A northern Ontario fisherman has reeled in an unexpected catch worth nearly $80,000 after a fortunate chain of events that began with winning a fishing pool among friends.
From Fishing Pool to Lottery Pool
Patrick Brown, a 65-year-old manager from the Greater Sudbury community of Garson, experienced what many lottery players dream of for decades. The regular lottery participant, who has been playing OLG games for more than 40 years, finally scored his first significant win - $78,967.40 as the second prize winner in the October 15, 2025 Lotto 6/49 draw.
The path to his windfall began during a fishing trip with companions. "I was out fishing with some friends, and we each threw in $20. Whoever caught the biggest fish would win the pool," Brown explained during his visit to the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his earnings.
Brown emerged victorious from the friendly competition, netting approximately $140 from the fishing pool. With his winnings in hand, he decided to purchase lottery tickets, a decision that would dramatically increase his earnings.
The Shocking Discovery
After returning home, Brown checked his lottery ticket and experienced what he described as pure "shock" upon realizing he had won a substantial prize. The longtime player typically uses quick picks for his weekly lottery participation, and this routine finally paid off in spectacular fashion.
Brown has already made plans for his unexpected fortune. The winnings will be directed toward home renovations and supporting his son's education, practical investments that will provide long-term benefits for his family.
True to the spirit of the fishing trip that started it all, Brown immediately shared his good news with his fishing companion. "I told my buddy from our fishing crew right away and told him I could help him fix a few things in his cabin now. He was very happy," Brown recounted, demonstrating his generosity with the newfound wealth.
Northern Ontario's Lucky Streak Continues
Brown's success adds to a remarkable pattern of lottery luck in northern Ontario communities. In a separate recent win, James Steeves of Thunder Bay secured $90,000 from an Instant ticket. Steeves attempted to announce his victory on Facebook but encountered skepticism from friends who suspected the announcement was generated by artificial intelligence.
This summer, the region celebrated another major lottery achievement when Joe and Lise Menard claimed a staggering $34-million prize from a Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball draw. Joe Menard had experienced a premonition about their win, telling OLG, "When I heard on the news that the Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball ticket was sold in northern Ontario, I had a premonition that we had the winning ticket."
The Menards, who live in Cache Bay located between Sudbury and North Bay, joked that their community might need a name change to "CA$H Bay" following their multimillion-dollar victory.
These successive wins highlight a remarkable concentration of lottery success in northern Ontario, bringing substantial financial rewards to residents of the region and creating inspiring stories of unexpected fortune.
