5 Recommended Places To Access Ontario's Shore Fishing

Not everyone can afford that fancy boat, motor, or trailer, as well as all the bells and gadgets that go hand in hand with the ultimate watercraft. So, should this stop them from fishing? Absolutely NOT! Here’s a list of Fish’n Canada recommended Ontario fishing spots that can be accessed by foot… all you need is a rod, reel, and a bit of tackle… and don’t forget your lunch!

Bewdley Ontario, Rice Lake

Rice Lake is in South-Central Ontario. It is known for its many species of catchable fish. There are Walleye, Muskie, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Carp, Crappie, Sunfish, and Rock Bass. The town of Bewdley on the west end of the lake has great shore-fishing access, all near a plethora of stores and shops. Rice Lake could very well be Southern Ontario’s #1 fish producer on an annual basis.

Niagara Whirlpool, Niagara River

This is by far our most scenic pick of shoreline fishing spots on this list. Everyone is familiar with Niagara Falls, however, just down the river is a fishing phenomenon. With its swirling current, clean water, and bruiser fish, the Whirlpool is a site to behold. There are Northern Pike, Muskie, Carp, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and even exotic species like Buffalo and Long Nose Gar. A word of caution though, access to this spot is done via a LONG set of stairs. Not so bad going down, but coming up… don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Thames River, London

This popular river has Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, Catfish, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Carp, Walleye, and Northern Pike. Some of the best city access areas are Greenway and Harris Parks, as well as the Westminster Ponds (these even have fishing platforms). Live bait is always a good choice here—just make sure you are within the Ontario fishing regulations.

Saugeen River, Bruce County

Here’s one of Ontario’s best Steelhead rivers. We probably aren’t surprising anyone with this list entry. The beauty of this fishery is that, aside from the deeper water at the river mouth, much of this river is accessible by bank or wader anglers. There’s a local fishing club that is very active in aiding and assisting in the spawning and stocking of Steelhead here. Bring roe (spawn) bags, garden worms, small pink plastic worms, as well as flies. Incidentally, fly anglers love this area.

St Mary’s River Rapids, Sault Ste Marie

Here’s the sleeper in this shore fishing accessible list. The St. Marys Rapids is a phenomenal fishery that is directly beside the city of Sault Ste. Marie. If you are looking for your first Atlantic or Pink Salmon, then this is the place. If that’s not enough, then the rest of Ontario’s salmon list is here, as well as resident and migratory Rainbow Trout, and even the odd Smallmouth Bass. Honestly, you never know what you’ll catch in “the rapids.” By the way, a little casino action is also in plain view of your fishing area… just saying!

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Not everyone can afford that fancy boat, motor, or trailer, as well as all the bells and gadgets that go hand in hand with the ultimate watercraft. So, should this stop them from fishing? Absolutely NOT! Here’s a list of Fish’n Canada recommended Ontario fishing spots that can be accessed by foot… all you need is a rod, reel, and a bit of tackle… and don’t forget your lunch!

Bewdley Ontario, Rice Lake

Rice Lake is in South-Central Ontario. It is known for its many species of catchable fish. There are Walleye, Muskie, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Carp, Crappie, Sunfish, and Rock Bass. The town of Bewdley on the west end of the lake has great shore-fishing access, all near a plethora of stores and shops. Rice Lake could very well be Southern Ontario’s #1 fish producer on an annual basis.

Niagara Whirlpool, Niagara River

This is by far our most scenic pick of shoreline fishing spots on this list. Everyone is familiar with Niagara Falls, however, just down the river is a fishing phenomenon. With its swirling current, clean water, and bruiser fish, the Whirlpool is a site to behold. There are Northern Pike, Muskie, Carp, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and even exotic species like Buffalo and Long Nose Gar. A word of caution though, access to this spot is done via a LONG set of stairs. Not so bad going down, but coming up… don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Thames River, London

This popular river has Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, Catfish, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Carp, Walleye, and Northern Pike. Some of the best city access areas are Greenway and Harris Parks, as well as the Westminster Ponds (these even have fishing platforms). Live bait is always a good choice here—just make sure you are within the Ontario fishing regulations.

Saugeen River, Bruce County

Here’s one of Ontario’s best Steelhead rivers. We probably aren’t surprising anyone with this list entry. The beauty of this fishery is that, aside from the deeper water at the river mouth, much of this river is accessible by bank or wader anglers. There’s a local fishing club that is very active in aiding and assisting in the spawning and stocking of Steelhead here. Bring roe (spawn) bags, garden worms, small pink plastic worms, as well as flies. Incidentally, fly anglers love this area.

St Mary’s River Rapids, Sault Ste Marie

Here’s the sleeper in this shore fishing accessible list. The St. Marys Rapids is a phenomenal fishery that is directly beside the city of Sault Ste. Marie. If you are looking for your first Atlantic or Pink Salmon, then this is the place. If that’s not enough, then the rest of Ontario’s salmon list is here, as well as resident and migratory Rainbow Trout, and even the odd Smallmouth Bass. Honestly, you never know what you’ll catch in “the rapids.” By the way, a little casino action is also in plain view of your fishing area… just saying!