Lake Nipissing & French River Fishing: Smallmouth & Largemouth at Chaudière Lodge

This episode is a special one for all of us at FNC Central, but it holds even greater significance for our co-host, Steve Niedzwiecki.

Steve has been part of the Fish’n Canada team for the past five years, but his journey with the show actually began over 20 years ago when he made his first appearance as the owner of the legendary Chaudière Lodge on the upper French River. 

Though he has since moved on from the lodge, it remains a place close to his heart. That’s why, for this shoot, we’re sending him back to his old stomping grounds for a trip down memory lane.

Pete, who’s no stranger to these parts either, will join Steve as he experiences life at Chaudiere Lodge, not as the owner but as a guest.

This nostalgic return to where it all started has all the makings of something special.

Lake Nipissing and the French River

Lake Nipissing and the French River is an incredible fishery that also happens to be steeped in Canadian history. The first to paddle and fish these waters were the First Nations People, followed by the French explorers and fur trappers of the 16th century. It is considered to be one of the most significant exploration routes of the northwest.

Chaudière Lodge is located on the Upper French River, just 30 km from the mouth of Lake Nipissing in Northeastern Ontario.

This lake is renowned for big fish, but like many lakes of its size, it’s also notorious for waves that will keep even the most hardcore angler from venturing too far from shore.

The Fishing Experience at Chaudière Lodge

Key Highlights From Our Trip

The Big Water:

Fortunately for the boys, the weather forecast for day one is calling for little to no wind and glass-calm waters, at least for the morning, meaning access to the big lake, and hopefully big schools of giant unpressured smallmouth bass.

The boys toughed out the slow morning but ended up with a fairly decent day of Smallie fishing, certainly not what Nipissing’s capable of producing.

What did cooperate, however, was an always-welcome surprise, the Freshwater Drum AKA Sheepshead. The fight of these fish easily put them on the pound-for-pound list and they have an amazing way of imitating the headshakes of giant walleye and smallmouth bass -  close enough to send your heart through your chest when you hook one. Although there is always a bit of disappointment when their true identity is revealed, we would never complain about a fish like this.

With so much backwater in the French River, they decided to head to some of Steve’s old faithful hotspots. Shorelines, weed edges, heavy pads, arrowheads & reeds, and even the odd boat dock are all on the menu. 

First up was the heavy stuff. This is some of Pete and Steve's favourite structures to fish, but fair warning: this type of fishing is all about managing expectations. Anglers have to anticipate a lower hook-up rate and expect to lose the majority of fish that do bite. It’s the nature of the beast.

That being said, even a 10% hookup rate in a place this loaded with largemouth bass can lead to a great day on the water.

After a great day in the muck, the boys hit one last spot, something new to Steve and much more welcoming to spinning gear. Sitting on the outside of the bay was a brand new houseboat with a huge dock area just begging to house a big largemouth. After a few exploratory casts, Steve managed to lure him out.

Gettin' to Chaudière Lodge

Located on the mighty French River, Chaudière Lodge offers not only world-class fishing but also canoeing, kayaking, photography, and much more.

The 3,200-square-foot main lodge has a large, rustic dining room, complete with a stunning view of the French River. There’s also a lounge where you can sit by the fire, listen to great music or watch “the big game”.

Chaudière has 12 waterfront 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom cottages that can accommodate two, four, or six guests. They are spotless and modern, and will meet the high standards of any fishing group.

What can we say? We’ve been visiting Chaudière Lodge for years, and we keep coming back!

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