Being out on the open water, ready to take on your next catch is one of the best experiences but it’s not always possible. If you don’t have a boat or a means of fishing offshore, your next best bet is onshore fishing! Finding a good spot is crucial to enjoying your day, which is why we’re here to set the record straight about the top places for shore fishing in Ontario!
1. Niagara Whirlpool – Niagara River
Coming in hot is the Niagara Whirlpool. Less than a two-hour drive from Toronto, you’ll stumble upon one of the most scenic places for shore fishing in Ontario! Due to it’s close proximity to the city and the American border, this spot is popular among locals and tourists alike. If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, we’d suggest going during a weekday!
You can access the whirlpool by venturing down a steep set of stairs and following the Niagara Glen Hiking Trail until you find a spot that’s suitable. There are many large rocks perfect for perching up for the day and taking in the beautiful Niagara views. You’ll stumble upon Northern pike, Carp, Rainbow Trout, Muskie and the occasional Long Nose Gar. You can also watch as the Niagara Falls Whirlpool jets fly by every so often, making it a great location for people-watching as well!
2. St. Mary’s River Rapids – Sault Ste. Marie
St. Mary’s Rapids is the furthest spot from Toronto on this list at about an 8-9 hour drive. While it may be a bit of a distance for shore fishing, it’s well worth it! Having the opportunity to get your hands on some Atlantic or Pink Salmon is reason enough to plan a trip to Sault Ste. Marie.
Besides the Salmon, you may also catch Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass or anything in between!
3. Bewdley Ontario – Rice Lake
Rice Lake is only about a 2-hour drive from Toronto and has some of the best shore fishing in Ontario! The town of Bewdley offers a superb shoreline, plenty of shops and it may be Ontario’s #1 fish producer on an annual basis.
Stop by Rice Lake and you’ll find Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, Crappie, Muskie, Walleye, Rock Bass and Carp!
4. Toronto – Lake Ontario
The most surprising place with excellent shore fishing in Ontario is actually a collection of different spots in and around the city of Toronto! Once you settle on where you want to fish, you’ll be ready to get your hands on some Northern Pike. Let’s take a look at a few of the best.
Tommy Thompson Park:
If you haven’t explored Tommy Thompson Park yet, you’re missing out! With one of the largest natural habitats along the waterfront, you’re sure to have a great day of fishing ahead of you. The park is quite large with a beautiful bike trail but sometimes the bridge that connects two parts of the park is closed due to rising water levels.
Regardless, you won’t run of places to fish!
Toronto Islands:
Take the ferry to Centre Island and stop off at one of the shorelines. There are lots of picnic tables around as well, making it a great spot for the day.
High Park:
High Park is another great spot for Torontonians hoping to get some fishing in before the winter rolls around. Stop by Grenadier Pond and keep an eye out for the designated fishing spots before setting up!
Rouge Marsh:
Make your way to Scarborough and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Rouge Marsh! The parking availability is great, it’s a short walk to the shoreline and you’ll find many types of fish. Some include; Northern Pike, Brown Trout, Carp, Chub, Sunfish and Perch!
5. Barie – Kempenfelt Bay
Just a short hour or so north of Toronto, you’ll find an underrated spot for shore fishing. You can shore fish nearly anywhere along Barie’s shoreline except for public beaches, the Southshore Community Centre or the docks at Bayfield Street.
That still leaves you with many options, Kempenfelt Bay being top-notch! Drop a line and you’ll find Whitefish, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass and Perch.
The final catch of the day
Shore fishing in Ontario doesn’t have to be boring! With a wide range of fish to choose from and beautiful scenery to follow suit, you can’t go wrong. Once you’ve exhausted all of the shore fishing options, try out some of the spectacular offshore locations that Ontario has to offer!
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Contact us today to learn more and start fishing on exclusive property!
