Fishing for Niagara River Lake Trout

Jigging for big Lake Trout in Lake Ontario or the Niagara River can be one of the most exhilarating fishing experiences Ontario has to offer. These fish are actively hunting and relatively easy to target with cold water temps and lots of bait concentrated in/around the river.

You can catch these “dinosaurs” throughout the Winter and into Spring.
Click here for Lower Niagara River Fishing Regulations (FMZ 20).
January 1 to September 30 and December 1 to December 31
Limits: Sport License: 3 and Conservation :1

DISCLAIMER: My content will include affiliate links that allow me to earn compensation for promoting products from different brands and retailers through clicks that result in purchases. All recommendations I give are my honest opinions based on my experiences with various brands and products. These links allow me to continue putting out content. I sincerely appreciate your continued support!

The Two Baits You NEED

Tube Jigs
Baits:
Sizes: 3″-4″
Colours: White, Pearl-White, Shad, Ayu (Any baitfish colour)

Paddle Tail Swimbaits
Baits: Z-Man SwimmerZ , Yum Pulse, Gambler EZ Swimmer
Sizes: 4″ – 6″
Colours: White, Pearl-White, Shad, Ayu (Any baitfish colour)

Equipment

REEL: A 3000 size spinning is ideal for additional line capacity and a smooth drag to wear out these large fish. I also like to use a baitcaster to easily let line out and adjust to drift conditions.

ROD: I prefer a longer order in big water and use a 7’2″ to 7’5″ MH. Baitcast or spinning depends on my reel choice.

LINE: While jigging in deep and fast current, I prefer a thin diameter line with limited stretch. Naturally, my choice is 15-20lb PowerPro Braid with a 15-17# Fluorocarbon Leader.

Shimano Stradic FL 300 for Jigging for Niagara Lake Trout
G. Loomis IMX Pro for Jigging for Niagara Lake Trout
15lb PowerPro Braid for Jigging for Niagara Lake Trout

Technique Tips

While you can have success casting into schools of fish that are actively feeding shallow, make sure not to overlook the jigging the fish out deep. Often times, this can be the most consistent pattern.

When jigging, the most important thing is keeping your bait vertical. In order to do so, boat control is critical. Constantly adjusting your speed and direction in order to match you boat speed to the speed the bait is going to drift at. You’ll know you’re not doing it right if you never feel bottom, are constantly snagging, or your line is always going away from you.

DISCLAIMER: My content will include affiliate links that allow me to earn compensation for promoting products from different brands and retailers through clicks that result in purchases. All recommendations I give are my honest opinions based on my experiences with various brands and products. These links allow me to continue putting out content. I sincerely appreciate your continued support!

My Drop Shot Reel of Choice

DISCLAIMER: My content will include affiliate links that allow me to earn compensation for promoting products from different brands and retailers through clicks that result in purchases. All recommendations I give are my honest opinions based on my experiences with various brands and products. These links allow me to continue putting out content. I sincerely appreciate your continued support!

Shimano Stradic FL 2500

$289.99

The Shimano Stradic Fl is my go-to reel when it comes to drop shot rig fishing. This happens to be one of my favourite and most effective techniques, so this reel has been critical to my fishing success.

The two main factors I look for in a spinning reel are a smooth and dependable drag and a durable gear. With light line and small hooks, the last thing you want is a drag that sticks or fails. The same goes for reels with sub-par gearing. Every generation of Stradic has exceeded these expectations of reliability.

2500 or 3000 size?

The only differences are that the 3000 features a deeper spool for more line capacity and a “T” style knob opposed to the standard.

For my use, there’s no need for more line, as the 2500 holds more braid mainline than I will ever need. I also don’t like the “T” handle. I would use a 3000 size if I were also using this for larger species, such as steelhead.

Key Features

X-PROTECT: Key components have a water-resistant coating paired with an engineered design that funnels water away from key areas – “Labyrinth construction”, allowing this reel to withstand the test of the elements for years to come. Previously only available in the Shimano Sustain and above.

Micro Module II Gear: The SAME main gear as the Stella ($1049.99 CAD). Extremely durable gear-teeth, while improving smoothness and reducing noise.

X-SHIP: For durability under extreme load, the pinion gear is supported by two bearings on both ends. This maintains the alignment of the drive and pinion gear.

Bonus Features

Long Stroke Spool: The taller spool provides a larger area for line to lay across. This reduces the number of times your line changes direction as line comes off the spool and ultimately increases casting distance.

Silent Drive: Ultra tight tolerances create an ultra smooth experience by eliminating wiggle room from parts including the drive gear, wormshaft, wormshaft pin and wormshaft gear.

What about weight?

While a reel that weighs less than 7oz feels cool, I just don’t feel as if it’s necessary. With a drop shot, your rod tip is often up or high, so balance point is irrelevant. If a lighter weight reel does not sacrifice any reliability, then I would consider it. This may include the Shimano Vanford, Exsence or a handful of reels in Daiwa’s lineup.

There are plenty of reels on the market weigh next to nothing. While that’s great, I’ve seen too many reels with burnt out drags or broken handles that just leave anglers disappointed.

Other Reels to Consider

Daiwa Ballistic MQ

Shimano Vanford

Minn Kota i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link Trolling Motors

So you’re in the market for a new trolling motor from Minn Kota and have the series, pound thrust and shaft length picked. Now begs the question, do you need i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link?

POWERDRIVE

TERROVA

ULTREX

ULTERRA

Click the links above to shop Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s! Or support me and my pages by shopping Bass Pro Shops with link SHOP NOW

Minn Kota i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link allow you to control your trolling motor via bluetooth remote and/or foot pedal. These trolling motors both offer primary features of Spot-Lock, AutoPilot, Cruise Control and Speed & Steering control.

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Best Jerkbait Fishing Rod & Reel Setup

Fishing a jerkbait is an extremely effective and fun technique to catch lots of bass and other species including walleye and pike. I’ll be detailing my personal setup for jerkbait fishing from rod, reel and line. In this setup, I’m aiming to have the combo as light as possible, so that I may comfortably fish a jerkbait all day if need be.

27.5" southern Ontario river walleye with a Megabass X-80 Trick Darter in it's mouth. Catching walleye on a jerkbait.
Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass Caught on a Megabass Vision 110 Jerkbait

ROD: Shimano Expride – 6’6″Medium ($390)

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The Shimano Expride offers a very parabolic, yet powerful enough action with High-Power X carbon taping to not pull treble hooks from a fishes mouth and still handle large and acrobatic bass.

Similar to this model, many anglers enjoy the 6’10” Medium version. Myself being shorter, I prefer the 6’6″ so that I can twitch the rod downward without hitting the boat gunwale or the water.

The medium power Expride fishes well for standard to mid diving jerkbaits such as the Megabass X-80 Trick Darter, Vision OneTen and OneTen+1. I find this model less ideal for larger and deeper diving jerkbaits such as the Megabass Ito Shiner or Vision OneTen+2.

REEL: Shimano Aldebaran MGL – HG ($600)

Rating: 5 out of 5.

One of the lightest baitcast reels on the market at only 4.8 ounces, the Shimano Aldebaran almost feels like you’re holding air. It fits extremely well in your hands and does not wear on you to fish it. Coupled with how well this reel handles casting light line makes this reel worth every penny.

The HG model is a 7.4:1 gear ratio, retrieving 29″ of line per turn of the handle. At this speed I’m not moving the bait with the reel, only picking up slack in the line from the twitches of the rod. It’s also not too slow where I can’t keep up when the fish swim toward the boat or go airborne.

LINE: Seaguar InvisX Fluorocarbon – 12lb ($25)

Seaguar InvisX is a very supple fluorocarbon line with minimal memory, making it easy to cast and manage on your reel. It has slightly more stretch than other fluoro lines, but I find this actually helps for reaction and treble hook style baits. InvisX is thinner comparing equivalent pound tests to other brands on the market and in my experience, lasts longer than other lines I’ve fished.

I mostly fish 12lb. test so that I may get the bait in the deeper range of the lures advertised diving depth and for its ease of casting. I will bump my line up to 15lb. if I need the bait to run higher, or if I’m fishing my jerkbait around more structure compared to typical open water situations.

My Favourite Jerkbaits

Best Time to Ice Fish Lake Simcoe Perch

The ice fishing season is fast arriving in Southern Ontario. I always look forward to early ice fishing perch in Cook’s Bay on Lake Simcoe. This is when I’ve found to be the most productive and enjoyable fishing.

Lake Simcoe Perch Release.

I prefer early ice, as there is significantly less noise and traffic to spook the fish. There’s a short window between when the ice is safe and when snowmobiles and hut operators are up and running. Once that happens, it’s usually best to try and get away from the crowds in even 40-50ft of water for better fishing.

Be Safe!

While the ice may be thick enough in one area, it may not form evenly. This can be affected by factors including temperature, water depth, wind and current. You have to be very careful, making sure to use a spud bar and carrying safety equipment such as safety spikes, wearing a floater suit or even a life jacket. We’ve had days where we’ve driven all the way out there, only to see unsafe ice conditions and had to fish elsewhere.

Hand Drilling an Ice Hole on Lake Simcoe

With less traffic, we can usually sight fish in 12-20ft of water and watch schools of fish hone in on our baits without a flasher or fish finder. At some points, there will be so many fish around that you’ll be pulling your bait away from small ones, in order to give the jumbos the opportunity to eat. Sight fishing also allows you to see if you’re around vegetation. If so, it usually won’t take long for the perch to come find you!

Lucas with a Lake Simcoe Perch
Measuring a Lake Simcoe Jumbo Perch

My favourite bait to start with is a small lipless crankbait or rattle trap (All the fish caught above were on a Rapala Ultra Light Rippin’ Rap). Ripping the bait and hearing the vibration can call fish from far away. Once thee fish are beneath you, lightly jigging, pausing, or raising the bait can trigger big perch to eat! Read more about my Simcoe Perch “Must-Have” lures.

Ice Fishing Lipless Crankbaits

Must-Have Baits for Ice Fishing Jumbo Perch on Lake Simcoe

Every year thousands of anglers flock to Lake Simcoe for its amazing perch fishing. Not only can you catch a good number of fish, but you can also catch some of the biggest perch you may ever see!

My approach is to fish more aggressive baits and work toward more finesse techniques depending on how good the bite is. Aside from live bait, I’ve listed 4 lures I choose to have tied on to catch jumbos.

Lipless Rattle Bait

I almost always start with a lipless. The loud rattles will draw in fish from further away and usually trigger the most aggressive fish first. Even if I don’t get bit with this bait, I will usually see or mark one on my sonar to then follow up with something else.

Jigging Spoon

Flash versus rattles can often be aggressive enough to attract fish, but subtle enough to not spook them. Look for spoons with a bead to give the perch a “target”. While the spoon itself may seem big, the fish will often fixate on the bead and engulf your hook. Once fish are around, holding this lure completely still will trigger strikes.

Gliding Jig

Gliding jigs offer a realistic baitfish imitation. As the bait falls, its “wings” make it spiral toward the bottom. This proves to be an irresistible movement and as soon as you pause/hold the bait, fish will destroy it!

Micro Jig & Plastic

Micro jigs tipped with a small plastic work for panfish in just about any body of water. The small profile looks like an easy meal. Perch won’t be able to resist you twitching the tail of a plastic in their face!

Top Brand for Spinning Reels Under $100

After working in the fishing industry and seeing what is available from most major manufacturers, it’s my opinion that Daiwa dominates the market in spinning reels under $100. Daiwa seems to offer significantly more value than most other brands when considering features such as durability, bearing quality, smoothness and weight. Comparing reels side-by-side and just spinning the handles show a noticeable difference in smoothness to other brands at even higher price points.

When shopping for a new spinning reel, people tend to compare bearing counts. I avoid doing this across different manufacturers, as many reels will advertise a very high bearing count, but perform very poorly. When comparing Daiwa reels to each other, added bearings have an intentional contribution to performance.

I have listed the Daiwa selection below, highlighting key differences and features. *Pricing may vary based on retailer*

Daiwa Strikeforce – $24

One of the smoothest 1-bearing reels available at an entry level price.

  • ABS Aluminum Spool
  • DigiGear
  • 1 Bearing
Daiwa Sweepfire – $29

Includes the same features as the Strikeforce, but with an added bearing for slightly better performance.

  • ABS Aluminum Spool
  • DigiGear
  • 2 Bearings
Daiwa Crossfire LT – $44

Arguably the best reel under $50 and introduces the LT series. This 2 bearing reel outperforms reels that have 5+.

  • Carbon Light Body
  • ABS Aluminum Spool
  • Machine Cut Handle
  • Advanced Tournament Drag
  • 2 Bearings
Daiwa Laguna LT – $59

True Carbon Frame for increased durability and a solid price point reel.

  • Carbon Light Body
  • Air Rotor System
  • Automatic Tournament Drag
  • 4 Bearings
Daiwa Revros LT – $69

One of the most popular reels for several years. Great “bang for your buck”.

  • Air Rotor
  • Automatic Tournament Drag
  • Carbon Light Body
  • DigiGear
  • 5 Bearings
Daiwa Regal LT – $79

Is one of the smoothest reels in the price range with a total of 10 bearings, the most in the lineup. Doesn’t sacrifice durability with the True Carbon Frame.

  • Air Rotor
  • Automatic Tournament Drag
  • Carbon Light Body
  • DigiGear
  • 10 Bearings
Daiwa Legalis LT – $89

Best reel in my opinion for this price range. Entry point for the Air Bail that is nearly indestructible and features new ZAION-V material for the LT body and Air Rotor.

  • Air Bail
  • Automatic Tournament Drag
  • Carbon Light Body
  • DigiGear
  • Machine Cut Handle
  • 6 Bearings
Daiwa Exceler LT – $99

Only reel under $100 that has a 1-piece handle for maximum durability. Culmination of almost all features of reels below it.

  • Air Bail
  • Air Rotor
  • Automatic Tournament Drag
  • Carbon Light Body
  • Machine Cut Handle
  • 6 Bearings

NOTE: Select models feature a shallower spool for less line capacity. This is designed for using braided line to reduce the need for backing line. This can be a disadvantage for anglers using other types of line and for applications that require significant line capacity. Models include the Crossfire LT, Laguna LT and Revros LT

Comment Below!

Baitcast Float Fishing for Steelhead

By no means am I an avid steelheader, but I have been able to learn a fair amount through coworkers and customers from the store. I’m sharing details on why to use a baitcaster and the equipment I recommend in my own “newbie” experience.

Baitcast float fishing has become a trending setup for both experienced and new steelhead anglers such as myself. Many people who traditionally fish with a center pin reel, switch to a baitcast setup during the winter months because it’s less cold on their hands and it can offer more control when your hands feel like icicles!

Reasons I Use a Baitcaster:

  1. Cost Effective
    • I already own reels that match well for this application
    • I only need to purchase a rod and not a whole center pin combo
  2. Familiarity
    • While I’ve spooled hundreds of center pin reels, I am much more comfortable fishing and casting a baitcaster
  3. Retrieve
    • With a faster line pickup, I can comfortably fish longer drifts, without wasting time having to reel in a 1:1 ratio center pin
    • Can get more drifts throughout the day
Saugeen River Steelhead Caught Using a Baitcast Float Setup
Saugeen River Steelhead Caught Using a Baitcast Float Setup
Steelhead Caught Using a Baitcast Float Setup

Recommended Rods & Reels with Prices

*Canadian prices listed. Prices may vary based on retailer*

Rods

For the rod, think about where you’re fishing and what size floats are required. A rod too powerful won’t cast light rigs well. A rod that is too light will feel underpowered in big rivers and when conditions require big floats.

Luhr Jensen Legacy Salmon/Steelhead 10’6″ MH – $215

Raven IM6 Steelheader 11’6″ Spiral Wrap – $290

Raven IM6 Salmon 12’6″ Spiral Wrap – $290

G. Loomis E6X Steelhead – $350

G. Loomis IMX 1363-2C STFR (11’4″) – $560

Raven RPX Spiral Wrap 11’6″ – $590

Reels

For the reel, line capacity and braking systems are my priorities. I like at least a 150 size, or better a 200 size spool to hold over 100 yards of 12lb-14lb mono. You need a reel that you can reliable cast mono without backlashing.

Daiwa Tatula 150 – $200

Daiwa Tatula 200 – $220

Shimano Curado 200K – $260

Shimano Bantam MGL – $500

Shimano Metanium – $630

My Setup

REEL: Bantam MGL – My most reliable reel, with enough line capacity and a smooth drag. The added weight is no issue when using a long rod where I want the butt section heavier.

ROD: G. Loomis IMX 1363-2C STFR (11’4″) – A very responsive rod for lighter rigs when conditions require more finesse. I find this rod is overloaded once 11 gram and up floats are required.

ROD: Raven IM6 Salmon 12’6″ Spiral Wrap – The rod to have for bigger water and big floats for places like the Saugeen River. Can still handle as light as 8 gram floats.

LINE: Sunline Super Natural Monofilament (14lb Jungle Green) -This is probably my favourite mono for it’s minimal memory, suppleness and thin diameter. While 14lb may seem heavy for float fishing, it is the minimum diameter I like to reduce the line biting into the spool.

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Lipless Crankbaits for Fall Smallmouth

The fall season is one of my favourite times to break out a lipless crankbait. While many people fish “blade baits”, I usually count these as a separate lure entirely. I’ve had a ton of success on Lake Erie, usually from September until the season closes, but this lure can excel on just about any body of water.

Smallmouth Baits Inhales Duo Realis Lipless Crankbait
5lb Smallmouth on A Duo Realis Lipless with Shimano Metanium DC and G. Loomis Conquest
Freshwater Drum Completely Chokes Duo Realis Lipless
Lake Erie Smallmouth Caught on a Lipless
Lake Erie Smallmouth on a Duo Realis Vibration 68
Lake Erie Lipless Crankbait Smallmouth

How to Fish A Lipless in the Fall

Most people see this bait and think “cast and wind”. As the water temperatures drop and fish are more lethargic, I lean towards a jigging or even dragging approach. As you lift a lipless, you can feel the vibration of the bait. I find this is too aggressive, so I try to “crawl” the bait along the bottom with the odd rip of the bait. The light rattling will attract fish from further away. Many bites will occur on the fall of your cast and as you bump structure along the bottom.

Top Lipless Baits

Duo Realis Vibration 68 G-Fix

My personal favourite, the thin profile keeps the bait from rising up too much and falls with a slight shimmy. The weight-forward nose keeps the hooks from snagging, allowing you to drag it.

Jackall TN60 Disk Knocker

The TN60 is a bit wider in the nose, featuring a Tungsten lip to bump off structure. A smaller profile, a slow fall and a unique sound with a single Disk Knock rattle.

Rapala Rippin’ Rap

An old reliable lipless, this bait has the best shimmy, attracting more bites on the fall and excels when vertically jigged.

New Shipment of Duo Realis Vibration Lipless Crankbaits

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Best Daiwa Spinning Reel Under $150

$129.99 *Price may vary by retailer*

The Daiwa Fuego LT Spinning reel is unquestionably one of the best value reels on the market. I personally have this reel and find it competes extremely well against my reels that are $250+. The Daiwa Fuego LT is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable, smooth and light mid-range reel.

The Fuego LT is Daiwa’s lowest price reel that offers the key feature of a MagSealed Body.

MagSeal is a magnetized oil seal on the main shaft of the reel, blocking out dust, water, salt, or any other debris. This corrosion resistance technology will preserve the major components of your reel to make it last you for years to come.

An added bonus is the Air Bail design. Compared to traditional thin bail wires that bend and break, the Fuego LT features a hollow tubular, stainless steel bail that is virtually indestructible. Visually, it’s significantly thicker than industry standard, but actually adds no excess weight.

All Features

  • Air Bail
  • Air Rotor
  • Automatic Tournament Drag
  • Carbon Light Body
  • Machine Cut Handle
  • Mag Sealed Body
Daiwa Fuego LT Spinning Reel and Box
Model Selection

FGLT1000D – Ideal for light tackle fishing including ice fishing, ultralight panfishing and targeting stream trout.

FGLT2500D – A great all-purpose option for general fishing.

FG2500D-XH – My personal favourite for bass fishing. Faster line pickup and the right amount of line capacity.

FGLT3000D-C – Featuring a “T” style handle and a deeper spool for more line capacity. Same frame as the 2500 size models, but ideal for all-purpose fishing where more line capacity is required (pike, carp, trout).

FGLT4000D-C – The largest size offering is a great targeting larger species where you either need heavier line, more line, or both! Again, great for pike, carp, or even shore fishing salmon.

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