Northern Canada is a treasure trove for fishing enthusiasts. From pristine lakes to roaring rivers and secluded coastal shores, this region boasts an extraordinary variety of fish species and ecosystems, offering a fishing experience like no other. Here, we take you on a journey through some of the best fishing destinations in Labrador, where you can immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes while chasing your next trophy catch.
Top Fishing Destinations In Northern Canada
1. The Mckenzie River
The McKenzie River, nestled in the heart of the Great North, is a must-visit destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable angling experience. With its pristine waters, breathtaking scenery, and abundant fish populations, the McKenzie River offers a unique and captivating fishing adventure.
Here’s why fishing in the McKenzie River should be at the top of every angler’s bucket list:
- Scenic Beauty: Flowing through the stunning landscapes of Labrador, this previously untouched body of water treats anglers to awe-inspiring natural beauty at every turn. Surrounded by lush forests, towering mountains, and crystal-clear waters, the river provides an idealic setting for a fishing adventure.
- Abundant Fish Species: The McKenzie River is renowned for its diverse fish populations, offering anglers an opportunity to catch a variety of species. Some of the most common catches in this area include big Brook Trout, acrobatic Landlocked Salmon, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Whitefish. The abundance of fish ensures that anglers of all skill levels can enjoy a productive day on the water.
- Fly Fishing Paradise: The McKenzie River is often hailed as a fly fishing paradise. The river’s clean and cold waters provide an ideal habitat for trout, making it a prime location for fly fishing enthusiasts. Its rifles, pools, and runs offer diverse fishing conditions, allowing anglers to test their skills with different techniques and fly patterns. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisherman or a beginner eager to learn, the McKenzie River’s fly fishing opportunities are second to none.
- Conservation Efforts: The McKenzie River has a long-standing history of conservation and preservation efforts. The river is an integral element of the Northern Territories which is why locals contribute to the sustainability of its fish populations, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for future generations. By fishing in the McKenzie River, you can be a part of this conservation legacy and support responsible angling practices that promote the preservation of this natural treasure.
- Recreational Opportunities: Beyond fishing, the McKenzie River offers a plethora of recreational activities to enhance your angling experience. From kayaking and rafting to hiking and camping, the region provides ample opportunities to explore and appreciate its natural wonders. After a rewarding day on the river, you can unwind and relish the peaceful ambiance of the surrounding wilderness, making it an all-encompassing outdoor getaway.
Book a getaway at the Mackenzie river lodged
2. The Bay Of Quinte
The Bay of Quinte is a world-renowned fishing spot located on the north shore of Lake Ontario. It is most famous for its trophy walleye, which can range in size from 4.5-6.8 kilograms (10-15 pounds). Late autumn and winter are the best times to try your luck at catching one of these enormous fish as precision trolling with diving lures down in deep water is the most effective technique during this time period. Ice fishing season presents the opportunity to use bigger spoons and lipless crankbaits in order to tempt willing prey.
In addition, the rivers and waterways that border this huge bay provide excellent spots for sport fishing for largemouth bass, a species often overlooked by anglers seeking bigger catches. This region has plenty of options when it comes to amenities for visiting fishermen, including boat launches, lodgings, and guide services. What’s more? The Bay of Quinte is also just steps away from Prince Edward County, one of Ontario’s premier foodie and wine regions. Everyone who enjoys great fishing opportunities combined with fantastic food and drink will love The Bay Of Quinte!
3. The Lakes of Nunavut
Nestled in the heart of Canada’s great north, Nunavut offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes for avid anglers to explore. With its vast expanse of remote lakes, this region is a haven for those seeking solitude and exceptional fishing opportunities. Whether you’re targeting northern pike or lake trout, these pristine waters guarantee an unforgettable experience.
When it comes to remote fishing destinations, Nunavut stands out as a true gem. The sheer remoteness of this Canadian territory means that many lakes remain unexplored and untouched by human presence. As you venture into these hidden gems, prepare to be awestruck by the majestic surroundings and the feeling of being one with nature. The quiet serenity enveloping these remote lakes will transport you to a world far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
4. Lake Huron And Georgian Bay
Lake Huron is an often overlooked fishery that provides some of the best big-water fishing around. With abundant stocks of lake trout and salmon, anglers can experience non-stop thrilling action in search of the ever-elusive trophy fish. Summertime is when the bite is on and the best salmon fishing starts in fall.
By contrast, Georgian Bay is home to thousands of rocky islands which are ideal for searching out prodigious-sized northern pike and smallmouth bass. Not your typical trophy waters, you can also find excellent shore fishing opportunities on this sliver of Lake Huron. Vacationers alike will discover several boat launches, many charter services, and a bounty of accommodations to choose from making Georgian Bay an excellent summertime destination for anglers looking for top-notch sporting action in one location.
5. Lake Diefenbaker
Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan is becoming renowned for its record-breaking Rainbow Trout. With the current world record at a whopping 48 lbs, it’s no wonder fishing enthusiasts from all over flock to this location sometime between September and October. Lake Diefenbaker is one of Canada’s largest artificial lakes, providing ample space for the fishery of rainbow trout. Local fisherman Sean Konrad unveiled the current world record catch back in 2019.
Though the presence of Rainbows in Lake Diefenbaker waters is purely coincidental (it was created with stocked fish from elsewhere), this artificial lake now serves as a hotspot for avid anglers hoping to catch massive fish. Be sure to check out local regulations before heading off on your fishing escapade. Licensing information is also available online and can vary by season and other factors including age, residency status, and so on. No matter your skill level or experience, Lake Diefenbaker provides an immense opportunity for passionate fishermen to revel in their craft!
6. Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is a popular destination for ice fishing in the winter months. With Lac des Mille Lacs to the west and Black Bay on Lake Superior to the east, anglers have a wide selection of different species to choose from. In Lac des Mille Lacs, you can find walleye, pike, perch, and burbot. Black Bay is renowned for its yellow perch fisheries and other fish such as northern pike, rainbow trout, whitefish, and walleye are also found in these waters.
For those seeking more isolated fishing spots, there’s a vast number of small back lakes in the area that are home to walleye, whitefish, pike, perch lake trout, and brook trout. To find out which lakes have the fish you’re looking for just use Ontario’s Fish On-Line Tool which has a helpful species filter. All these options make Thunder Bay an exciting destination for all types of anglers!
7. Lake St. Clair
Lake St. Clair is widely regarded as one of the best fishing lakes in North America. This beautiful lake is teeming with a variety of fish, including the highly sought-after muskie and smallmouth, and walleye. It provides anglers with plentiful opportunities for success, no matter their skill level or desired size and species of fish. The breathtaking landscapes found around Lake St. Clair make it a popular destination for fishing trips and vacationers alike. With a wide variety of activities to do throughout the year, from swimming to fishing to boating, there’s something for everyone here.
To ensure that this ecosystem remains vibrant for generations to come, conservationists are working hard to preserve its natural beauty. Fishing regulations provide necessary guidelines that protect native species while also allowing recreational anglers to have an exciting and rewarding experience when they come out on the lake. From trophy bluegills to gigantic muskies, Lake St Clair is overflowing with plenty of catches for anglers looking to test their luck against some of the best specimens available in North America.
8. Lake Simcoe
Lake Simcoe is one of the most accessible and exciting fishing destinations in Canada. Located just an hour north of Toronto, it offers everything you need for a great day on the water – from motels and camps to houses and cottages. The lake is renowned among anglers for its smallmouth bass population that has been bolstered by a diet of round gobies, making Lake Simcoe a good spot for both trophy catches as well as family-friendly, tasty yellow perch.
In winter, Lake Simcoe becomes a particular hotspot with almost every inch of ice covered in fishermen aiming to haul in some of the amazing lake trout or whitefish that dwell beneath the icy surface. It’s a fun experience all are welcome to join in, no matter if you’re an experienced ice fisher or relatively new to the sport and want to feel the excitement of catching record bass – everyone’s likely to pull something impressive out from these waters!
9. The Cranberry Lakes
The Cranberry Lake system in northern Manitoba is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! Boasting three large interconnected lakes, the beauty of this area is definitely worth the trek. The First Cranberry Lake offers a variety of terrain with fish-filled bays and vast cabbage weed beds. The Second cranberry has depths exceeding 200 feet while the Third cranberry contains many narrows sure to excite boatmen and pilots alike.
The fishing that can be done in the Cranberries is one of excitement and challenge. With trophy-size fish such as Northern Pike, Trophy Walleye, and Lake Trout present, anglers are sure to have some bragging rights if they come out on top. Although the quantity of fish may not be high, this hidden gem in northern Manitoba should not be overlooked when traveling to great spots for exceptional fishing!
10. Lake Erie
Lake Erie is home to an abundance of fish species, providing seemingly limitless opportunities for avid anglers. Most spectacularly, it’s known for its smallmouth bass population; especially around the celebrated Long Point, which is a World Biosphere Reserve.
In recent years, Lake Erie has become particularly popular for big rainbow trout as well as an estimated 100 million fast-growing walleye. To maximize your luck on this adventure there are charter captains available who can take you out onto the lake and guide you through the best-known routes along Lake Erie’s waters where you can truly experience its beauty.
Book a Fishing Trip
If you are looking for a unique fishing experience in Canada, look no further than The Mckenzie River Fly Fishing Lodge. In one of the most secluded areas in Northern Canada, our experienced outfitter team will transport you by floatplane to the lake where you can relax in one of our rustic yet comfortable lodges before embarking on an unforgettable fishing experience. The crystal clear waters, abundance of fish, and stunning scenery all come together to create a once-in-a-lifetime fishing trip that you are guaranteed to love.