Fishing Trips to Northwestern Ontario:
Fish thousands of Canadian lakes that are loaded
with Walleye, Bass, Northern, Muskie and Trout

Fishing Accommodations
Fishing Tournaments
Fishing Regulations We're not kidding when we say there are over 70,000 fishable lakes in Sunset Country! With so many lakes, it's easy to back up our claim as "Canada's Premier Fishing Destination". Endless lakes also mean you'll never have to worry about crowds out on the water. Anglers have the opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish including trophy-class walleye, northern pike, muskie, lake and brook trout, small and largemouth bass, perch, crappie, sauger, sturgeon and whitefish.

How many destinations can offer you this variety all in one area? If you're looking for a good lodge in Canada, you've come to the right place. You can drive, boat or fly in to your Ontario lodge. The drive in fishing lodges don't mean that they are crowded. Most of the resorts in Ontario are fairly secluded. Imagine staying at an island resort - with the only access being by boat. Talk about getting away from it all. You can also choose a Canada fly-in fishing vacation. Choose either a full-service flyin resort or fly into a remote fly-in outpost cabin.

Planning a family fishing trip? There are many family friendly resorts. You can enjoy fishing, swimming, water skiing, hiking and more.Our fishing is fantastic in Northwestern Ontario because of the management principle of catch and release. Anglers are encouraged to enjoy a tasty shore lunch of smaller fish but to let all trophy sized fish go. By taking a measurement and photo and getting a replica mount you help maintain the breeding population in our lakes, ensuring that in 20 years the fishing will be as good or even better than it is today. The fish species available varies based on the location within Sunset Country. If you know which Canadian lake you'd like to fish, visit our Northwest Ontario Lakes website that can link you to outfitters on your favorite lake.

Walleye Fishing

The ultimate in table fare and the highlight of the Canadian "Shore Lunch", walleye are extremely abundant in Sunset Country. Found in a variety of lakes and rivers, the average-sized walleye in Ontario are between 1 and 3 pounds. Of course fish over 30 inches in length and weighing over 10 pounds are a definite possibility. Jigging with live bait is the most common method of catching walleye. Big walleye are often caught at dusk while trolling with medium to deep diving crank baits. Bring a wide variety of tackle with you so you can adjust to changes in wind, light and temperature conditions. To find out more about walleye fishing visit our website dedicated to Ontario Walleye Fishing or visit our page showing the Canadian Fishing Lodges with walleye fishing.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

If you want some of the continent's hottest action for smallmouth bass then a visit to Sunset Country is in order. Pound for pound, there is no better fighting fish so get ready for lots of wild jumping action. Smallmouth are found in many lakes in the southern half of Northwestern Ontario and prefer warmer rocky lakes with lots of shoals and reefs. You can catch Canadian smallmouth with the same tackle you use back home but local favorites include tube jigs and small crank or spinner baits. To find out more about smallmouth bass fishing in Canada, visit our website dedicated to Ontario Smallmouth Bass Fishing or visit our page showing the Ontario lodges with bass fishing.

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Largemouth bass are confined to a much smaller number of lakes but some of these lakes hold really big fish. Using a variety of spinner baits or your favorite crank baits, look for largemouth bass among fallen timber or in heavy vegetation near a deep drop off. Both species of bass live longer and grow more slowly in Sunset Country as we are at the very northern end of their range in North America. For more information and tips on largemouth bass fishing in Canada, visit our website dedicated to Ontario Largemouth Bass Fishing or visit our page showing the lodges with largemouth bass fishing.

Northern Pike Fishing

One of the most exciting and hardest fighting of all fish, the northern pike can be found in almost any lake in Northwestern Ontario. With a look to match their demeanor, northerns will hit just about anything you throw at them. Average pike are in the 6-8 pound range with the biggest fish reaching lengths over 40 inches and weighing more than 30 pounds. Big pike are often found along the rocks near a steep drop off or along the edges of weed lines waiting for an unsuspecting bait fish to swim by. Big northern pike will hammer muskie baits as well as large spoons so bring along some big tackle if a trophy fish is what you're after. To find out more about northern pike fishing in Canada, visit our website dedicated to Ontario Pike Fishing or visit our page showing all camps with northern pike fishing.

Lake Trout Fishing

With so many deep cool lakes, Sunset Country is an excellent choice for lake trout fishing. Lakers are distributed across Northwest Ontario and many lakes are known for their quality trout fishery. Cast or troll in the shallows around 10-15' in the spring. In mid-summer the trout go deep to between 40-100'. Downriggers are generally needed to get down to these depths but once down there, the action can get really hot! Lake trout average between 4-8 pounds but fish up to 20 pounds are not uncommon. To find out more about Canada lake trout fishing visit our website dedicated to Ontario Trout Fishing or visit our page with all outfitters offering lake trout fishing.

Brook Trout Fishing

In the most northerly regions of Sunset Country is one of the grandest treats in freshwater fishing trophy brook trout. River systems such as the Winisk, Sutton and Albany offer truly outstanding opportunities for brook trout. The biggest fish go up to 8 pounds with plenty of fish in the 2 to 5 pound range. Bring your fly rod with you and get ready for a wild time! To find out more about Canada brook trout fishing visit our website dedicated to Ontario Brook Trout Fishing or visit our page with all resorts offering brook trout fishing.

Muskie Fishing

Sunset Country is without a doubt, one of the best destinations on the planet when it comes to muskie fishing. This "fish of 10,000 casts" is worth the effort. Once hooked, be prepared for a long, hard battle with this big predator. If you're looking for that "once in a lifetime fish" it is a possibility that you'll find it in one of our lakes in Northwestern Ontario. The Ontario record muskellunge measured in at 58 inches in length and weighed 65 pounds. What sets muskie fishing in Sunset Country apart is the number of muskie you'll catch. The key to success is to have a well-stocked tackle box with a choice of top to bottom baits. Natural bait fish colors are always a good choice when deciding what to use and no bait is too big! For more information about Canada muskie fishing visit our website dedicated to Ontario Muskie Fishing or visit our page with all the resorts with muskie fishing.

Crappie Fishing

Pan fish such as perch and black crappie are a favourite of many anglers. In Northwestern Ontario we have great fishing for both species. Black crappie are abundant in both Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake and are a schooling fish. This gives anglers the opportunity to find a whole group of fish in a small area leading to a great day on the water. During the winter ice fishermen often fish for the tasty crappie. For more information about Canada crappie fishing, visit our members that offer Ontario crappie fishing.

Perch Fishing

Perch are much more widely distributed and for kids, are really fun to catch. In the summer look for crappie along deep weed lines and for perch, in sunken timber and under docks. In the spring you'll find black crappie and perch concentrated in shallow bays where the water is warmer. For more information about Canada perch fishing, visit our members that offer Ontario perch fishing. Your Canadian fishing trip may also include fishing for whitefish, sauger or even sturgeon. No matter what kind of fish you're looking for, in Sunset Country you'll always find a challenge with a little adventure tucked in your tackle box as well.
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Tournaments
Regulations

Canadian Fly-In Fishing Adventures

For a real Canadian fly in fishing vacation, you may choose to fly-in for a day's fishing or stay longer at one of the many flyin resorts or remote outpost cabins located throughout Northwest Ontario's Sunset Country.

Fly-in outpost fishing cabins are available in a variety of styles and can include everything from running water to generator or solar-powered lights, heat, stove, fridge, ... you name it! Imagine flying into a secluded Canadian lake with your cabin being the only cabin on it. Talk about getting away from it all. If you choose an American Plan Fly-in Resort, you'll be treated with all the bells and whistles. Enjoy three homemade meals a day including either a shorelunch or packaged lunch. Boat rentals and fishing guides are often included in American Plan packages.

Full-Service Lodges: Drive-in or Boat-In

Many venture to Sunset Country for the wilderness beauty along with great fishing. Yet the excellent service and amenities at our full-service American Plan lodges also entice many. These all-inclusive packages provide you and your group the opportunity to relax and enjoy your vacation while your hosts look after all the details. These lodges often offer guided fishing accompanied by great meals and fine accommodations.

Housekeeping Cabin Rentals

If you like to fish on your own schedule and not have to worry about making it back in time for supper, then a housekeeping cabin rental is the solution. Housekeeping Plans offers flexibility in your daily schedule and the ability for you to eat and make meals at your leisure. They are also affordable choices for family fishing vacations.

Camping and Fishing in Canada

Trailer your own boat behind your RV and stay at one or more of the 80 campgrounds that are members of our Travel Association. Flexibility in fishing locations is the most tangible benefit of traveling in your own RV. Fish the lake you're staying at or choose to fish other nearby lakes that have public boat launches. Many campground operators also offer their guests fishing boat rentals. For more information on camping and fishing in Canada, visit our Ontario Campgrounds website.

Canadian Houseboat Rentals

Journey across the waters of Sunset Country's biggest lakes on a Canadian houseboat vacation. Lake of the Woods, Lac Seul and Dog Lake are all ideal destinations for a summer cruise. Houseboat rentals are an affordable family vacation or a great option for your fishing trip with your friends. Visit our website dedicated to Ontario Houseboat Rentals in Canada.

Canoe Fishing Trips

Other popular alternative in Sunset Country are canoe expeditions deep into the interior. Fishing from a canoe can be very rewarding and you sometimes can get into rivers and smaller lakes that are inaccessible by boat. Also, if you want to go fishing in Quetico Park, motor boats are not allowed in and you must go by canoe or kayak. Visit our Canadian canoe outfitters at our website dedicated to canoeing in Ontario.

Whether you choose a full-service resort, a fly-in outpost, a houseboat rental, a canoe trip or a camping vacation, one thing is for sure: you'll find everything you need for a great fishing adventure.

Winter Ice Fishing

Several of our members remain open throughout the year and can offer you some of Canada's best ice fishing. Just imagine, tasting fresh walleye in the middle of winter. Lake trout, northern pike and crappie are also available - try for that trophy fish. January, February and March are all great months to go ice fishing in Canada. For more information on ice fishing in Canada, visit our website that dedicated to snowmobiling and ice fishing in Ontario. Accommodations
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Regulations

Northwestern Ontario Fishing Tournaments - 2009

February

Morson Annual Live Release Fish Derby Lake of the Woods, Morson: February 28 - 807-488-5733

Family Fishing Weekend Any Lake in Ontario: February 14-16

March

Keewatin Legion Family Fish Derby Lake of the Woods, Keewatin: March 22 - 807-547-2597

May

Annual Stratton Fishing Derby Morley Park, Rainy River: May 16 - Colleen Jolicouer 807-483-5330

Angler & Young Angler Walleye Fishing Tournament Red Lake: May 24 - Dale Hayward 807-662-6121

Emo Walleye Classic Rainy River, Emo: May 28-30 - Colleen Vennechenko 807-482-1811 or 807-482-2171

June

Dryden Walleye Masters Wabigoon Lake, Dryden: June 20-21 - Dryden Chamber of Commerce 807-223-2622

Sioux Lookout Walleye Weekend Tournament Abram, Pelican, Botford Lakes, Sioux Lookout: June 13-14 - 807-737-1937

July

Family Fishing Weekend Any Lake in Ontario: July 10-11

Angler & Young Angler Walleye Tournament Wabigoon Lake, Dryden: July 4 - 807-223-5858

Shoal Lake Bass Classic Shoal Lake, Shoal Lake Band #39, Shoal Lake: July 4-5 - Gerald Lewis 807-733-2560 or 807-466-8408

Whitefish Bay Fishing Derby Caviar, Dogpaw & Flint Lakes, Sioux Narrows: July 10-12 - Rene White 807-466-7337

National Fishing Week Canada wide: July 4-12

English River Bass Challenge English River System, Grassy Narrows: July 11-12 - Rodney Castles/Robert Swain 807-925-1010 or 807-925-1051

Dryden Bass Tournament Wabigoon Lake, Dryden: July 18 - 807-223-2171

Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship Rainy Lake, Fort Frances: July 23-25 - Gary Rogozinski/Doug Cain 807-274-0316

Bronzeback Classic Lake of the Woods, Kenora: July 25-26 - 807-548-4547

August

Blue Bass Tournament Little Vermilion Lake: August 1-2 807-737-1323

Kenora Bass International Lake of the Woods, Kenora: August 6-8 - Mitch Wolfe 807-468-5555

Atikokan Bass Classic Atikokan: August 14-15 - Jamie: 807-597-2757

English River Bass/Walleye Challenge English River System, August 15-16 - 807-925-1010

Morson Bass International Lake of the Woods, Morson: August 15-16 - Morson Tourism, Nancy Miller 807-488-5905

Dogpaw/Caviar Lake Annual Bass Challenge Dogpaw/Caviar/Flint Lakes, Sioux Narrows: August 22-24 - 807-468-2334 or 807-226-9569

Angler & Young Angler National Championship Lake of the Woods, Kenora: August 15 - Michelle Trudeau at 204-326-4431

September

Red Lake Fall Classic Catch & Release Walleye Tournament Red Lake Chain of Lakes, Red Lake: September 4-6 - 807-727-2660

Perch Lake Bass Challenge Seine River Chain of Lakes: September 9th - John Homer, email: info@perchlakebass.com

Bassin' for Bucks Lake of the Woods, Sioux Narrows: September 14-15 - 807-226-5293

Crow Lake Classic Crow Lake: September 19-20 - Anglers Pro Shop 807-484-2525

Robert Ottertail Jr. Memorial Bass Tournament Nequaquon Lake, Lac La Croix Fort Frances: September 12-13 - Les Whitefish 807-485-2534 (home) or 807-485-2431 (work)

Rainy River Walleye Tournament Rainy River: September 24-26 - Glen Armstrong 807-852-3886 or 807-852-1711

Last Chance Bass Shoal Lake, Shoal Lake Band #39, Shoal Lake: September 26 and 27 - Randy Paishk/Vern Fair 807-733-3940 or 807-733-3191

Rainy Lake Fall Bass Classic Rainy Lake: September 27-28 - Dale or Carrie 807-486-3345

Ontario Angler Awards Programs

OFAH Ontario Angler Awards All bodies of water in Ontario: January 1-December 31 - www.ontarioanglerawards.com

Sioux Lookout District Master Angler Catch & Release Program All bodies of water around Sioux Lookout: January 1-October 31 - Sioux Lookout Information Centre 807-737-2991 Accommodations
Tournaments
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Ontario Fishing Regulations

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has their Sport Fishing Regulations Summary available for downloading in an Adobe Acrobat file. The file is broken up into sections which makes downloading faster.

Check the Angling category of our members directory for some of the best fishing of your life.