Callander Bay is a major spawning site for walleye, making it one of the best locations on the lake to fish.
There are weed lines near shore that hold pike and muskie.
Islands in the bay provide structure and shelter for fish and fishermen alike, making it possible to get out fishing regardless of the weather.
Yearly spring surveys by the Ministry of Natural Resourses net some muskie over 50 pounds. Several of our guests landed muskie this past season, including a 53 inch brute hooked 250 feet from our docks that was released unharmed after a 15 minute fight to land it. I fish two or three times a week, so I can give you first hand advise on where the fish are and what they are biting on. We also have complimentary maps of Callander Bay so the hot spots can be marked for you.
Some of the lures you might consider bringing with you for walleye would be jigs, especially in the spring and fall, tipped with a worm or minnow. Chartreuse, red, white and pink seem to work the best. We use a lindy rig quite a bit in the summer and generally fish in 25 feet of water or less. For fishing pike, large bucktails and big spoons like red eyes are the best. For bass fishing, buzz baits or a hook with split shot and a worm are successful while fishing structure along the shoreline and islands. All of this tackle can be purchased in our store. We also have a screened in fish cleaning building. When staying at Bayview Camp, don't be afraid to ask what to use, as every lake is different and we will be happy to help you.
A fishing guide can be arranged for you through Rob's Fishing Charters. Rob has over 25 years experience on Lake Nipissing and was B.A.S.S. Team Ontario Champion in the 2000 Lake Nipissing Open. I have yet to see a customer get off Rob's boat that wasn't smiling.
Fish Restocking on Lake Nipissing
Our local tourist association has been restocking Callander Bay and the South Shore for the past 18 years. We have our own hatchery running, and over 2 million eggs a year are taken with about 80% of them hatching. That means about 1.6 million fry are put back in the lake each year.
This aggressive restocking program is beginning to show results. 2001 and 2002 were great years for fishing walleye and pike and we expect 2003 to be even better.
In 1999, the MNR, with the full consent of the Tourist Industry, implemented a four fish limit on pike and walleye. There is also a protected slot size in effect. Any walleye between 40-60 centimeters has to be thrown back in. The reason for this policy, is to protect the spawning females, making a better fishery for our future and our children's future. Many lakes around us, having seen the benefits and success of our program, would like to do the same.
The response has been excellent from our customers, since conservation of our fisheries is everyone's responsibility.
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