jessica, Author at Fishing & Harvesting Canada

8 Weeks That Define Smallmouth Bass Fishing Season in Ontario and Quebec

jessica September 17, 2026

The smallmouth bass season in Ontario and Quebec runs roughly from late June through October, but that four-month window divides into eight distinct fishing phases, each demanding different tactics, locations, and lure choices. Most anglers show up in July when the season is already half-evolved, missing the aggressive post-spawn bite and the predictable summer patterns that produce trophy fish. Understanding these phases lets you match your approach to water temperature, forage activity, and spawning cycles instead of casting the same crankbait from opener to freeze-up and wondering why results vary so wildly.
I’ve spent …

Fantasy Bass Fishing Is Changing How Anglers Follow Tournaments (And How to Join In)

jessica September 13, 2026

Fantasy bass fishing brings the excitement of professional bass tournaments to your laptop or phone by letting you draft real anglers, track their performance during major events, and compete for prizes without ever launching a boat. It’s daily fantasy sports meets the bass fishing circuit, and right now the biggest platform is Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing, which runs free-to-play competitions tied to the Bassmaster Elite Series and other B.A.S.S. tournaments throughout the season.
Here’s how it works: you select a roster of professional anglers before a tournament begins, earn points based on their actual weigh-in results…

Where to Buy Fly Fishing Advent Calendars in Canada: 2026 Availability Guide

jessica September 13, 2026

Finding a fly fishing advent calendar in Canada for the 2026 holiday season comes down to two main retailers: Gingerbread World, which offers a premium calendar at $99.95 featuring 24 hand-tied Canadian flies and a waterproof fly box, and Postfly, which stocks a similar 24-day trout fly calendar in its Holiday Shop. Both products deliver a curated selection of freshwater flies designed to build your collection throughout December, making them equally appealing for seasoned anglers looking to expand their fly box and newcomers who want to explore different patterns without committing to full-priced assortments.
I first came across …

How to Choose a Fishing Rod Case: A Buying Guide for Canadian Anglers

jessica September 12, 2026

Choosing a fishing rod with case means protecting a significant investment and avoiding the heartbreak of a snapped tip on the drive to your favorite lake. Based on current market research, quality fishing rod cases range from around $35 for basic soft models to $229 for premium hard-shell protection, and that spread reflects real differences in durability, capacity, and features that matter for Canadian fishing conditions.
The right case depends on how you fish. If you’re hauling gear across Algonquin portages or checking rods for a fly-in trip to northern Ontario, you need different protection than someone storing a couple …

6 Essential Access Permits and Seasonal Rules for September Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Ontario and Quebec

jessica September 11, 2026

September bass fishing in Canada comes with a specific set of rules you need to follow, and knowing which waters are open, what permits you require, and how many fish you can keep will make or break your trip. Right now, Ontario anglers face a two-fish limit with only one over 56 cm allowed through September 30, and you’ll need a valid fishing licence unless you’re a resident under 18 or over 65. The compliance landscape shifts lake by lake, with some waters requiring special permits and proposed regulation changes on the horizon for certain zones.
I learned this the hard way three Septembers ago on Red Lake, watching a …

How to Tie a Nail Knot for Fly Fishing: A Canadian Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

jessica August 31, 2026

The nail knot is your go-to connection for attaching a leader or backing to your fly line when there’s no loop at the end, and it’s widely considered the strongest, sleekest option available. This small, streamlined knot passes through your rod guides without catching, which matters when you’re bringing in that Lake Ontario salmon or fighting a feisty brook trout in a northern stream. You can tie a secure nail knot in about five minutes once you’ve practiced the technique a few times, though your first attempt might take a bit longer.
Key Takeaway: Most anglers consider…

How to Choose the Right Crankbait: A Buying Guide for Canadian Anglers

jessica August 21, 2026

Crankbaits are hard-bodied lures designed to dive to specific depths and mimic baitfish through wobbling action, and choosing the right one comes down to matching three critical factors: the depth your target fish are holding, the species you’re after, and the diving action that triggers strikes in your water conditions. I learned this the hard way after burning through half my tackle budget on crankbaits that looked perfect in the store but sat at the wrong depth for the walleye holding fifteen feet down on Lake of the Woods.
Key Takeaway: Match your crankbait to water depth first, then…

Bow River Fly Fishing: What I Learned Chasing Trout in Alberta’s Most Famous Water

jessica August 17, 2026

The Bow River through Calgary offers some of the most productive year-round trout fishing on the continent, with wild rainbows and browns averaging 16 to 18 inches and fish over 20 inches a regular possibility. What sets this Alberta tailwater apart is the combination of trophy-size fish, walk-and-wade accessibility right from the city, and a nearly 12-month season that keeps productive when other rivers freeze solid.
I’ll never forget my first morning on the Bow in late October, watching a 22-inch brown sip midges in the slick water below the weir while downtown office towers gleamed in the background. That strange …

How to Set Up Your Fly Fishing Line: A Complete Step-by-Step System

jessica August 16, 2026

Standing waist-deep in a northern Ontario stream last spring, I watched a newcomer struggle with a tangled mess of line, leader, and tippet for twenty minutes before giving up and heading home. That frustration is avoidable. Setting up a fly fishing line takes about 15 minutes when you know the proper sequence: attach backing to your reel, connect the fly line with a nail knot, add a tapered leader, extend it with tippet, and tie on your fly. Master these five connections and you’ll spend your time casting instead of cursing.
Key Takeaway: Your complete fly fishing setup follows a simple…

How to Set Up Your Fly Fishing Line from Reel to Leader

jessica August 13, 2026

Setting up a fly fishing line correctly means connecting four distinct components in the proper sequence: backing attached to your reel, fly line joined to the backing, leader tied to the fly line, and tippet connected to the leader. This complete system takes about 15 minutes to assemble once you understand the order, and getting it right the first time means smooth casts, proper line performance, and fewer tangles on the water.
I still remember the first time I tried assembling my own line system at a buddy’s cabin north of Kenora. I had all the pieces spread across his kitchen table, backing tangled around a chair leg, and …

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