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.

Sharpshooting Crappies

Check out this fishing technique for landing a few fall black crappie

Top 5 Flies for Smallmouth Bass

The inside scoop on bass flies from the hosts of The New Fly Fisher.

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

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

Four Seasons of Bass in Ontario

Northern Ontario is home to year-round bass.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Muskies

Muskies are fish of 10,000 casts and are found in large bodies of water in Northwestern Ontario.

10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!

Smallmouth Bass in Sunset Country

It's great to be a smallmouth angler in Sunset Country because of the numbers and size of bass.

The Lake of Many Bays

Fly-in Fishing at Pine Portage Lodge

Catching Ontario Walleye

Pro Tips for Bait and Walley Presentations

Ontario’s Top 5 Ice-Out Species

Here’s where you head to kick off your open water season with a bang.

Steelhead Fever

Fishing in Northwestern Ontario

Abitibi Walleye Experience

Fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike and Jumbo Perch

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

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

Legend of the White worm

Learn to Fish for Bass With This Lure

Leuenberger Air Service Is Your Ticket to Ontario's Best Fishing

Discover remote outpost fishing for northern pike, walleye, and whitefish

Top 5 Tips To Fish Smallmouth Bass in Ontario

Ontario has some of the top smallmouth bass opportunities. in the world.

Striker's Point Lodge

Hungry Walleyes and Big Pike on Whitewater Lake

Angling the Missinaibi

Exploring and fishing the mighty Missinaibi River

How to: Target Black Crappies (Part 1)

Learn to target Black Crappies in Ontario like an Elite Angler