One of the most charming aspects of game fishing is the thrill of the unknown—what lies beneath the surface, whether the day’s efforts will yield a prize catch, or if luck will be on the angler’s side. This unpredictability adds to the excitement for all anglers, from seasoned fishing enthusiasts to weekend hobbyists. But as knowledge deepens, anglers gain an edge in what feels like a blend of skill, patience, and chance.

In this post, we will dive into Canada’s iconic game fishes through vintage publications, exploring the beautiful illustrations preserved in the BC Historical Books and the Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection.

“It was always a battle if they made for the reeds”

Illustration in Going Fishing (1946?), p.39

A Timeless Tradition

Fishing has long been woven into the fabric of Canadian life, standing as one of the country’s most cherished outdoor activities. Canada’s vast wilderness, cold rivers, and countless lakes have earned it a global reputation as a sportfishing paradise.

Throughout human history, fishing has played a dual role: both as a means of survival and a source of enjoyment. Ancient carvings and drawings suggest that people have been fishing for over thousands of years. By around 3500 BCE in Egypt, tools like spears, nets, and rods emerged, and some of these techniques still influence fishing practices today.

By 2000, fishing had become not only a beloved pastime in Canada but also a major attraction for both Canadian and international anglers. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, a survey from that year reported 3.6 million active anglers in Canada. While the anglers reeled in over 233 million fish, they kept only 84.6 million approximately. Among those kept, trout topped the list at about 34.6 million. These statistics illustrate the abundance of fish in Canada’s waters as well as the enduring appeal of sportfishing for enthusiasts from near and far.

“Then the trout fell through a hole in my wretched net”

Illustration in Going Fishing (1946?), p.133

Iconic Game Fishes

Back in 1928, the Canadian Pacific Railway collaborated with the Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology and the University of Toronto’s Department of Biology to publish The Game Fishes of Canada, a booklet with beautifully detailed fish illustrations. At that time, over 550 species were believed to inhabit Canadian waters, with more than 150 thriving in freshwater.

As the guidebook put it: for every type of angler, there is a game fish waiting.

An excerpt from page 11 of The Game Fishes of Canada (1928)

Atlantic Salmon

The Game Fishes of Canada crowns the Atlantic salmon as the “lord of all freshwater fishes” (p. 12). Sea-run salmon can grow impressively large, with Canada’s record catch weighing 47 pounds (21 kg) on Quebec’s Cascapedia River. Freshwater Atlantic salmon are typically smaller, though some can still reach up to 20 pounds (9 kg).

While their size is notable, it is their active and fierce nature that truly justifies this regal title. According to the Suncor Energy Fluvarium, young Atlantic salmon prefer large, cool rivers with gravelly bottoms, where they hide under overhanging plants and undercut banks for cover.

Atlantic Salmon, illustrated in The Game Fishes of Canada (1928), p. 36

Small-Mouthed Bass

The small-mouthed bass (Micropterus dolomieu), a member of the sunfish family, is a powerful freshwater predator. As noted by the Government of Canada, its diet spans a wide range of prey, such as insects, fishes, frogs, and plant material.

Described by Dr. James A. Henshall as “plucky, game, brave, unyielding to the last,” the small-mouthed bass has earned a reputation as “the gamest fish that swims” (The Game Fishes of Canada, p. 13). It thrives in Canada’s cold, clear streams and lakes, favouring rocky habitats with some current.

Small-Mouthed Black Bass, illustrated in The Game Fishes of Canada (1928), p. 4

Speckled Trout

According to The Game Fishes of Canada, the speckled trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) holds the widest range of any trout in Canada. Whether in small brooks or mighty rivers like the Nipigon, this fish draws more anglers than any other. It is not just the fight that makes it a favourite; its delicate flavour and the breathtaking landscapes it calls home add to its lasting appeal.

Moreover, speckled trout are also known for their stunning colour variations, shifting from rich olive browns with bright red spots to pale silvers.

Speckled Trout, illustrated in The Game Fishes of Canada (1928), p. 19

Around 1940, the Canadian Pacific Railway released a vibrant poster promoting fishing destinations accessible through its rail network, featuring a speckled trout hooked on a fishing line.

Advertising poster by Peter Ewart (1940?)

Thank you for reading this week’s blog post!

If you are interested in diving deeper, follow the links in “Further Readings” to explore more history and illustrations that showcase the rich heritage of fishing.

“An imperturbable scene which fills you with contentment”

Illustration in Going Fishing (1946?), p.115

Further Readings

Canadian Pacific Railway Company (1928). The Game Fishes of Canada. From the Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0228150.

Farson, N. & Tunnicliffe, C. F. (1946?). Going Fishing. London: Country Life Limited. From the BC Historical Books: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0385862.

Hawthorn Fly Fishing & Angling Collection: https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/hawthorn.

References

Government of Canada (2021). Smallmouth Bass. Retrieved from https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/profiles-profils/smallmouthbass-achiganpetitebouche-eng.html.

The Suncor Energy Fluvarium (2019). The Suncor Energy Fluvarium Fact Sheets: Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Retrieved from https://fluvarium.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Atlantic_salmon.pdf.

Tuomi, A. (2013). Sportfishing. In The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sportfishing.