How to Find Hidden Fishing Hotpots in Ontario

An efficient, effective and simple way to find the best places to fish.

I'll never forget the first time Bassmaster Classic Champions Guido and Dion Hibdon visited Northern Ontario. The famous father-and-son pair were fishing the Kenora Bass International on Lake of the Woods in Northwestern Ontario and were spellbound at the stunning scenery and superb fishing.

When asked, up on stage, how he felt about his week on the lake, Guido replied, "Every time Dion and I came around the point of an island, we expected to meet God."

Fishing in paradise has a way of doing that to you. 

But, as good as the walleye, bass, muskie, northern pike, lake trout, salmon, steelhead, trout, crappie and yellow perch fishing is in Northern Ontario, if you're an angler, you're always looking for ways to make it even better still.

And there is an efficient, effective and simple way to make it happen.

Even if you're fishing on a big body of water that has good hydrographic mapping, like Lake of the Woods, Rainy Lake, Lac Seul, Lake Nipigon, Lake Nipissing, Lake Temagami, or the north shore of Lake Huron and Lake Superior, you can still find oodles of hidden hotspots loaded with fish.

And on the hundreds of thousands of small and medium-sized lakes that have no mapping at all, finding an unmarked reef, shoal, or underwater point is worth twice its weight in gold.

In fact, some of the secluded gems are so good, that I am sure no one has ever wetted a line and fished them.

And here's the biggest irony: you've probably driven over many of the spots and simply failed to notice their whereabouts. That's right: the reason these sheltered, secluded and secret fishing locations are so good is that they're often out in the open, right in front of us.

By now, I am sure you're wondering: how do you find these treasure troves? Well, as I'll show you in the following video, you simply turn on your GPS Chartplotternar unit, set it on split screen mode, and then start hitting your waypoint button every time you see a potential diamond mine as you leisurely cruise around the lake.

Trust me, if you're an angler, Pokémon Go is child's play compared to unearthing hidden fishing gems, unlike anything you can imagine.

About Gord Pyzer

Gord Pyzer is the fishing editor of Outdoor Canada magazine and field editor of In-Fisherman magazine. He is the co-host of the Real Fishing Radio Show and host of Fish Talk With The Doc.

Recommended Articles

The Spin on Early Season Walleye

Depending on where you are walleye fishing in Ontario, the conditions range from early spring to near summer-like.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grass Carp

Learn how to detect these fish species and how to keep them out of the Great Lakes.

Fishing for Muskie on the French River

Crane's Lochaven Wilderness Lodge

Walleye on Lake Temiskaming

Fish'n Canada heads to Lake Temiskaming to tackle Ontario Walleye.

20 Years With Fish TV!

Fish TV discusses their favourite Ontario catches

Shore Lunch

What to Pack & How to Make It

Three Keys to Ontario Muskies

Where to Find Muskies in Ontario Waters.

The Outpost Lodge

Ideal for anglers looking for a variety of fishing.

Fly Fishing at Anderson's Lodge

A smallmouth bass fly fishing adventure to this famous lodge on Lac Seul.

Ontario’s Top 5 Ice-Out Species

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

Hidden Musky Gems

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

Nordic Point Lodge

Epic Fishing & Luxury in Ontario's Sunset Country

True Colours

How important is your lure colour when selecting a bait?

Wild Brook Trout

A Guided Float Trip Down the River

Baptiste Bass

Catching 5- to 6-Pound Smallmouth Bass Each Fishing Season

Pike Aplenty

How to select the right spot to catch pike in late fall fishing in Ontario.

Speck-Tacular

The Dotted Love Affair with Ontario's Brook Trout

Inaugural Fish'n Canada Carp Cup

The Inaugural Canadian Carp Cup was held in Long Sault on the St Lawrence River.

Swim Shiner Swim

What Bait to Use in Cold Water Fishing Conditions

Ladies Walleye Weekend

A 3-day Fishing Adventure on the Bay of Quinte