Ontario

About: Ontario

Fishing in Ontario, Canada, offers anglers a diverse range of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities, with numerous lakes, rivers, and coastal areas teeming with a wide variety of fish species. Here’s an overview of fishing in Ontario, including common fish species, best places to fish, and government links for fishing licenses:

Freshwater Species

• Walleye (Sander Vitreus): Known for their delicious flavor and challenging fights, walleye are a popular freshwater species in Ontario. Anglers can target walleye in lakes such as Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake of the Woods, and the French River.
• Northern Pike (Esox Lucius): Northern pike, also known as “jackfish” or “northerns,” are aggressive predators found in many of Ontario’s lakes and rivers. Prime pike fishing locations include the Ottawa River, Lake Nipissing, and the Kawartha Lakes.
• Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides): Largemouth bass are prized by anglers for their hard strikes and acrobatic fights. Popular bass fishing destinations in Ontario include the Bay of Quinte, Lake Simcoe, and the St. Lawrence River.
• Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus Dolomieu): Smallmouth bass, known for their tenacity and aerial displays, inhabit rocky shorelines and clear waters across Ontario. Anglers can find excellent smallmouth bass fishing in Georgian Bay, Lake Erie, and the French River.
• Lake Trout (Salvelinus Namaycush): Lake trout, also known as “lakers,” are native to many of Ontario’s deep, cold lakes. Anglers can target lake trout in waters such as Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Nipigon.

Saltwater Species

• Salmon (Salmo salar): Various species of salmon, including Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and Atlantic salmon, migrate along Ontario’s coastline. Anglers can pursue salmon in Lake Ontario, Lake Huron, and the Great Lakes tributaries.
• Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Rainbow trout, also known as “steelhead” when they enter freshwater from the ocean, provide thrilling angling opportunities in Ontario’s rivers and streams. The Ganaraska River, Credit River, and Saugeen River are renowned for their steelhead runs.

Best Places to Fish in Ontario

• Algonquin Provincial Park: This vast wilderness area offers pristine lakes and rivers teeming with fish, including trout, bass, and pike. Algonquin Park is an ideal destination for anglers seeking solitude and remote fishing experiences.
• Lake Simcoe: Known as the “ice fishing capital of North America,” Lake Simcoe offers excellent year-round fishing for perch, whitefish, lake trout, and various panfish species.
• Niagara River: The Niagara River, connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, is famous for its world-class trout and salmon fishing, particularly during the annual migrations.

Fishing Licenses

Fishing licenses in Ontario are administered by the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry (MNDMNRF). Anglers must obtain a valid fishing license before fishing in Ontario’s waters, with different licenses available for residents, non-residents, and different durations. Licenses can be purchased online through the MNDMNRF website or from authorized vendors across the province.

• Ontario Fishing Licenses: http://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence-canadian-residents

Conclusion

Fishing in Ontario offers anglers a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and pursue their passion for angling. Whether you’re casting a line in a pristine lake, trolling for salmon in the Great Lakes, or fly fishing in a secluded river, Ontario’s waters provide endless possibilities for memorable fishing experiences. Be sure to obtain the necessary fishing license and familiarize yourself with local regulations before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing trip in Ontario’s beautiful landscapes.