One of the most common questions we get when guests are looking to make reservations is, “When is the best time of the season to visit Wildewood?”. Most people are thinking about the best time to catch fish, but there are also several other factors to consider when picking the dates of your fishing trip to Northwest Ontario. Unfortunately, there is not one best time for everyone to visit. In this article, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the three major parts of our season: spring, summer, and early fall.
Spring : Late May- June
Fishing Pattern
Our season officially kicks off on the third Saturday of May each year, which corresponds with the walleye season opener for Ontario Fisheries Zone 4. Depending on the year, this can be very close to ice out, which means cold water temperatures, and typically is very close to the end of the walleye and pike spawn. In May, walleyes are congregated in the shallow bays of the lake where the spawning grounds are.
Walleye and northern pike will move into staging areas bordering spawning beds for several weeks after the ice melts. The fish population can escalate quickly and create a bonanza! During post-spawn, typically late May to mid-June, walleye and pike feed aggressively in shallow areas making them easy to catch. Lake trout are scattered, shallow and feeding aggressively. The first weeks of the season are when the highest numbers of trophy northern pike (40 inches+) are caught.
Other Considerations
In spring, you never know what you will get for weather. It could be cold with snow flurries, or it could be 80 degrees and beautiful. Unfortunately, this is the worst time of year for biting insects. They typically won’t bother you out in the boat too much, but on land they can be quite a nuisance. While the fishing is excellent, in general you will need to travel further from Wildewood to catch fish than later in the year. In early June, the bay where Wildewood is located can be productive for walleyes. At this time of year, the days are very long with light on the horizon at 4 am to 11 pm in late June!
Summer: late June- August
Fishing Pattern
As the water warms in late-June to early-July, the walleyes and pike begin to disperse from the warm shallow bays near their spawning grounds, and move out into the main basins of Lake Savant. Large pike are particularly sensitive to warm water temperatures, and head for the mouths of bays and main lake structure with access to deep, cool water. The lake trout are forced into deeper water and are more concentrated and easier to target with trolling and vertical jigging techniques.
The Narrows turns into a walleye factory in the evening, and even during the day for a brief period. Once mid-July arrives, walleyes can be found stacked up on the edges of main lake structure and on reefs, and can be caught in good numbers. Some knowledge in the use of sonar comes into play for locating fish, but once you do, you’re on them! Just throw out a marker buoy and keep the boat over them and you are golden.
Other Considerations
In summer, the weather is typically warmer and more stable, leading to a more consistent bite. With warmer water temperatures, it brings opportunities for swimming, exploring beaches, and comfortable shore lunches. Summer is definitely the best time for a family or couples’ trip. Wild blueberries begin ripening in late-July and are a special treat! The later into the season you come, the fewer biting insects there are, except for some deer flies in early summer. During the summer you do not need to travel past the Narrows to have great fishing for all species.
Early Fall- September
Fishing Pattern
As the season progresses into September, the air and water temperatures generally begin to cool. As the water temperatures drop, the walleyes move even deeper onto main lake structure, the pike move back into the shallow bays, and the lake trout begin feeding aggressively in preparation for their spawning season. Walleye fishing in early September is still quite good and similar to summer patterns. This is a great time to catch a trophy walleye.
If the water temperatures drop rapidly, the walleye fishing can slow down, especially towards the end of the month. The Narrows is still fairly productive for walleyes in the evening. Good numbers and some of the largest lake trout are typically caught the first couple weeks of September. If the water cools enough, the chances of hooking into a 40+ inch pike increase, as they ease back into the bays and weed beds. The very end of September can bring the opportunity to catch lake trout on casting gear as they stage to spawn around some islands with deep water access. They hit like a ton of bricks and run for deep water!
Other Considerations
September brings with it the increased chance of colder and windier weather, although there are often some beautiful stretches of weather. Cold fronts and cools mornings can slow the bite. Walleye fishing is generally less productive late in the month, but there are more opportunities for trophy pike and lake trout. Biting insects are almost non-existent. In the latter half of the month, the leaves of the birches and aspens turn gold and orange, creating beautiful contrast with the dark green foliage of the spruce and pines.
The Decision is Yours, but we are here to help…
Each season in Northwestern Ontario brings different fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities. The best time to visit is rooted in your expectations for your trip, the species of fish you would like to target, and fishing techniques that you favor. We hope that you have found this article helpful and informative. We are always available and happy to speak with you to help plan your perfect fishing adventure. There is still good availability throughout the season, so if you’re still thinking of planning a trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
