Ontario offers amazing freshwater fishing. You can find many kinds of fish in its huge lakes and rivers. This guide helps you find the best places to fish in Ontario.
In a Nutshell: Best Fishing Spots in Ontario
- You will discover top places to fish for walleye, bass, and salmon.
- You will learn about different fishing styles and seasons.
- You will find tips for planning your perfect fishing trip.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Dreaming of a great catch? Ontario is a top choice for fishing in Canada. It has over 250,000 lakes and rivers. These waters hold many prized fish. From quiet streams to the Great Lakes, Ontario has fishing for everyone. You can have a relaxed family day or hunt for a trophy fish.
Ontario’s Fishing World
Ontario’s waters are home to almost all popular freshwater fish. This includes walleye, bass, northern pike, and trout. You can also find muskellunge (muskie) and salmon. The fishing spots are very different. You can fish for huge fish in big lakes. Or, you can fly-fish in small streams. Some spots are busy city areas. Others are remote wilderness lodges.
Many fishing styles are popular here. These include trolling, casting, and fly fishing. In winter, many enjoy ice fishing. Ontario also has many places to stay. You can find lodges reached by floatplane. There are also public boat launches and easy shore fishing spots.
Top Fishing Destinations in Ontario (2025)
Here are some of the best fishing areas in Ontario. These are based on expert advice for 2025.
Rondeau Bay
This bay is on the northwest shore of Lake Erie. It is famous for its largemouth bass. It also has many fast-growing walleye. The bay’s warm, shallow waters are full of small fish. This makes it a great place for big predator fish to grow. The best time to fish here is from late spring to early fall.
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is on the province’s southeast border. It is the smallest Great Lake. But it has a lively ecosystem. Hot fishing spots include the Niagara River and Toronto waterfront. St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake are also popular. You can easily reach these spots from cities. This lets you combine fishing with city fun. Fish for salmon and trout in spring and fall. Summer is best for walleye.
Lake Superior
This lake is in northwest Ontario, near the US border. Its cold, clear waters are perfect for salmon and trout. Over 200 rivers feed into it. Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie are main fishing gateways. Summer is best for salmon and trout. Late spring and early fall are good for pike and perch.
Rainy River and Rainy Lake
This area is in Western Ontario, near Minnesota. It is known as a bass fishing hot spot. Many successful catches happen here. The Canadian Bass Championship has been held here for over 30 years. The Rainy River is 220 kilometers long. It flows into the huge Rainy Lake. Both have many different fish. You can also enjoy historical sites and outdoor fun here. Summer and early fall are best for bass.
Ottawa River and Nearby Areas
This river is on the Ontario-Quebec border. You can fish from shore or a boat. Cities like Ottawa have many easy fishing spots. New Edinburgh Park and Petrie Island offer different options. Fish for walleye, muskellunge, and smallmouth bass. Spring through fall is good. May and June are peak times for walleye.
Victoria Island, Shirley’s Bay, and Petrie Island (Ottawa)
These city fishing spots are easy to reach. You can fish from shore or a boat. You can find panfish, walleye, and muskie here. They have good facilities for families and casual anglers. Late spring to early fall is the best time.
Fish Species and Angling Tips
- Walleye: Ontario is often called the Walleye Capital of the World. You can find many walleye in Rondeau Bay, Rainy River, and the Great Lakes. They are a favorite fish for many anglers.
- Bass: The Fort Frances area on the Rainy River is great for bass. You can also find smallmouth and largemouth bass in many southern lakes.
- Salmon and Trout: The Great Lakes, especially Superior and Ontario, have strong salmon and trout fishing. Spring and fall are ideal times. Fly fishing is popular in rivers feeding these lakes.
- Northern Pike and Muskellunge: Northern pike are easy to find. Muskellunge are Ontario’s largest freshwater predator. They live in big lakes with weedy areas.
- Panfish: Fish like perch, crappie, and sunfish are common. They are perfect for new anglers or family trips.
Seasons and Ice Fishing
Ontario’s long winters bring world-class ice fishing. Many lakes become ice-fishing spots. In northern Ontario, the ice is thick enough for whole fishing communities.
People often catch walleye, northern pike, and lake trout in winter. Learn more about ice fishing in Canada.
Access and Places to Stay
Ontario has fishing options for all tastes:
- Luxury Lodges: Some remote lodges offer full services. You can reach them by floatplane.
- Public Access: Many parks and boat launches are free or cheap to use.
- Camping: Popular lakes have campgrounds and cabins for longer trips.
- City Fishing: Spots within cities like Ottawa offer easy fishing. Discover more about urban fishing spots.
Fishing Trip Planner
Enter your trip length and daily budget to estimate total cost.
Estimated Total Cost: $300
Practical Tips for Fishing in Ontario
- Licenses: If you are 18 or older, you need an Ontario fishing license. Rules can change for certain fish or areas.
- Seasons: Always check the province’s rules for open seasons. This depends on the fish and location.
- Gear: For walleye and bass, a medium-action rod with bait or lures works well. Salmon and trout often need fly-fishing or trolling gear. Find out about best fishing rods.
- Guided Tours: Think about booking a guided trip. Guides know the best spots and offer expert advice. This is helpful for remote or large lakes.
- Conservation: Practice catch-and-release when needed. Respect fishing limits. This helps keep Ontario’s fish healthy.
- Check Regulations: Always look up current fishing rules and seasons for your chosen spot. Rules change often.
- Pack Smart: Bring layers of clothing, rain gear, and bug spray. Weather can change fast in Ontario.
- Talk to Locals: Ask bait shops or guides for recent tips. They know what’s biting and where.
- Practice Catch & Release: Help keep fish populations healthy, especially for larger or rare species.
Conclusion
Ontario offers many different fishing environments. From city spots to wild areas, it is a top fishing place in Canada. You can hunt for trophy bass, troll for lake trout, or ice fish. Anglers of all kinds will find great chances here in 2025.
Plan your trip around the seasons and your favorite fish. This will help you have a successful and fun fishing experience.
Your Questions About Best Fishing Spots in Ontario Answered (Simply)
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