Fishing Destinations
Canada is a great place for fishing, with its vast wilderness offering some of the most beautiful spots in the world. From the clear lakes of Ontario to the fast rivers of British Columbia, each area has unique fishing experiences that will amaze you. Some of the top fishing destinations in North America are found in Canada.
With so many options, it can be tough to find the best fishing spot in Canada. The country has a variety of lakes, rivers, and coastlines, giving anglers endless opportunities. The location you pick will greatly affect your experience, including the types of fish you catch and the beautiful scenery you enjoy.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- 10 top fishing destinations across Canada’s different regions
- Fish species you can catch at each spot
- Best times to visit
- Local places to stay and guide services
- Helpful tips for making your fishing trip in Canada unforgettable
Whether you’re looking for big Walleye in Ontario, fighting Bluefin Tuna off Prince Edward Island, or fly-fishing for Atlantic Salmon in Newfoundland, these spots promise an amazing fishing adventure.
1. Lake of the Woods, Ontario – Fishing Destinations
Lake of the Woods is a fishing paradise, featuring 14,552 islands and 65,000 miles of shoreline. This natural gem has a mix of channels, bays, and secret fishing spots that change with the seasons.
The lake’s clear waters are home to some impressive fish:
- Walleye – The lake’s most popular catch, with some over 30 inches
- Northern Pike – Tough fighters found in weeds and shallow areas
- Musky – Hard-to-find giants in deeper waters, often over 50 inches
Duck Bay Lodge is situated in a great fishing area, giving you easy access to the lake’s best spots. Their knowledgeable guides know the seasonal trends and hot spots, which can help you catch a trophy fish. Want great fishing destinations The lodge offers:
- Custom fishing boats
- Professional guide services
- Comfortable rooms with lake views
- Facilities for cleaning and packaging your catch
The lake’s unique features, like reefs, rock piles, and weed beds, create perfect homes for gamefish. With its size and variety, you’ll always find new great spots to fish on each visit.
2. Bow River, Alberta – Fishing Destinations
The Bow River is one of the best fishing destinations spot that runs right through Calgary. It has a great mix of easy-to-reach areas and hidden treasures, making it perfect for all kinds of anglers.
What You Can Catch:
- Large Brown Trout (usually 16-22 inches)
- Rainbow Trout (up to 24 inches)
- Mountain Whitefish
The river’s clear waters and steady temperatures create great conditions for fly fishing. Spring brings lots of insects, making March through May the best time for dry fly fishing. Late summer and fall are also great for using grasshoppers and beetles.
Effective Fishing Techniques:
- Nymphing with stonefly patterns
- Dry fly fishing during hatches
- Streamer fishing in deeper pools, including some winter jig streamer techniques
The area between Bearspaw Dam and Carseland Weir is especially good for fishing. You can easily find many access points through Calgary’s pathways or check out less crowded spots downstream for a quieter experience.
Pro tip: Hire a local guide for your first visit – they can help you understand the river’s currents and show you the best fishing spots.
3. Cowichan River, British Columbia – Fishing Destinations
The Cowichan River, in the center of Vancouver Island, offers one of the best fishing destinations with a mix of quiet fishing areas and exciting activities for families. The river’s clear waters are home to Rainbow and Brown Trout, making it an ideal spot for fishing enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Best Fishing Seasons:
- Spring (March-May): Rainbow Trout are active during insect hatches.
- Fall (September-November): Brown Trout spawn, offering great fishing chances.
The calm waters and clear streams are perfect for beginners to practice casting. Local guides provide beginner lessons to help new anglers learn the basics of fly fishing and spin casting.
Family Activities Beyond Fishing:
- Tubing on calm river sections
- Beautiful hiking trails by the river
- Swimming in safe spots
- Guided canoe trips
- Chance to see wildlife
Cowichan River Provincial Park has nice camping spots and picnic areas. There are several access points along the river, with the section between Lake Cowichan and Duncan being the best for fishing.
4. Last Mountain Lake, Saskatchewan – Fishing Destinations
Last Mountain Lake is the biggest natural lake in Saskatchewan and one of the most scenic fishing destinations, stretching an impressive 93 kilometers across the prairie. This fishing hotspot is known for its large Walleye and Yellow Perch found in its clear waters.
The lake has deep channels and many bays that provide great homes for Walleye, with some weighing over 10 pounds. For more insights on catching these prized fish, check out this article on the best practices for fishing Walleye in weedy areas. Yellow Perch can be found in the shallow, weedy areas, making it fun for both new and experienced fishermen.
Best Fishing Locations:
- Rowan’s Ravine
- Saskatchewan Beach
- Arlington Beach
- Sunset Cove Marina
The lake hosts several well-known fishing tournaments, including the Last Mountain Lake Walleye Classic held every June. These events attract anglers from all over North America, competing for big prizes and bragging rights.
Best Times to Fish:
- Spring (May-June): Best time for Walleye
- Summer (July-August): Early morning and evening are ideal
- Fall (September-October): Fish are actively feeding before winter
Local guides suggest using bottom bouncers with nightcrawlers or jigs with minnows for the best chance of catching Walleye. You might want to refer to 2024 fishing regulations to ensure compliance while enjoying your fishing adventure at this beautiful location.
5. Lake Dauphin, Manitoba – Fishing Destinations
Lake Dauphin is the top fishing destinations in Manitoba, where people can catch big fish throughout the year. This lake is 521 square kilometers in size and provides excellent chances for both experienced and beginner anglers.
Plenty of Fish Species
The lake has many different types of fish, including:
- Walleye: These fish usually weigh around 3 to 5 pounds, but some can weigh over 10 pounds.
- Northern Pike: Generally, these fish weigh between 8 to 12 pounds, but some can be more than 20 pounds.
Fishing Techniques and Locations
To boost your chances of catching fish, it’s helpful to know where to find them:
- Walleye: The best spots for catching Walleye are in the deeper waters near the eastern shore of the lake.
- Northern Pike: If you’re after Northern Pike, go to the weed beds along the western shoreline since these areas tend to attract them.
Great Fishing Conditions
The lake is fairly shallow, with an average depth of about 8 meters, which makes it a good spot for fishing all year round. So, no matter the season, you can look forward to great fishing at Lake Dauphin.
Winter Fishing at Lake Dauphin
Ice fishing at Lake Dauphin is very popular and enjoyable during winter. The lake freezes over from December to March, which is great for ice fishing fans. Local providers offer heated shelters and rental gear, ensuring that winter fishing is cozy and easy.
Checking Out Different Fishing Destinations
One great thing about fishing at Lake Dauphin is that there are many places to get in and launch your boat. This means you can try out different fishing spots every time you go. Plus, there are several full-service marinas nearby where you can rent boats and buy bait and tackle supplies.
6. Saguenay Fjord, Quebec – Fishing Destinations
The Saguenay Fjord is a special fishing spot in Canada, offering both freshwater and saltwater fishing. This stunning area stretches 105 kilometers through the beautiful wilderness of Quebec, creating unique places where freshwater and saltwater come together for fishing.
Fishing in the Warmer Months
In the warmer months, you can find these fish in their usual spots:
- Atlantic Salmon – in the deep, cold waters of the fjord
- Arctic Char – near the mouth of the fjord
- Brook Trout – thriving in the upper parts of the fjord
Ice Fishing in Winter
Winter brings a magical change to Lake Saint-Jean, turning it into a stunning frozen playground. Ice fishing villages pop up all over the lake, creating a lively scene for winter fishermen. Here, you can fish through holes in the thick ice, aiming for:
- Walleye – plentiful in the lake
- Burbot – very active during winter
- Lake Trout – found in the deeper parts of the lake
Local outfitters provide heated ice fishing cabins and gear rentals to make your experience more enjoyable. This mix of traditional fishing and modern comfort is great for both beginners and experienced anglers. Plus, local guides are available to share their valuable knowledge about the best fishing spots and techniques for each type of fish.
7. North Lake, Prince Edward Island – Fishing Destinations
Ends soon: Enjoy 25% off spring getaways
North Lake is known as Canada’s Bluefin Tuna Capital and ranks in the best fishing destinations, attracting fishermen from around the world to its popular fishing spots. These amazing fish can weigh up to 1,000 pounds, making them a top target for dedicated anglers.
The best time to catch Bluefin Tuna is from July to October when warm waters bring large numbers of these fish to the area. August and September are especially good months for fishing since there are more Bluefin Tuna during this time.
Important Tips for Bluefin Tuna Fishing:
- Hire experienced local charter services – they know the best fishing spots
- Use heavy-duty gear suitable for a 130-pound line
- Be ready for long battles – catching a Bluefin can take 2-4 hours
- Bring motion sickness medication – offshore waters can be choppy
- Practice catch and release techniques to help with conservation
Local charter boats provide all the necessary equipment and licenses. Many captains have years of experience finding these impressive fish, greatly improving your chances of making an unforgettable catch.
8. Bras d’Or Lake, Nova Scotia – Fishing Destinations
Bras d’Or Lake is a beautiful example of nature’s variety. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covers 1,099 square kilometers and creates a special environment where freshwater and saltwater mix easily.
A Safe Place for Fish
The lake’s special setting is home to many different types of fish:
Freshwater Fish
- Brook Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
Saltwater Fish
- Striped Bass
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Herring
- American Eel
Great Fishing Locations
The lake has a complex shoreline with many hidden fishing spots, like calm coves and secret inlets. Since the lake is protected, fishing is done responsibly, helping to keep its diverse wildlife safe for the future.
Ideal Fishing Conditions
The lake’s warm temperatures and steady weather make it great for fishing in spring and summer. However, if you’re looking for a different experience, fishing the Chena River offers unique opportunities. Local guides know the seasonal patterns and the best spots to catch different fish species, helping you find them in their preferred habitats.
9. Gander River, Newfoundland – Fishing Destinations
Gander River is the top spot in Newfoundland for catching Atlantic Salmon. The clear waters run for 35 miles, making it perfect for fly-fishing fans looking for their next big catch.
The best time to fish here is from June to October when Atlantic Salmon swim upstream. The best fishing areas are between the Trans-Canada Highway bridge and Gander Lake, where the river’s depth and flow provide great resting spots for salmon. These areas often feature some of the deepest currents, which are ideal for salmon fishing.
Key Fly-Fishing Techniques:
- Use a roll cast to get around tight areas with low-hanging branches.
- Practice the downstream wet fly swing to cover more water.
- Learn the dead drift technique for fishing in deeper pools.
- Explore winter fly fishing techniques for targeting trout during the colder months.
- Consider timing your trips around the striper moon for optimal striper fishing.
Wading Tips for Gander River:
- Stay on gravel bars and shallow areas
- Wear studded boots for better traction on slippery rocks
- Use a wading stick to check the water depth before moving forward
Local guides suggest using classic Atlantic Salmon flies such as Blue Charm, Green Highlander, and Thunder & Lightning. The river’s rules allow only catch-and-release fishing to help protect the salmon population for future generations.
10. French River, Ontario – Fishing Destinations
The French River is a key part of Canada’s history and is recognized as a Canadian Heritage River. This 105-kilometer river, formed by ancient rocks, gives fishermen the opportunity to enjoy unspoiled nature with its high cliffs and calm bays.
Fishing Opportunities
The river’s varied environment provides great homes for several types of game fish. Here are some of the most sought-after species:
- Northern Pike – typically hiding in weed beds and shallow areas. For some useful fishing tips to catch them, check out the resources available.
- Musky – often located in deeper channels and rocky spots.
- Smallmouth Bass – commonly found near rocky structures, they are a favorite among anglers.
- Walleye – thrive in fast-moving areas and deep pools.
For specific regulations regarding fishing, you may refer to the Minnesota fishing regulations document which can serve as a helpful guideline.
Scenic Beauty
The French River features rough rock formations, untouched pine forests, and many islands. You’ll be fishing in the same waters that Indigenous peoples and early European explorers once traveled in their canoes.
Expert Help
Local fishing lodges have experienced guides who know the best spots on the river. They can help you catch big fish and share stories about the river’s history and culture.
Easy Access
The river is easily reachable from major cities in Ontario, making it a great place for weekend trips or longer fishing outings. Spring and fall are the best seasons for fishing when the water temperatures are ideal for fish to feed.
Planning Your Perfect Fishing Trip in Canada: Tips and Things to Keep in Mind
To have the best fishing destinations experience in Canada, you need to plan ahead. Here are some important things to think about:
1. Licensing Requirements
- Buy the right fishing licenses for your province
- Check the rules for catch limits and fishing seasons
2. Weather Tips
- Bring clothes you can layer for changing weather
- Look at long-term forecasts before making reservations
3. Important Gear
- Bring fishing tackle and bait that are suitable for the area you’re fishing in.
- If necessary, consider renting fishing gear from local shops.
- Make sure to pack safety gear like life jackets for everyone on the boat.
4. Places to Stay
- Reserve fishing lodges ahead of time
- Look into guided trips compared to going on your own
- Think about getting camping permits for remote areas
5. Transportation
- Book boat rentals in advance
- Check how to get to remote fishing spots
- Think about using float planes for hard-to-reach areas**