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bass are found from Ontario’s Great Lakes shoals to scenic, glacial lakes of the
Canadian Shield and in thousands of rivers, creeks, and lakes in between. Largemouth are
mainly in warmer waterbodies with shallow cover, whether it be weeds and wood or rocky
outcrops. In lakes with varied habitat, largemouth territory overlaps with that of
smallmouth, making for diverse angling action.
Largemouth tactics that work elsewhere are also effective in Ontario. Fishing varies from flip-and-pitch techniques around shallow, matted weeds, docks, and stumps, to exciting top-water action on jerkbaits, poppers, and floating plastic worms. Crawling spinnerbaits or retriev-ing shallow-running crankbaits along sub-merged weed patches also pay off. Bass of both species in deeper water can be taken with diving crankbaits, Carolina-rigged soft-plastic baits, and jigs. Although some southern lakes or rivers are turbid, clear water is normal in Ontario. Baitcasting tackle spooled with 12- to 20-pound line is ideal around heavy cover for largemouth in stained waters. Light spinning tackle, though, is often necessary to fool largemouths in clear water on sunny days. In these conditions, thin, yet strong, braided or fused line and small plastic worms, grubs, or jigs can jump-start the action, while allowing you to handle fish around cover. Live bait is effective for both species. Leeches, minnows, and juicy nightcrawlers rigged beneath a float or with split-shot on the bottom will draw strikes. Subscribe to our fishing newsletter - click here! Muskie Quest - Kawarthas Fishing - Ontario Cottage Rentals Get brochures from a variety of fishing lodges here! Get information on buying or selling a resort here!
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Largemouth Biology |
