red River Manitoba and the Great Lakes Basin in Ontario.
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| A bigmouth buffalo from the Meat Eater website |
Channel cats are the largest species of catfish native to Canada; unlike their southern cousins the flathead and blue catfish channel cats cannot get to the magic triple-digit range. Despite being the smallest of the three North America mega-cats Canadian channel cats can get very large. In the Red River they get absolutely massive and can test an angler's gear and strength. Channel catfish are often considered to be stupid bottom-dwelling fish and that isn't the truth; channel cats are apex predators in their own right and are certainly not an unintelligent fish. They can be caught on lures, but a more reliable method of capture is to use cut-bait or worms on Carolina rigs or Santee-Cooper rigs on the bottom or bottom- adjacent.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 44.5 lbs.
Trophy Locations: The Red River in Manitoba has the pinnacle of Canadian Channel Catfish. The Great Lakes watershed also has large cats (except Lake Superior).
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| My buddy Tyler with an Ontario-caught Channel Catfish |
The common carp is distinguished as being North America's first aquatic invasive species; it was introduced in the 1800s by European settlers. Thankfully North America has enough aquatic diversity and predatory species that the common carp was unable to unleash too much damage on our ecosystems, unlike in Australia. Unlike their more disastrous Asian carp counterparts the common carp has been naturalized and isn't super detrimental towards native species. The common carp was introduced in the 1800s because it is a very popular sportfish in Europe; their popularity never seemed to translate to the North American scene as it is often considered a 'rough' or 'trash' fish. Common carp are popular in Europe because of their cunning and wile, their ability to drive anglers crazy, their shear size, and their ability to peel line. Carp can be targeted with something as simple as a worm and a bobber or as complicated as a Euro-style carp fishing set-up. Worms, pellets, bread, pack bait, and corn are the typical bait items used to entice a finicky carp bite.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 38 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
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| Common Carp Credit: Roughfish.com |
Chum or 'dog' salmon are certainly the least prestigious salmon species in the Pacific West Coast (at least by reputation). They earned the moniker 'dog salmon' due to their prevalent teeth that resemble that of a canine. Chum or dog, no matter which name you reference are certainly not terms of endearment. Despite their lack of P.R. this species is consistent with other salmonids in their ability to fight and the beautiful habitats that they occupy. Personally, I find the grey and purple vertical bars on a chum salmon to be stunning in appearance. Like other salmon these fish can be trolled for in the ocean, or targeted using flossing, casting, or fly-fishing methods during their river migrations to spawn.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 35 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Fraser Valley Rivers in British Columbia
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| Chum Salmon Credit: Epic Angling and Adventure |
Next to the brook trout the tiger muskie is arguably the most beautiful species of freshwater water fish in the country. A tiger is produced when a northern pike and muskellunge spawn together creating an often-times sterile hybrid. Hybrid vigor is present in this species with a tiger growing quicker than either parent species due to its lack of an ability to spawn (it saves energy). Tigers are sometimes artificially created to stock lakes with a trophy sport fishery, however, in Canada tigers are purely naturally occurring. The possibility of a tiger muskie exists in any body of water where northern pike and muskie overlap; odds of a tiger spawn increase when muskies and pike have limited spawning habitat and utilize the same spawning bays. Catching a tiger is similar to catching a muskie as they occupy similar areas as both parent species. Due to their rarity, Esox anglers hold this species in high regard.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 34.5 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Trophy potential exists for any body of water where large muskies and large pike co-exist and use the same spawning bays.
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| My only tiger muskie, a small example of the species potential |
The name 'cutthroat' comes from this species unique red band located near their gill plate that gives off a blood red appearance. The cutthroat is a resident of the Pacific West Coast waterways and has various subspecies. It is a renowned target of alpine fly fishermen and a close relative of the rainbow trout. Its main residence is the pristine alpine streams and rivers running down the Rocky Mountains. Ironically, the brook trout, a species that is struggling in much of its current range has turned into a voracious alpine invader that has off-set the balance for the native cutthroat trout.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 34 lbs. (tied with brown trout)
Trophy Locations: Elk River and Oldman River in Alberta.
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| A west coast cut throat trout caught by my friend Calvin |
Brown trout are originally a native of Europe but have been introduced to several countries around the world. This popular sport fish was introduced in Canada in the 1900s and quickly took root in the alpine rivers and streams throughout Western Canada. Brown trout have also been stocked and are now naturally reproducing residents of all of the Great Lakes. This species has many colourations, the males have a distinguished kype hook jaw during spawning season, and it is renowned for its scrappy attitude. Like many trout it can be targeted through trolling, casting, jigging, fly-fishing, or centre-pinning. Browns have become infamous for their marauding behaviour on mice top water imitations specifically during low-light conditions offering hardy anglers the opportunity for a top water low-visibility battle.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 34 lbs. (tied with cutthroat trout)
Trophy Locations: the Grand River and Niagara River in Ontario. Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan also has trophy brown trout.
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| A chrome-coloured brown trout in the pristine rivers of western Canada angled by Calvin |
Arctic char are among some of the most visually stunning fish in the world, their appearance also drastically varies depending on their environment. The chars vibrant colours only lasts for a short period of time as they exit the ocean and enter into freshwater, they will then over-winter in fresh water and become a silver or chrome colour. Come springtime char will then return to their ocean haunts to hunt various marine species. The reason that char enter into fresh water to over-winter is because of the temperature and salinity of saltwater; ocean water has an abundance of salt and will actually get below freezing and remain in water form causing a liquid ice. Because char lack anti-freeze in their blood if they remained in the saltwater they would freeze to death. Char runs have captivated the attention of hardy anglers who will use traditional gear (usually spoons and spinners) or fly gear to entice a strike. Due to the remoteness of their populations very few anglers have grappled with the mighty Arctic char.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 32 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Various rivers in the North West Territories, Yukon and Labrador that drain into the ocean.
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| Credit: Andrew Bunker (Bunks Outdoor Angle) for this stunning Arctic Char |
The bull trout is one of three Canadian species of native freshwater char; it is a close relative of the lake trout and the brook trout. Much like the cutthroat trout, the introduction of invasive brook trout populations in the Pacific Coast threaten bull trout populations through competition for resources and hybridization between the species which threatens pure bull trout genetics. The bull trout is a quarry of alpine fly anglers and gets to large sizes; due to its remote environment it is likely one of the least targeted species of trout/char in the country.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 29.5 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Alberta's Eastern Slopes contain most of Canada's populations of bull trout.
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| Calvin with his first Bull trout angled in an alpine river |
One of five Pacific anadromous salmon species that resides in British Columbia's coastal region. Like all species of true salmon they die after spawning making them hard to target during their spawning runs into freshwater as they are slowly rotting and no longer need sustenance. Because of this aggressive reflex bites are relied on to coax spawning fish into a bite, some anglers also 'floss' the salmon or drift eggs or egg replicas to take advantage of the Cohos parental instinct to consume a competitors eggs to ensure their own lineage continues. Coho salmon fight hard, are acrobatic, and can be fished in open water by trolling, jigging, or casting.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 29 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Fraser and Harrison rivers in British Columbia, the Great Lakes also have stocked trophy purely- freshwater Coho salmon.
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| My buddy Andrew with a beautiful Ontario Coho Salmon |
The lowly eel-pout, ling, ling-cod, lawyer, freshwater cod, or poor man's lobster has many names but its actual moniker is the burbot. The burbot is the only species of freshwater cod in the world. Once found in heaps frozen to the ice during Canadian winters the burbot is slowly gaining popularity as a game fish due to its tasty flesh, tendency to fight hard, and ease of capture. Anglers used to think of burbot as nothing more than a pesky by-catch interrupting their lake trout pursuits and would often toss the fish on the ice to freeze to death and asphyxiate. This bottom-dwelling abyssal fish resides adjacent to deep water in typically cold and clear Canadian Shield lakes. The burbot is a high-end predator in its own right marauding bait fish, cray fish, and invertebrates in the depths. Because of its preference for cold and deep water the burbot is rarely encountered in spring, summer, or fall. Ice fishermen will often be the anglers to contact a burbot; in March mass amounts of burbot congregate to procreate in large spawning balls on shoal structures, it is at this time that anglers can catch a surplus of the tasty poor man's lobster.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 25 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Lake Nipissing in Ontario puts out some giants but the Canadian record Burbot was caught in Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan (see below).
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| Sean Konrad's record Burbot credit: fishinggeeks on YouTube and Instagram |
The walleye is aptly named because of the opaque/reflective appearance of the lens of its eyes, a unique adaption for greater vision during low-light periods. It is a member of the Perch family and is closely related to the yellow perch and sauger. Next to bass, the walleye is one of the most widely targeted species, pursued for its tasty white meat. It's distribution in Canada is vast, with it ranging across Ontario to Canada's West Coast in diverse environments, from the humblest creeks to the vastest Great Lakes. The walleye is a bonafide predator with it consuming crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians, and other fish species, due to it's ocular adaptions it capitalizes on low-visibility periods where it marauds unsuspecting prey. This species can be caught casting, trolling, bottom-bouncing, vertical jigging, drop-shotting, and ice fishing.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 22 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Lake Winnipeg Manitoba, Bay of Quinte Ontario, and Lake of the Woods Ontario.
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| My buddy Tyler with a whale of an Ontarian walleye |
The longnose gar hails from the cretaceous period and has a penchant for survival; these extinction dodgers have survived dinosaur predation, mass extinction events, and severe climate fluctuations. The gar is so adept at surviving that it exists from the frigid expanses of Lake Nipissing in North East Ontario to the sub-tropical waters of the Florida everglades; gar have the ability to breathe air and can survive in oxygen depleted waters for months at a time. This toothy, armored, reptilianesque fish is equipped with hundreds of needle-like teeth that it utilizes to seize small prey items like fish, amphibians, and mice. The longnose gar has been long considered a 'rough' or 'trash' fish and has been persecuted by bow-fishermen for entertainment and sport fishing anglers who consider them a pesky by-catch. Slowly but surely they are gaining notoriety with niche anglers especially fly fishermen who see the sight fishing opportunities for gar as being similar to saltwater flats fishing. Due to their bony needle-filled dentitions their mouth is very difficult to puncture with a hook; gar will steal bait and frustrate ill-equipped anglers as they routinely release themselves from lures. Savvy anglers have found success with a hook-less approach utilizing small strips of rope that is untangled and cast like a fly, when the gar bites the rope its teeth become ensnared- this particular method is not without its risks as a broken line would surely doom the escaping fish to a slow agonizing death by starvation. Small treble or beak hooks can also be utilized under floats with live or cut-bait; smaller hooks are sharper and thinner and improve an angler's odds of gaining purchase in a gars beak. Gar are one of the only freshwater fish in Canada that are physically capable of 'tail walking' on the surface which is an exhilarating experience during angling combat.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 21.2 lbs.
Trophy Locations: The Ottawa River in Ontario reigns supreme for Canadian gar numbers and size. Their locations are roughly tied to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway watersheds.
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| Credit: Andrew Bunker (Bunks Outdoor Angle) for this Prehistoric predator of a longnose gar |
A splake is a hybrid between a brook trout and lake trout (all are char species). Splake are an artificially occurring species that has been utilized for put-and-take game fishing opportunities throughout the country. Like a tiger trout or tiger muskie they inherit specific attributes, appearances, and behaviours of both parent species. Sometimes a population of splake with circumnavigate a lake like their brook trout parents and other splake will relate to the main lake basin like their lake trout lineage. Splake are scrappy like both parent species and can be caught trolling, jigging, ice fishing, and casting.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 20.7 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Splake are stocked throughout most cold regions in Canada as a put-and-take fishery. Their trophy potential is largely based on the brook trout/ lake trout genetics used to cultivate them and the forage base and size of the lake they are stocked in.
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| A gorgeous specimen of a Splake caught by Andrew Bunker (Bunks Outdoor Angle) |
Ironically the freshwater drum is considered among many sport fishermen to be a lowly species of fish that is often regarded as a pest or nuisance. This is ironic because its close marine relatives the black drum and redfish are both the prized quarry of saltwater anglers. The species may lack some of the aesthetic visual patterns of their cousins, but their body shape remains similar. They are also similar in their penchant to fight hard on a rod and reel. Drum are often caught as by-catch by walleye, perch, catfish, or bass anglers and this may contribute to angler frustrations because it may fool a fishermen into thinking that they have a monster desired species on the hook. This species consumes invertebrates and prey fish species and can be targeted casting, trolling, lure fishing, using worms, live bait or cut-bait; the most consistent way to target drum is through the use of leeches, worms, minnows or cut-bait. Rough fish are slowly turning heads in North America and I believe it is only a matter of time before the freshwater drum gets its time in the spotlight.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 20.6 lbs.
Trophy Locations: The Whitemud River in Manitoba, the Moira River, the French River, Lake Nipissing, and the Great Lakes watershed contain huge freshwater drum (all in Ontario).
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| A nice freshwater drum credit: Bear's Den Lodge French river Ontario |
The dolly varden is so similar in behaviour, appearance, and habitat to the Arctic char that they often interbreed. Much like char they lack anti-freeze in their blood and must over-winter in freshwater to prevent hypothermia-induced death. The dolly varden is lesser-known than the Arctic char but is pursued by die-hard trout, char, and salmon enthusiasts. Traditional spinning gear utilizing spoons and spinners or fly fishing gear is often used to target this predatory fish eating species.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 20 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Peel River, Tatshenshini River, and the Blackstone River in the Yukon.
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| A gorgeous Dolly Varden credit: The fly shop |
The American Eel is easily the oddest specimen on the list of Canadian giants! It took researchers decades to figure out the life cycle of this mysterious eel; it breeds out in the Sargossa Sea and goes through several stages of metamorphosis to become what we recognize the species as. American Eels can absorb oxygen through their skin so on dew-covered nights these slithering fish can manoveur across wet sand, grass, and mud to traverse impossible obstacles for other marine life like dams. Anglers can catch eels on a variety of bait including minnows, cut-bait, and worms. Typically angling success can be found on or adjacent to the bottom of the body of water. Due to extirpation from most Ontario waterbodies, eel angling is banned.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 16.5 lbs.
Trophy Locations: American Eel are present in the Atlantic Ocean and migrate into connecting fresh bodies of water. Caution: American Eel fishing is banned in Ontario due to an endangered species status.
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| American Eel credit: roughfish.com |
Otherwise known as 'dogfish' this species has earned its moniker with its ability to engage in a dogfight. What the bowfin lacks in sheer overall size it makes up for in strength, tenacity, and unpredictability during the fight- set the hook on a bowfin and get ready for the haphazard entropy to unfold. This Triassic Period survivor appears more reptilian than fish as it is a living dinosaur. Toothy grinned, reptile in appearance, and airbreathing, this species defies most of our preconceived notions about fish evolution. The bowfin is the last living member of its genus and it has recently been speciated in the scientific community. It was once assumed that there was only one species of bowfin but there are defining characteristics that separate the northern and southern populations of this fish. The southern bowfin have been reclassified as the ruddy bowfin while the northern populations are aptly named the eyespot bowfin for the prevalent eye-like marking on male bowfin. A unique attribute of male eyespot bowfin is their chartreuse colour during the spawning season which is thought to be used to ward off predation of their nests that the males guard. Bowfin have long been considered a 'rough' or 'trash' fish by sport anglers but they are slowly gaining notoriety. This species is an absolute thrill to chase; they reside in weed-choked back bays, streams, creeks, and lake systems. In Canada, the Great Lakes basin (except Lake Superior), the St. Lawrence River and connecting bodies of water hold the majority of Canadian bowfin. Although they will hit lures, bowfin are more consistently caught on live bait, cut-bait, or worms, anglers find success with these bait presentations on bottom or under a float.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 15 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Large bowfin are present in the Great Lakes in Ontario (except Lake Superior) and the connecting watersheds, they also reside in the St. Lawrence River.
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| To date my PB bowfin at about half the size they grow in Ontario |
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| My first ever Bowfin |
The lake Whitefish is becoming an important player in the fight against invasive species in the Great Lakes! This fish species has quickly adapted to slurping up round gobies and amazingly has developed stronger throat muscles that it utilizes to crush the shells of the invasive zebra and quagga muscles. The Whitefish is not only an important predator to ward off invasions, it is a delicious game fish and can be a challenge for anglers to target. Finesse approaches, thin line, and down-sized lures are often required to trick the cunning Whitefish into hitting a lure. This species is typically targeted by vertical jigging either on open water or through the ice.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 15 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Lake Superior in Ontario produces some monstrous whitefish, Lake Simcoe also has the potential to put out size and numbers.
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| Huge white fish credit: In-Fisherman |
Similar to the Arctic char, the Sockeye salmon goes through a stunning colour palette change when it enters into freshwater; this species transforms from a chrome-coloured body to a crimson red as it enters its spawning run. Sockeye are a popular eating fish and are the target of both recreational and commercial fisheries for their delicious flesh. Flossing, casting, fly fishing, and drifting roe are the common ways to target these fish in freshwater.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 15 lbs.
Trophy Locations: The Fraser River in British Columbia is known for its sockeye salmon run.
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| A stunning Sockeye credit: sports illustrated |
Subjectively the brook trout (actually a char) is one of the most stunning species of freshwater fish that swims in Canadian waters. These small but mighty scrappers occupy pristine creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes, and even the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Prince Edward Island. The brook trout is a voracious eater consuming aquatic insects, leeches, worms, crayfish, amphibians, sometimes mice, and of course prey fish species- they are also known cannibals (my favorite brooky lures are brooky coloured). Because of its tasty flesh and vulnerability to environment toxins the brook trout has declined in its native range from over-fishing and pollution. Stocking programs have recuperated native brook trout and injected artificial brooky fisheries into many lakes across Canada. Brook trout can be targeted vertical jigging through the ice and in the summer time using live bait, artificials, by casting, trolling, jigging, and drifting bait. Fly fishermen also salivate at the prospects of tossing both dry flies and streamers at these artistic acrobats.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 14 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Lake Nipigon and the Nipigon River in Ontario reign supreme; the current world-record brook trout was caught in the Nipigon River. Lake Superior in Ontario also has huge 'coaster' brook trout. Prince Edward Island has an under-rated sea-run brook trout population that migrate into their river systems and back out to the Atlantic Ocean.
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| Credit: Andrew Bunker (Bunks Outdoor Angle) for this huge Lake Nipigon Brook Trout |
The pink Salmon is the smallest Pacific Salmon species in Canada. It is easily distinguished by the hump on its back. Although small in comparison to their cousins they make up for it with their beautiful Spotted patterns and their ability to fight hard for their size. Typical salmon spawning tactics work when angling for this species.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 13 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Pink salmon were accidentally released into the Lake Superior watershed in the 1950s. Pink salmon are located in various rivers throughout British Columbia and Alaska.
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| A pink Salmon that fell victim to my friend Andrew in the rapids |
It isn't even debatable that the largemouth bass is the world's most popular species of freshwater fish! Millions of dollars circulate around the capture of these scrappy, acrobatic, voracious schooling predators. Largemouth bass are wide-spread across North America and are so accessible to the every day angler that it is hard to debate their attributes. Often the glutton the largy will eat reptiles, amphibians, other fish, ducklings, and basically anything that it can guzzle down its large...mouth. Numerous ways to target largemouth bass exist as anglers seek to hit that magic double-digit mark; due to frigid Canadian winters the size potential is much smaller than the more temperate Southern haunts of the infamous largemouth bass.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 10.4 lbs.
Trophy Locations: The Great Lakes Basin and adjacent bodies of water have the potential to put out trophy largemouth bass.
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| My buddy Tyler with a nice Northern Ontario Largemouth |
Often riding on the coattails of its larger cousin, the smallmouth bass also has a very dedicated group of anglers that routinely pursue this species. Also a glutton, smallies will eat invertebrates, small mammals, worms, crustaceans, amphibians, and of course prey fish. Bass exist in diverse environments from the humblest of ponds to the largest Great Lakes. Anglers can pursue smallmouth bass utilizing casting, trolling, jigging, drop-shotting, bottom-bouncing, top water fishing, even ice fishing opportunities exist. Any specimens 5 lbs. and over are considered trophy catches, while anglers can devote a lifetime to the pursuit of a double digit specimen and come up short.
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 10.15 lbs.
Trophy Locations: the Current Canadian record smallmouth bass came out of Lake Erie Ontario.
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| My PB Smallmouth bass at 21.5" and 6lbs |
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 28"; I listed this species as a honorary mention due to the weight of the Canadian record not being recorded. I assume they can get over 10 lbs. in Canada being that the world-record well exceeds this benchmark.
Trophy Locations: They are stocked throughout much of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
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| Tiger trout credit: Hunt Fish Manitoba |
Maximum Documented Canadian Size: 7-8 lbs.
Trophy Locations: Various rivers and lakes throughout much of Canada.
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| My dad with a nice Silver Redhorse |
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