The 6 Absolute Best Fishing Lakes in Ontario - AZ Animals
Ontario, Canada, is home to more than 563 large lakes, including 4 of the Great Lakes. This makes Ontario a true dream for anglers. This region is known for its stunning natural landscapes and many thriving ecosystems. So, whether you're a seasoned fisherman or just starting to explore the sport, the diversity of fish species in these Ontario waters promises an enriching experience. So, grab your fishing gear, and get ready to explore the best fishing lakes in Ontario!
1. Lake Erie
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Sprawling across an area of 241 miles in length and 57 miles at its broadest, Lake Erie, though the smallest by volume, holds its unique allure among the Great Lakes. Its extensive shoreline stretches over 871 miles and encompasses islands, harbors, and an impressive array of aquatic life. As the southernmost of the Great Lakes, the lake is also notably warmer and shallower than the other lakes in the region, contributing to its distinctive ecological characteristics.
Lake Erie is teeming with a variety of fish species, such as the largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, steelhead, lake trout, and rainbow trout. Other common species are white perch, northern pike, king salmon, bigmouth buffalo, and the famous walleye. These species make the lake a highly sought-after destination for novice and experienced anglers.
The lake's surrounding region also has a lot to offer with a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities and picturesque scenery. Hiking trails, nature parks, and bird-watching spots abound, while the islands and coastal towns offer a range of cultural and historical experiences. Its strategic southern location makes it warmer than its Great Lake counterparts, offering visitors a unique blend of experiences.
2. Lake of the Woods
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Popularly called the sixth Great Lake, Lake of the Woods is a testament to Ontario's diverse and vibrant aquatic life. This expansive body of water houses some of the largest predatory fish species in the province. Lake of the Woods is not only one of the fishing lakes in Ontario but also in the entire country! Stretching across 137 km in length and 90 km in breadth, Lake of the Woods is impressively vast, with its deepest point plunging to a maximum depth of 95 m. This enormous fishing habitat is not only home to a myriad of fish species but also boasts over 14,000 islands, adding to its popularity.
Among the fish that thrive in the lake's waters are the northern pike, suckers, walleye, perch, crappie, sauger smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, lake sturgeon, whitefish, and muskellunge. This species diversity offers anglers a unique fishing experience and the chance to reel in various catches. Beyond its reputation as an angler's paradise, Lake of the Woods is a treasure trove of attractions. The lake's myriad islands and vast landscapes provide countless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Tourists can enjoy hiking and camping on the islands to wildlife spotting and birdwatching. The mesmerizing beauty of the lake and its surrounding area offers a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts, making Lake of the Woods a must-visit fishing destination in Ontario.
3. Rainy Lake
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Rainy Lake, while smaller than many of the other lakes on this list, is an excellent fishing spot in Ontario. Located near Fort Frances, Ontario, and International Falls, Minnesota, it is known among anglers for its large fish populations. Smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and crappie can all be found in this lake. Rainy Lake is located on the US-Canada border. 70% of the lake is in Canada, while the remaining 30% is in the US. Rainy Lake is roughly 60 miles long and has an astonishing 930 miles of shoreline!
There is a famous statue in the lake known as the Rainy Lake Mermaid. This was built in the 1930s using steel rods, old boat propellers, and cement and is a recognizable symbol of the area.
Beyond its fishing appeal, Rainy Lake also has other attractions nearby. Due to its unique position between the United States and Canada, it offers diverse experiences on either side of the border, from hiking scenic trails and wildlife observation to simply enjoying the lake's peaceful scenery. Despite its smaller size, Rainy Lake is still considered to be a top fishing spot in Ontario.
4. Lake Superior
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Lake Superior is a massive body of water that is the 2nd largest lake by surface area in the world. It's a reservoir of immense scale, harboring a staggering 10% of the planet's fresh surface water. Lake Superior is incredibly deep. The lake plunges to a max depth of 1,333 feet or 405 meters! While this may seem impressive, it is actually only the 37th deepest lake in the world!
The underwater clarity of Lake Superior is remarkable, boasting an average visibility of about 27 feet or 8 meters. This makes it the most pristine and transparent among the Great Lakes. Many fish species call Lake Superior home, with a biodiversity count reaching up to 78 species.
Among them, you can find species such as the lake trout, northern pike, walleye, and lesser-known cisco, whitefish, and siscowet. This variety ensures the lake is one of the most popular fishing lakes in Ontario, offering a diverse catch that satisfies both sports and commercial interests.
The lake's history is also imbued with a mystique, with about 350 shipwrecks beneath its surface. One such ship, the Edmund Fitzgerald, is particularly notorious, inspiring the famous song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." These wrecks provide an exciting exploration opportunity for divers and historians alike, enriching the lake's tourist appeal.
Lake Superior is a sight to behold and is undoubtedly one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world.
5. Lake Huron
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Lake Huron is another magnificent body of water located in Ontario. Lake Huron is also recognized for embracing the world's largest freshwater island, Manitoulin Island.
This island adds a unique dimension to the lake's ecosystem and draws many tourists. Furthermore, Lake Huron boasts a significant extension of water known as Georgian Bay. The scale of this bay is so impressive that, if classified independently, it would find itself within the ranking of the world's top 20 largest lakes!
Lake Huron's dimensions are also awe-inspiring, spanning 206 miles or 330 kilometers across and a stretch of 183 miles or 295 kilometers from north to south. The lake also holds its own in terms of depth. It has an impressive average of 195 feet or 314 meters. The lake reaches approximately 750 feet at its deepest. This massive size makes Lake Huron a top fishing destination for anglers in Ontario.
The lake's ecosystem is home to many different fish species, giving anglers a treasure trove of fish to try their hand at catching. These include the coveted rainbow trout and steelhead. If salmon is your thing there are also decent populations of chinook, coho, and pink salmon. Additionally, the lake supports a healthy population of walleye, whitefish, and perch. This diverse collection of aquatic life lends the lake an exciting element for fishing enthusiasts, promising a rewarding experience whether you're a recreational or professional angler.
Nearby Lake Huron, visitors will find a range of exciting attractions that appeal to a wide variety of interests. For instance, the Bruce Peninsula National Park is a spectacular nature reserve in Ontario. This area is rich in biodiversity and has breathtaking vistas that hikers and wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy.
Travel a bit further north, and you can explore the charm of the quaint Tobermory village. This town is known for its scenic harbor, shipwrecks, and the renowned Flowerpot Island.
Another amazing tourist attraction near Lake Huron is The Pinery Provincial Park, with recreational activities such as camping, bird-watching, canoeing, and biking. While in the border city of Sarnia, visitors can indulge in some of the many museums, art galleries, and historic sites the town has to offer. Lastly, a trip to Lake Huron would not be complete without visiting Manitoulin Island, a spectacular island with a unique blend of natural beauty and indigenous culture.
6. Lake Nipigon
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Lake Nipigon is a large lake in Ontario with amazing fishing opportunities. It has a surface area of nearly 2,000 square miles (5,000 kms), stretching approximately 70 miles long and about 50 miles wide. The lake also is very deep, descending to a maximum of 540 feet or 165 meters. Its waters and those of the Nipigon River that feeds into it have been a favorite among anglers for generations. The river is mainly famous as the site where Dr. J.W. Cook caught the World Record Brook Trout over a century ago. This astonishing fish tipped the scales at 14.5 lbs. and measured a length of 34.5 inches, creating a benchmark that is yet to be surpassed.
Lake Nipigon and the Nipigon River offer various fish species to local and visiting anglers. The waters are said to be home to pike, brook trout, lake trout, walleye, perch, and whitefish. The diverse species provide opportunities for exciting angling expeditions, ensuring there is always something to test the skills and patience of fishing enthusiasts.
The record-setting brook trout is one of the main reasons the region attracts sport fishers. Anglers flock to the area, hoping to challenge that famous historical catch.
Near Lake Nipigon and the Nipigon River, there is abundant natural beauty and attractions for visitors to explore than just fishing. The Pijitawabik Palisades, a geological marvel characterized by sheer cliffs towering over the lake, is an area of significant cultural and natural importance. Meanwhile, the Nipigon River Recreation Trail offers a stunning walking path that traces the river, providing breathtaking views and the chance to spot local wildlife.
For history enthusiasts, the Nipigon Historical Museum provides a window into the region's rich past, including the local indigenous culture and early European exploration. The towns of Nipigon and Red Rock offer small-town charm and hospitality, complete with local dining, arts and crafts, and seasonal festivals. With its natural beauty and range of activities, the Lake Nipigon region offers a well-rounded experience for outdoor lovers, history buffs, and fishing enthusiasts alike.
Summary of the Best Fishing Lakes in Ontario
| Lake | Location |
| Lake Erie | International Boundary |
| Lake of the Woods | Ontario/Manitoba |
| Rainy Lake | Northwest Ontario |
| Lake Superior | Sault Ste. Marie |
| Lake Huron | Ontario/Michigan |
| Lake Nipigon | Thunderbay District |
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