5 Canoe & Kayak Fishing Destinations in Ontario

Fish’n Canada’s Angelo Viola and Pete Bowman show you where to go canoe and kayak fishing in Ontario.

For years, anglers have used the canoe as an ultimate stealth weapon when trying to stalk wary fish in hard-to-access locations. Modern times have introduced a new breed of fishing machine… the kayak. These two quiet modes of water transportation have brought Ontario anglers into what could only be classed as a “North Country Paradise”. If you are seeking your own canoe/kayak paradise, then read on.

Mattawa River

If you are looking for Muskie, Walleye, Northern Pike, Small and Largemouth Bass, as well as Panfish, then the Mattawa is a good choice. This gorgeous river starts at Trout Lake near North Bay and empties into the Ottawa River. Be cognizant that this is a fairly big river in places, so safety is of the utmost importance. If you’re willing to be mobile, then within a one-hour drive of the Mattawa, there are lots of smaller lakes and rivers that have spectacular canoe and kayak fishing.

Mattawa River

Maple, Green, and Pine Lakes, Haliburton

This connected chain of lakes is perfect for canoe and kayak anglers. The lakes are not very big, and the creeks between them are scenic. There are both Bass species, as well as Muskie and Walleye available. The Haliburton area is one of Fish’n Canada’s favourite places to fish.

Haliburton

Algonquin Park

Algonquin is by far Ontario’s most popular park for canoe and kayak fishing. It encompasses a massive 7,653 km² of the province and was established way back in 1893. These were sacred fishing grounds for Angelo Viola in his younger years. Although Speckled (Brook) Trout was highest on his list, and incidentally is to most anglers still, other fish like Lake Trout, Splake, and Bass are great backup species. A simple check-in at the park’s entrance is all it takes to put you into a canoeist’s and kayaker’s heaven.

Algonquin

Missinaibi Lake (big but beautiful)

Although Missinaibi is a big lake worthy of a boat and motor, it is still fishable with a canoe or kayak on the right calm days. We chose this area because of the difficult access (75 km of dirt road before you get there) and the lack of lodging on the lake. This makes it a great fishery, especially for Walleye. By bringing your rig(s) in and setting up a campsite at Missinaibi Provincial Park, you will find yourself on the doorstep of one of Ontario’s hidden gems.

Missinabi

Quetico Provincial Park

Many have heard of Quetico; however, not that many have experienced it. The fishing here may be the best canoe/kayak access fishing in the entire province. The extensive network of lakes and rivers at Quetico provide a variety of canoe and kayak wilderness travel experiences. Walleye, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass all swim in these waters. Over 2,200 interior camping sites throughout the park make staying in this wilderness area easy. There are special Ontario fishing regulations here, so make sure you check before you go.

Quetico Provincial Park

About Fish'n Canada

As one of the original pioneers of Canadian adventure television, the Fish'n Canada Show has been broadcasting their pursuit of the ultimate adventure for over 30 years. Hosts Angelo Viola and Pete Bowman educate and entertain audiences with their passion and enthusiasm for fishing. Both are inductees in the Canadian Anglers Hall of Fame. Check out their episodes and video on the Fish'n Canada YouTube Channel and like them on Facebook!

Recommended Articles

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.

Awesome Algonquin

World Class Brook Trout Fishing in Algonquin Park.

The Ontario Fall Crappie Hunt

Ontario's 400,000 lakes are home to a variety of fish species.

Sweet Spot Season

When you have a limited amount of time to be out there fishing, you really want to look for those high percentage sweet spots.

Talon Lake Lunge

This 3500-acre lake holds trophy muskies and should not be ignored!

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

What baits do you use to target bass? Find out why these 5 are the best!

5 Reasons To Go Fishing In The Fall

Tips for catching Ontario trophies.

Tomiko Lake Lodge

An Outstanding Resort for Fishing and Families

Top 5 Musky Destinations in Ontario

The Musky Hunter shows you where to land the best musky in Ontario waters.

Catching Ontario Walleye

Pro Tips for Bait and Walley Presentations

Hidden Musky Gems

The Musky Hunter shares 3 favourite musky hot spots across Ontario.

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

Karl of Extreme Angler recommends must do walleye lakes in Ontario.

Top Flies for Northern Pike

Try These Go-to Flies and Tips on Your Next Trip

Musky Mayhem in the Kawarthas

Top notch musky fishing on Buckhorn Lake can be found in the heart of the Kawarthas.

The Best Brook Trout Fishing

Discover world class fishing in Northern Ontario—home of the world record brook trout!

When to Use Bright Lures and Dark Lures

An interesting insight, using bright lures on bright days and dark lures on dark days.

Heat Wave? Cold Front? No Problem.

Learn how weather patterns can affect fishing techniques and strategies.

Adventures on the Nipigon River

Anglers can target Chinook Salmon and Steelhead in this body of water—but most come for the trophy Brook Trout.

Baits for Brookies

Using Lipless Rattle Baits for Brook Trout

Big Water Fall Walleye

Find out why Fall Walleye are a favourite for this Ontario fishing blogger.