Fishing

North Bay offers exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the year with its prime location on the vast shores of Lake Nipissing and proximity to numerous smaller lakes and rivers brimming with 44 species of fish.

Best Times For Lake Fishing

In the summer months, there are several lakes for anglers to explore.  Lake Nipissing and nearby Trout Lake are known for an abundance of walleye, northern pike, muskie and smallmouth bass. Other kinds of fish are plentiful too, including lake trout, yellow perch and largemouth bass. 

Sunrise and sunset are perfect times for heading out to fish on Lake Nipissing. You’ll get plenty of bites when the shallow lake waters are cooler; you’ll also catch some of the best sunsets in Ontario. Lake Nipissing is known for its big blue sky, uninterrupted views and pristine shorelines offering stunning sandy beaches perfect for swimming after a long day fishing.

For anglers looking for that trophy fish, some of the best fall fishing in Ontario happens in the afternoon on Lake Nipissing, with hungry walleye and muskies preparing for winter and eager for an easy meal in the still warm waters.

Not to be left out, winter is the most popular season for fishing near North Bay. Lake Nipissing is a top ice fishing destination from January to March, with whitefish and burbot being additional fish species for anglers to enjoy.

River Fishing Spots

The Mattawa River protected by its heritage river status, may be one of the area’s best-kept secrets for exceptional river fishing in Northern Ontario – and it’s your choice to fish by boat, kayak or canoe with multiple launching points along its 54-km length. Many of the same fish species that can be found in Lake Nipissing are also found in the Mattawa River, with lake trout and largemouth bass being plentiful.

The Sturgeon River, 20 minutes west of North Bay, offers fantastic day-trips for fishing opportunities, especially for those seeking trout and salmon. 

The famed 110 km French River is a must-do for avid fishing adventurers. This angler’s paradise is protected as a heritage river and connects Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay beginning at Dokis First Nation. In addition to the fish found in Lake Nipissing, there are multiple species of bass, catfish, dogfish, longnose gar, carp  and of course, the largest freshwater species in the French River, the protected Great Lakes Sturgeon.

Learn more about the best river fishing hot spots in the North Bay area, launch points, paddling routes and more.

Fishing Lodges

There is no better indication of the quality of fishing on Lake Nipissing and the French River than the numerous fishing lodges dotting their shores, and the nearby boat-friendly hotels and motels.

Glengarry Motel & Cottages is a resort that caters perfectly to fishing enthusiasts and is situated on the shores of Lake Nipissing right in North Bay to meet all of your family’s fishing needs year-round. The rustic Sunset Inn on the Park is right on the water with a private beach and dock, and adjacent to the municipal Sunset Park boat launch. In the winter, head out by snowmobile to your ice hut or connect to the snowmobile trail system right from the either Glengarry Motel and Cottages or Sunset Inn.

Alternate motels dotted along Lakeshore Drive that have ample parking for your boat and are only a short drive away from multiple boat launches are Lakeshore Suites and North Bay Inn.

There are multiple hotels a few minutes walk from the municipal marina with its free parking. These conveniently located accommodations include the Homewood Suites by Hilton and  Day’s Inn & Suites by Wyndham.

Boat Launches & Marinas

The full-service North Bay Marina and boat launch is right downtown at the Lake Nipissing waterfront. With its 250+ slips for long-term and short-term stays, and multiple municipal powerboat launches and fuelling stations on Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, boaters have plenty of amenities to meet their needs.

Year-Round Fishing Paradise

Whether it’s casting a line under the summer sun or drilling through the ice in winter, North Bay offers a wealth of fishing opportunities all year-round. With arguably the best walleye fishing in Northern Ontario and appealing family-friendly attractions, North Bay’s scenic lakes and rivers full of diverse fish populations make this region a dream come true for avid anglers looking to enjoy a rewarding fishing adventure and a relaxing stay.

Ontario Fishing Guidelines

Note that all anglers are required to have a valid fishing license. Please refer to the Ontario Fishing Regulations for current fishing guidelines. Most North Bay and area lakes and rivers are located in Ontario Fishing Zone 11, however size and catch limits on Lake Nipissing are managed separately due to the vast scope of fisheries and shared usage with Nipissing First Nation & Dokis First Nation on the French River.