By admin Tuesday, June 30, 2015

We all know the quote, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Well, there’s no better time than the present to pick up this rewarding, relaxing & challenging sport. Ontario has more than 400,000 lakes, rivers & streams & the world’s largest number of lakeside resorts & lodges, so we’re truly in the best place in the world to catch some fish.

Fishing Resorts/Accommodations:

There are so many incredible fishing resorts in Ontario that it is hard to pick just a few. If you’re on a hunt for fish in Northern Ontario, Killarney Mountain Lodge is a great destination. Stay in a cabin, suite or lodge, swim in the pool, rent a boat & try your hand at fishing in Georgian Bay. In the famous French River area, there’s Bear’s Den Lodge & Lodge at Pine Cove. Visit the French River Resorts Association website to find all types of accommodations. In Temagami, also in Northern Ontario, visit Lake Herridge Lodge & Resort. In Picton (Eastern Ontario), Merland Park is the perfect fishing destination. Planning your fishing trip is easy with boat rentals & fishing charters available & kids will love the playground, bouncy castle, pool & bonfire pit here. In the 1000 Islands area, there’s Spencer’s Riverfront Cottages.

Fishing Events

The fishing community has many events throughout the year. The Free Family Fishing Weekend of the summer is coming up on July 4-12, 2015 when you can fish without a license in different locations throughout the province. The Ontario Kayak Fishing Series has tournament dates in July & September all over Ontario. In Eastern Ontario, enter the Land o’ Lakes Large & Small Mouth Bass Fishing Tournament being held on August 15, 2015. The Owen Sound Salmon Tour takes place in September when the Chinook salmon swim upstream to lay their eggs in the shallows before winter. For a full list of summer fishing events, derbies, family fishing days & more, visit Ontario Family Fishing.

Fishing Excursions

If you’re not an experienced fisher, you might want to go on a guided tour for your first outing. In Northern Ontario, there are many opportunities to experience the pristine wilderness. Wilderness North, based in North Bay, can take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Travel to remote destinations on their own fleet of floatplanes & enjoy the beauty (& the fish) of relatively untouched areas. Hearst Air’s Fly-in Outposts, Wilderness Air Fly-in Fishing Adventures & North to Adventure can also take you fly-in fishing. There’s also Nipigon River Adventures for guided fishing trips in this region. In the GTA, try to catch a “trophy” fish with the help of Canadian Trophy Fishing Adventures. In Central Ontario, Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville will set you up with everything you need & take you on an excursion into the interior of Algonquin Park.

Best Places for Family Fishing

With so many bodies of water scattered throughout the province, you can bet we have an abundance of wonderful places to fish – here are just a few. In Stouffville (GTA) there’s Burd’s Family Fishing where the whole family can fish for rainbow trout. In Wilmot, Ontario, (southwestern) Lyndon Fishing Pond is well stocked with rainbow trout. In the Durham region of Southwestern Ontario, visit Wilmer Trout Ponds where you’ll find separate ponds for each type of fishing.  In Peterborough (Central Ontario), the OFAH Hunting & Fishing Heritage Center is an amazing destination where you’ll learn all about the history & cultural significance of the hunting & fishing tradition & everyone can try fishing in the Shimano Fish Pond.

I’ve learned so much about fishing that I can’t wait to get out of the city & into the beauty of our rugged interior try to catch some dinner. The quiet lakes, still waters, fresh air & majestic trees (not to mention the picnic shore lunches) sound incredible. I’ll just need to find someone to handle the worms… For even more information on fishing in Ontario, you can visit http://fishingontario.com