It’s been 11 decades since the World Record Brook Trout – a 31.5 inch standard length and 14.5 pound fish – was caught at the Rabbit Rapids by Dr. Cook in July of 1915.
And ever since the hydro dam at Pine Portage was constructed in 1950, the entire river ecosystem changed dramatically. The head of water created for hydro production effectively raised the water level upstream of the dam, resulting in the flooding of almost 16 kilometers of the Nipigon River’s rapids, waterfalls, and whitewater, including features like the White Chutes and Rabbit Rapids.
Brook Trout were forced to adapt to the changed habitats, and that transformation took its toll on the population along with high harvest limits… especially after news of the World Record fish spread… and it wasn’t long before the Nipigon Brook Trout population was in a severe decline.
But over the years, a series of conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding, protecting and enhancing the Brook Trout population throughout the system has shown overwhelmingly positive results.
Reduced harvest limits; water level controls to protect spawning fish and their eggs; a minimum size limit that allows fish to spawn 3 times before they can be kept; spawning sanctuaries & closures- all these things have contributed to a wonderful story of recovery for the species. Fish in excess of 25 inches and 7 to 8 lbs are not uncommon.
But back to Rabbit Rapids… for most of my clients, it’s a special stop along the route to Lake Nipigon… the history and the mystery of the place is quite moving for most anglers… many of them want to throw a few casts for posterity and to say they also fished the fabled rapids – despite the fact that they are almost indiscernible since the river was flooded and are likely 10-12 feet deeper than they were historically.
In the 10+ years I’ve been fishing and guiding on the Upper River, not once has any of my clients, or myself for that matter, ever hooked a fish there – until September 15, 2025.
I had reserved the final day of the season to close out the Brook Trout season fishing with my partner Janet. And, as I often do, I like to fish some different water than I usually do with clients. We decided to give Rabbit Rapids a few casts dedicated casts.
I tied on one of my favorite Brook Trout baits – an Orange Crush Mighty Mitch & Jungle Joe’s Jigfly. Janet also snapped on her favorite lure – a Rainbow Trout Countdown Rapala.
As I was casting to the shoreline, my Jigfly got bumped a couple times… and then as our lines came close together, Janet shouted “fish on!”.
She brought the Brookie to net – a nice 17.25 inch fish – and I told her it was the first ever for me from the World Record hole!!
I joked with Janet that she may have caught the great, great, great… (X 11 – one ‘great’ for every decade since the World Record was caught) grandchild of Dr. Cook’s fish!!
And there, my friends, endeth the modern day Tale of Rabbit Rapids… the Brookies are still about – is it possible that another World Record exists there?? Only by casting a line will we ever know. See you ‘On the Water’ in 2026!!
