Move over Walleye Here come the Smallies

When people hear the name Nakina Ontario, the first thing that comes to mind is fly-out fishing and hunting trips north towards the Albany River. The town has made its mark in the industry of spectacular walleye fishing and moose hunt fly-out trips. What many people aren't aware of, is the lake that most of the outfitters start out from is a smallmouth factory. I have fished Cordingly Lake many years now. I worked in Nakina back in 2000 to 2006, and learned of this fishery which was basically untouched. I was amazed at how many smallies there were, and the average size it produced. In recent years the fishing of smallmouth here has become more popular. The Nakina Fish and Game Club hold an annual Live Release Bass Derby every August. It started out in the early years as a biggest fish wins type derby. Now it has grown into a 2 day 10 fish limit live realease tournament. They have gone from weighing bouncing fish in baskets to weigning fish in water to avoid stress. This event is full every year usually by the beginning of the following calendar year. Amazing for a town of only 500 people or so. It has it rules meeting on the Friday night and Saturday after weigh-in you are treated to a steak dinner which is part of your entry. The top prizes include cash and a prize. They are continuing to grow the prize money for top 5 placings. Now you may be wondering why bass fish in Nakina. The only thing I can say is for the quality and quantity of fish. For a lake as far north as it is, the weights are quite astounding. Remember the season here may be open year round, but the ice is on the lake for 6 of 12 months . Ice out is early May and back in in early November. The tournaments winning weight has been consistantly 30lbs or better in the last 5 years. In 2010 the winning weight was 36.8 lbs for 10 fish and 7 of the top 10 were over 30lbs. In 2011 the winning weight was 36.25 with 5 of the top 10 over 30lbs. Quite a number for the amount of days the water is over 60 degrees F, in the summer months. I also learned that a smallmouth was caught and released twice last year that was estimated to be in the 10lb range. I know one of the guys who caught this fish and he is not a "bs'er". I have caught several fish in the 20-22inch range. The ministry also netted this lake and had captured one over 8lbs. So when you think of Nakina remember that its not just a walleye and moose destination. Bring the bass tackle and give Cordingly Lake a try. For information on the Nakina Bass Derby go to their web site www.nakinabassderby.ca. Follow me for more stories, tricks and tips in the future.