There is something special about the wonders of fishing trips, the desire to explore the wilderness and head off on a great adventure. If like me, thoughts like these occupy your mind, look no further than Northern Ontario. While many may think you need to travel to the far-off ends of the earth and pay astronomical prices to find adventure and exceptional fishing, that truly isn’t the case. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to fishing and adventure opportunities in Northern Ontario.
In and of itself, Ontario is a massive province. Spanning over 1,000,000 square kilometres, and with over 250,000 freshwater lakes, rivers, and waterways, it’s no surprise that there are some truly exceptional fishing options available. While I currently live in the south of the province, my heart (and fishing daydreams) lay in the beautiful regions up north.
Northern Ontario is divided into three main regions, each with its own rich history, unique opportunities, and exceptional fisheries.
From the shores of Lake Huron and Manitoulin Island, across the greater Sudbury area to the city of North Bay, all the way up north to the shorelines of James Bay, the region of Northeastern Ontario could be viewed as the gateway to the rest of Northern Ontario.
The Algoma region, located in North-Central Ontario, spans 28,000 square miles and contains some very impressive fishing opportunities. Whether you’re heading west from the town of Spanish to the city of Sault Ste. Marie and all the way to White River, or looking to travel further up north to the town of Hearst, there’s no end to an adventure that awaits.
Stretching from the north shore of Lake Superior, west to the Manitoba border, and up to the shores of Hudson Bay (the northernmost point of the entire province), Northwestern Ontario is the largest region in all of Ontario. So large in fact, that it’s been divided geographically into two smaller regions: Sunset Country and Superior Country.
While all of these regions are incredibly diverse, they also all have one very important thing in common: truly exceptional fishing. No matter what section of Northern Ontario you’re exploring, there’s no limit to the fishing options. Iconic species such as Brook Trout, Northern Pike, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Musky, Walleye, and Steelhead, as well as both Atlantic and Pacific Salmon, are available in different bodies all throughout Northern Ontario. Whether you’re using conventional gear or fly-fishing equipment, anglers of all skill levels have the opportunity to land trophy-sized fish.
When it comes to looking for accommodations for your fishing trip, there’s no need to stress. With a plethora of different types of lodges, cottages, camps, and resorts, you’re certain to find the perfect location, whatever your needs or your budget. The best part? Many of these lodges or other types of accommodations are open to anglers all year round, providing unique experiences and fishing no matter the season. Accessibility shouldn’t be an issue either, with a variety of travel styles available, including fly-in, dive-to, or even arriving by train. Whether you’re looking for an affordable DIY adventure or luxury five-star retreat, the lodging options throughout Northern Ontario offer a variety of packages and opportunities to fit every need!
No matter what kind of fishing adventure you’re looking for, the many regions of Northern Ontario have you covered.
