Fishing in Ontario

The World's Leading Freshwater Destination

Fishing in Ontario offers arguably the greatest variety of freshwater fishing adventures in the world. The name says it all. Ontario means “shining water” in the Iroquois language. If you have been to Ontario, you will agree the name says it all.

With over a quarter million lakes and rivers in the province, there are more places to catch fish in Ontario than one can imagine. The province has over 15% of all the freshwater on the planet. Think about what that means to freshwater anglers. Couple in the scenery and abundance of wildlife, and you have a fishing paradise!

There are waters in Ontario that have yet to see an angler! The sheer size of the province make it difficult to reach all the waters as Ontario covers more than one million square kilometers. Who knows, there might be a 60 pound muskie in an untouched lake somewhere with your name on it!

Ontario has 144 species of fish. This is remarkable when you think that Canada has 180 varieties of fish total. If you are an angler that likes diversity, Ontario is your place. Walleye, pike, salmon, muskie, and a variety of trout just scratch the surface of what you can catch while fishing in Ontario.

Ontario is divided up into six fishing regions and each region offers something a little different.

Northwestern Ontario is tucked well out of the way from the action of the big cities. The region spans from Lake Superior and the Minnesota-Ontario border all the way north to Hudson Bay. The region is home to 100, 000 lakes and rivers which have amazing fishing as many of them are virtually untouched. Many good fishing locations that are easily accessed by road but many more are only available through the air. Walleye , lake trout , bass, northern pike and trophy muskie are but a few of the prizes that await you in Northwestern Ontario.

Fishing in Ontario will find you another hotspot region, and that is the Northeastern Region. Northeastern Ontario is home to an abundance of good fishing waters and a variety of game fish that will satisfy any angler. The region also has a spectacular range in geographical diversity. In the north we find rugged beauty and wild rivers of the James and Hudson Bay lowlands. To the south, Lake Superior and Lake Huron highlight a region that seems to have it all. Monster pike, walleye, and a variety of trout can be had in the region. Many folks swear by the Great Lakes coastal waters for steelhead trout and salmon. Many trophies are taken out of this region every year, come and get yours!

An area that can be often overlooked while fishing in Ontario is Eastern Ontario. This region is home to many canals, rivers and beautiful lakes of a variety of sizes. Anglers in this region find hundreds of beautiful water bodies, including the Rideau Canal waterway and the lakes of Frontenac Provincial Park. All water systems in Eastern Ontario have simple road access making this one of the easiest regions to fish. There is an abundance of fish to be caught in Eastern Ontario. Monster pike and muskie are pulled out of this region every year along with lunker walleye and feisty bass. Fishing in Ontario holds much charm and history if you choose the scenic eastern region.

While fishing the Southwestern Region of Ontario you will notice a variety of contrasts. The quiet grace of wine country can quickly transition into the tourist hotspots surrounding the Niagara Falls area. Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are all prominent features of this region that offers large salmon, trout, smallmouth bass and big walleye. Great fishing can be had in many of the rivers in the region which promise rainbows, brook and brown trout! Fishing in Ontario doesn’t mean you have to travel far. The Southwestern Region has much to offer any angler.

Toronto is a fishing hotspot in Ontario that many people don’t think about. While fishing in Ontario, you can easily do it within site of the Toronto skyline. Steelheads, big carp and northern pike are favorites for many anglers in this region. The big trophies however are huge salmon, lake trout and rainbows that can be caught in Lake Ontario. Many of these great fish can be caught right off the shoreline. If you have never fished the big waters while fishing in Ontario, the Toronto region is a great place to start!

Fishing in Ontario has one last region that offers the promise of wonderful scenery and excellent fishing. The Central Region which is home to the Muskokas has a number of fishing experiences you can enjoy. Rivers that lead into Lake Huron have great trout fishing and are home to bass and catfish. There are many different places you can rent a cottage and a boat in the Central Region. It is a very family friendly area that has to be seen to be believed!

Fishing is dynamite year round in Ontario. This means the variety of game fish can still be had at hard water. While fishing in Ontario, give the winter a whirl, and check out the ice fishing tips on this site to help you out with your favorite species!

Fishing in Ontario is a fantastic family vacation idea . You don’t have to be a serious angler to enjoy these waters (although even the best anglers are challenged by this great province). There are settings for virtually every type of fishing adventure, so make sure you do your homework when you decide what region you will visit.

Ontario fishing lodges come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Outpost fishing where you can test yourself against the elements to full service fishing lodges can be found. No matter what your comfort level desires, Ontario has a place for you!

If you are looking for the greatest variety of freshwater fishing in the world, fishing in Ontario is the answer for you! The water systems offer an unbelievable variety of scenery and fish throughout the province. The fish are plentiful, the fish are big, and the land of “shining water” awaits you!

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