Thought I'd give Blacks Rapids and Hogs Back a go this evening. The action at Blacks is still very slow. I was floating some micro baits with minimal success (4 perch, 8 rock bass) over about two hours. I'm guessing the bite will probably improve in a week or so after the baitfish numbers increase.
As for Hogs back I was skunked, however I was told by other fishermen that some nice 4lb+ eyes had been landed in the past few days. I'd have to say that the all signs seem to point to a good muskie season. While I was there one guy landed a nice muskie (guessing at least 34") and lost a larger one. Seems that they like the 3" neon twister tail grubs as much as the eyes. It was nice to see him just take a quick photo of the fish then release it.
-T.
Urban Fishing - Rideau River
Blacks Rapids
Try wading out to the end of the point between the fast water and where the boats head to the lock. Now throw jigs tipped with worm or minnows to the calm side of the point but out along the side of the point and work them slowly back to the point with a jigging motion. Hot color is dark green or brown with a Floro Green or Yellow Jig head... you should pick up your limit of walleye. When the season opens try casting the other side of the point across the fast water and work your lure back to the point at medium retrieve being sure not to let it get hung up in the rocks.... this has produced some explosive Smallmouth action for me over the years.
For mother's day we had a picnic right in Strathcona park. After having an uncontrolable urge to fish, which usually happens when I am around any form of water, I took my dad's rod from his trunk and proceeded to catch pike after pike right where the rapids stop and the water gets a little deeper. Even caught a 4 pound musky, all in about 15 minutes of fishing. Funny though when I was a kid, there would be no pike here but since the zebra mussels made their appearance, they are there in full force.
It's nice catching fish in a downtown area because everyone stops and asks questions.
It's nice catching fish in a downtown area because everyone stops and asks questions.
Steve,steve2112 wrote:Hello
Being new to the city and area, what are the main streets to get to hogs back?
Parking at Hogs Back falls is off of Hogs Back Rd. which runs between Prince of Wales Dr. and Riverside Dr. Click on the link to get the local map showing its location.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?se ... it=Get+Map
A couple words of caution though.
1. It's illegal to fish from the ledges on the East side of the falls. Last season they were giving out $250 fines for people that jumped the fence.
2. If you're fishing below the falls on the West side, take care scrambling on the rocks. The rocks can be as slick as ice when they are wet or your shoes are wet. I've seen too many people fall in and/or hurt themselves.
BTW, the smallmouth fishing downstream in the rapids is great (once the season opens)!
Give me a shout if you need a hands on introduction to the area.
Cheers,
Todd