Oak Lake Lodge Logo

Catch and Release Fishing - some tips and tricks

Two fishermen in a boat on a sunny day fishing in Canada.
The idea of a fly in fishing trip in a remote area perhaps sounds obscure to you after years of fishing in overcrowded lakes, rivers, and streams. 

Also, the idea of catch and release maybe sounds overly green after years of always keeping and eating your caught fish. If this all sounds offbeat, they work in tandem with one another as part of preserving nature for your own benefit.

Ultimately, if not for a catch and release policy on our Oak Lake here at Oak Lake Lodge, the pristine nature we provide for tourists could get thrown out of balance.

We know our vacations are like no other, especially when you respect the idea that the type of nature here is extremely fragile. 

It's also very rare when you consider that we're miles away from any other homes, resorts, or corporate industries. As a result, we take extra care in preserving the surroundings so you and other tourists can continue to enjoy one of the most untainted places left on earth.

Maintaining the species of fish in our Oak Lake is one of our top concerns. Keep in mind, though, that our catch and release policy only applies to certain species of fish. 

Specifically, it applies to Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass, which frequently grow to large sizes, making them exciting catches.

Walleye and Muskie are smaller and more plentiful, so you can save those and eat them. Regardless, certain provisions apply to the catch and release policy. 

It's why we recommend a fishing guide to accompany you on one of our private boats we provide. 

Not only will you have someone to entertain you with fascinating stories, you'll also have an expert to help catch fish properly and release them into the water correctly. 

The Proper Way to Catch Your Fish

When you hire one of our guides, you'll have a complete education on how to land fish in Oak Lake without causing them injury. 

Many of our guides are lifelong residents of Ontario, Canada's remote wilderness, so they know the catch and release system like old pros.

Those who don't have experience with proper landing can inevitably damage fish to a point where it's no use releasing them back into the water. 

Once in a while, unfortunate things happen due to various circumstances. In those cases, we let you keep those fish to eat so they don't die in the water.

It's in how you handle the fish, though, that makes all the difference. Your guide can show you how important a landing net is when you catch a large fish. The less you handle the fish with your hands, the less damage you cause.

Removing a hook works the same way, and using long-nose pliers helps make this happen faster. 

But our guides will show you that if a hook gets embedded deep in a fish's throat, you have to cut the line to avoid yanking. 

It's one reason why we promote the idea of using barbless hooks when you fish here. 

Properly Releasing the Fish

Releasing fish is almost an art form on its own, and your guide will show you how. 

Why this is important comes in how fast you get the fish back in the water. As more time passes out of the water, fish become stressed, so the sooner you remove the hook, the better.        

We'll show you how to properly set the fish upright in the water and release them under their own power. Be sure that they look revived before you release them. If they don't look lively, they won't survive back in the lake.     

Contact us here at Oak Lake Lodge to book a fishing vacation with us. You'll soon appreciate the catch and release policy and have a new perspective on all of the rare nature around you.

Catch and Release Fishing

Fish in the shallows of the lake.
02 May, 2020
If you've been seeking out a family vacation this summer that's not only peaceful but educational, a fly-in fishing excursion in Canadian waters is an experience you won't forget. Here at Oak Lake Lodge in Ontario, Canada, we consider ourselves fortunate every day to welcome people from around the world looking for an escape from the stresses of life. One of our joys is seeing families taking the time to spend their vacation time with us. Part of that comes in seeing kids learning about nature while subsequently getting away from their own daily worries. Your family will definitely benefit vacationing with us thanks to our lodge and Oak Lake being miles away from any industry. Also, with our limitations on how many people visit us at a time, you could technically have the entire area for just your family. This is essential for you when you want a place devoid of tourists. Plus, when you want a vacation that also provides something educational for your kids (while also having fun), we have the best combination. The above comes in our fishing excursions where your kids can learn about the types of fish populating Oak Lake. Your kids will also learn about an important aspect to preserving nature: Using the fishing method of catch and release. Releasing what you catch preserves the ecosystem. This doesn't mean all fish require releasing. Regardless, the methods of releasing fish will be an important reminder of nature's fragility to your kids and to yourself.
02 May, 2020
The idea of a fly-in fishing trip might sound similar to the vacations you've had lately: An overly crowded tourist spot that only leads to headaches rather than relaxation. Especially when finding a place giving you the peace of nature, it sometimes gets corrupted by too many people not respecting the surroundings. You've perhaps had one too many disconcerting moments seeing natural environments looking abused due to the excessive public exposure. Here at Oak Lake Lodge in Ontario, Canada, we shudder at this scenario ourselves. When we arrived here to run Oak Lake Lodge, we thought we entered heaven once we found out how isolated Oak Lake and the surroundings are. While the lodge has been here longer than we have, those before us, who ran the lodge, were always careful to preserve this rare pristine vacation spot. If some natural areas throughout Canada are still virtually untouched by the public, the wilderness around Oak Lake has had even less human contact. By tradition, we limit visitors to 32 people at a time so the area doesn't become a major tourist attraction. Also by tradition, we've avoided all temptation to sell any of the nearby land to industry or other resorts. When you fish on Oak Lake, you won't find other resorts, hotels, or any corporate industries for many miles. This leaves Oak Lake and the surroundings a private natural refuge for you and your family. What happens, though, if you don't really want to apply the fishing aspect to our fly-in fishing escape.
Man boating during his fly-in fishing trip to Canada.
01 May, 2020
In the world of fishing, it seems two types of personalities exist that psychologists would probably have a field day analyzing. The first type is the one who prefers a faster experience where fish get caught every few minutes. The second type is the one who prefers it old-school where patience is more rewarding. Most people probably prefer a little of both in one fishing trip for variety. Here at Oak Lake Lodge, many visitors who expect to experience slower fishing here end up becoming believers in fast-paced fishing. That's because Oak Lake has extremely healthy and hungry fish unharmed by the surrounding environment. Thanks to our lodge being miles away from industries or anything potentially harmful, the fish here are as pure as any place on planet earth. With the proper bait, you'll end up catching fish every few minutes all season long. As a result, you'll end up having a fishing experience like no other where numerous fun things happen at once. While we want you to absorb the pristine nature around you, take a look at the fun experiences you'll have with your fly-in fishing trip. We'll prove that fast fishing helps you appreciate nature more, particularly when you have a fishing guide with you.
Woman fishing on the lakeshore in the misty morning.
01 May, 2020
People that fish at Oak Lake Lodge are often surprised that we have instituted a rather strict "catch and release" policy. This policy states that all fish caught on our private lake must be released and not taken back home. Most of our guests understand this rule and even come to understand why it's so important. However, others think that this rule is a mistake, because it means fishermen can't take their prize-winning trophies back home. While that's an understandable position, we believe that catch and release is the best fishing option. Read on to find out why our fly in fishing experience will always be catch and release: and why you should celebrate, not denigrate, this decision.
02 May, 2020
When you vacation, finding access to food is always an issue, especially when you're traveling with a big family. Having many people along on your trip also means dealing with some picky eaters. When you ultimately can't find the food you want while traveling, it only makes your vacation more of a frustration than a relaxing experience. This is all the more reason why you should try our fly-in fishing vacation package here at Oak Lake Lodge. Meals are never a problem at our lodge because we prepare in advance to make your experience the best it can possibly be. You'll also appreciate our attention to something other vacation spots don't always do: Making sure you never go hungry while still making the food healthy. If the word "healthy" sounds like it shouldn't go on vacation, having a hearty meal already means eating well. You have to keep your energy level up to fully enjoy the pristine nature around you here at Oak Lake Lodge. While providing relaxation for you is our goal, you'll have the privacy of Oak Lake where all-day fishing excursions are available at your leisure. The same goes for archery hunting out in the wilderness that's untouched by excessive amounts of tourists or industries. Despite you vacationing in one of the most undisturbed natural locations on earth, being out in the great outdoors always works up an appetite. It's why we place special emphasis on creating meals we know you're going to love. This includes some of the amazing and large fish you'll catch in Oak Lake that you can enjoy as part of a shore lunch. Take a look at what kind of meals you'll experience for every meal of the day, including the ability to snack when you want to.
Oak Lake Lodge view of docks and cabins.
02 May, 2020
When you hear the term "fly-in fishing", no doubt you immediately picture thoughts of a hideaway vacation. While accurate, you've perhaps created a new definition of what a hideaway vacation is. You've possibly become overly cynical about the term because so many hideaway vacations your family visited in the past didn't live up to expectations. This was even more disappointing considering you paid a significant amount to commune with pristine nature and a promise of few tourists. In reality, there aren't any truly pristine tourist areas left in the world other than deserted islands and uninhabited jungles. Only a few places still exist on earth where you'll get some exceptions. We're fortunate to tell you that we provide exceptions here at Oak Lake Lodge thanks to long-standing stringent plans on limiting tourists. Here in Ontario, Canada, we still have some pristine natural environments left not invaded by excess tourism or industry. The land around our lodge received government approval to stay as pristine as you can get while still allowing limited visitors at a time. We only allow 32 people in every few weeks, so you're never experiencing excess tourists. You'll also find many other differences compared to other so-called hideaway vacations. Maybe you know about other secret locations where you can essentially get lost, at least in the off-season. Even if you can sometimes successfully escape crowds in those places, they don't offer the amenities we do. Let's take a look at some of those differences and why we frequently get singled out as one of the best vacation spots within Canada and the United States. We'll help you redefine what a hideaway vacation really is.
Pork back ribs served at Oak lake Lodge, a fly-in fishing lodge in Canada.
01 May, 2020
There isn't any question that food is a top concern when traveling on vacation. You've probably had more headaches over what to eat than anything else when visiting hideaway resorts, hotels, or even bed & breakfasts. What makes this all the more problematic is the kind of food you'll find in the places where you stay. If you're staying overseas, it sometimes means consuming exotic items you've never had before, which only brings elements of risk. While the above is exciting for some people, it can bring some dangers to your health. The last thing you want is food that could potentially make you sick in a foreign location where medical facilities aren't the greatest. Here at Oak Lake Lodge, we decided that food needed a strong focus on our vacation packages. We knew that when people travel to a vacation destination, they wanted food that's substantive, yet also not overly offbeat to a point where it could cause illness. Also, based on the response of our customers, we understood that most people enjoy having traditional food. Yes, traditional food gives you a sense of home, despite being served here in a remote location where pristine nature surrounds you. Let us show you the kind of traditional food you'll find for your fly-in fishing vacation. We'll show you why it's safer and even healthier than many other foods found in other tourist destinations.
A view of Oak Lake Lodge from the lake. A fly-in fishing lodge in Ontario, Canada.
01 May, 2020
When you decide to experience our fly-in fishing vacation package here at Oak Lake Lodge, you'll immediately notice the sense of peace and quiet you'll have in comparison to other vacations. We'll remind you that when you arrive here, you're a long way from any industry. This means miles and miles of natural surroundings and not the loud bustle of traffic. With our limitations of 32 people per visit, you also eliminate concern about excessive tourists. You won't find many vacation spots on earth that don't have an excess of tourists clogging streets, or even on lakes. This sense of peace might sound like we're too far away from providing outstanding amenities. Keep in mind we fly in and provide more amenities and supplies than most lodges do that exist away from civilization.
Main dining room at fly-in fishing lodge.
01 May, 2020
Experiencing autumn during your fly in fishing vacation here at Oak Lake Lodge is like no other nature experience available in the civilized world. Even if you already live near natural areas and love doing activities in the outdoors during the fall or winter, you probably have to experience an excessive amount of people in those places. Plus if it's a vacation spot, you probably work up a considerable appetite after excessive physical exercise. The problem with the two situations above is that being in nature with too many people already ruins any claims of the surroundings being unspoiled. At a vacation resort, it also means crowded restaurants, leaving you having to wait for food when you want food immediately. You won't find either of the above unfortunate scenarios here at Oak Lake Lodge. The nature here is truly pristine because there isn't any industry around for miles. We also have limitations on how many people we let in at a time, so getting food when you want it isn't a problem. Moreover, you'll have more food here than you can probably digest. Our meals are extremely hearty and generous in their servings. The question is how much of an appetite can you generate while visiting us? When you have cooler weather, invigorating fishing, and hunting all together, you can probably get as hungry as the black bears and moose are when they forage for food this fall.
Muskie fish caught at Oak Lake Lodge
30 Apr, 2020
You've probably heard of that term "vacation from the vacation" more than once and maybe only thought of it as facetious.
Show More
Share by: