15 Reasons to Plan a Fall Fishing Road Trip in Northwest Ontario

Hooked on Adventure: Why Southern Ontario Anglers Can’t Miss Northwest Ontario This Fall!

As the leaves begin to change colour and the crisp air of autumn settles in, many anglers from Southern Ontario may feel that the prime fishing season has passed. However, fall is one of the best times of the year to head north and experience the incredible fishing opportunities that Sunset Country has to offer. If you’re wondering whether it’s too late to plan a fishing trip this fall, think again. Here’s why now is the perfect time for Southern Ontario anglers to pack their gear and head to the remote and pristine waters of Northwest Ontario.

1. Fall Offers Some of the Best Fishing Conditions

Fall is an exceptional time for fishing in Northwest Ontario. As water temperatures begin to drop, many species of fish become more active in preparation for the winter months. Species like walleye, northern pike, and muskie are more aggressive, making them easier to catch. The cooler weather also means fewer bugs, making your time on the water more comfortable. The fall bite can be incredibly rewarding whether you prefer trolling, casting, or jigging.

2. Spectacular Scenery and Solitude

Northwest Ontario is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and Fall is when the region truly shines. The vibrant oranges, yellows and reds of the fall foliage create a stunning backdrop for your fishing adventure. Moreover, as the busy summer season ends, the number of visitors decreases significantly, offering you more solitude and a peaceful fishing experience. You’ll have more of the lake to yourself, which means less competition for the best fishing spots.

3. Extended Fishing Opportunities

One of the misconceptions about fall fishing is that it’s only for the die-hard enthusiasts willing to brave the colder weather. However, Northwest Ontario’s fall season extends well into late October and even November for muskie anglers, providing ample time for a successful fishing trip. The extended season allows for greater flexibility in planning your trip, and the later months often see even fewer anglers on the water, enhancing your chances of landing that trophy fish.

4. Abundant Accommodations and Packages

With the summer rush over, many lodges and fishing resorts in Northwest Ontario offer fantastic fall packages at discounted rates. This is the perfect opportunity to stay at a high-quality fishing lodge that may have been fully booked during the summer months. Many of these lodges provide all-inclusive packages that include guided fishing trips, meals, and accommodations, allowing you to focus solely on the fishing experience. Housekeeping cabin rentals are also offered for the more budget-conscious angler. Fall discounts and the availability of prime accommodations make a trip this season both affordable and luxurious.

5. The Chance to Catch Trophy Fish

If you’re an angler on the hunt for trophy fish, fall is the season to be in Northwest Ontario. Many fish species are at their peak sizes in the fall as they feed heavily before the winter. This is particularly true for muskie and northern pike, which are known to reach impressive sizes in the colder months. The chance to catch a trophy-sized fish is much higher during the fall than at any other time of year, making it a prime season for serious anglers. Lake trout season closes September 30th for the fall spawn. These trout are hungry!!

6. Diverse Fishing Experiences

Northwest Ontario offers a wide variety of fishing experiences, from large, deep lakes to remote rivers and smaller, more intimate bodies of water. Fall fishing allows you to explore these diverse environments without the summer crowds, whether you’re targeting walleye in a vast lake or seeking out smallmouth bass in a secluded river. The diversity of fishing opportunities means there’s something for every angler, no matter your preferred style or target species.

7. Improved Weather Conditions for Outdoor Activities

While summer temperatures can sometimes be uncomfortably hot, fall in Northwest Ontario offers cooler, more comfortable weather that’s ideal for extended periods outdoors. The cooler temperatures not only make fishing more enjoyable but also create perfect conditions for other outdoor activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The reduced humidity and clearer skies provide optimal conditions for a full day on the water, enhancing both your comfort and success as an angler.

8. Community Events and Festivals

Fall is also a time of community events and festivals in many small towns across Northwest Ontario. These events celebrate the end of the harvest season and offer visitors a chance to experience the local culture, food, pow wows and traditions. Planning your fishing trip around one of these events can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your journey, allowing you to experience the unique charm and hospitality of Northern Ontario communities.

9. Less Pressure on the Fisheries

With fewer anglers on the water in the fall, the pressure on local fisheries decreases. This can result in fish being less wary and more likely to bite. In addition, many fish that were heavily targeted during the summer have had a chance to recover, making them more responsive to bait and lures. The combination of less pressure and the natural behaviour of fish in the fall creates ideal conditions for a successful fishing trip.

10. Easy Access and Travel

Travelling to Northwest Ontario in the fall is relatively easy, with less highway traffic and fewer airport delays compared to the peak summer months. Many lodges and fishing resorts remain open through the fall and offer shuttle services, making it convenient for anglers from Southern Ontario to reach their destinations. The scenic drive through the changing landscapes of Ontario adds to the overall experience, making the journey as enjoyable as the fishing itself.

11. A Perfect Getaway Before Winter

As the days grow shorter and winter approaches, a fall fishing trip to Northwest Ontario offers the perfect opportunity for one last outdoor adventure before the snow flies. It’s a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy the region's natural beauty without the rush and busyness of the summer season. Whether you’re looking for a solo retreat or a group adventure, fall fishing in Northwest Ontario provides a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

12. Reconnect with Nature

Fall is a time when nature transitions, and being in Northwest Ontario during this season allows you to reconnect with the natural world in a profound way. The quietness of the wilderness, combined with the stunning visual display of autumn colours, offers a serene and meditative environment. Fishing during this time becomes not just about the catch but also about experiencing the tranquillity and beauty of nature in one of Canada’s most pristine regions.

13. Local Expertise and Guides

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the specific waters of Northwest Ontario, local guides and outfitters are available to help you make the most of your trip. Fall is a great time to take advantage of their expertise, as these guides have spent the entire year understanding fish patterns and behaviours. Their knowledge can significantly increase your chances of a successful outing, whether you’re after a specific species or just looking to explore new waters.

14. Conservation and Sustainable Practices

Many anglers are also increasingly concerned about conservation and sustainable fishing practices. Fall is a time when responsible fishing is more important than ever, as fish are preparing for the winter season. Northwest Ontario is home to numerous conservation initiatives, and local guides and lodges often emphasize catch-and-release practices, ensuring that the fisheries remain healthy and productive for future generations. Participating in these practices during your fall trip allows you to contribute to preserving this incredible natural resource.

15. The Call of the North

Finally, there’s something uniquely compelling about the call of the North in the fall. It’s a call to adventure, explore, and experience the wild beauty of Ontario’s remote landscapes. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the sport, Northwest Ontario in the fall offers an unforgettable fishing experience that combines the thrill of the catch with the serenity of nature. The opportunity to create lasting memories and perhaps even a tradition of fall fishing in the North is something that every angler should seize.

Conclusion

It’s not too late for anglers from Southern Ontario to take a trip to Northwest Ontario this fall. With the combination of excellent fishing conditions, breathtaking scenery, and the chance to catch trophy fish, fall is a prime season that offers unique opportunities not found at any other time of the year. So, pack your gear, head north, and experience the magic of fall fishing in one of Canada’s most beautiful and remote regions.

How to Get to Sunset Country

Many anglers from Southern Ontario or even other parts of Northern Ontario, such as Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie chose to bring their own boats. If this is your case, you'll be driving. If you are not bringing your own boat, you can choose to either drive to your lodge or fly into Thunder Bay or Winnipeg, MB. From there, your outfitter may have a shuttle service, or you can rent a car. All resorts in the area rent fishing boats. Old Post Lodge on Lake St. Joseph connects anglers from southern Ontario with a personal flight service leaving from the Goderich Airport every 5 days. Depending on airport regulations, groups of 9 passengers can be flown from the airport of their choice. An additional charge for aircraft repositioning will apply.

You can take the "northern route" or Highway 17 if driving.

From Barrie, you can take Highway 11 north for the northern route. Head past Bracebridge, North Bay, and Cochrane. Highway 11 from Cochrane to Geraldton is an easy, flat drive, and then, as you head towards Nipigon, you'll see beautiful high bluffs on the left-hand side of the road. Highway 11 connects with Highway 17 (the Trans Canada Highway) at Nipigon. You will then head west on Highway 17 towards Thunder Bay and the Sunset Country region.

To take the "southern route" on the north shore of Lake Superior, from Barrie, Ontario, take the 400 north to Sudbury, where you will then go west on Highway 17 all the way to Thunder Bay. This route is busier than the north route, but the scenery along Lake Superior is beautiful. Both routes take about the same amount of time.

If you come from the Sudbury, North Bay, or Sault Ste. Marie areas, you could also take Bearskin Airlines to communities such as Pickle Lake, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, and Thunder Bay. This would obviously shorten your travel time, but it will add to the cost.

Book Your Trip and See What All the Fuss is About!

You've probably had friends or relatives who have gone north and fished Sunset Country and raved about it. Why not make it your year to go and experience it for yourself?

P.S. Did I mention there are no mosquitos in the fall?

Visit the Sunset Country Website to find more accommodations for your fall fishing trip, order the Free Travel Guide & Map, or explore one of the following accommodations in Sunset Country below or by clicking on the quick links.

Lodges & Resorts

Kenora/Minaki

Dogtooth Lake Resort 
Gustafson’s Resort 
Minaki Marina 
Smith Camps  
Canada Outfitters  
 

Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls

Clarke & Crombie  
Crawford’s Camp  
Crystal Harbour Resort Hotel  
Hanson’s King Island Lodge  
Helliar’s Resort  
Indianhead Lodge  
Tomahawk Resort  
Wilderness Fishing Oasis

Sioux Lookout

Anderson’s Lodge
Moosehorn Lodge
Red Pine Lodge
Slate Falls Outposts

Dryden

Bonny Bay Camp
Merkel’s Camp
Pine Cliff Lodge
Wabigoon lake Outfitters

Ear Falls/Perrault Falls/Vermilion Bay

Kingfisher Lodge
Pakwash Lake Camp
Stanley’s Resort

Ignace and Highway 599

Ignace Outposts
Old Post Lodge
Rugby Lake Lodge
West Point Cove Camp

Thunder Bay

Dog Lake Resort

Atikokan

Browns’ Clearwater West Lodge
Perch Lake Lodge

Fort Frances/Emo

Campbell’s Cabins
LaBelle’s Birch Point Camp
Timber Wolf Lodge
True North

Morson

Mylie’s Place Resort
New Moon Lodge

Houseboat Rentals

Houseboat Adventures
LOTW Floating Lodges
Tomahawk Resort
Ontario Wilderness Houseboat Rentals
 

Hotels

Fort Frances

La Place Rendez-Vous
Super 8 Fort Frances
The Bayview Motel
The Rainbow Motel
The Sleepy Owl

Kenora

Super 8 Kenora

Red Lake

Balmer Hotel
Nature’s Inn - Red Lake
Super 8 Red Lake
The Howey

Use the Accommodation Finder to Find a Place to Stay

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