Full Day Advanced Fishing in Nestor Falls
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eighthour advanced fishing targeting muskie, lake trout, and northern pikeExpert local guide provides access to prime fishing locationsSmall group capacity with optional bait and shore lunch services
When you're serious about your angling and want to chase trophy fish where they actually live, Gerald Arch's 8-hour advanced fishing trip on Crow Lake and Nestor Falls delivers exactly what seasoned anglers are looking for. This isn't your typical guided day on the water—it's a focused, performance-driven experience designed for anglers who know their way around a rod and want to push their limits. Gerald's been working these waters for years, and he knows where the big ones hide. You'll hit prime spots across multiple species, refine techniques that actually work, and spend quality time in some of Northwestern Ontario's most productive fishing waters.
This trip runs a full 8 hours, giving you serious time to work different structures and adapt your approach as conditions change throughout the day. Gerald takes up to 3 anglers, so you're not fighting for space or competing for his attention—everyone gets hands-on guidance and plenty of room to work. The beauty of fishing both Crow Lake and Nestor Falls is the variety. You might start the morning working deeper structure for lake trout, then move to weed edges for pike, and finish the afternoon targeting walleye on rocky points. Gerald reads the water and weather conditions daily, so he'll adjust the game plan based on what's actually happening, not just what worked last week. The boat's equipped for serious fishing—downriggers, quality electronics, and enough rod holders to keep multiple presentations working. You can bring your own gear if you've got favorites, or use what's provided. Either way, Gerald will help you dial in the right approach for each spot.
Gerald's approach centers on reading structure and understanding how different species use these waters throughout the day. On Crow Lake, you'll work drop-offs and underwater humps that hold lake trout and smallmouth bass, using everything from jigging spoons in deeper water to casting cranks along rocky shorelines. The transition zones where shallow bays meet deeper water are money spots for pike, especially when you're throwing spinnerbaits or working topwater early and late in the day. Nestor Falls offers different opportunities—current breaks and eddies that funnel baitfish and create feeding zones for walleye and crappie. Gerald knows how to position the boat to work these spots effectively, whether you're trolling crawler harnesses through the current or vertical jigging in slack water pockets. The electronics come into play big time here—Gerald uses his fish finder and GPS to put you on structure that produces consistently, not just randomly hoping for the best. You'll learn to read what the screen is telling you about bottom composition, bait concentrations, and fish positioning.
Walleye are the bread and butter of these waters, and for good reason. They're abundant, they fight hard, and they taste fantastic. In Crow Lake and Nestor Falls, walleye typically run 14-18 inches with plenty of 20+ inch fish mixed in. Early morning and evening are prime time, but Gerald knows midday spots where they hold in deeper water along rocky points and drop-offs. They're structure-oriented fish, so once you find them, you can usually pick up several from the same area. What makes walleye fishing here special is the variety of presentations that work—from live bait rigs to cranks to jigs—so you can match your style and keep things interesting.
Northern Pike in these waters are aggressive predators that provide explosive strikes and hard fights. The pike here average 24-28 inches, but 30+ inch fish are caught regularly, especially around weed edges and shallow bays where they ambush prey. Spring through early summer is peak time when they're in shallower water, but Gerald knows deeper weed lines and structure where they hold throughout the season. Pike fishing is visual and exciting—you can often see the fish following your lure before they decide to hit. They're not picky eaters, but they do respond to presentation changes, so having someone who knows local patterns makes a huge difference.
Smallmouth Bass are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in these lakes. The rocky structure and clear water create perfect smallmouth habitat, and these fish are known for their aerial displays and determined runs. Most smallmouth here run 12-16 inches, but the 18+ inch fish are what serious bass anglers dream about. They're active throughout the day once water temperatures warm up, and they respond well to both live bait and artificials. Gerald knows the rocky points, boulder fields, and gravel bars where smallmouth set up, and he'll teach you to read the water so you can spot productive structure on your own.
Crappie fishing peaks during spring spawning periods when these panfish move into shallow bays and protected areas. The crappie in Crow Lake and Nestor Falls run larger than average—10-12 inch fish are common, with some pushing 14 inches. They're schooling fish, so when you find them, you can often catch several quickly. Crappie are excellent table fare, and they provide steady action when you hit the right depth and structure. Gerald knows the traditional spawning areas and also understands how crappie relate to structure throughout the season.
Lake Trout represent the trophy opportunity on this trip. These deep-water predators grow large in the cold, clean waters of Crow Lake, and catching one is always a highlight. Lake trout fishing requires understanding thermoclines and using downriggers or lead core to get baits down to the right depth. They're not as numerous as other species, but the chance at a genuine trophy keeps things exciting. Gerald knows the humps, points, and deep-water structure where lakers cruise, and he has the equipment and knowledge to put your bait in the strike zone.
If you're an angler who takes fishing seriously and wants to test your skills against multiple species in productive waters, this trip delivers exactly what you're looking for. Gerald's local
This 20-foot motorboat cuts through Nestor Falls and Crow Lake waters with serious fishing power. The 200 HP engine gets you to Gerald's prime muskie and lake trout spots quickly, while the spacious layout comfortably holds up to three anglers and all your gear. Built for long days chasing trophy fish, this boat handles Ontario's big water with ease. Multiple rod holders, ample storage, and stable casting platforms let you focus on landing that personal best northern pike or working different techniques across species. Whether you're trolling the deeper sections or casting structure, this boat delivers the performance serious anglers need for an 8-hour advanced fishing adventure.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are schooling panfish that typically run 7-12 inches and weigh around a pound. You'll find both black and white crappie in our waters - blacks prefer the clearer areas while whites don't mind a bit of stain. They love hanging around submerged brush, fallen trees, and weed edges in 8-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallow to feed, but they bite year-round if you find their depth. What makes crappie special is their delicate, flaky white meat - some of the best eating fish around. They're also great for getting kids started since they bite readily on small jigs or live minnows. My tip: when you catch one, mark the spot and work it thoroughly. Where there's one crappie, there's usually a whole school waiting.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our deep, cold waters, typically ranging 20-30 inches with some real monsters pushing 15+ pounds. These char prefer the deep basins and steep drop-offs, often suspended 40-80 feet down in summer. Spring right after ice-out is magic when they cruise shallow rocky areas, but most of the year you'll need to get deep. What draws anglers back is the potential for a true trophy - these fish can live decades and reach impressive sizes. They're also excellent eating with firm, pink meat that's perfect for the grill. The fight is different from other species - more of a steady, powerful battle than explosive runs. My secret: focus on vertical jigging with heavy spoons or swimbaits right on bottom. Lakers often hit light, so watch your electronics closely and set the hook on any tick or pause in your line.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the apex predators of our shallow bays, averaging 24-30 inches with razor-sharp teeth and bad attitudes. These ambush hunters patrol weed beds, fallen timber, and rocky shorelines in 5-15 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are cooler, but summer mornings can produce explosive topwater action. What makes pike fishing addictive is their aggressive strikes - they'll absolutely demolish spoons, spinnerbaits, and large swimbaits. The fights are spectacular with tail-walking jumps and powerful runs. While not premium table fare, they're a blast to catch and release. Pike will follow lures for long distances before striking, so don't give up if you see one tracking your bait. Here's my tip: use a steel leader and fish fast-moving lures near structure. When they hit, set the hook hard and keep steady pressure.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the strongest fighters in our waters, averaging 12-16 inches with thick, muscular builds. They're rock dwellers that love granite points, boulder fields, and drop-offs in 10-25 feet of water. These bronze-backed beauties prefer cooler, cleaner water and will move deeper during hot summer days. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes smallmouth special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit topwater, dive deep for cranks, and absolutely crush a well-placed tube jig. The fight is spectacular with multiple jumps and bulldogging runs that test your drag. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. My go-to trick: work your lure slowly along the bottom near rocky structure. Smallmouth often follow before striking, so patience pays off big time.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating fish in these parts, typically running 14-20 inches with those distinctive glowing eyes. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges in 15-30 feet of water. Their night vision gives them a huge advantage feeding in low light, so dawn and dusk are prime time. Summer finds them deeper in the cool water, but spring and fall they'll cruise the shallows. What guests love most is the mild, flaky meat - absolutely top-notch table fare. They're also challenging to pattern, which keeps seasoned anglers coming back. These fish can be finicky, but once you dial them in, they're worth every effort. Here's the key: slow down your presentation and fish right on bottom. Walleye rarely chase lures, so bring the bait to them.
Ontario