bushy23

Had a great week on the lower French. It was my 6th Annual Spring Fishing trip. Water levels were the lowest I have seen. We usually target pickerel and end up catching pike. This year was different. We caught several pickerel and only a dozen or so pike. Pickerel were caught trolling and jigging with minnows and worms.

Black flies were pretty much non existant and the mosquitoes were only out in the early morning and evening. Looking forward to next year already!

I agree with the above posts. Could have a fantastic trip without catching a thing.

Pulled this off the Government webstite:

Lake Nipissing and French River

Recorded Water Level Forecast

The following is the water level forecast for Lake Nipissing and the French River as of Tuesday, May 22, 2012, as provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada. The precipitation at the French River Dams station for May, as of May 22, was 11% of the monthly average. The inflows into the lake are currently below the long-term average inflow.

Lake Nipissing

As of May 22, 2012, the water level elevation of Lake Nipissing was 195.86 metres. The lake level is 3 centimetres above the long-term average. The lake level is expected to decline during the next few days. Further change in the lake level is dependent on the amount of inflows and precipitation.

French River

At Dry Pine Bay, the river level on May 22, 2012, was 180.70 metres, which corresponds to a flow of 81 cubic metres per second. The river level is 92 centimetres below the long-term average, which corresponds to a flow of 179 cubic metres per second below the long-term average. The river is expected to decline during the next few days. Further change in the river levels will be dependent on the amount of inflows and precipitation.

I am heading up the week after. If you could report back on the conditions you mentioned I would appreciate it.

Thanks

Picked up some Starbrite Hull Cleaner today. I will let you all know how I make out. Thanks for all the tips.

I have tried several cleaners today and had little success. The boat has been dry docked since last fall. I think I will take her fishing and let it soak for a few hours in fresh water. Hopefully that will loosen things up a bit.

I pick up by 185 Lund Tyee today. It has sat in the Grand River every summer and is stained from the water line down. I am looking for some advice or products to help get this cleaned up. Your help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Best of luck to ya. I am heading to the French in a few weeks and would love to hear how you did. Make sure you take lots of pics!!

WOW! Lots of great tips. Thanks a bunch. I will be mostly targeting walleye and pike as the smallmouth will be out of season. You guys are great!!! I guess I need to get to the store and stock up. Thanks Bushy

What kind of lures or bait do I need to stock up on?

Thanks for the replies, I will find out exactly where I am going later this week. thanks again Bushy

Hi all, I am heading up to the French June 11th for the first time. Just wondering what to expect for fishing and what the choice of bait or lure would be. The "S" bend is near where the camp is , if that helps. Any info or maps would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bushy