Upper French river, Conditions update for long weekend

Hey all!

I’m headed to the dokis area for a long weekend fish. I was curious if anyone is in the area with information on the conditions up there. I know everyone in Ontario is getting pounded with rain all spring so far. How is that affecting spawning/feeding habits, water clarity and temp. Really hoping to have a good opening weekend. Any info out there would be greatly appreciated!

5 more days!!!! 😜

High water levels is the big concern. Many docks underwater.

Northcar is certainly right about the very high water levels this year.
Water temperatures in Nipissing, off the main lake this morning, were still 6-7C...pickerel have been spawning steadily around my dock for a couple weeks now. I noticed several large females in the mix the last few nights.
On Nipissing's main lake I expect the water temperatures will 'still' be relatively low and some of the pickerel may still be spawning come the opener (when caught, they'll easily spill milt and eggs)...which was the case last year...and maybe the same on the upper French (Dokis area) as well.
Minnows normally work well in cooler water....at least until the invertebrate population and insect larvae start hatching out and showing up in the water column in greater numbers.
Our group did reasonably well last year on the main lake...under the same conditions...concentrating on areas and locations near the first drop offs, break lines and structural points/reefs closer to traditional pickerel spawning sites. Any early emergent vegation and weedlines, in warmer bays, held good fish for us under similar conditions last year as well. Others will offer additional good suggestions..
Good luck Gp226 on your trip.

That's some great info, thanks!

That is great info grumpa! Much obliged! Can’t believe I waiting so long to join this forum!

reminds me of that Alaskan bush people show!