Despite the cold winter days, fishing is still on mind. How can I help but think about fishing when I can see the inviting winding river from my office window every day. Okay so its mostly frozen over and on warmer days the middle of the river flow teases me by showing off a narrow stretch of water.

I guess that’s why I decided to make this post today and here’s a picture of what I see every day from my office. My favourite fishing chairs are firmly frost-stuck to the dock while the river bends past the dock on its way, just waiting to be used once the season opens again in May.

Man I can’t wait for the warmer temperatures when I can launch my trusty old canoe and imagine the fish lurking about underneath waiting to be caught.

Ah! Well!  May will soon be with us and it will be that time again. But until then it might not be a bad idea to get your fishing tackle gear in good shape for when the season starts again.

Happy Fishing in the Kawarthas.

The right salmon fishing lures will catch you more fish. But do you know the secrets to get the most out of your lures? Check out this advice from Canadian fishermen.

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There are three lures that are key to catching walleye. Do you have these in your tackle box? You better read on.

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It’s your only day off this week. You’ve been looking forward to spending a morning fishing since Monday. At 4 a.m., you creep out of bed and down the stairs and open the blinds and crack … it’s raining. You express your usual expletive deletives - if that’s your norm. The single day of recreation you’ve been looking forward to is shot.

Or is it?

Sure, a heavy rain can be uncomfortable. And it can have an impact on fish activity. But it isn’t always a negative impact.

A cold summer rain can turn off fish. But a warm rain in the cooler seasons raises water temperatures, waking up lethargic lunkers and triggering feeding activity.

There are numerous advantages to fishing in the rain. Fish can’t see well through the rain-dappled water surface, allowing the angler to get closer. The run-off from shore carries small insects into the water. A shower also knocks insects off overhanging foliage into the water. Fish feed is swept into the current by increased river flow. All these factors make fish more apt to take a bait.

Live bait gets the nod over lures in rainy conditions. Heavy rain can make the water murky and cut the visibility of artificials, but fish can still locate that big shiner minnow or gob of nightcrawlers with their sense of smell. That said, though, bass and trout might take a run at surface flys and streamers, since there are so many insects in the water.

During a gentle rain, river banks can be productive. Move to deeper water as the rain gets steadier. In a heavy rain, river mouths are the liveliest areas.

If you’re in an aluminium boat, keep your eye on the sky. GET OFF THE WATER LONG BEFORE LIGHTNING STARTS STRIKING IN YOUR AREA. You don’t want to be aboard the only metal object in a sea of foaming water when lightning strikes.

A few other rules of thumb, mostly for your own comfort: Get the best rainsuit you can afford; it’s worth it. Dress warmly underneath it, but don’t overdress; it’s surprising how hot you can get under a rainsuit that doesn’t let your body heat escape. Bring some extra clothes to change into in case you get wet. Oh, and a flask of hot tea, coffee or chocolate. There’s nothing like a steaming hot cup of dark, rich joe when you’re wet and freezing.

Coffee just doesn’t taste this good at home.

Happy Fishing in the Kawarthas!