What We Chase
Species & Trips
The French River holds four world-class species. Here's what you need to know about each one — and what a day on the water with me looks like.
Fishing Areas
French River
UNESCO Canadian Heritage River — home water
Lake Nipissing
World-class walleye & pike fishery
Georgian Bay
Trophy musky & smallmouth bass
Best Season
Late June – November
The Fish of Ten Thousand Casts
Muskellunge
The musky is the French River's crown jewel — and the most demanding fish you'll ever chase. These apex predators require patience, precision, and a guide who has spent decades learning every weed edge, rocky point, and ambush lane on the river. I have.
- Casting and trolling techniques for trophy fish
- Dedicated musky rods, reels, and leader material provided
- Focus on proven trophy-producing structure
- Catch-and-release encouraged for all fish
Musky trips are physically demanding and best suited to experienced anglers. That said, I've put first-timers on fish — the river doesn't care about your resume.
Best Season
May – November
The River's Relentless Predator
Northern Pike
Northern pike on the French River are aggressive, powerful, and willing to fight from the moment they hit the lure. Trophy fish over 40 inches are a real possibility on every trip. If you want non-stop action with a chance at a true giant, pike season on the French is hard to beat.
- Shallow bay and weed edge presentations
- Large swimbaits, spoons, and topwater in season
- Wire leaders and heavy tackle provided
- Excellent action throughout the open water season
- Catch-and-release encouraged for all fish
Pike are a great choice for anglers of all experience levels — they hit hard and fight harder.
Best Season
May – September
The Table Fare King
Walleye
Walleye are the French River's most sought-after eating fish. I know the current breaks, the rocky shoals, and the twilight feeding windows that put walleye in the boat consistently. A walleye trip with a shore lunch is the quintessential French River experience — when fire conditions permit.
- Jigging, live bait, and crankbait presentations
- Focus on current seams, rocky structure, and drop-offs
- Evening bite trips available in peak season
- Shore lunch available when fire conditions permit
- Catch-and-release encouraged for all fish
Walleye are ideal for families and anglers who want consistent action and the best table fare on the river.
Best Season
June – September
Pound for Pound, Pure Fight
Bass
Both largemouth and smallmouth bass thrive in the French River system. The smallmouth fishery in particular is exceptional — clear water, rocky structure, and fish that will test every knot you tie. If you've never caught a 4-pound smallmouth on light tackle in clear Canadian Shield water, you're missing something.
- Light and medium tackle for maximum sport
- Topwater, soft plastics, and finesse presentations
- Largemouth in weedy bays, smallmouth on rocky points
- Catch-and-release encouraged for all fish
Bass trips are a fantastic option for younger anglers and families — fast action, willing biters, and spectacular fights.
Pricing
Trip Rates
All trips include the boat, fuel, tackle, and 25 years of local knowledge. Fishing licences are the responsibility of each angler — I'll point you in the right direction.
Full Day — 1 Angler
$650 / day
Guide, boat, fuel, tackle, fishing licence advice
Full Day — 2–3 Anglers
$650 / day
Guide, boat, fuel, tackle, fishing licence advice
Trophy Musky Hunt
$800
10–12 hour extended day targeting trophy muskellunge — for serious hunters only
Weekly World Record Musky Hunt
$3,000
Full week dedicated to chasing a world record musky — intensive multi-day campaign on prime water
Shore Lunch Add-On
Contact for rates
Traditional shore lunch when fire conditions permit
Multi-Day Packages
Contact for rates
Discounted rates for 2–5 day bookings
Daily rate is $650. Multi-day packages and group bookings welcome — contact for details.
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