Ottawa River and wind . . .

[NMG]

Hey folks,

I was thinking of hitting up the Ottawa River west of Ottawa tomorrow (maybe out Arnprior way), but I see that winds are forecasted to be 15-20KM/H with gusts up to 30KM/H.

Might sound like a stupid question, but do you know if that section tends to kick up bad in the wind and/or are there spots you can tuck away in? It wouldn't bother me so much, but my wife and 3 year old are coming along so if it's going to be too much of a pain I think we'll just hit the Rideau or find a smaller lake somewhere. I was hoping to try and find some Pike or Walleye and of course, some Sunfish for the little guy.

Thanks a bunch for any info you can share.

[impactfishing]

She kicks up pretty good down that end but 15-20 is pretty normal, unless your in a canoe!! There is also a lot of places to tuck into with a smaller boat (I'm assuming you don't have a big boat as 15-20 wouldn't matter)

[NMG]

Thanks for the info impactfishing, much appreciated! I have a fairly big 16 footer so it can handle some bigger stuff if it starts to blow. I just haven't really been on that section of the river so I wasn't sure what to expect. The lakes I'm used to fishing in BC could be iffy if the wind was like that all day, so I'm still trying to adjust a bit and figure things out. Sounds like I'll be fine, so hopefully the fish will cooperate!

[Gord]

If the wind is out of the west/northwest at 20kmh or more, it can get quite nasty......even 15 kmh is pushing it. Check the forecast before you go.

[RJ]

Like others have said, it can get lumpy out there. There are a few bays that you can hide in that will hold fish for sure.

RJ

[NMG]

K, that's good info. Thanks guys!

[NMG]

Hey folks,

Just thought I'd post a quick update. We went out to Arnprior for the morning and had no problems at all. Fishing was slow for me and I only managed a small OOS Smallmouth and one visual on about a 2 foot long Pike. Other than that, not much happening. The water seemed fairly coloured still and visibility was only about 3 feet. We ventured as far west as a nature sanctuary area on the Quebec side (about 5K up river I think) and as far east as the fast water above the railway bridge. I had no idea that the river picked up that much speed down there! I would have loved to have tried fishing right along the current seams, but I wasn't brave enough. The water was really moving and I wasn't going to risk anything.

Nice section of the river though and I'll be back there later in the year for sure.