Catch & Release. We encourage our guests to release all larger, spawning size fish, walleye over 20 inches, northern pike over 30 inches and perch over 12 inches. These fish are generally all females, prime spawners, and at least 10 years old, while really large fish can be 30 years old or more.
Shore Lunch Fish Fry. The best eating size fish: walleye 15 – 18 inches, perch 9 – 12 inches and northern pike 22 – 28 inches, we encourage our guests to enjoy eating while they are here when the fish are at their very best freshness and taste. Shore lunches where fish and food are cooked over an open fire are especially delicious.
Bringing Fish Home. As for bringing fish home, we think it’s a good idea if our guests are planning to eat the fish within 2 – 4 weeks after their vacation here, while the fish taste and quality is still very good (although not as good as fresh caught fish). If our guests do not plan to eat the fish fairly soon after their vacation, we think it is a better idea to release the fish back into the lake for their next vacation.
We are in located in Ontario Fishing Zone 7.
Northern Pike Growth Chart
This chart shows typical northern pike sizes for different ages as well as male/female ratios for Wabatongushi Lake and our region of Northern Ontario, Canada. We are in the mid-boreal forests of Northern Ontario so walleye and northern pike in southern regions will grow much faster, possibly twice as fast, as our region. However, our northern pike tend to live much longer, perhaps twice the age or more.
Fish Age-Size and Male/Female Ratio Chart
| Fish Age | Length | Weight | Male/Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10"-25cm | .2lb | 50/50 |
| 2 | 13"-35cm | .5lb | 55/45 |
| 3 | 19"-48cm | 1.4lb | 60/40 |
| 4 | 22"-54cm | 1.9lb | 65/35 |
| 5 | 24"-61cm | 2.3lb | 70/30 |
| 6 | 26"-66cm | 2.7lb | 65/35 |
| 7 | 27"-68cm | 3.1lb | 60/40 |
| 8 | 28"-71cm | 3.4lb | 55/45 |
| 9 | 29.5"-75cm | 3.7lb | 50/50 |
| 10 | 31"-78cm | 4lb | 45/55 |
| 11 | 32"- 80cm | 5.2lb | 40/60 |
| 12 | 32.5"-82cm | 6.3lb | 35/65 |
| 13 | 33"-84cm | 7.6lb | 30/70 |
| 14 | 34"-87cm | 10lb | 25/75 |
| 15 | 35"-88cm | 10.5lb | 20/80 |
| 16 | 36"-90cm | 11lb | 15/85 |
| 17 | 37"-93cm | 12.5lb | 10/90 |
| 18 | 38"-96cm | 15lb | 8/92 |
| 19 | 39"-99cm | 18lb | 6/94 |
| 20 | 40"-101cm | 21lb | 5/95 |
| 21 | 41.5"-105cm | 23lb | 4/96 |
| 22 | 43"-109cm | 25lb | 3/97 |
| 23 | 44.5"-113cm | 28lb | 2/98 |
| 24 | 46”117cm | 31lb | 1/99 |
Ontario Fishing Licence
Ontario, Canada has a range of Fishing Licences ranging from 1 day to 8 day to 1 year to 3 years for Conservation or Sport Fishing for Ontario residents, Canadian residents and non-residents of Canada.
Guests of our lodge can buy their licences online.
Northern Pike Fishing Photos
Our guests with some of their big northern pike.
As an avid fishing enthusiast and expert with extensive knowledge of various fishing techniques and locations, I can assure you that understanding the nuances of fishing, especially for specific species like walleye and northern pike, requires a deep understanding of their behavior, habitats, and conservation practices. In the context of the provided article, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned.
Catch & Release Policy: The article emphasizes a responsible approach to fishing by encouraging catch and release, particularly for larger, spawning-sized fish. The criteria for release include walleye over 20 inches, northern pike over 30 inches, and perch over 12 inches. The rationale behind this is to preserve the breeding stock, as these larger fish are typically females and crucial for the sustainability of the population. The age estimation of these fish is also provided, highlighting that some of these individuals can be as old as 30 years.
Shore Lunch Fish Fry: The article advocates for enjoying the culinary aspect of fishing by indulging in shore lunches. It specifies the best eating size for walleye (15–18 inches), perch (9–12 inches), and northern pike (22–28 inches). This is a unique experience where freshly caught fish are cooked over an open fire, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the fishing expedition.
Handling and Bringing Fish Home: There's a practical recommendation regarding bringing fish home. Guests are advised to consume the fish within 2–4 weeks for optimal taste and quality. If not, releasing the fish back into the lake is encouraged, promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Northern Pike Growth Chart: The article provides a Northern Pike Growth Chart, offering insights into the typical sizes of northern pike at different ages. The growth chart includes the length, weight, and the male/female ratio for each age. It's noteworthy that the growth rates may vary based on the geographical region, as mentioned in the context of the mid-boreal forests of Northern Ontario.
Ontario Fishing Licences: Information about fishing licenses in Ontario, Canada is included, ranging from 1 day to 8 days, 1 year to 3 years, and catering to Conservation or Sport Fishing for various categories of residents and non-residents. Guests of the lodge are facilitated to purchase these licenses online for convenience.
Northern Pike Fishing Photos: The article concludes with visual evidence – photos of guests proudly displaying their big northern pike catches. These images serve as a testament to the success and enjoyment of the fishing experiences at the lodge.
In summary, the article covers a range of topics from responsible fishing practices, culinary experiences, fish handling, growth charts, licensing, and visual documentation. It reflects a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem, emphasizing both the thrill of the catch and the importance of conservation for future generations of anglers.
