What's Biting and Where

• Great Northern Pikebig pike image by Sorin Alb from Fotolia.com
  
  The vast inland waters of Canada offer fishermen a wide selection of target species. Lakes, streams and rivers are year-round homes to northern pike, muskie, lake and brook trout, along with the exciting walleye and Dolly Varden char. In the early fall, the fish are feeding to store up for the cold months ahead, and this makes them eager to chase a live bait or strike at a flashy lure or a tempting fly.
  
  From Ontario and Winnipeg to Manitoba and Vancouver, the lakes and streams are brimming in September, with most water levels at their peak. These conditions bring activity to shallow water areas as fresh nutrients are churned, which excites bait and in turn, attracts fish of all species.
  
  

The Rivers of Ontario

• Fly-In Adventureshydravion image by dominique touchard from Fotolia.com
  
  In northwestern Ontario, rivers such as the Sutton, Albany and Winisk hold the promise of huge brook and lake trout in the 25- to 35-pound range. These remote lakes are accessed by plane, boat or car. You can book accommodations at any number of popular lodges, and some packages offer canoeing adventures for the purists.
  
  Most lodges and fishing camps offer trips that include a guide, as well as fully outfitted lake craft with fish finders, live wells and sealed storage for snacks and drinks. Fishermen are encouraged to bring their own tackle and basic equipment, but those who prefer to travel light have the option to fish with a spinning or casting outfit furnished by the lodge.
  
  

British Columbia: The Longer Season

• Coho Salmon and SteelheadChinook salmon image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
  
  British Columbia offers fishermen the option of fishing the coastal waters of the eastern Pacific for salmon and halibut, as well as the inland waters of the Pacific Northwest, which are home to steelhead and lake trout. You can access lodges and fish camps by seaplane or water taxi, and enjoy comfortable accommodations that are the trademark of Canada’s tourist fishing community. The prime fishing season in British Columbia will usually go later into the fall months than other areas of Canada, which allows you to book additional trips from a selection of one- and two-day packages.
  
  

Helicopter Fly-Fishing Adventures

• Go Where few Have GoneHelicopter image by Dusi from Fotolia.com
  
  Helicopter fly-fishing adventures transport anglers to any number of secluded rivers and streams where few men have gone before. Fly fishing trips in these pristine waters, with picturesque shorelines and mountain-range backdrops, are memorable adventures, especially in mid-September, when coho salmon and steelhead are lurking in pools and near the rapids. Catch-and-release of these native species is encouraged, and taking a single fish for a shoreline cookout is one of the bonuses associated with helicopter fly-fishing adventures.
  
  

Tackle and Equipment

• A Good Drag System is a MustFishing Reel image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.com
  
  Tackle and equipment can be coordinated in several ways, ranging from specialized setups that target a particular species, to versatile setups that can be outfitted for a number of species. Overall, fishermen will benefit from bringing two rod-and-reel combos that allow a quick change in tactics, from live bait to spoons and jigs, as the situation changes. Rod class for lake fishing should be medium to light, in the 20- to 40-pound range, which allows a pike or trout to be turned before it can steal away to cover.
  
  Line capacity for spinning and open-face reels should be approximately 150 yards of 12-pound test for lures, and 200 yards of 8-pound test for bait fishing. Ultra-light setups are only recommended for the most experienced fishermen, since the hook set is not as effective as with medium gear. Equipment should include an easy-access tackle box, pliers, sunglasses and water-resistant footwear. In addition, a creel and waders are standard equipment for fly fishing.
  
  

Book Ahead of Time

• Fishing GearMulti-coloured fishing tackles are spread out on a table image by Aliaksandr Zabudzko from Fotolia.com
  
  As for selecting the ideal mid-September fishing adventure in Canada, this is a matter that is easily resolved through online inquiries and, as always, by consulting the local fishing experts and outdoor publications. Booking a fishing adventure package at least 30 days in advance will allow plenty of time to coordinate fishing gear, tackle and the necessary outdoor accessories.