Open Water, Steelhead and Smelt…

Run off in rivers is making for some fast open water opportunities in the area. As a result its getting close to steelhead and smelting season here along the Big Lake. Thunderbay rivers, Wolf River and others are becoming fishable with some steelhead being taken already from area rivers. Smelt are beginning their run in Thunderbay. Another week or so for here in Nipigon.

Nipigon Marina and the river itself is fishable at a couple locations with more opening up almost daily. 

A drive from Nipigon to Sudbury and noting the rivers and ice along the way….

Ice covers most of Nipigon Bay still with lots of openings starting to occur. Rossport on is pretty much ice free except leftover chunks onshore. 

Wolf, Jackpine, Cypress are all high and fast with some murkiness. Most of the rest are still chunky ice covered, muddy and in some cases ice dams were raising the levels even more. Most of the smaller creeks and streams are running full throttle with clarity ranging from clear to not clear at all – hit or miss.

I am updating and enhancing the Steelhead river map and resources locate at nipigon.com.