Activities
If anything symbolizes northern Ontario in the popular imagination,
it is images of a solitary fisherman on an isolated lake, or a duck
hunt in the crisp cool air of an October morning. Hunting and fishing
have always been part of our way of life in the north. In Kirkland
Lake, opportunities to do both abound. Please note however, that
hunting and fishing is strictly regulated in Ontario. Be sure to
consult the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources before embarking on your adventure.
FISHING
Many species of fish can be found in the lakes surrounding Kirkland
Lake. They range from lake trout, speckled trout, pickerel, pike
and smallmouth bass. Some are special to the region. For example,
there is the Splake (a hybrid fish resulting from the cross breeding
of brook trout and lake trout). You can also find the elusive Aurora
trout in the district. This little fish, called by some the Holy
Grail of the trout family, were nearly wiped out from industrial
pollution. It was through the efforts of the Hill’s Lake Fish Hatchery
that the species was saved.
Getting to the fish isn’t difficult. Just about any water body is
accessible for on water or from shore fishing. It’s best to consult
with local outfitters or the Ministry of Natural Resources to determine
where to go to get the fish you want during any particular time
of the year. If you’re looking for an easier introduction, consider
visiting a provincial park where lake stocking is common. In Kirkland
Lake, the area around Esker Lake Provincial Park is probably one
of the best places to visit. Many of the 29 lakes in the park are
stocked with speckled, rainbow and lake trout. Northern pike occur
naturally and walleye, splake and smallmouth bass are found in many
surrounding lakes. Wynn Lake, just outside the park, opens for aurora
trout fishing every three years.
HUNTING
Like fishing, hunting is part of our heritage in the north. In
the Kirkland Lake district, common small game includes grouse, rabbit,
ducks, and geese. Larger game includes bear, deer and moose.
While some hunting in the spring is available, the most common period
is the fall, from September through to roughly mid-November. It
begins with the grouse or partridge season and culminates in the
moose hunt.
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