Hearst Air Service Hearst, ON Call us toll free at:   1-866-844-5700   Missinaibi River Bull Moose Shoals

Though seldom included among Ontario's great fishing sites, the Missinaibi River, an Arctic watershed tributary of the northward flowing Moose River system, offers several unique sportfishing opportunities for the multi-species angler. Not only does the Missinaibi River boast incredible walleye fishing and consistent northern pike angling, but also provides a chance to catch sturgeon and smallmouth bass as well.

Fast-water runs, rapids and riffles attract and hold large numbers of 1 to 3-pound walleyes which greedily pounce on almost any small bait or lure fished downstream, along current breaks, in eddies and slack water areas. Trolling upstream and drifting downstream, minnow-imitating body baits and 1/4-ounce twistertail jigs can produce quick limits of great-eating walleyes. At Bull Moose Shoals, trophy walleyes - fish between 8 and 12 pounds - are regularly caught. Catching a few robust, fast-water, river smallmouth bass adds even more excitement to a day on the Missinaibi River. In the eastern half of Ontario, this section of the river (50-1/2 N) marks the northern most range of the smallmouth bass. Hard-hitting and aerial, especially in fast water, there are few gamefish that can compare with the smallmouth bass.

In deep pools, often at the tail-out end of rapids, sturgeon can be hooked, though not always landed, by anglers specifically targeting these prehistoric giants. Snelled rigs loaded with live or dead baits or a glob of worms fished along the bottom in deep, fast water, will sometimes tempt a sturgeon into vacuuming the offering off the bottom. Heavier tackle is a must for these exceptional, much maligned, overlooked sportfish. If you require additional information about any of the fishing or hunting packages that Hearst Air offers, please do not hesitate to contact us at your convenience. Call toll free at: 1-866-844-5700 or e-mail us at: fish@hearstair.com