Lake Nipissing is Ontario’s fifth largest lake

Lake Nipissing is a shallow lake, but that doesn’t mean it’s small. The body of Lake Nipissing is approximately 875 KM squared. It is 65 kilometers long from the East to the West and 25 kilometers wide from the north to the south. This is big enough to make Lake Nipissing the fifth largest lake in Ontario. To take it one step further, Lake Nipissing is the third largest lake which is entirely in Ontario. While it may be shallow, with an average depth of just 15 feet, the vastness of the lake, combined with the depth, make it a rich bounty of ecological wonder.

Lake Nipissing is an Anglers Delight

Lake Nipissing is renowned for its fishing. It is the home to over 40 species of fish. The sandy basin, rocky islands and outcrops and weedy sections combine to provide a diverse habitat for fish species including walleye, perch, northern pike, and both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Whether you love to sit in a boat and fish in the clean, open water, or prefer to snowmobile out to an ice shack and auger out a fishing hole – Lake Nipissing lets you do both! Experience the four-season fishing of Lake Nipissing. In fact, in 2023 Lake Nipissing was named the number one ice fishing destination in Canada by fishingbooker.com.

Lake Nipissing has White Beaches to Lounge and Clean Waters to Swim

Are you looking to pop up your umbrella, lay down your towel and relax this summer? You’re in luck! North Bay is home to some of the best white-sand beaches in the region. The shoreline of the northeastern corner of Lake Nipissing is full of rocky outcrops and family-friendly beaches. The most popular beach on Lake Nipissing is Shabogesic Beach. Groomed in the mornings, this beach is like Sauble or the Muskoka beaches without the heavy crowds. It is one of the best beaches in Ontario for swimming. It is supervised by lifeguards and home to a modern playground. Looking for some recreational fun? Kinsmen Beach is a great spot to break out the beach games. Come throw a frisbee or a football and hang out at a local favorite. Lake Nipissing is a shallow lake, but Kinsmen Beach is one of the few spots where it gets deep quickly. Don’t forget to check out Sunset Park Beach or Champlain Park Beach either! Let these city beaches and their soft white sand lead you right into the clean water.

This Lake is made for Cruising      

Cruises aren’t made for just oceans and seas! Lake Nipissing has them too. The Chief Commanda II (affectionately referred to as ‘The Chief’ by locals) is a 320-passenger twin-hull vessel which cruises the beautiful waters of Lake Nipissing. Equipped with two bars, a snack bar, washrooms, a barbeque and onboard entertainment, this three-decked vessel is a picture-perfect way to see Lake Nipissing. Hop on at dusk and take a spin around Callander Bay to witness a famous Lake Nipissing sunset. Head on out to the Manitou Islands and take in the scenes while you learn about the history and significance. Take a spin along the French River or check out the breathtaking fall colours during an autumn ride along the Lake Nipissing North Shore.

Shadflies!   

They love North Bay so much, they come back every year! For a few weeks each summer, North Bay is home to a large group of Shadflies, also known as Mayflies. Shadflies are very important part of the ecosystem and are a sign that the water quality is really good. They emerge from the waters and head to shore once the lake reaches 20 degrees Celsius. While their time spent on land is very short, they play an important role for aquatic environment and food chains. Bear witness to their harmless annual invasion usually in and around the month of July.

A Lake with Deep History

It may be shallow, but the history of Lake Nipissing flows deep. Lake Nipissing was likely formed about 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age as the final glacier carved its way north over the Pre-Cambrian Shield. As the land rose out of Pangea, the massive body of water which was the Atlantic Ocean covering the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Valleys and Nipissing, Georgian Bay, and the Great Lakes, receded to the East and created the watershed between Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake. This watershed was quickly put to important use.

Lake Nipissing as the Headwaters to the Commerce Highway

Lake Nipissing is now known as the shores of North Bay. It is recognized as a top-tier fishing spot in Ontario, as well as having the cleanest waters to swim in, and some of the best white sand beaches to relax under the sun on. Before Lake Nipissing gained renowned recognition as a premier lake, it was a vital part of trade routes. Along with the Ottawa River, Mattawa River and French River systems, Lake Nipissing was the main highway for fur traders, missionaries, and explorers of different natures to move commerce throughout North America. When the Canadian Pacific Railroad was created in the late 1800’s, Lake Nipissing remained integral to logging companies, who would boom and tow logs cut in the winter all over the province. There are now 38 dams controlling the inflow and outflow to Lake Nipissing, which ensure plenty of clean water is available in time for swimming, paddling, and boating season. Known today as La Vase, you can portage on Canoe Day each year or stick to the walking trail at the northern reaches of the historic La Vase Portage.

You can stay right on the lake   

Open your window and feel the lakeside breeze. Did you know there are several accommodations you can find right on the shores of Lake Nipissing? If you’re looking for a lakeside getaway then look no further than North Bay. Known for its city beaches and lake vibes, if you’re coming to the Gateway City, these are great places to stay! Whether it’s the Torbay Suites, Glen Garry Motel & Cottages, or the Finch Beach Resort, there is no better way to start your day then rolling out of bed, strolling out the door, and wading straight into the clean, safe for swimming Lake Nipissing. Find the lakeside accommodation right for you!

With all that Lake Nipissing has to offer, it truly is one of the best lakes in Ontario. Don’t just take our word for it! Pick your season and book your accommodations now.

The post Eight things you didn’t know about Lake Nipissing appeared first on Tourism North Bay.

Chelsea’s love affair with fishing began in late 2015 when she crossed paths with her boyfriend Nik, an avid angler. Despite growing up in North Bay surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors, fishing hadn’t been a significant part of her life until then. A camping trip that included brook trout fishing changed everything. Catching multiple brook trout in the four to five-pound class ignited a spark within her, setting the stage for a journey that would lead her to become a prominent figure in the fishing community.

Chelsea’s love affair with fishing didn’t begin until she met her boyfriend Nik who is also an avid angler!

It wasn’t until June of 2016 that Chelsea ventured into musky fishing, which became a pivotal point in her angling journey. Within her first week of musky fishing, Chelsea hooked up, but it was a long road thereafter, not landing another musky until 2017 when she landed a 48 incher. Although musky fishing posed a challenge—requiring patience, persistence, and resilience—Chelsea was captivated by the thrill. She embraced the challenge and quickly found herself hooked on the exhilarating pursuit of muskies.

As her passion evolved, Chelsea expanded her horizons to embrace a variety of fish species. From early-season smallmouth bass and walleye to pike and lake trout, her experiences grew broader. Chelsea’s fishing territory extended from Lake Nipissing to other exciting locales, adding to her portfolio of angling accomplishments.

The fishing world has long been perceived as a male-dominated industry, but Chelsea is changing that narrative. She has become an influential presence within the industry through social media, becoming a beacon for other female anglers seeking representation and recognition. In her early days, Chelsea noticed the scarcity of female anglers on social media. However, over time, she witnessed a significant surge in the number of women who shared her passion.

Chelsea’s journey in fishing led her to a landmark moment when she, alongside fellow female anglers, became the first female panel for Musky Canada’s Muskie Odyssey event with Jessie Baker, Ashley Rae, Lauren Kozak, and Meg McGregor. This platform allowed her to discuss her experiences as a female angler and shed light on the challenges and triumphs she encountered while Musky fishing. Chelsea has played an instrumental role in building a robust community of female anglers who support and uplift one another.

Sitting down with Chelsea we got to discuss her seasonal fishing trips in North Bay on Lake Nipissing:

Top 5 North Bay Seasonal Fishing Trips:

1. Burbot: January kicks off Chelsea’s fishing year with burbot fishing, including multiple ice fishing trips on Lake Nipissing. What started as a reluctant pursuit has transformed into an adrenaline-packed venture. The burbot’s impressive fight and the opportunity to catch the Ontario record make it an enticing winter ice fishing adventure. The area has limited opportunity in the early season to target larger sized fish like lake trout through the ice, and burbot fill that gap.

The burbot puts up an impressive fight and makes for an enticing winter adventure!

1. Brook Trout: As winter transitions into February, Chelsea sets her sights on brook trout. Remote back lake exploration and the search to find native wild brook trout keeps her driven and motivated to find her next bite and potential trophy. The exhilaration of catching these wild beauties, coupled with the picturesque winter scenery, creates an unforgettable experience.

Remote back lake exploration allows Chelsea to find native wild brook trout!

1. Northern Pike: Transitioning to spring, Chelsea enjoys pike fishing. The unpredictability of pike fishing, combined with the potential for catching trophy-sized fish, keeps her engaged. Chelsea notes that seasonal temperature fluctuations can present ideal opportunities to catch trophy-sized Northern Pike in the area with her largest to date being a 46.5” monster.

The unpredictability of pike fishing, combined with the potential for catching trophy-sized fish, keeps Chelsea engaged!

1. Bass and Walleye: Once May Long weekend arrives, Chelsea changes her focus to bass and walleye. She enjoys the break from her pursuit of trophy-class fish and goes for numbers which has often has quality fish mixed in. This is the “break” in her season mentally as she can unwind a bit more and just enjoy catching. Chelsea notes that catch and release is a top priority for her, harvesting very few fish throughout the season.

Enjoying a break from trophy-class fish Chelsea goes for numbers with quality fish mixed in but keeps catch and release top of mind!

1. Musky: From July to November, Chelsea’s focus turns to musky fishing. This apex predator is a true challenge, demanding patience, skill, and dedication. Musky season is characterized by intense adrenaline and anticipation, with every outing holding the promise of a new personal best, which she hit this summer with a 51” giant. Her season includes multiple week-long island camping trips and targeting them every chance she gets because you never know when the right fish will bite.

Catching a musky is a true challenge, demanding patience, skill and dedication!

Chelsea’s journey from a fishing novice to a respected angler has been one of discovery, challenges, and growth. Her experiences on the water have taught her invaluable life lessons. Patience, perseverance, and humility have become her guiding principles both in fishing and in life. Chelsea’s journey has shown that determination and a positive mindset can lead to rewards beyond one’s imagination.

As Chelsea continues to push her boundaries, she encourages others to do the same. Her story serves as an inspiration to anglers of all backgrounds, and particularly to female anglers who seek to break down barriers and excel in a field that has long been dominated by men. Chelsea’s love for fishing is not just about the catch; it’s about the connection with nature, the camaraderie of the fishing community, and the personal growth that comes from embracing challenges head-on.

So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just dipping your toes into the fishing world, Chelsea Lynn’s journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the thrill of the chase here in North Bay.

The post Top 5 North Bay Seasonal Fishing Trips appeared first on Tourism North Bay.