14 top fishing destinations in Ontario

Northwest Ontario

Lac Seul

Discover a world of wilderness and walleye.

Lac Seul measures approximately 241 kilometres wide, has 4,800 kilometres of shoreline and covers over 1,450 square kilometres. Given its massive size, the meaning of “Lac Seul” in French—“lake alone”—makes sense.

Lac Seul is famous for musky, walleye, smallmouth bass, lake trout, northern pike and whitefish fisheries. A sprawling reservoir northwest of Sioux Lookout, Lac Seul is home to healthy numbers of large walleye (61 to 76 centimetres) found in the shallow bays that branch off from the central basin. There are also good numbers of smallmouth bass, yellow perch and northern pike. Lac Seul grows big muskies, which are notorious for hitting walleye jigs—a heart-stopping experience. To maintain a healthy population, anglers are not permitted to keep muskies caught on Lac Seul.

Though the area is remote, Lac Seul is well served by drive-to, boat-in or fly-in camps, including:

Lac Seul Lodge

Light housekeeping cottages featuring hot and cold running water, private showers and flush toilets and all necessary kitchen equipment. Enjoy full days on the lake catching walleye, northern and smallmouth bass.

Lac Seul Whitewing Lodge

Cabins of various sizes will accommodate most groups. Alternatively, experience fishing Lac Seul on a houseboat vacation. Houseboat rentals can sleep up to 10 people.

Lac Seul Wilderness Resort

Modern, clean housekeeping cabins offer great views of Lac Seul just steps from the docking facilities, sandy beach and firepits.

Find more information about fishing in Sunset Country’s Lac Seul.

Lake of the Woods

Welcome to the crown jewel of Northwest Ontario.

Often referred to as the sixth Great Lake, Lake of the Woods spans 90 kilometres across at its widest point, 137 kilometres long and its deepest depth is 95 metres. It contains over 14,500 islands, with a total shoreline of over 100,000 kilometres.

This massive body of water is home to the largest predatory fish in Ontario, with incredible angling. Fish for trophy lake trout, northern pike, muskies, walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass and whitefish. It’s a four-season fishery; ice-fishing action is just as hot as fishing in the summer.

The sheer size of Lake of the Woods can be daunting, so many visitors hire one of the many excellent local guides. Top fishing lodges include:

Halleys Camps

Boat-in or fly-in to an all-inclusive lodge experience or outpost cabin. Or drive in to enjoy fully equipped housekeeping cabins. Whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy a great Canadian fishing trip with this long-running, family-run fishing business.

Duck Bay Lodge

This remote lodge sits on the 242-hectare Hay Island in Sabaskong Bay, located in the southern corner of Lake of the Woods. Experience unparalleled fishing for northern pike, muskie, walleye, smallmouth and lake trout.

Indianhead Lodge

This remote, family-run resort offers epic fishing and extensive hiking and photography trails. The sandy beach, great swimming, beach and water toys and a waterslide make it the perfect vacation spot for families.

Visit Sunset Country Lake of the Woods for more information on fishing lodges and experiences. 

Lake St. Joseph

Get off the beaten track for endless fishing adventure.

Approximately 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, the vast Lake St. Joseph is truly remote, yet it can still be reached by road. Due to this low pressure, the fishing is extraordinary—target hungry walleye and smallmouth bass and reel in large lake trout. Northern pike are in season all year long, with 100-centimetre-long fish regularly caught in the shallows, where fly-fishing is especially effective.

Visitors will need to plan, as access is restricted to a limited number of permits available through local lodges and outfitters. Lodges on Lake St. Joseph include:

Camp Lake St. Joseph

You’ll enjoy the remote wilderness as soon as your boat docks. Explore hundreds of bays, shoals and shorelines, then return to one of six remodelled cabins that accommodate up to eight adults at this boat-in lodge.

Old Post Lodge

Once a Hudson Bay Company Trading Post, this unique resort has been transformed into a full-service fishing lodge that also offers housekeeping packages. From the main landing, enjoy a ten-minute barge trip to the lodge or fly in on a scheduled or chartered flight.

Slate Falls Outposts Eagle Island

Four remote cabins invite anglers to the fly-in trip of a lifetime on the west end of the lake. Each cabin can accommodate up to 10 people and is equipped with full kitchens, covered decks, satellite internet, solar lighting, a wood stove and on-demand hot water.

Rainy Lake

Enjoy year-round fishing action just across the border.

Forming part of the border between Ontario and Minnesota, Rainy Lake is a four-season hotspot, almost as popular in winter as in summer. The majority of the lake, including its many islands, is located in Ontario. Enormous and diverse, the lake features both shallow weedy bays and deep, cool-water holes.

It’s home to good numbers of walleye, which are protected by strict slot regulations, plus black crappies, smallmouth bass and an underfished population of nice muskies. A popular fishing region, anglers will find all the services they need, from lodging to launches to boat repair. Ontario fishing lodges on Rainy Lake include:

Camp Narrows

Close to the U.S., this boat-in resort offers both American Plan and housekeeping packages. Find excellent fishing close to the lodge and explore more great angling in the north arm of the lake. With walleye, northern, crappie, whitefish and smallmouth to catch, comfortable cottages and fantastic food, this is an ideal location for anglers from both sides of the border.

Labelle’s Birch Point Camp

Stay in one of 12 fully equipped housekeeping cabins overlooking the Northwest Bay of Rainy Lake. Or choose to camp in one of three campgrounds where parking and boat launching are available. Boat and motor packages are available, and the main lodge offers satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and activities like cards and pool.

Sunset Country Outfitters on Campfire Island

Not far from Fort Frances, this island resort features multi-level cabins and a main lodge updated with modern amenities to ensure your stay is relaxing. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the dining room, a shore lunch and a gourmet dinner in the evening.

Visit Sunset Country Rainy Lake to learn more about fishing experiences on this lake.

Lake Nipigon and the Nipigon River

A legendary world-record trout fishing destination.

Lake Nipigon is the largest lake located entirely in Ontario. It is 110 kilometres long and 80 kilometres wide with maximum depths of 165 metres.

Despite having several camps and good road access, Lake Nipigon has retained its world-class status for lake trout fishing. Its trout sizes rival those of lakes much farther north, with fish averaging 9 kilograms. In spring, lake trout can even be caught by casting light tackle. Early-season northern pike fishing is also excellent, with 100-centimetre-sized fish populating the lake’s shallow bays. In addition, the World Record Brook Trout was caught in the Nipigon River.

Top fishing lodges on Lake Nipigon include:

The Lodge at Red Rock

This large, rustic lodge was crafted with logs from the surrounding boreal forest in 1937. It features seven comfortable bedrooms and cozy common areas. Enjoy fishing, hiking and stunning northern landscapes.

North of Superior Outfitters

North of Superior offers accommodation on both Lake Superior and Nipigon with private, remote and comfortable lodges. The Lake Nipigon lodge is located on over 60 hectares of private land and can accommodate up to six guests.

Onaman River Resort

Nestled on the shores of Lake Nipigon, this resort offers a remote experience while enjoying some of the best fishing in the province. This great location provides access to the remote north end of Lake Nipigon.

For more information on fishing adventures in and around Lake Nipigon, visit Superior Country. 

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Spanish River and the Whalesback Channel

Easy access to exceptional walleye, pike and smallmouth fishing opportunities.

Flowing roughly parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway from Espanola to Lake Huron, the Spanish River is one of Northern Ontario’s most popular walleye fishing destinations, especially from mid-May through June.

The river mouth at the town of Spanish is protected from Lake Huron by a chain of islands that form the scenic Whalesback Channel. This allows anglers safe boat access to the Channel’s large and plentiful smallmouth bass, northern pike and of course, walleye.

Lodges along the Spanish River include:

Blue Heron Resort

Enjoy long days fishing in diverse water bodies, include deep lakes, rocky shores and weedy bays. Relax in one of 11 fully equipped housekeeping cottages. This resort offers fishing in zones 10 and 14.

Brennan Harbour

Fish the Spanish River or the Whalesback Channel for walleye, northerns, smallmouth and perch. As part of Lake Huron, you might also want to try your luck for musky and salmon. At the end of the day, retreat to one of nine cozy cabins. Beyond the fishing, enjoy great views, hiking trails and golfing opportunities nearby.

Bruce Bay Cottages and Lighthouse

This resort is located on two private islands in the North Channel. It features eight fully equipped housekeeping cabins on French Island and a banquet facility on McKay Island. In addition to outstanding fishing, explore the islands, hike, kayak, relax on the beach or even sleep in a lighthouse.

Visit Algoma Country for more information on the Spanish River and the Whalesback. 

Northeastern Ontario

Lake Temagami

Known for vast and wild spaces, Temagami is surprisingly accessible.

Oddly shaped with long, irregular arms sprouting off a very deep main basin, Northeastern Ontario’s Temagami is another lake that rewards exploration. With so much water, trolling for big lake trout is always popular. Lake trout can also be caught by jigging around shoals and humps—where you’re equally likely to hook nice walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike and whitefish, all of which are abundant.

This stunning wilderness is only four hours’ drive from both Toronto and Ottawa and is home to many long-running camps, outfitters and fishing lodges, including:

Lake Herridge Lodge

Lake Herridge is a four-season lodge that caters to fishing, hunting, ATVing and snowmobiling in the winter. Specializing in remote lake fishing for walleye, northern, bass and lake trout, the housekeeping plan packages offer the option of a full day of guiding should you wish to learn from an expert. 

Ojibway Family Lodge

Located on Devil’s Island in Lake Temagami and accessible by boat or float plane, the lodge is off-grid with limited internet access in the main building and dock area. With over 4,500 kilometres of rugged shoreline and more than 1,500 islands to explore, you will never have to fish the same place twice.

Northland Paradise

A full-service, year-round property offering excellent fishing, ATV touring, hunting, snowmobiling, ice-fishing and nature tours. Daily and weekly packages are available for motel units and cottage rentals. The property is located a short distance from Temagami, so guests have easy access to groceries, gas and other conveniences.

For more information on Lake Temagami, visit Northeastern Ontario Tourism.

Lake Nipissing

Gear up for multi-species fishing in prime vacation country.

The largest lake in Northeastern Ontario, Nipissing is long and broad, but unusually shallow, averaging just 4.5 metres in depth. The lake is approximately 65 kilometres long and 25 kilometres wide.

Long known as a walleye factory, today, the bass fishing, especially the largemouth bass, is even better. Nipissing’s weedy shallows and fallen timber hold remarkable numbers of big bass, along with untold northern pike that range from 4.5 to 6.8 kilograms. In the fall, it’s muskie season and catching fish in the 13-to-18-kilogram range is a realistic possibility. Being relatively shallow with many abrupt depth changes, countless shoals and clusters of islands, boaters need extra caution when travelling at higher speeds.

Nipissing is an easy drive from Southern Ontario, with all manner of places to stay, include excellent fishing lodges.

Memquisit Lodge

Choose from housekeeping cabins or an American plan package. All cottages allow for complete privacy, while the dining room and lounge provide space to gather and socialize. Swap fish stories in the game room, over the pool table or relaxing on the large screened-in deck.

Bear Creek Cottages

This year-round family fishing resort features one of the best natural sand beaches on the lake, as well as comfortable cottages, private docking, professional guiding services and more.

Lakair Lodge

Located on the west arm of Lake Nipissing, Lakair Lodge provides access to backwater bays and intricate channels, ideal for exciting fishing. Fully renovated, this property has retained the integrity of rustic cottages, with modern standards and new amenities.

Learn more about fishing on Lake Nipissing at Northeastern Ontario Tourism.

The French River

Flowing over 100 kilometres from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay, the French River is a celebrated Canadian Heritage River that defines the boundary between the Sudbury and Parry Sound districts.

Historically, this river served as a key route for Indigenous Peoples, French explorers and fur traders. Carving its way through the iconic Canadian Shield, the river reveals dramatic glaciated rock formations alongside lush forests. At its mouth, a breathtaking maze of islands and channels unfolds—ranging from narrow, steep-walled gorges and cascading rapids to wide, open stretches of tranquil water—creating an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and anglers alike. Fishing lodges along “the French” include:

Cranes Lochaven Wilderness Lodge

Under four hours from Toronto, this boat-in, family-owned and operated lodge offers over a dozen various-sized cabins with private sundecks and cleaning service. Meals are served at the main lodge. Fishing guides are available to help you catch your fish of a lifetime.

French River Lodge

Book a housekeeping waterfront cabin with full kitchen facilities, three three-piece bathrooms and a dock for boating on a private island on the Lower French River Delta in Ox Bay.

The Lodge at Pine Cove

While each of the 20 cottages at this lodge is unique, all feature comfortable amenities, such as screened porches, complete kitchens and even handmade copper tubs. The warm water fishery is rich in northern, walleye, bass and muskie.

Learn more about the lodges and fishing experience on the French River at Northeastern Ontario Tourism.

Lake Huron and Georgian Bay 

Experience ultimate Great Lakes fishing action from a boat or shore.

Vast and deep, Lake Huron offers classic big-water fishing for powerful lake trout and leaping salmon. While the fishing is good all summer, the salmon really start biting in the fall. In addition to lake trout and salmon, Huron is home to rainbow trout, steelhead, walleye, whitefish and perch.

The lake measures 330 kilometres across and 295 kilometres north to south, with an average depth of 59 metres (maximum depth of 229 metres). Within the lake lies Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world.

By contrast, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron’s massive east arm, boasts fine fishing around thousands of rocky islands, including trophy-sized northern pike and smallmouth bass. Georgian Bay also offers surprisingly good shore fishing, which is rare in trophy waters.

A popular summer vacation region, visitors will find ample boat launches, charter services and a variety of lodgings, including:

Killarney Mountain Lodge

Situated between the La Cloche Mountain range and rolling pink granite on the shores of Georgian Bay, this historic lodge has been updated and transformed into a luxury resort. Choose from a variety of room types and enjoy fine dining and a friendly lounge after a great day of guided fishing on a charter.

Diamond Key Lodge

Located on Georgian Bay at the mouth of the Key River, this property has three cabins with private decks and a rentable Main Lodge. With literally 30,000 islands, inlets and weed beds, the fishing is excellent. Whether you’re targeting walleye, northern, bass or the elusive musky, catching a trophy catch is a reality.

Southern Ontario

Rice Lake

Discover great bass, walleye, perch and muskie fishing.

Located in Northumberland and Peterborough Counties, Rice Lake is part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. It stretches 28 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide with a maximum depth of 10 metres.

The lake was named for the wild rice harvested by the First Nations of the area. Most of the rice was destroyed due to rising water levels from the construction of the waterway. Still, the legacy is preserved in the unique ecosystem of the shallow lake featuring marshes and wetlands that support diverse wildlife. The surrounding area contains a rare and preserved tallgrass prairie.

Today, Rice Lake is a popular year-round tourist destination for recreation, including sport fishing. Many anglers discovered a passion for fishing on Rice Lake, and it remains a great family fishing spot. Accommodations along Rice Lake include:

Musky Bay Rice Lake

Select from 20 fully equipped cottages of various sizes and boat rentals range from small to a bass boat to a double-decker pontoon. Enjoy a heated swimming pool, satellite television, a beach, a playground and of course great fishing.

Sunshine Cove Cottage Resort

Enjoy excellent fishing opportunities and the convenience of nearby amenities in Peterborough. Each cottage is just steps from the water and can accommodate up to six people. Some feature air conditioning and a TV. Boat and motor rentals are available and live bait and tackle can be purchase.

Southview Cottages

This family-friendly resort features over 50 two to three-bedroom cottages on a 24-hectare property. Stroll the boardwalk, enjoy basking in the beautiful sunshine and of course, take advantage of great fishing. Fish from the boardwalk, the piers or head out in a boat rental.

Find more Kawartha resorts and cottages in and around Rice Lake.

Grand River

Target brown trout, brawling catfish and everything in between on this historic river.

Stretching nearly 300 kilometres from the Dufferin Highlands in Grey County to Lake Erie, the Grand River can be described as three rivers in one. Its fast-moving upper reaches are renowned for some of Eastern Canada’s finest fly-fishing, especially for trophy brown trout. The middle section, best explored by canoe, kayak or raft, offers anglers walleye, smallmouth bass, pike and migratory steelhead rainbow trout. Downstream, the lower section adds giant channel catfish to the mix—alongside almost every other species found in Ontario waters.

Designated a Canadian Heritage River, the Grand supports more than 80 fish species. It flows through the Six Nations of the Grand River, Canada’s largest First Nations community, where it holds deep cultural and historical significance. Stewardship of this vital waterway falls to the Grand River Conservation Authority, which works tirelessly to protect habitats, manage floodplains and preserve the health of the watershed. Accommodations along the Grand River include:

Chiefswood Park, Six Nations

Nestled on the Grand, various-sized, nature-inspired log cabins offer cozy accommodations. A full-service RV and trailer park, as well as tenting sites, are also available. The boat launch provides easy access to the epic Grand River.

Kawartha Lakes

Experience multi-species action in cottage country.

Ontario’s Kawartha region boasts four prominent lakes—Balsam, Sturgeon, Scugog and Pigeon—connected by the scenic Trent-Severn Waterway. Beyond its signature lakes, the area features more than 250 lakes, countless rivers and streams, making it a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Surrounded by rolling farmland to the south and transitioning into the rugged Canadian Shield to the north, this diverse landscape offers exceptional fishing opportunities for both warm and cold-water species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, northern pike and trophy muskellunge.

Find a wide range of accommodation options, from upscale hotels to family-friendly campgrounds, including:

Riverside Lodge, Bobcaygeon

Situated on the Pigeon River, each of the four units features a complete kitchen, a propane barbecue, a stove and a picnic table. The river is a mecca for walleye, small and largemouth bass, perch, crappie and the fish of a thousand casts, the elusive muskie. With 50 metres of waterfront, Riverside Lodge can accommodate larger boats.

Caygeon Cove Resort

Open May to October, Caygeon Cove offers seven cozy cottage rentals, five of which are waterfront. Cottages are equipped with three-piece baths, full kitchens, gas BBQs, air conditioning and more. Boat rentals and docking are available.

Balsam Resort

Choose from two-bedroom townhouses or two-bedroom chalets with fantastic views. 

Enjoy a beautiful sandy beach, water toys, kayaks and paddleboats and complimentary docking for your boat while you stay at the resort.

Explore the Kawartha Lakes and learn more about the diverse fishing opportunities.

Ottawa River

Target trophy fish near the nation’s capital region.

One of Eastern Canada’s major waterways, spanning 1,200 kilometres, the Ottawa River flows from the Laurentian Mountains to its meeting point with the St. Lawrence River near Montreal, forming much of the Ontario–Quebec border. Ranked as Canada’s sixth-largest river, it boasts a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation and carries more water than all the rivers of Western Europe combined. Its ecosystem supports diverse wildlife, including species at risk, and its storied past as a vital route for Indigenous peoples, explorers and loggers underscores its cultural and historical significance.

The Ottawa River is a haven for anglers, hosting nearly every gamefish species found in Ontario. Walleye, bass and pike dominate its waters, while trophy-sized channel catfish and the prehistoric-looking longnose gar add to its allure. Lodges and resorts along the Ottawa River include:

Mattawa Adventure Camp

This four-season resort is known for great fishing and hunting opportunities. Accommodations include motel-style rooms and cottages that sleep small groups of four up to large parties of 27. Cottages include satellite TV. Opt for housekeeping stays or packages that include three meals a day.

Pine Valley Resort

Pine Valley is located on the Ottawa River, adjacent to Algonquin Provincial Park and directly across from the Dumoine River, a famous whitewater canoeing destination. The resort offers both camp sites and fully heated, year-round cottages.

Combine your fishing trip with a visit to the nation’s capital. Find accommodations, attractions and more at Ottawa Tourism.

Head to one of these top Ontario fishing destinations for your next fishing adventure.