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& FLY IN OUTPOST FISHING CAMPS
Based in Cochrane, Ontario - James Bay Frontier

Our Fishing Policies

Kesagami Catch & Release logo
Catch & Release
"These lakes support world-class fisheries. At Kesagami, we are serious about maintaining their quality."

A trophy fish is simply too valuable a fish to be caught just once, killed for taxidermy or, heaven forbid, eaten. Kesagami, and its outposts has a zillion, great-eating, 14 to 18-inch walleyes for anglers who enjoy a shore lunch. Putting a trophy fish back strengthens both the trophy population and the gene pool. Big fish - those with the proven ability to survive and grow large - propagate more trophy fish and more exciting angling experiences.

Because of the sub-Arctic climate and a very short growing year, the trophy fish in the Kesagami area take an inordinate amount of time to attain such proportions. A trophy pike may be 30 to 40 years of age, a typical shore-lunch walleye ten years or more.

For our conservation efforts to be truly successful, we depend on guests to demonstrate consideration for our sportfish and a concern for the fishery, including the careful handling of gamefish, selective harvest, and conscientious catch & release practices.

Careful handling of fish
Northern Pike
Each season, Kesagami area anglers catch and release a number of monster northern pike (including an unverified 54" fish which would have set a new Ontario release record had the measurements and suitable photos been submitted). Hundreds of trophy pike (36" and larger) are released each season. As a result, the average size of fish caught, as well as that for trophy pike, has continuously increased each season since our conservation policies have been in effect. The result ? A healthier fishery and even better fishing ! Handling pike in a cradle
Kesagami guide releasing trophy pike The mortality rate of trophy pike has been significantly reduced as a result of the instructional efforts on live-release techniques.  For further protection no pike of any size may be kept.
Walleyes
As a result of a Ministry of Natural Resources study (1995), the management of Kesagami Wilderness Lodge and the Ontario MNR are making changes to their fishing policies. All walleyes over 18 " must be released and no fish are to be taken home. However, shore lunches are considered to be an traditional part of the Kesagami experience and remain integral to any remote fishing experience. The maximum allowable size for walleye kept for shore lunch will be 18 inches (2 pounds). KWL walleye released
Conservation Policy
KWL guest & walleye
    • All pike and brook trout must be released.
    • 1 or 2 walleyes (under 18") for shore lunch.
    • No fish transported home.
    • No live bait may be used.
Tackle & Equipment
    • Single, barbless hook only.
    • Medium-heavy rods with 20+ lb-test line.
    • Long nose pliers / hook removers.
    • Sidecutters.
    • No jaw spreaders / gags, please.
    • No landing nets. (we use catch and release cradles for fish safety)
Gearing up
Kesagami Wilderness Lodge will provide, free of charge, split rings and barbless hooks to enable guests to replace treble hooks on lures.  Kesagami also provides catch and release cradles in all boats at the lodge and in all fly in outposts.
Handling Fish
KWL pike in cradle
  • Cradle all big fish.
  • Keep fish in the water while unhooking.
  • No fish in the boat except shore lunch walleyes.
  • Photograph fish over the water only.
  • Do not overplay fish.
  • Resuscitate fish completely before release.

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"If you have any questions about Kesagami Wilderness Lodge, booking a trip, or you would like further information and / or the Kesagami video, please call me. Let me help you put together your dream fishing trip."   . . . Charlie McDonald


For More Information Contact

Charlie McDonald
Kesagami Wilderness Lodge

371  Airport Road North,
NAPLES, Florida,
U.S.A.   34104

phone:     800-253-3474
fax:         941-643-7312

e-mail:   fishkesagami@aol.com

Mark Jones
Kesagami Fly In Outposts

c/o   Air Cochrane,
P.O. Box 201,
Cochrane, Ontario
Canada   P0L 1CO

phone:     705-272-5570
fax:         705-272-4388
e-mail: cas@puc.net

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