Big Muskie–– What Sunset Country's All About

Ontario is the promised land for muskie anglers. This article explains why.

NO ORDINARY Fish Story

In Sunset Country, we mean business when it comes to the subject of muskie fishing! In this part of the province, the muskie lives long and can grow to enormous sizes. Most of Ontario's famous muskie waters are located in Sunset Country. Everyone has heard of the legendary fishing on Lake of the Woods but other great waters include Eagle Lake, Crow Lake, Manitou LakeLac Seul, and many, many others. There is also a multitude of smaller lakes that produce great fish in awesome numbers. In fact, we're not even scratching the surface with that list!

muskie fishing lodges and resorts

It doesn't matter where you have fished before, there really is no place like Sunset Country when it comes to the sheer number of fish and the average size available. Yes, we have fish pushing––possibly exceeding––55 inches in length. True giants dwell in our waters for you to throw a lure at. Depending on your favourite method of muskie fishing, fishing is excellent all season long. Enjoy casting and catching them in the eights? You'll love the season from the opener until mid-September. Love jigging, trolling, and tailing suckers around? You'll adore late fall fishing from October until close to December 15th. 

Bring a variety of baits with you because you never know what might work. Bucktails, topwater baits and large jerk baits that you can troll will assure you of a good chance at a big fish. Who knows, maybe the next Ontario (or world) record muskie will bite your line! Just remember, once the fish bites you still have to land it and when something weighs close to 50 pounds, there are no guarantees––well there is one guarantee––that you and your buddies will have a great time!

There are many great places to stay on these lakes and you can choose from American Plan or housekeeping packages or stay at a campground. Boat rentals and experienced guides are also available. Big fish usually means big fun so if you are an experienced muskie fisherman or you want to try it for the first time, Sunset Country in Ontario is definitely the place to go.

`
About Gerry Cariou

Gerry is Executive Director of Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Association and is an avid fisherman and nature photographer. Gerry has been writing about Sunset Country's varied travel experiences for over 20 years and lives these experiences year-round in Kenora, Ontario.

Recommended Articles

New Restrictions on What You Can Bring into Canada

Keep up to dates with the changes.

8 facts you didn't know about moose

Just how big is a moose anyway?

Renew Your Outdoors Card, Online!

It's never been easier to buy your Ontario fishing license and Outdoors Card

Rent an Ice Hut in Sunset Country

Make the most of winter in Northwestern Ontario with a unique ice fishing experience

4 of the Best Hunting Trips in Ontario

Bear, moose, deer, and duck—check out these incredible hunting opportunities.

Ice Road Etiquette

The Do's and Don'ts of Sunset Country's Ice Roads

Landscape Photography at its Finest

Learn how to capture our sunsets and more!

Have you ever tried wild blueberries?

Here are some must-try recipes.

The Incredible Snowflake

Is every snowflake unique?

Canada's Gemstone Capital: Mining Amethyst in Thunder Bay

Purple is our favourite fall colour. ;)

A Beginner's Guide to Ice Fishing in Canada

(With a few tips for the seasoned fishermen too!)

10 things to do in Dryden

See the famous "Dryden Buck"!

Guided Ice Fishing

Ice fishing outfitters who can get you on a hard-water fish or two of a lifetime

Black Spruce 101

Things You Probably Didn't Know About This Boreal Icon

Curious as to which fish species are in your favourite lake?

Use this interactive map to find out.

White Otter Castle: The Incredible Story of the Mansion in the Middle of Nowhere

Imagine single-handedly building this massive structure in the middle of the wilderness?

Trout on Ice

EVERYTHING you need to know about ice fishing for trout

Fish Species in Ojibwe

Learn the Anishinaabemowin name of your favourite species

How many fish do you think are in the English River System?

Too many to count! Find out more about this fantastic fishery.

Winter's Magical transitions

Experience the boreal in a whole new way.