The 10 Fishiest Bait Shops in Northeastern Ontario

Northeastern Ontario is one of the premier fishing destinations in the province thanks to our thousands of freshwater lakes and waterways—so anglers had best come prepared! To make sure you’re stocked up on everything from live bait to species-specific tackle here's a quick list of ten of the fishiest bait shops in The Seven. Each shop has its own charm, its own knowledgeable proprietors, and provides all the essentials for a weekend of tight lines. Many thanks to Len Talarico (@lentaloutdoors) for this bait shop list. 

Here's 10 bait shops in Ontario to serve every angler's needs. 

Are we missing your fav bait shop? Email us at info@northernontario.travel and we'll add it!

Bait Shops in the North Bay & Area

1. Backwoods Live Bait & Tackle (Corbeil, ON)

A small yet well-stocked shop, Backwoods in Corbeil is known for its variety of live bait and fishing gear. (It's even got an outdoor fridge providing 24-hour access to bait on the honour system). Whether you're chasing bass or pike, you can find species-specific bait here. The friendly staff ensures anglers will find everything they need for a day on the water.

2. Billy Bob's Bait & Tackle (North Bay, ON)

Billy Bob’s is a staple in North Bay, offering everything from live bait to high-quality tackle. The shop has a wide range of supplies, and the knowledgeable staff are always eager to offer fishing tips and local hot spots to check out.

3. Trapper Joe's (North Bay, ON)

Trapper Joe’s in North Bay is a cozy little bait shop known for its selection of live bait, tackle, and friendly atmosphere. Locals swear by it for its great service and reliable fishing gear selection.

Local Fishing Spots in North Bay

Lake Nipissing

Lake Nipissing is one of the largest lakes in the region and a premier fishing destination. The massive lake is renowned for its walleye, muskie, northern pike, and smallmouth bass populations. It’s ideal for both summer fishing and ice fishing in the winter.

• Check out these 22 ice fishing huts and bungalows you can rent on the lake! 

Trout Lake

Located on the east side of North Bay, Trout Lake offers fantastic fishing for lake trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and whitefish. With numerous bays and inlets, it’s a great destination for both casual anglers and those seeking more remote fishing experiences.

Lake Nosbonsing

Found just outside of North Bay, Lake Nosbonsing is known for its variety of fish, including walleye, muskie, and bass. This lake is a popular spot for ice fishing in the winter and is accessible for anglers year-round.

Bait Shops in the Sudbury Area

4. Ramakko’s Source for Adventure (Sudbury, ON)

Ramakko’s in Sudbury is more than a bait shop—it’s an adventure outfitter with a large section dedicated to fishing. From live bait to high-end tackle, this shop serves everyone from beginners to seasoned anglers. It’s the go-to place for outdoor gear in the Sudbury area.

6. Northern Quality Bait & Tackle (Chelmsford, ON)

Northern Quality Bait & Tackle is a local gem in Chelmsford, offering an excellent variety of fishing supplies. They focus on providing high-quality live bait and tackle for every angler’s needs, whether you're fishing nearby or heading to more remote waters​.

7. Moxy's Bait & Tackle (Lively, ON)

Moxy’s Bait in Lively offers everything an angler could need, from live bait to an array of tackle. The small-town feel, combined with knowledgeable staff, makes this a top spot for stocking up before hitting the lakes.

8. Kukagami General Store (Wahnapitae, ON)

Kukagami General Store is located near the Kukagami Lake area, perfect for those heading to remote waters. The shop is known for its wide selection of live bait, especially for the adventurous anglers heading deep into Ontario’s wilderness.

Local Sudbury Fishing Spots

Ramsey Lake

Located in the city with the most lakes in the world—330 of them in fact—Sudbury's Ramsey Lake is a convenient and popular spot for anglers. The city's lake is home to smallmouth bass, northern pike, and perch. With its easy access from downtown Sudbury, it’s perfect for those looking to stay close to the city while still enjoying great fishing.

Lake Wanapitei

Lake Wanapitei, located just northeast of Sudbury, is one of the largest volcanic lakes in the world and is a favorite for anglers. The lake is known for its walleye, lake trout, and northern pike populations. Its remote areas make it a great spot for more peaceful and adventurous fishing.

Whitewater Lake

Located in Azilda, west of Sudbury, Whitewater Lake is another excellent destination for anglers. Known for its strong northern pike and bass populations, the lake offers both shore fishing and boat access. It’s a productive lake for both summer and winter ice fishing.

Kukagami Lake

East of Lake Wanapitei, Kukagami Lake is a prime location for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Its remote and serene environment makes it ideal for those seeking a quieter fishing experience in the wilderness.

Fairbank Lake

West of Sudbury, Fairbank Lake is a popular destination for anglers looking for lake trout, smallmouth bass, and perch. The 705-hectare lake is clear, offering scenic views while you fish for species like Brown Bullhead, Northern Pike, Brook Stickleback, and Yellow Perch. It's also a great spot for ice fishing during the winter.

Vermilion River

The Vermilion River offers a range of fishing opportunities, particularly for those targeting lake sturgeon and smallmouth bass—it's also a spawning habitat for walleye and northern pike. The river’s many sections and varying flows make it ideal for anglers seeking different types of fishing environments, from calm waters to more challenging currents.

Nepewassi Lake

Located southeast of Sudbury, Nepewassi Lake is another excellent spot for fishing walleye, northern pike, and bass. This long, narrow lake gets less crowded than some of the other lakes in the area, making it perfect for those looking for a more peaceful day on the water.

Bait Shops in the North Shore & Manitoulin Area

9. Fishy Fishy Bang Bang (Espanola, ON)

Fishy Fishy Bang Bang in Espanola is a quirky, fun bait shop that caters to local and visiting anglers. Known for its catchy name, this shop provides live bait, tackle, and friendly service, making it a must-stop when fishing in the area.

10. Up Top Sports Shop (Mindemoya, ON)

Located in Mindemoya on Manitoulin Island, Up Top Sports Shop caters to both fishing and outdoor sports. Their stock of live bait, lures, and rods is perfect for anglers, and the scenic surrounding area makes this a must-stop on your fishing journey.

Local Fishing Spots in the North Shore & Manitoulin Area

Lake Manitou

As the largest lake on Manitoulin Island, Lake Manitou is renowned for its lake trout and smallmouth bass fishing. The clear waters make it a prime spot for those looking to catch trophy lake trout, particularly in the deeper sections. Walleye and perch are also found here, making it a diverse fishing spot.

Lake Kagawong

Lake Kagawong, the second largest lake on Manitoulin,  is known for its northern pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass. The lake's large, shallow areas provide ideal conditions for pike fishing, while the deeper regions are great for bass. Kagawong is also popular for anglers seeking out fishing adventures in quieter waters.

South Bay

South Bay, located in the southern part of the island, is an excellent spot for anglers targeting lake trout and salmon. Its proximity to the open waters of Lake Huron ensures healthy populations of both species. South Bay is popular among seasoned anglers due to the challenging nature of its deeper waters.

Killarney Bay

Found on the northeastern side of the island, Killarney Bay is known for great fishing opportunities for bass, walleye, and northern pike. It's a scenic area, popular for its picturesque views and productive fishing.

Lake Mindemoya

The smaller and more accessible Lake Mindemoya is another great option, particularly for beginners or those looking for easy-access fishing. The lake is abundant with smallmouth bass, northern pike, and perch, providing a diverse fishing experience.

Providence Bay

Located on the north shore of Lake Huron, Providence Bay is known for salmon and rainbow trout fishing. The cold waters off the southern coastline create ideal conditions for these species, and the area offers excellent shore and boat fishing opportunities.

These bait shops provide essential gear and bait—but the best part is the local knowledge, plus the charm and community spirit of Northeastern Ontario. Be sure to support them while planning your fishing adventure in the region!

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