On the license side, I confess the Ontario website was less than clear to me on what I need to do to legally fish in Canada. It seemed like a multi step process for a US citizen?

You will need an Ontario Card (which is a multi-year enrollment) plus an annual fishing license. I'd recommend a conservation license. It will allow you to legally fish (catch and release) and retain sufficient catches per day to adequately feed you (e.g., 2 walleye per day per angler). The conservation license exists in two forms ... a 7-day license and an annual. (Since my trips exceed 7 days, I always buy the annual license.)

Ontario is divided into several zones and each zone can potentially have slightly different fishing regulations as for number of fish limits and minimum/maximum lengths. There also could be restrictions for time of year to legally fish for certain species.o

Woodland Caribou Provincial Park is in Zone 2. (The link provides a zone map for that section of western Ontario plus the specifics for fishing in Zones 1, 2 and 3.) You should check before next season to insure no changes have been implemented for 2014.

dd

O.K. Here's an example of how much I don't know...

I know that there are different fishing lines, but I don't know the difference or what I need. I suspect that the stuff I use to catch Sunnies on Prior Lake ain't gonna cut it.

quote ECpizza: "I know that there are different fishing lines, but I don't know the difference or what I need."

If you have a choice about the kind of reel you buy (and I'm thinking spinning rod/reel here), I'd see if I could get one with two spools. I'd rig one with 4-6 lb test monofilament line for fishing for walleye. It will give you a better feel for both the bottom and bite than many other choices. I'd rig the second spool with Fire Line (I prefer fused over braided, but both will work). It is has less stretch than mono and is tougher for when you are getting into pike and lakers.

If I had to go with just one line, I'd probably pick the Fire Line. Walleye fishing is good enough that you'll still be able to catch enough to feed yourself.

However, regardless of the type of line you use, it is a good idea to frequently check the line for nicks or abrasions and re-tie terminal tackle. In addition, if you are in hooking up with pike, make sure your drag is set relatively light. Yes, a larger fish will strip line off your spool but you'll avoid a lot of break-offs this way. Just don't set it so light that you can't retrieve line when the fish stops running.

But the simple answer to all of this is ... fish with what you have confidence in ... it will be what you will be most successful with.

dd