Ontario is certainly not short on ideal fishing spots for new fishers and even the most seasoned fishing veterans. When you plan your next trip to Ontario, keep in mind that fishing and camping make for great family outings. If you are travelling solo, take a day or two to enjoy the outdoors.
Northwestern Ontario
Sunset County has more than 70,000 fishable lakes. Quetico Provincial Park and the Albany River system are ideal for a variety of fish.
You will find:
- Trophy Muskie
- Walleye
- Lake and Brook Trout
- Northern Pike
- Black Crappie
- Bass
- Salmon
- Steelhead
Fly-in Fishing
For the ultimate northern experience, fly in to the thick of the wilderness. Surrounded by boreal forest, you can enjoy the coastal headwater rivers and inland waterways full of walleye and northern pike.
Check out:
- Nipigon River
- Albany River system (from Lake St. Joseph to James Bay)
- Wabigoon
- Eagle Lake
- Lake of the Woods
- Winisk and Severn Rivers
- Steel and McIntyre coastal rivers
Ice Fishing
Hard water fishing sees a lot of action in Northwestern Ontario and is often utilized by snowmobilers.
Check out: Kenora’s Lake of the Woods.
Northeastern Ontario
The adventurous angler can experience the waters all the way from James Bay lowlands to Georgian Bay to Manitoulin Islands. The adventuresome can also relax while they fish when they purchase an “ice bungalow” – a heated home large enough to hold big groups, where you eat, sleep, watch TV and ice fish in the comforts of the home.
Algonquin Provincial Park has exceptional fly-fishing opportunities and make sure to visit Georgian Bay, an angler Mecca for over 150 years.
You will find:
- Lake Trout
- Northern Pike
- Brook Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
- Muskie
North-Central Ontario
This region has fishing year-round and is a premium vacation destination. Near James Bay has nearly 400,000 km of natural beauty and is renowned for its sport fishing and unspoiled wilderness.
You will find:
- Walleye
- Northern Pike
- Bass
- Panfish
- Trout
- Sturgeon
Fly-in Fishing
The fly-in fishing areas of north-central Ontario are legendary. The Sutton River is famous for some of the largest trout on the planet. This region also offers many bodies of water, complete with resorts, cottage rentals, marinas and other attractions.
Ice Fishing
Ice hut villages dot many of Ontario’s bodies of water so if that is how you would like to vacation, there are plenty of options. There are also dozens and dozens of cottage rentals on inlands, if you prefer a more secluded ice fishing experience. Accommodations range from rustic to luxurious are will guarantee you return each year.
Southern Ontario
Southern Ontario is a rich mix of big-city sophistication and small-town charm. This region offers fishing on Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. The Grand, the Niagara, the Ausable, the Maitland and the Saugeen offer diverse fisheries.
You will find:
- Bass
- Walleye
- Largemouth Bass
- Lake Trout, Brook and Brown Trout
- Whitefish
- Jumbo Perch
- Northern Pike
- Bass
- Crappie
- Giant Carp
Fly Fishing
Fly fishers can utilize the abundant fly-fishing destinations on the Grand River, Credit River, and can practice various techniques under the special regulations of the areas – barbless hooks, no live bait or practicing catch-and-release.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing in southern Ontario offers the finest opportunities in the whole province. You can bring your own equipment or rent/borrow it from one of the many commercial ice hut businesses in the region.
