This is my third trip into this country and I have yet to figure out the legendary pike fishery. Only one at 9lbs was disappointing since it was a late spring and I had thought the big girls would linger in the back bays a while. Do dice.

The trip starts at Hartley bay on the French river. Do not stay at the French river inn as we did the night before. Skeets were coming in through gaps in the door and the battle was on. On the plus side there is a couple of resident black bears which put on a show in the evening along with a large but skinny red fox. Right next door is another motel which I had stayed previously and it is called the trading post, much nicer.

You will encounter a fair amount of motor boat traffic for about 6 miles until you reach a fairly easy set of bush whacks which will put you on French creek which is as about remote as you will get in this country despite a set of boats stashed by locals on the first lake. French creek is a delightful paddle through a series of small lakes connected by narrow chute like channels. Rather picturesque and interesting in my opinion. Wildlife is around as well. On a past trip I had a bear swim in front of my canoe. On this trip the critters were varied with beaver, otter, several mink, hawks, cow moose and calf (at close quarters, whew!) loons and one rather brave rodent all making an appearance.

This series of small lakes goes on for about 5 miles with numerous side slot channels worthy of exploring. You never really have to concern yourself about getting turned around however. Camping options seem rather limited but we found a rather splendid site on a high flat granite mound which has a commanding 360 view. Very nice.

Continuing on you can access the big water of Georgian bay. You come out in protected water and can ease out to the big lake under your terms. Cottages occasionally pop up out of nowhere and the occasional boat can be heard but the country is still wild and beautiful. Fishing seems like it would be spectacular (and I suspect at certain times of the year it is) but we had a very tough time putting fish in the boat despite working hard. We camped at vixen island and I can recommend the site for a small party, very nice. Fishing results in fox bay were; one fun musky at 11 pounds that hit a jointed superman Believer (thanx Jaximus). 2 spectacular high jumps gave me an appreciation of these fish. One 9lb pike and one 3lb smallmouth, both caught near the outside (lake Huron proper) made their way into a shore lunch.

After 3 days of fruitlessly pounding the water we decided to retreat to the confines of the French creek. The fishing there was good for 2 and 3 lb bass. Mostly largemouths but a few smallies are present as well. The bass are there and the fishing ranged from good to very good although no big bass came to hand. Numerous tiny pike were also around. I fished for the big ones but no dice.

If you are in the Toronto area this is a solid trip when time constraints are in play. It is highly unlikely you will see anyone on the French creek. Be advised Georgian bay is a high bear density area so pack accordingly. Rattlesnakes are also present but we never seen any snakes of any kind but still use caution.

The portage to access French creek is not marked and nor is it obvious due to usage. Nevertheless it is not hard to find with some guidance. If this trip interests you PM me and I will be glad to provide the info. There are solid landmarks on the French river provincial park map which all but assure success.

We had to wrap things up a little early due to a toothache by my accomplice. But it worked out given ample amounts of Advil.

Speaking of my accomplice I will share a humorous mishap;
We were on our way out and one of the narrow slots were choked with a few large boulders. The sides are sloping granite which do not lend themselves to an easy portage. The water was only thigh deep however and with a nice flat spot to get out and drag your boat over the offending obstructions are then easily overcome. I pointed out the proper method to the other 2 solo boats following behind. My fellows were at a disadvantage however as they were not wet booting but had mukluks. The youngster clambered out on top of the rock and drug his boat and with the nimbleness of youth regained his position although only narrowly.

As the lad and I sat awaiting his dad we both came to the conclusion that an opportunity was passing us by. "He is going to flip" Alex stated.........."why don't I have the video camera out" I said while shaking my head.

Sure enough my childhood chum, the overweight martial arts black belt, was reluctant to take my advice and get his feet wet and instead choose to climb out on top of the rock. The next view was his boat high in the air, the bottom almost completely exposed. The son was laughing but I was concerned until I seen he was alright. No harm done, nothing lost except some pride. Some dry clothes and we were soon on our way.

It is a good short trip with exceptional bass fishing and a real remote feel.

I've watched numerous fishing videos about the Georgian Bay area.
Almost everyone highlighted the crystal clear water and made it seem that with every other cast, you could catch a fish to brag about.

Of course if you look closely enough, most of the videos are made by local resort operators/guides or people they sponsor.

Not saying those monster fish are not there, but that's a lot of water/area to cover and no-one knows the best areas like the locals.

Then again, the weather has been strange this year and that could of had an impact?

I'm sure all those people in powerboats/guided that are encouraged to enjoy a nice shore lunch is part of the reason Yogi's are in abundance there.

Not everyone leaves a no-trace lunch site.