The Other Mighty Mighty

Brookies on the Nipigon River

In Ontario, we are blessed with such a vast number of rivers and lakes that it would be impossible to fish them all in many lifetimes. Some of them are quite well-known, others less so, but every one of them has its distinct uniqueness. One of the most well-known for its superb fishing opportunities is the mighty Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario.

Somewhat less well-known, mainly due to its relative remoteness, but just as mighty, is the Nipigon River, which runs into the northwest corner of Lake Superior. Although the former runs through largely urbanized southern Ontario and the latter is very much a wilderness river, both are big, featuring rugged rapids and deep, swift runs. What’s more, both can boast world record fish: the IGFA All-Tackle brook trout (14lb 8oz) caught by Dr. J.W. Cook in the Nipigon in 1915, and an IGFA 6lb line-class brown trout caught in the Niagara by Glen Taggart in 1996.

With excellent road access, most of the Nipigon is fishable, or at least accessible. However, because the river is huge, with deep gorges and turbulent white water, and because its water levels can rise suddenly and rapidly due to hydroelectric dam activity, visiting anglers should hire a guide. One of the most experienced, Gord Ellis, operates out of Quebec Lodge, which is located in the hamlet of Red Rock, just a short drive from where the Nipigon flows into Lake Superior. The lodge offers superb multi-species fishing opportunities in the big lake and the rivers of the area, including the Nipigon.

Ellis has been fishing the Nipigon for decades, with both conventional and fly tackle, and knows the river intimately. He is a well-known outdoors columnist and broadcaster and has his finger on the pulse of the fishing in the area, especially the Nipigon brook trout.

Nipigon brookies grow bigger and stronger than those inhabiting lesser waters—a consequence of having to fight the river’s heavy currents and abrupt fluctuations in water level in the sections between the hydro dams. It’s not surprising that the Nipigon is home to the world record. Gord is well aware of this and catches trophies on a regular basis.

But there’s more to the Nipigon than its fabulous trout. There are excellent opportunities for fly fishers to target a multitude of other species: runs of salmon, steelhead, and lake trout from Lake Superior in the spring and fall, as well as resident pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass. What more could a fly fisher wish for? So get yourself to the mighty Nipigon River and make a date with Gord. The rest will take care of itself.

About Mark Melnyk

Currently, Mark is the host and producer of The New Fly Show. With a passion of fly fishing, the shows goal is to help both novice and veteran fly fishers everywhere by giving them a top-quality fly fishing series that will make them better anglers. 

Recommended Articles

Cat Island Lodge

Fly-in fishing for walleye and lake trout

Worm Your Way In

Try this go-to bait for bass on your next Northern Ontario angling adventure

Kicking It Old School

Dusting off the tin boat to fish less accessible waters

First Class Fishing Vacations

Northern Ontario boasts hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams.

Steelhead and Salmon of Northern Ontario

Ontario's north is home to tributaries of Lake Superior and Lake Huron—and many species of salmon and steelhead

Smallmouth Bass: Lightweight Champ

Learn about easy-to-access bass meccas as well as bucket-list hard to get to destinations.

Level Up Your Fly Fishing Game

Embrace the art of fly fishing with these 5 easy tips from a seasoned angler.

Brennan Harbour Resort

The place you always want to go back to in Ontario's Algoma Country

Mashkinonje Lodge

During our short stay we caught and released several trophy smallies over five-pounds.

Sniping For Lake Trout

If you love fishing for Lake Trout in Ontario, you’d be wise to hone your sharpshooting skills.

Out On A Ledge In Ontario

Bluffs are One of the Best Places to Catch Fish

The Best of Both Worlds

From spring right through to late fall there are species that you can target close to the home base in the Spanish River

Kashabowie Bass Blast

Fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike and Bass in Ontario's Superior Country

Sandy Beach Cottages on Lake Clear

Pet-friendly cottages and everything you need to have a worry-free holiday!

Proven Patterns for Giant Northern Pike

Make sure these fly patterns are packed in your fly box on your trip.

Luxury Meets Remote on Kenora’s Lake of the Woods

Discover the ultimate outpost destination for fishing, hunting, and outdoor adventure.

Fantasy Fishing For Walleye

Catching up to 100 walleye a day at Clark's Resort & Outpost Air Service.

A Fly-in Adventure for Walleye and Pike

Where Comfort Meets Wilderness on Esnagi Lake

Ice-out glory 

Fish you can target as soon as the ice leaves the launch