Upper French River Musky Charters
French River Musky Guide | 50 Mission Cast
Experience world-class musky fishing on the legendary Upper French River aboard “The Barilko” — a fully customized 30-foot Princecraft Voyageur Musky Tri-Toon built for serious anglers, hockey stories, and unforgettable days on the water.
At 50 Mission Cast, we combine cutting-edge fishing technology with true Northern Ontario guide experience to give anglers of all skill levels the ultimate French River musky charter.
Whether you’re casting giant rubber baits, trolling deep structure, or chasing the fish of a lifetime boatside on a figure eight, this is musky fishing the way it was meant to be.
The Barilko – Built for Trophy Musky Fishing
Named after hockey legend Bill Barilko, “The Barilko” delivers unmatched comfort, stability, and fishability on the French River.
Designed for Serious Musky Anglers
- Massive 20-foot open casting platform — perfect for long casts and aggressive figure eights
- Smooth, stable tri-toon design that handles rough water with ease
- Spacious walk-around layout for safe hook sets and easy movement
- Comfortable Muskoka chairs for relaxing runs between musky spots
- Ideal setup for beginners, experienced anglers, families, and hardcore musky hunters alike
Ultimate Trolling Setup
If trolling muskies is your game, The Barilko is fully equipped with:
- 10×10 enclosed Bimini for protection from rain, wind, heat, and cold
- 4 Riptide trolling rod holders
- Shimano Tekota 700 line-counter reels
- Penn Phantom wire-line trolling reels
- Precision trolling control with Ulterra trolling motor reaching speeds up to 10 mph
Industry-Leading Electronics & Technology
The Barilko features some of the most advanced musky fishing technology available anywhere in the world.
Onboard Electronics Include:
- Four 15” Humminbird SOLIX screens
- Humminbird 360 Imaging
- One 16” Garmin LiveScope Panoptix system
- Real-time sonar technology that lets you watch muskies track and strike your bait live on screen
There’s nothing quite like seeing a giant 5-foot musky follow your lure in real time before the strike.
Even first-time musky anglers quickly gain confidence using this incredible technology.
Premium Musky Rods, Reels & Custom Baits
Every charter includes access to top-tier musky gear and custom tackle designed specifically for giant French River fish.
Featured Equipment:
- Shimano Tranx 500 reels (High Gear & Power Gear)
- Bulldawg rods
- Custom Throne Brothers Big Nasty rods
- Oversized custom musky baits from 12” to 16”
Capture Every Moment
Two onboard GoPro cameras help capture the action, strikes, boatside follows, and trophy catches so you can relive your French River musky experience long after the day ends.
French River Musky Charters
All musky charters are 5 hours in length, unless otherwise arranged.
Whether you’re targeting your first musky or chasing a true Northern Ontario giant, 50 Mission Cast delivers a premium guided fishing experience with hockey-town roots and serious musky passion.
Charter Bonus Gifts
Every charter includes your choice of one of our exclusive promotional gifts:
- A case of 50 Mission Beer
- Two bottles of wine
- A $50 50 Mission Cast merchandise coupon
Book your Upper French River Musky Charter today and experience one of Ontario’s most unique musky fishing adventures.
The technology on this boat at this time is the best in the world. Check out the YouTube Video below, if you want to see Panoptics live. There’s nothing like seeing a 5ft Musky swimming around your bait about to hit your lure on the big screen. Beginners become expert Musky fishermen by the end of the day!
All charters are 5 hours in length unless otherwise discussed.
With all Charters you will receive a choice of one of the three promo gifts below:
50 Mission Cast Case of Beer (24)
Combo set of 50 Mission Cast bottle of Pinot Grigio and Cherry Sangria
A 50 Mission Cast Coupon valued at $50.00 to put toward any merchandise purchase
Musky Charter Pricing
Half deposit required upon booking with 50 Mission Cast. Canadians can send e-transfers to Shayne@50missioncast.com. United States folks can use PayPal to send deposits. The rest of the money is due in cash the day of your charter. (Credit Cards not accepted).
New prices effective May 2025.
Pricing:
Mon-Thursday Weekday Pricing:
- 1-2 people $750 plus Promo Gift
- 3-4 people $850 plus Promo Gift
- 5-7 people $1200 plus Promo Gift
- 8-10 people $1500 plus Promo Gift
Weekend Pricing (Fri., Sat., Sun.):
- 1-2 people $850 plus Promo Gift
- 3-4 people $950 plus Promo Gift
- 5-7 people $1500 plus Promo Gift
- 8-10 people $2000 plus Promo Gift
All fishing equipment and baits are included in these prices, no taxes when paying in Canadian Funds
Follow 50 Mission Cast FB Page for Sales/Discounts and Promos
Ask Shayne About His 2-5 Day Musky Specials
On the first day you will fish for Muskies on Upper French River/Lake Nipissing. The next day you will fish for Muskies on Middle French River. It’s an incredible opportunity to catch a world record Musky and see both lakes.
Ask Shayne About Other Events Being Hosted On The Barilko Tritoon This Year
Welcome to 50 Mission Cast Website and here’s the 50 Mission Cast daily prayer folks!
“Some ships are made out of steel, some ships are made out of wood, but the best ships made on the water are FRIENDSHIPS!!!” “Bill Barilko is it possible on your end to pull some strings with the Hockey & Musky Gods to put us in contact with a 50-pound musky today on The Barilko… Please and thank you Amen.
Bill Barilko
Stanley Cup Champion
Shayne Stevenson
When you click on Shayne’s name it takes you to Shayne’s other business Toronto Hockey Advisors. To come back to this website your in 50missioncast.com
The Barilko with the 10×10 enclosed Bimini with a 20 ft casting platform.
Comfortable Muskoka chairs to sit in while trolling for big Muskies.
Beautiful evening view of the Upper French River
The Bimini enclosed for warmth on days the weather isn’t co-operating.
50 Mission Cast has propane heaters and Humminbird fish finder technology.
If you want the top down that day let me know before hand. No problem!
Check out the Livescope Panoptics Garmin Fishfinder YouTube video below.
Upper French River – Zone 11 Musky Regulations
Musky Spring Patterns
French River Musky Patterns
French River Musky Patterns
Muskies spawn in early Spring, late April to early May, typically when water temperatures reach 50-60 degrees Farenheit (10-16 degrees Celsius). Generally Muskies spawn in 1-2 feet of water in marshy bays, backwaters or flooded vegetation along lake or river shorelines.
Females scatter eggs randomly while being accompanied by one or more male.
Zone 11 fishing season is from the third Saturday in June to December 15th each year. You require a “SPORT” fishing license to catch and keep one Muskie a day. The size must be greater than 122 cm (approx.. 48 inches).
A “Conservation” license is a catch and release only.
After they spawn, patterns depend on water temperatures, forage availability and habitat.
The top Musky locations in June are in shallow bays (5-10 ft depth) and warm water areas. Muskies remain near their spawning areas.
A great place to look for Muskies are in the south facing bays with new vegetation and fallen timber.
Musky Summer Patterns
Musky summer patterns kick in once the water warms up above 70 degrees Farenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Look for mid lake structures, for example, points, humps and saddles that hold weed growth near deep water. Don’t be afraid to night fish during this time as it is a quieter time and there is less activity on the waters.
Musky Fall Patterns
Fall Musky patterns change when water temperatures drop from 70 degrees Farenheit to 60-65 degrees Farenheit (13-15 degrees Celsius). Muskies still hide in deep weeded edges and follow baitfish such as Perch, Suckers and Cisco near rocky points, reefs and weed beds. This is a great time to troll 8 km/hr in the deepest open water of your system.
Later in the fall turnover will happen. This a term used to describe the process in which a lake flips its water. In the summer, the top portion of the water is warmer than the bottom portion. As Fall progresses, the top layer of water becomes colder than the bottom layer, which causes the bottom layer to rise up and the top layer to sink down. Turnover results in water mixing which stirs up sediment and weeds throughout the water column. During turn over Muskies move up to shallow parts of the lake.
Once turnover is done, it is best to fish in water 20 feet deep near rocks and open water near their spawning bays. Use your fish finder to find bait fish and troll through them in open water at roughly 5 km/hr until the end of the season.
If the Muskies are not biting while trolling, start jigging for them during sunrise and sunset and during minor/major times.
Give head pro guide Shayne Stevenson from 50 Mission Cast a call 905.806.1971 or email: Shayne@50missioncast.com
