The Kawartha Lakes region, with its sprawling waterways and diverse habitats, is a musky angler's paradise. For those who chase these apex predators with fly tackle, the challenge is both exhilarating and rewarding. Musky are known for their aggressive strikes, formidable fights, and their ability to test an angler’s skills and patience. This in-depth guide will explore how to effectively target musky on fly tackle throughout the open season, from early June to December, with insights on seasonal patterns, fly designs, hook selection, and proper release techniques.
Understanding Seasonal Patterns
Musky behavior and habitat preferences change throughout the season. Knowing where to find them and how to present your fly during different times of the year is essential for success.
Early Season: June
Opening day in early June marks the beginning of musky season. This period finds musky recovering from their spring spawn. Post-spawn musky are often lethargic but will feed opportunistically. During this time focus on the following:
Habitat: Musky are typically found in shallow bays, near spawning areas, and along weed beds where water temperatures are warmer.
Approach: Smaller flies are more effective in early June. A classic Buford fly in natural colors like olive, brown, white or perch patterns works well. Intermediate sinking lines are ideal for presenting flies just above submerged vegetation. But make sure to have a type 5 line on hand to get those buoyant flies, down.
Retrieve: Use slower, more deliberate retrieves to entice strikes from fish that may still be conserving energy. Incorporate pauses into your retrieve to mimic injured baitfish.
Mid-Season: July to September
As summer progresses, water temperatures rise, and musky activity increases. This is when they move to deeper structure and weed edges, hunting more aggressively.
Habitat: Focus on points, drop-offs, and the edges of deeper weed beds.
Fly Selection: Mid-season is a great time to experiment with both subsurface and surface flies:
Gamechanger patterns, such as the craft fur changer, are perfect for mimicking larger baitfish like suckers or shad. Their articulated design creates a lifelike swimming motion that triggers predatory instincts.
Surface flies, such as foam poppers or large deer hair creations, are highly effective during low-light conditions or over shallow flats. Black, chartreuse, and white are excellent choices for surface presentations.
Retrieve: Faster, more aggressive retrieves are often required to provoke a reaction strike. Pay attention to following fish, as they may need a figure-eight presentation at the boat to commit.
Late Season: October to December
The fall is when musky anglers anticipate the best fishing of the year. As water temperatures cool, musky enter their pre-winter feeding frenzy, focusing on large, calorie-rich meals.
Habitat: Late-season musky are typically found in deeper water near structure like rock humps, submerged timber, and steep drop-offs.
Fly Selection: Larger, bulkier flies are the name of the game in fall. Opt for Bufords tied with extra bulk in colors like black, purple, or orange. Articulated gamechangers in baitfish patterns also excel in these conditions.
Retrieve: Slow, deliberate retrieves with long pauses allow your fly to hover in the strike zone. Using a full-sinking line is crucial for getting your fly deep enough to reach musky holding near the bottom.
Fly Patterns for Kawartha Musky
The right fly patterns can make or break your musky fishing experience. Below are some of the most effective options for targeting musky in the Kawartha Lakes.
Buford Fly
The Buford is a cornerstone of musky fly fishing. Its bulky deer hair head pushes water, creating vibration and drawing attention from aggressive musky. The flowing tail adds lifelike movement, even during pauses.
Key Features:
Pushes water effectively.
Can be tied in a variety of colors to match local forage.
Versatile for use in different water depths with the right line.
Best Colors: Perch, fire tiger, black/orange, and olive/white.
Gamechanger Patterns
Gamechanger flies, particularly the craft fur changer, are highly effective due to their articulated design. These flies mimic the natural swimming motion of baitfish and provide a realistic presentation that musky find irresistible.
Key Features:
Articulated design creates lifelike movement.
Can be tied in various sizes to match the local forage.
Works well in both subsurface and suspended presentations.
Best Colors: White, silver/blue, and black/purple.
Surface Flies
Nothing beats the thrill of a musky exploding on a surface fly. Foam poppers, slider-style flies, and deer hair creations are all excellent options for warm-water months. Add a Paccharini wiggle tail for added surface attraction.
Key Features:
Creates noise and disturbance to draw fish up from deeper water.
Ideal for use in shallow bays and flats during early morning or evening.
Best Colors: Black, chartreuse, and natural frog patterns.
Hook Selection: Why It Matters
Hook selection is critical when targeting musky. Their hard mouths and violent head shakes make it challenging to secure a solid hookup.
Strength: Use hooks designed for saltwater or heavy-duty freshwater applications. Options like the Gamakatsu B10S, Ahrex trout predator are excellent choices. Both are thinner wire which penetrates the fishes mouth easier, while still being incredibly strong and won't bend out.
Size: Opt for wide-gap hooks in sizes 2/0 to 6/0, depending on your fly's size. A wider gap ensures better penetration and holding power.
Sharpness: Always sharpen your hooks before heading out. A dull hook is unlikely to penetrate a musky’s bony jaw.
Catch-and-Release Best Practices
Preserving the musky population requires proper handling and release techniques. Here are the essentials:
Must-Have Release Tools
Large Landing Net: Invest in a rubberized, knotless net. It reduces stress on the fish and allows you to safely unhook and handle them while keeping them in the water.
Long-Nose Pliers: Essential for quick hook removal, especially when dealing with deep or awkward hooksets.
Jaw Spreaders: Helps keep the musky’s mouth open for safe and efficient hook removal.
Hook Cutters: High-quality cutters allow you to snip hooks quickly if they are deeply embedded.
Bump board: If you plan to measure your catch, use a bump board or floating ruler to make the process as easy on the fish as possible.
Handling Tips
Always keep the fish in the water as much as possible.
Wet your hands before handling to protect the fish’s slime coat.
Minimize air exposure; aim to have the fish out of the water for no more than 10 seconds.
Hold the fish horizontally, supporting its belly to prevent damage to its internal organs.
Why Smooth River Guiding?
Smooth River Guiding is the premier choice in the Kawartha Lakes region. Specializing in fly fishing, and conventional fishing tactics,Smooth River Guiding offers:
Expert Knowledge: Years of experience targeting musky in Ontario ensures you'll be fishing the right spots with the right techniques.
Custom Trips: Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned angler, their trips are tailored to your skill level and goals.
Top-Notch Gear: Smooth River Guiding provides high-quality fly rods, reels, and flies, so you can focus on fishing.
Conservation Focus: Matt emphasizes ethical fishing practices and proper fish handling to ensure the sustainability of the musky fishery.
Closing Thoughts
Targeting musky on fly tackle is a rewarding endeavor that combines skill, strategy, and a deep respect for the fish and their environment. By understanding seasonal patterns, selecting the right flies, prioritizing proper hook selection, and practicing ethical catch-and-release techniques, you can enjoy this incredible fishery while ensuring its longevity.
For those looking to maximize their musky fly fishing experience, Smooth River Guiding offers unparalleled expertise and a commitment to making every trip unforgettable. Whether it’s your first musky on the fly or your fiftieth, the Kawartha Lakes have endless opportunities waiting for you.
Matt
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