Shallow Water Fishing in Sunset Country

Of the countless reasons Sunset Country is so amazing, one stands out the most: just being there makes you feel like a great angler, because the fishing is that good. While I love the technical aspects of angling and staying up to date with the latest gear and techniques, up here, getting back to the basics just flat-out works.

There’s a reason so many camps are booked solid in June—it’s an incredible month to fish, no matter what species you're after. Fish are still in shallow water, and they’re more than willing to bite.

Where To Begin: Finding Shallow Water Fish in Sunset Country

This is the time of year to target shorelines. Areas with current—like rivers or inflows—still hold fish, and nearby shorelines often do as well. Look for stretches of shoreline with irregular features. One of my go-to examples is a stretch that includes small bays with points on either side. Sand bays, whether they have weeds or not, are also great. And always pay attention to round rock along the shore and in the water—these are fish magnets.

When you find fish, pay close attention to the surrounding habitat. That’s the beauty of Sunset Country: once you figure out a pattern, you can replicate it across the lake. If you find one good spot, you can usually find ten more just like it.

Best Baits and Lures for Fishing in Sunset Country, Ontario

Bring a variety of presentations. Of course, live bait works—but often, you won’t even need it.

• Jigs: Pack a selection ranging from 1/8 to 3/8 oz. Pair them with swimbaits or grubs. My go-to setup is the VMC Hybrid Swimbait Jig with a 2.8" or 3.3" Pro Swimmer. Adjust the jig weight depending on water depth and how aggressively the fish are feeding. This setup will catch everything.
• Grubs: The finesse grub is a forgotten classic. A 3" or 4" grub on a jig catches tons of walleye and bass in this region.
• Jerkbaits: A killer option—especially when the fish are holding on rocks. Walleye, pike, and bass will all crush them. I love the size 10 X-Rap and the PXR Mavrik. Don’t forget some Shad Raps in sizes 5 and 7.
• Snap Jigging for Walleyes: This shallow-water technique is dynamite around sparse weeds. Snap the jig sharply upward, then let it crash back down on slack line. I use the VMC Moontail Hair Jig or Mooneye Jig with a slim-profile plastic like the Scentsation Slim Minnow. This technique will draw strikes from pike and bass, too, but it really fires up the walleyes.

Simple Rod and Reel Setup for Northern Ontario Fishing

If you’re flying in or packing light, a versatile setup will still get the job done. Bring:

• A 7’ Medium Power Fast Action spinning rod
• A 2500-size reel
• 10 lb braided main line with a 10–12 lb fluorocarbon leader

That combo will fish all of the techniques listed above effectively.

Final Thoughts: Early Season Fishing in Ontario’s Sunset Country

These are just some of the basics, but Sunset Country is the perfect place to experiment and improve your skills. I always tell people: the minute you arrive, you’re already a great angler—because the fish here love to bite!

Early season—from when the camps open until around Canada Day—is prime time. The shallow water bite is at its peak, and success is almost guaranteed. Get up here, give it a go, and maybe leave the live bait on the dock. You’re going to put a pile of fish in the boat.

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