I have learned over the years the hard way that the #1 thing you should prepare for on a Canadian fishing trip is not the fishing but rather the weather. I don’t care what time of year you go the weather can be quite variable. One day short sleeves and shorts are in order…the next day grab your best winter gear. Going in late July and early August gives you the best chances at stable weather but don’t bet the farm on it. Going in May, early June, and September can bring phenomenal fishing but you better pack a little extra to cover all possible conditions.

Bret Apthorpe took a group to to Nettogami Island with Air Cochrane and he has a series of short videos of their trip. Two illustrate the point of this post. Check out the attire between two of his clips.

Yes, this was all from the same week in June.

During my trip to Pasha Lake Cabins, we had to get off the lake from a great day of fishing due to wind, rain and cold that we weren’t prepared for during early August. We probably missed out on a 100+ walleye in the boat type of day. I hate leaving fish.

The bottomline is be prepared for any weather condition when you plan your next Canadian fishing trip.

Recently, I was asked what lures I would choose for a Canadian fishing trip if I could only select 5.  Of course, I immediately tried to get 5 selections for each species that I might target.  No such luck, I had to give only 5 for the trip.  The person asking me was going on a canoe trip and was limited in space for tackle.

So, here are the suggestions I offered to him.  I selected each on 3 criteria:

1) Mepps Aglia Spinner

Dressed versus Undressed

The first question that I usually get when recommending a Mepps is whether to get dressed or undressed.  I don’t get concerned over this as I’ve found that most of the time it doesn’t seem to matter.  I did say most of the time.  I have had a few times where I’ve seen it matter.

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