"This could be it!" was all I could say to my best friend when I finally hooked an unidentified fish in a remote Northern Algonquin lake.  The fly reel screamed as the fish dove for the cool depths of the lake repeatedly, being very reluctant to come to the surface and identify itself.  We had set out early that morning on our long awaited quest for trophy Brook trout.  The trip was all the more special as neither one of us have caught Brook trout larger then 12" on fly gear or otherwise.  The anticipation was at an all time high as the hefty fish's runs finally shortened and I was able to use the leverage of the 9' 5wt G.Loomis rod to get the fish closer and closer to the surface.  Finally it happened, the 23" brook

trout came within inches of the surface flashing its flank as it rolled.  Both of our jaws instantly dropped.  Not only did we find the fish of our dreams, but we were a few minutes away from landing it!  The months of planning had finally paid off!

Our quest and preparation began in late Winter as numerous articles and photos from legendary Brook trout chasers such as Gord Ellis got the best of us.  We were bound and determined that come hell or high water, at ice out we were on our way up North to find these bruisers and test Ontario's trophy brook trout fishery ourselves. Many hours were spent researching just the right lakes and gathering information about how to target Brook trout on the fly.  As we soon found out, the fortunate souls which know how to seduce large Brook trout and where are very tight lipped.  Never the less, the ever daunting task of choosing where to fish was completed as we made a list of remote Algonquin Park lakes that we wanted to try.  The "Fishing in Algonquin Park" publication made available by Ontario Parks was invaluable and is highly recommended for those wishing to visit this lovely place.
 

After landing the colorful 23", 4.5 pound monster, my friend and I looked at each other and were only able to emit the loudest

scream of joy, just like those at hockey games when the home team scores.  A quick photography session was all that was in order and the fish was gracefully released, hopefully to bring joy into someone else's life at a later date.

There aren't many anglers which would disagree that Brook trout are one of
the most noble and prized freshwater catches.  Their vibrant colors, beauty, elegance, and scarcity make them one of the most sought after fish anywhere!  And even though Brook trout can be found in small to medium sized brooks, streams, and lakes across Ontario, and most of Canada for that matter, when one thinks of true trophy Brook trout they immediately think of pristine untouched wilderness of the Gaspe or Northern Labrador.  To many people's disbelief, Ontario's own trophy Brook trout fishery is making a quite a come back.
 

Brook trout, or Salvelinus fontinalis, aren't really trout at all.  Instead they are a colorful member of the Charr family, preferring cool, oxygen rich lakes which are readily available to them in most of Northern Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador.  Brook trout are very sensitive to water conditions, allowing only the slightest tolerances when it comes to PH and temperature. Seldom will you find Brook trout in a body of water with a PH level lower than 5.0 and a temperature higher than 53-56°F or 40-49°F during spawning periods.  It is due to these incredibly specific habitat demands, as well as high fishing pressures that Brook trout are seldom found in great numbers and large size.  In fact, the average Ontario Brook trout reaches only about 10" to12".

When preparing to go on a Brook trout expedition to Ontario's great North, it is vital to arm yourself with knowledge.  Researching locations, tactics, and seasonal fish behavior is the key to success.  This theory is all the more important if you plan to use fly fishing gear as your weapon of choice.

Fly fishing in lakes is considered far more difficult than stream or river fly fishing.  Fly anglers are limited to fishing a very small percentage of the water column, therefore we are not always able to reach the cool depths where monster Brook trout hide out during the Summer months.  When targeting Brook trout, it is important to understand their requirements.  During the ice out and Spring periods, focus your efforts on casting large streamer flies near fallen trees, or logs with deep water near by.  The flies as a rule should be minnow imitations, consisting of Clouser's, Thunder Creek minnows, and Black-nosed Dace, however large Hexagenia nymphs also work well.  A sinking tip line is recommended although not necessary.  To reach logs or fallen trees on fly gear efficiently, a canoe or float tube is invaluable.  Set up a 2 man canoe operation, with the person at the back paddling and the one at the front fly fishing (rotate as required).
 

If the lake you're fishing contains cold water inlets always be sure to check these out first.  In the spring, one

will usually see hundreds of suckers making their spawning runs from the lakes into the tributaries.  Large Brook trout are known to stage behind the suckers and gorge on their eggs.  A simple sucker roe imitation can be a killer during this early Spring event.  Fishing inlets in the Summer time also pays off as trout will migrate towards cooler water provided by the inlet.

Use a strip retrieve, pulling in about 6 to 8 inches of line at a time and letting the fly flutter down for a half second in-between.  Naturally, if the water you are fishing is deeper, allow more time for the fly to sink before stripping in more line.  A "jigging" retrieve is also effective when fishing weighted flies such as Clousers.  Don't be discouraged if the trout aren't impressed by your flies or presentation at first.  As long as you remain stealthy Brook trout will remain calm and may strike at the 3rd or 4th fly you cast them.  Patience is key.

One of the main reasons Ontario's trophy Brook trout fishery is on the rise once again is due to the great conservation efforts which are in motion today.  More anglers are realizing the importance of catch and release and the MNR is posing tougher restrictions on size & creel limits.

So have patience studying those topographic maps, be prepared with your minnow pattern fly box, and don't be scared to venture off the beaten path for it is those tiny hidden Northern Ontario lakes which hold the biggest and brightest Brook trout of all.

Written By: Nick Pujic © June, 2003
Photographs By:  By: Nick Pujic © 2003