Fish, Guides and Up the Shore (6 photos)

This morning the air and the water smell and taste of fish. That is, Georgian Bay, and it makes me think of "Up the Shore."

When I smell fish, I think of this great fish pond we live in. I think of LePage and Pickerel. Are the fish plentiful, I ask myself as my mind wanders to Copperhead Island and Phil Moreau. Real Bass was what they fished.

I also think of all the Métis and Native fishermen from the past and the present and wonder what they think. "Are fish stocks improving and what is the quality of the water?"

Back in the day, there were numerous native or Métis fishing guides to tend to the extensive tourist trade on the Bay.

They managed the fishing parties, opened up the camps, built cabins, filled ice houses and were always there when you needed them. A close reading of histories of Go Home, Cognashene, Honey Harbour and north to Pointe au Baril, all mention the essential services provided by those descendants of native and predominantly, French-speaking families.

The names Patenaude, Moreau, Russell, Bush and others, are always recalled by diarists or writers of local and club histories, with gratitude. I mention these guys because they managed many of the camps and clubs. They were not all of native extraction, in fact, some were very much English. Russell (Minnicognashene ) and the France family come to mind.

Many of the names may have been forgotten, but if pressed, there are locals, well versed in being more than just fishing guides. If asked nicely, they might take you fishing "Up the Shore."

René Hackstetter, June 30, 2021.