Ottawa Chapter

The Muskies Canada Ottawa chapter is represented by young and old anglers from all over the Ottawa region and surrounding areas. It is comprised of both experienced and novice anglers who share many similar concerns and objectives when it comes to fishing the mighty Muskie. The Ottawa chapter strongly promotes actively putting something back into this fishery through the encouragement of catch and release, participation in conservation projects and support to research into our local muskie environment.

Situated in what is considered to be one of the best Muskie fishing areas period, the Ottawa region offers many opportunities to hook up with one of the largest game fish in eastern Ontario. The Ottawa chapter's intent is to welcome new members into MCI and see to it they are able to enjoy and respect this magnificent animal to the fullest. Ours efforts are not limited to just catching and releasing Muskies, as the Ottawa chapter has continuously supported and participated in numerous conservation and study efforts over the years, thus offering to it's members a firsthand opportunity to see the science behind the fishery.

Members can also expect to learn why Muskellunge stocks in this region are naturally sustaining and not stocked, and what efforts, as a club, Muskies Canada Inc. take to ensure that continues to be true.

Ottawa Chairman's Message

Although I first dipped a line for Muskies back in the mid 80’s, it was usually hit or miss, with most outings ending in disappointment, lost hooks or even broken tackle. Then along came something called the Internet, and all of a sudden more and more information became easily accessible. From baits to tackle, locations to knot tying, all the information seemed endless and I was willing to learn.

Then one day while surfing the Internet I clicked on Muskies Canada's web site, and I haven’t been the same since. It seemed the lure of friendships, information, meetings and road trips was too much for me to ignore. Now 8+ years into my membership in the club (Muskies Canada) I look back and revel at the enjoyment I have benefitted from by being a member of Muskies Canada.

Yes tackle gets better and there are newer baits daily, but add in the ability to meet like minded folks, attend meetings and outings, share information with novice and experienced anglers alike and you have a winning combination.

Muskies Canada has become more than a hobby or pastime for me, it has become part of my fabric, it’s who I am, and I am grateful for all the experiences and friendships I have made. Now I am able to give back to this great club, and try to ensure those coming into it are able to enjoy it as much as I did, and will for many more years to come.

All this from the love of a fish, how excellent is that?

Matt Clay

Meetings

When you attend our chapter meetings you will get a great opportunity to meet and talk with all kinds of people involved in Muskie fishing. Experienced anglers, scientists doing research on different aspects of Muskie biology, lure manufacturers and electronics experts to name a few.

Every meeting is different, but one thing you can be sure of is you will leave the meeting with a better understanding of what it takes to find, catch and safely release the Muskie you have been chasing.

Here are a few quotes from new members:

“Just awesome! I met a great bunch of guys at the chapter meeting, all willing to share their knowledge. A real learning experience - start to finish.”

“This group is dedicated to proper management of the Muskie fishery. They have helped me catch more fish and shown me the right tools and techniques for handling and releasing this great fish.”

Come out and join us. MCI members and friends are welcome to share the experience. Chapter meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Orleans Legion starting at 7:30. Click the map link below for location details. Map

As we make the change to having our meetings in the east end of Ottawa, Muskies Canada - Ottawa Chapter would like to thank the Bells Corners Legion for hosting our meetings for the past 20 years.

Research

Muskellunge Scale Sampling for Genetic Analysis

The Ottawa Chapter members have been participating in the collection of muskie scale samples and sending them to Dr Chris Wilson of the Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation Unit of the OMNR. These scale samples have been taken from the Ottawa, Rideau, Jock and Madawaska Rivers
.
Early data suggests that the Ottawa and Rideau populations are made up of more than one genetic strain of muskie. To date the chapter has collected close to 150 samples with more to follow in the 2011 season. The short term goal of the data that the OMNR will get from these samples will help resolve the population ranges, relationships, and rates of movement or straying.

In the longer term the spatial genetic information from the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers will be part of a larger effort to map out the biodiversity of muskies across the entire species range in collaboration with other research projects currently underway.

Considering how difficult it is to catch muskies using conventional fishery assessment methods, angling is one of the best ways to get these scale samples and the Ottawa Chapter of Muskie Canada are committed and enthusiastic to do their part in this tremendous research project.

Ross Nicholls
Director at Large
MC Ottawa Chapter

Ottawa Plans & Perspectives For 2011

2011 looks to be a busy year once again for the Ottawa Chapter, with many opportunities for members to get involved in public and study activities.
Ranging from club events to scientific studies to environmental efforts there is always something for all members to do to be involved.

Here are our upcoming efforts for 2011

1) Project Noble Beast:
We will continue to support the efforts of Sean Landsman and his study of Muskellunge in the Ottawa area
Visit http://www.projectnoblebeast.blogspot.com for past history and frequent updates.

2) Scale Samples:
Ottawa’s Ross Nicholls efforts have this study headed in the right direction and in 2010 over 100 samples were submitted for study


3) FMZ12 participation:
Larry Lambourne is our chapter volunteer and contact for Ottawa MCI
Contact Larry at llambo@rogers.com for more info

4) Log data:
We continue to support the MNR Muskie studies by encouraging members to fill out angling logs so data may be submitted and reviewed by the MNR

5) Family Day:
The Ottawa chapter helps fund the Dr.Crossman annual family day outing and also has members travel to and attend the event.
See outings for dates and times

6) KTD sign program:
Ottawa fully supports the mapping and update of the KTD sign location mapping efforts and will continue to do so in 2011

7) Outings:
2011 will offer many opportunities for members to attend exciting and educational fishing trips, see our Outings and Road trip sections for more info.

8) Christmas Raffle:
We are pleased to announce that we have purchased a rod and reel combo that will be raffled off with all proceeds going to a Christmas charity (TBA)

9) New Member mentoring:
Ottawa MCI will be offering a mentoring program for new members, see info on the Ottawa section

This is a general overview of our 2011 plans and perspective and while they are numerous we still have some in the making, stay tuned for more announcements/updates

Ottawa Chapter History

The 1980s
The Ottawa chapter of Muskies Canada was founded in September 1988 with a meeting held at the Alexander Community Centre in Ottawa. The meeting drew 21 people and resulted in an opening roster of muskie nuts that looked like this- Sandy Grant (chair), Doug Meeking, David Ritz, Hans & Rose Sigg, Ed Beebee, Paul Bourassa, Steven Lee, Jim Lumsden, George Knight, Paul Sawatzki, Jim McLaughlin, Mark Patry, Bill Powers, Doug Smith, and Hedrik Wachelka. This was to become the voice of catch & release and muskellunge conservation in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. In the fall, members were out practising what they preached – notable fish included a 36 incher from the Madawaska by Jim Lumsden, a 42 incher from the Rideau R by Doug Meeking, and a fine 54 inch trophy from the Prescott reach of the St Lawrence by Hans Sigg.

As the decade ended, Doug Meeking became chapter chair of what became known as the Outaouais chapter of MCI. The chapter got busy with promotional efforts by sharing booth space with the Ottawa Fishing club at the local sportsmen show at Lansdowne Park. Led by Doug Meeking, the chapter carried out and reported on a visual spawning habitat survey in May on the Long Reach section of the Rideau. Monthly meetings were moved to the Hunt Club Community Centre featuring guest speakers from fisheries biologists to expert muskie anglers. In July, “Rivers Muskie Derby” was the first catch and release event hosted by this new chapter, specifically on the Rideau out of Kemptville – the winner was John Hewitt with a 36 inch release in tough summer conditions. The most notable fish of 1989 was a beauty 51 incher released to the upper Ottawa River by David Ritz.

The 1990s
Coming Soon

The 2000s
Coming Soon

Ottawa Outings

2011
The Ottawa chapter proudly combines it annual chapter outings with the Upper Valley chapter. This increases comradery and participation between chapters. For 2011, the Upper Valley will be hosting the outing.
Please contact Kert Lavigne and chapter for dates and more info.

2010 Outing Review
Special thanks go out to all our outing sponsors (see list below) for supporting our outing and making it the success it was.

Road Trips 2011

Every year the Ottawa chapter organizes outings outside of the annual chapter outings required by Muskies Canada Inc. These outings represent the essence of a fishing club by offering an opportunity to hook the trailer up and drive to a location most likely unfamiliar to those attending and fish waters in hopes of hooking up. Our road trips also present an occasion to get to know chapter members better, fish with different partners and generally just have a great time with like-minded folks.

For 2011 we have agreed to 2 road trips that will offer two scenarios for those interested, a short trip and/or a trip of a lifetime.

Our first trip will see Ottawa members travel to Mattawa, a small Ontario town on Highway 17 about a 3 hr. drive from Ottawa. This weekend trip will have folks fishing both the Mattawa and Ottawa River in search of Muskies. Both rivers have plenty of draw for experienced and novice anglers alike.

Our second trip has die hard Muskie nuts travelling to St. John New Brunswick to hook up with our fellow MCI Saint John River chapter members for a chance to experience a truly special fishery and relatively new angling resource.

Efforts to formalize times and hotel locations are ongoing at this time and will be announced as they are confirmed.

For information on these outings please contact: Matt Clay at matt.clay@bell.net or through the information on the Ottawa section of the web site.

Ottawa Thanks

Muskies Canada would like to thank and ask you to patronize the fine businesses that have supported us during the past year. These include: Arnprior Bait and Tackle, Al's Corner Store (on HWY 17), Paddletails (Winchester), Dodd's Marine, Sports Action, Laurentian Marine Sales, Hurst Marine, Manotick Bait and Sporting Supplies.