Guidofisherman

This may help. http://forums.dprevi...mpactgrouptest/

Great report with lots of fishing variety at that drive-to camp. Loved the fall colours on the male trout.

Great report as usual and impressive fish to boot. Loved the photo work, especially the colours.

I have kept stats on the recapture rate for my own interest and to track the repeats. In certain " high pressure" areas, the recapture rate average is 20%. This varies with each season and the average size for each season. Generally, the bigger fish tend to have a higher recapture rate and fewer smaller fish are recaptured. Possibly the larger fish can tolerate the return better? Solopaddler is right, water temp is a significant factor in their release. Over the years, I have also found that once the water temp gets to 60, these fish struggle when released, so that is when I quit fishing for them because reviving takes a long time. Also, if I see a fish is struggling after a good battle, I don't tag it but let it go. This is about 10% of the fish.

I'll try to answer the questions raised with my personal observation and the data I have from the MNR Angler Surveys. Is there less or more angler traffic with each passing year and what is the impact? Angler traffic took a significant jump in the early 90s to a peak in 2003. For the past 5 years, the rod hours have lowered slightly and leveled off, however, at peak times of the season, there are more anglers. Annual fluctuations in the number of anglers seems more dependent on weather, water temps and flow. I have noticed an increase in the number of injured fish, mostly torn or missing maxillary lip plates, probably due to "horsing" in these fish. The catch rate for both river and the lake has risen since 2005, but has never reached the MNR angling quality objective of "1 brook trout of any size for every 2 hours of fishing & 1 brook trout larger than 22'' for every 8 hours of fishing" except for the lake. Lake fish tend to be a little longer but not heavier than their river relatives. The one thing I have noticed and confirmed by MNR stats is the Brook Trout harvest is down significantly from the early 90s. More fishermen are practicing "C&R". As for more and bigger fish since the reg change? I have caught more fish each year but it may be just getting better at it. I don't have MNR numbers on that other than the fact that the population remains stable but well below the goal of returning the fish population to the levels of the 1930s. Also, I found that the size (length) of the annual fish population fluctuates on about a 4 year cycle reflecting growth rates. The bottom line is that it is a relatively small and fragile population in Lake Nipigon, Nipigon River and Nipigon Bay (Coasters) compared to historic figures for the 30s. We need to continue monitoring the populations, practicing good fishing techniques and study the life history of this fish species if it is to survive. Alan

I am finally getting around to tabulating my 2011 Brook Trout season. For me, it was a shortened season, both spring and fall, but my most productive ever. Despite the low water conditions and higher than usual water temps, I tagged and released over 80. This data has been forwarded to the MNR as part of their on-going study through “The Co-operative Angler Program”. In 2002 the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources formed a Brook Trout Committee to explore options for rehabilitating native brook trout stocks in Lake Superior, Lake Nipigon, the Nipigon River, and the lower reaches of their tributaries. The regs were changed in 2005 to a one fish limit over 22” and a review of the status of the Nipigon Brook Trout took place after a 5 year period. That report will be finalized this fall. I’ll share a summary when the biologists release it. From my perspective only, based on the past 8 years tagging, the population seems to be stable, but susceptible if precautions are not maintained. This year’s data shows the weight and length of fish as average. While I didn’t catch any real big ones by Nipigon standards (28% in the 4-6 lb. range), almost one third were recaptures indicating that careful “catch and release” tactics work. Here are a few photos from this year. Enjoy! http://members.shaw.ca/amuir/catchcharts.html

Wow....what great shots of fish and scenery. Love the fall colours, especially the vibrant reds that we don't get up here. Alan

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'll pass on the opinions.

A friend of mine has a son the works in one of the diamond mines way north and has a chance to bring back a taste treat for his dad. He wants to know which to bring back, either Arctic Char or Grayling? Any suggestions from you guys who have been up there or tried either?

Great report Dan. I also ran into Moosebunk on the water but didn't get a chance to meet and chat as I had to leave to deal with my dad's estate. Will be going back for the last few days of the brookie season though. I also ran into the hot weather and flat, warm water. Great photos, especially the eagles. How is that "old bird" sitting at the back of the boat?

Great report. I love the underwater photos. I know they take a little more work to set up and a bit of luck. What camera did you use?

You are the KING of trips and a great story teller. Excellent photos too!!

Great to see you got out for some brookies. Nice looking fish. Looks like the one you didn't catch last year....ha...ha. Hope to see you guys up there later this month. Let me know. Alan

Now , that's a family camping trip. It is what memories are made of in years to come. Super!!!

A boat first aid kit is a must. Tell new boat guests where you keep it just in case you are not conscious. I also keep a few baby Asprin with instructions to be taken or given should I have a stroke. Check with your doctor about its use before including. Here is a simple way to to stop a more serious cut. Years ago, I was canoeing about 160 miles from anywhere. While building a fire, I accidentally cut myself with the axe on the knee. I finally got it stoped with pressure but it kept reopening when I moved. What I did was lay 2 long strips of 2" wide white medical tape on either side of the gaping cut fairly close to the opening. I then sewed the inside edge of the tape together to pull the wound closed. That way I wasn't sewing skin but the tape. Then I covered it with a typical dressing. The ER doctor was impressed when I finally got there several days later.

In a previous post, I complained about the fuel gauge readings on my new Lund Rebel. It would not read accurately, but would show "full" when running down the lake, even with less than half a tank. Following up on suggestions from OFC members, I contacted the dealership mechanic that said it was normal and to read it sitting still and level. I also contacted LUND, but they never replied. Finally, I tested the gauge with an ohm meter as suggested and it worked. I then lifted the floor to expose the tank and sending unit figuring it was stuck. And there was the answer! The tank in the Lund Rebel is 7 ft long and only 4" thick. No wonder the gauge can't read accurately with such little room for the float. I now read the gauge sitting level. I debated putting in an "in-line" fuel metering system, but the 60 4 stroke get such great gas mileage that I'm not worried about running out. I'll live with the tank design issue. Thanks to all those that gave advice. Time to go fishing.

Normally I wouldn't worry about fuel as I fill up after each trip, but this last time I was out for 4 days and the trip log read I had gone 170 km. On "ignition" the reading was almost empty, but showed 1/4 when running. Turned out I used 56 of 72 liters upon fill up. I did get a reply from the dealership mechanic. Here is his email: "I talked to you last week. I must of miss understood. because what your describing to me in this e-mail sound normal. you should only be reading the gas gauge sitting still in the water. the tank is about 6" thick and 4' long. so 5 gals of gas speed out along the bottom of the tank. and 5 gals of gas at the back or front of the tank will read different." Remember, I'm using liters and the mechanic is using US gallons. I understand the dynamics of the shape of the tank and the float is located at the back end of the tank. I have not pulled it yet. I'll try one more tank full. I did however, email Lund with the details of my concern and requested a reply. I'll keep everyone posted.

Thanks Art. After a quick call to the dealership to get the factory specs, I will pull the float. I am hoping it was just installed crockeyed from the factory. How do I measure the resistance on the unit at full tank and empty tank?

My new Lund has a fuel gauge problem. I never noticed it the first time I filled up as the fuel gauge registered full as expected. I ran it for a few hours to break in the new motor and it remained on "full" and I thought 'wow' this is going to be good gas mileage. After several days of fishing and running the motor for about 70 miles, I noticed the gauge would always register 'near full' when running down the lake even when properly trimmed. If I shut the engine off and just turn the key to 'ignition' the gauge registers about 1/3 full as expected. If I then start up, the gauge moves significantly up or down depending if a person walks to the front or back of the boat. I expect some movement, but not that much. Even with half a tank, when I hit the throttle, the gauge goes to near full and stays there. For my last fishing trip, I used 56 liters of a 72 liter tank and it registered almost empty with just the ignition key. The dealership mechanic never heard of such a problem and thought it might be an electrical problem. I have checked the electrical connections and even looked at another new Lund of same model to make sure the wires were hooked up correctly. I have never seen such an erratic reading with any boat I have owned. I suspect it it an electrical problem (but the gauge does move) or a float problem in the tank. ANY THOUGHTS OR SUGGESTIONS? I am trying to avoid driving 200 miles to the dealership.

WoW!!! That's one fancy rig. Look'n good.

Finally got out in my new boat for some brook trout action. Great to get back on the water, especially in my new boat which worked well. The 60 hp pushed it along fine and trolled economically in the current. The custom decal was made from one of my own photos of a brook trout. The first fish measured 20.5"x14.5" and weighted almost 6 lbs. A great start to the season.

Now that's Nipigon fishing at its best. Three personal bests is spectacular. Congrats.

I agree Dan, they are just doing a job. I have run into the same CO's in the area several times. Once they get to know you (boat and vehicle), they are OK to deal with. One time, on that same dirt road, they blocked the road with their truck and one guy jumped out and asked if we were fishing and if I had an outdoors card. I said yes were fishing and I didn't need a card. I could tell he was about to get nasty when I reminded him it was the free fishing weekend in July. His CO buddy in the background just laughed, then I showed him my card anyway.

Isn't spring wonderful. Great to see some brookie action. Love the depth of field in the first two photos. Glad you had a good trip.

Great post. It is what I've been waiting for all winter. I know your passion. Catching Brookies like that is like great sex...dry spells followed by some action, then wondering what happened as your buddy gets lots (7), as you watch. Well, maybe that's a bit far to stretch the analogy. I'll bet Colin rubbed it in a bit that he got 7 in a row. Appreciated the photo work, especially the closeups and creative shutter speeds. I flew over the area last week and took some photos from the air (check PM) and noticed the water levels down about 3 ft. How were the reefs? Great to hear you are back in the game after last fall's disaster. Look forward to more reports and photos.