Discovery A Muskie Gem In Algoma Country

The Goulais River is an overlooked gem that you might want to check out during spring or fall.
4168749792f2450ed60ff24ad8b4941f_XL.jpg

There are lots of muskie destinations throughout Ontario, Canada, however, one of the most overlooked is Lake Superior. Certainly, with its vast size, trying to locate muskies within giant Lake Superior itself can be difficult. However, there is a muskie gem waiting for you that can offer to make catching Lake Superior muskies much easier.

The location is the Goulais River, located in the Algoma Region of Ontario, Canada. This is the largest tributary on the eastern side of Lake Superior, located approximately 20 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. The Goulais River originates in the Algoma Highlands and flows westward, winding its way through a valley, ultimately discharging into Lake Superior. The view of this area is simply breathtaking.

The Goulais River is host to a localized population of muskies that use the Goulais River to spawn. There are always some muskies located in the Goulais River, but the majority of the muskies use the Goulais early and late in the year. After the spawn, the muskies will remain in the River, but ultimately they make their way into Lake Superior to spend the summer. In the fall, the muskies will return to the Goulais and stage outside the mouth and move back into the Goulais River. Therefore, there are some tremendous opportunities for catching Lake Superior muskies that exist both in spring and late fall. Just imagine the potential of contacting a giant muskie in a small river, which spends the entire summer in Lake Superior.

The best fishing in the Goulais River exists within a two-mile stretch near the mouth of Lake Superior. The Goulais River actually forms three different branches as it enters Lake Superior, and all can hold muskies. In addition, just outside the mouth of the Goulais River is a large weed bed and a break line that forms at the mouth of Lake Superior, which holds muskies both spring and fall before they suspend into the abyss of Lake Superior. The Goulais River and the mouth of Lake Superior offer a tremendous opportunity for a trophy muskellunge.

Jim Saric with a hybrid tiger muskie caught from the Goulais River in spring.

Some of the key areas within the Goulais River include isolated weed beds, fallen trees, docks, and the area where the Goulais River divides into three branches, and the mouth of the Goulais River as it enters Lake Superior. It’s important to locate areas with reduced current. Key lures include smaller bucktails, particularly early in the season, topwater lures and crankbaits.

The Goulais River also hosts some giant hybrid tiger muskies as well. I caught a beauty while filming an episode of The Musky Hunter Television Show last spring while fishing with my friend Rob Cadeau.

The Goulais River is an overlooked gem that you might want to check out during spring or fall. There are great places to stay in the area that are not far from the river.

About Jim Saric

Jim owns Jim Saric Outdoors, Inc., which is dedicated to elevating the sport of musky fishing to new levels by educating anglers through print, web, and television. He is the publisher, editor and owner of Musky Hunter Magazine and the Executive Producer of The Musky Hunter television series. Jim has over twenty-five years experience fishing lakes, rivers, and reservoirs from Minnesota to New York and all across Canada. He has boated more than 100 muskies exceeding 50 inches in length, the largest weighing 53 pounds.

Recommended Articles

Adventure Walleye Fishing Lake Nipigon Style

Fishing 411 Television visits Pasha Lake Cabins

Manitoulin Island Fishing

Lake Huron offers a wide variety of freshwater species

Wasi Lake Fishing

Fishing at Booth Landing Camping & Cottages

A Guide to Fly-in Ontario Lodges

Today’s fly-in fishing vacations are no more expensive than most other getaways.

Muskie Moons

More than just superstition?

Abitibi Walleye Experience

Fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike and Jumbo Perch

Eagle Lake Island Lodge

Your private island escape and off-the-grid adventures await.

Legend of the White worm

Learn to Fish for Bass With This Lure

Six Species on Six Lakes at Slippery Winds

The Ontario Experience visits Sunset Country in sight of endless fish.

Fish'n Canada in The Rough

Pete Bowman of Fish'n Canada and Keith Beasley of Canada in the Rough Pair up for Some Wild Bass Fishing

Crackin' The Code

Tips to Pattern Lake Trout in Ontario

Accessible Paradise

Fish Noganosh Park for Monster Pike & Feisty Bass

Fly-In Smallmouth

A Northern Ontario fishing trip to Hastie Lake.

Do you know these 5 key tips for successful catch and release?

There are a few key practices anglers could keep in mind.

Dreams of Bass at Waterfalls Lodge

This drive-to lodge is the perfect location for anyone looking to get a little R&R.

The Legendary Brook Trout of the Albany

Experience a once in a lifetime remote fishing adventure.

Fly-in Fishing with Glassy Bay Outfitters

Wilderness and walleye await with this Northern Ontario experience.

Brook Trout: A Natural Work of Art

Ontario is one of the world's best brook trout fishing destinations.

Mattagami Lake's Perfect Family Fishing Destination

Green Wilderness Lodge offers the rare and perfect blend of relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and incredible fishing.

The Pipestone Foursome: Unlocking the Multi-Species Treasure Trove of Cedar Island Lodge

From explosive topwater smallmouth to rare northern largemouth and deep-dwelling lakers, the diversity of Northwest Ontario is put to the ultimate test.