5 Lakes, 4 Seasons and Plenty of Fish

Fish TV selects their favourite lakes by season when fishing in Ontario.

One of the most common questions we get is “What is your favourite lake in Ontario?” Well, that is a huge question that can vary at certain times of the year, so I am going to break it down per season so you can try all of these lakes at different times of the year.

Spring - Rice Lake

First, let's start with spring. One of the best lakes I like to fish in the spring is Rice Lake, which is located in southeastern Ontario, about an hour north of Port Hope. This lake is known for its unlimited panfish, crappie, bluegill, and perch, which are in abundance. You can land crappie up to 14 inches on a regular outing. The third week in May, walleye opens, and the walleye fishing is fantastic just outside of the two main rivers—the Otonabee River and the Hastings River. Jigs and slow-moving Rapala crankbaits seem to do the trick.

Spring

Summer - McCarthur Lake & Otter Lake

As we move on to the start of summer, there are really two lakes that I find great—one is for the number of fish, and one is for trophies. First, let's talk about a little lake called McCarthur Lake. This lake is located in the area of Elliot Lake in Northern Ontario, and if you want smallmouth fishing, and I mean unreal smallmouth fishing, you have to hit McCarthur Lake. We have had days where we caught 50 to 80 smallmouth bass with an average size of 2 pounds, and for sure, you will get a few in the 4- to 5-pound range. This is one lake you have to try. The second lake would have to be Otter Lake, located in Parry Sound, Ontario. It is a bit tougher lake to fish, but it is loaded with lake trout and a giant trophy pike. We shot a show up there and caught two pike in the 25-pound class with some largemouth and smallmouth mixed in for a great day on the water.

Fall - Lake Simcoe

When we move into fall, the lake of choice for me would have to be Lake Simcoe in Southern Ontario. It is well known for its trophy smallmouth bass, and fish up to 7 pounds are very common this time of the year; if you get on the right school, you can catch 50 or more on a great day.

Summer/Fall

Winter - Bay of Quinte

The final lake I would choose in the winter would be the famous Bay of Quinte, located right off Lake Ontario, down Belleville way. This is by far the best winter haven for trophy walleye in the world, with fish of 13 to 15 lbs caught every year, and the average size is probably in the 4- to 6-lb range. This is one body of water where you will need a guide in the winter, as there is a ton of current in places; one area can have seven inches of ice, and another right beside it could have two.

Winter

So the answer to the question “What is your favourite lake?” is that it varies from season to season, and I have to say these have to be my best choices.

About Ron James

Ron has been fishing for over 35 years. He started fishing when he was just a youngster with his father Bill James (God rest his soul). He moved onto tournament fishing as his passion grew. With numerous wins and top finishes, the next step had to be taken. He met Leo, and the unstoppable force of Fish TV "is the best thing that has happened.

Recommended Articles

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

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

10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!

Big Boat Portaging

Fishing on Lady Evelyn Lake in Northeastern Ontario

The Lake With Giant Bass

Lake Lauzon has tons of bass to satisfy any dedicated bass angler.

5 Things to Consider When Buying a New Boat!

Great tips and things to keep in mind when you are looking to purchase a new boat.

Top 5 Tips To Fish Smallmouth Bass in Ontario

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

Reflections of Borden Lake

The lake is home to walleye, pike, whitefish and smallmouth bass.

The Eyes Have it

How to Use a Natural Resource as Bait

Don't Let the Name Perch Lake Fool You

These Northern Ontario waters are packed with northern pike like you'll never believe, abundant gourmet walleye, and yellow perch await.

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.

Jack's Lake Lodge

The Musky Hunter visits the Kawarthas in hopes of landing a trophy!

Fishing The Shoulder Season

Incredible Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike fishing at The Outpost Lodge in the Mississagi Valley

Sturgeon Lake Fishing

Walleye and smallmouth bonanza at Lumberjack Lodge in Northwest Ontario, Canada.

Talon Lake Lunge

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

Wasi Lake Fishing

Fishing at Booth Landing Camping & Cottages

This Smallmouth Bass Paradise Is No Longer A Secret

The Mississagi Valley has opportunities for personal best trophy-sized brown bass.

Lake Temagami Fishing

Sharpshooting Trophy Lake Trout At Loon Lodge.

Stalking Prehistoric Long Nose Gar

Fishing a unique fish species in Ontario.

Summer Brook Trout

Expert Advice for Fishing Ontario Lakes

Twitchbait Smallies

Your guide to open water smallmouth fishing in Atikokan.