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

Epic Ice in Northwestern Ontario

An ice fishing report from the Northwest shows it could shape up to be one of the best ice fishing seasons ever.

Multi-Species Magic

Cedar Point Resort on Cedar Lake is a drive-in camp with the fabulous fishing of a remote fly-in.

Ghost River Lodges

Remote, Boat-in Fishing on Marchington Lake

The Lake of Many Bays

Fly-in Fishing at Pine Portage Lodge

Trophy Pike & Ribs

Fishing at Kesagami Wilderness Lodge

Big Smallmouth Bass

Fly Fishing at Branch's Seine River Lodge

Go Junk Fishing

Can't Find the Pattern? Do This Instead!

Walleye Fishing at Waterfalls Lodge

Waterfalls Lodge offers a wide variety of angling opportunities.

Lady Evelyn Lake

Get to Know This Lake in Northeastern Ontario

Walleye on Lake Temiskaming

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

Indian Lake Lodge

The Musky Hunter visits Ontario's Sunset Country for large active musky

Easy Pickin's for Northern Ontario Panfish

Ice fishing for crappies on a lake in Northwestern Ontario.

5 Things to Know When Buying Your First Fly Rod

Learn a few tips and tricks when purchasing a fly fishing rod.

River Lake Trout Techniques

Some techniques to help you catch Lake Trout in the untraditional river setting across Ontario.

How to: Target Black Crappies (Part 1)

Learn to target Black Crappies in Ontario like an Elite Angler

Fishing is Like Golf

3 rods and reels for every scenario!

Girls Gone Ice Fishing

Great company, stunning fish, unspoiled wilderness: a winter ice fishing adventure!

Topwater Time in Northern Ontario

Summer Smallmouth Bass is All About Surface Lures

3 Surefire Strategies for Canadian Muskies

Fishing for Ontario Musky

Family Fishing Getaway

Jenna sets her sights on Northern Ontario Smallmouth Bass.