What are the best ice fishing spots near Ottawa? Check out this post to get the list and know the details for why you should visit these places!
Best ice fishing spots near Ottawa
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is home to beautiful attractions, historic buildings, modern infrastructure, picturesque scenery, and outdoor activities, including hiking, trekking, skiing, cross-country skiing, nature exploration, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Today’s article will list the top sites for fishing near Ottawa. Read on!
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is one of the most widely visited spots for fishing enthusiasts. It is the shallowest lake near Ottawa with the mildest temperatures. So, Erie has the most abundant fishing population or species.
We recommend heading to the inner bay for excellent ice angling opportunities for northern pike, yellow perch, and other fish species. Several companies offer heated shelters, allowing families and friends to stay warm and enjoy the activity.
Some companies provide transportation to and from Ottawa and other amenities, such as firewood for the stoves and live minnows for bait. Thus, you can make the most out of your ice fishing activity near Ottawa.
Lake Simcoe
Lake Simcoe is another place near Ottawa that attracts hundreds of people to enjoy ice fishing every week. You can’t miss this place because it offers diverse fishing areas and spots with numerous species.
These include yellow perch, herring, whitefish, lake trout, and northern pike. Lake Simcoe freezes over entirely during the winter months, offering numerous opportunities for ice fishing enthusiasts.
That’s why Lake Simcoe is known as the ice fishing capital of Canada. Several operators offer different packages, including half-day, full-day, and evening tours with state-of-the-art fishing equipment. You can also stay in the family-friendly Briars Resort.
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is the most picturesque place near Ottawa that boasts the beauty of the St. Lawrence River. There are numerous fish species. These include pike, perch, pickerel, etc. You can stay in Sunset Cabins in Prince Edward Country and leverage cutting-edge fishing equipment to catch your favorite fish species.
Ottawa River
Ottawa River flows through picturesque Canada’s capital with numerous fish species, including walleye, pike, perch, crappie, etc. It is one of the most beautiful destinations for fishing enthusiasts to get out for hard water action.
We recommend starting your journey at Lumberjack Breakfast and joining the guided tour for a half-day or full-day of ice fishing near Petrie Island. The island is located on the eastern side of the town.
In addition to ice fishing, you can enjoy other outdoor activities, such as snowshoeing and skiing. Wrap up your day with a moonlit skate on Rideau and visit the Parliament buildings to create memorable experiences.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is one of the largest lakes near Ottawa and an excellent place to enjoy the surface freshwater and picturesque views. Many people visit Lake Superior for various outdoor activities.
However, ice fishing is the most popular activity at Lake Superior. There are numerous ice fishing spots near Superior’s Cost, including the Thunder Bay, Red Rock, and North Shore.
Lake Nipissing
Lake Nipissing is one of the best ice fishing spots near Ottawa, with numerous fish species, such as walleye, pike, perch, whitefish, etc. The place has several ice fishing huts and bungalow outfitters. Lake Nipissing, located on the southern shore, is close to OFSC snowmobile trails.
In addition, Snowfari Adventures in Powassan set people up in comfortable 2-10 persons overnight bungalows with excellent amenities, including private heated toilets. Overall, Lake Nipissing is a fantastic place to make your ice fishing dream come true near Ottawa.
Rice Lake
Rice Lake is a few hours’ drive from Ottawa and is an integral part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, boasting an increasing number of fish species per acre than in other places, including Lake Ontario. Rice Lake is famous for species like bass, muskie, perches, pickerel, etc.
You can bring your equipment or rent rods, bait, or tackle from a company operating there. Moreover, if you want to make your ice fishing activity part of a multi-day vacation or getaway, we recommend visiting the Golden Beach Resort in Roseneath. It offers overnight packages, including heated ice hut rental, a two-bedroom lakeside condo, poles, lures, baits, and onsite licenses.
Final Words
Ice fishing is one of the most adventurous activities that improve your overall health and wellbeing. For instance, it lets you connect with nature, test your fishing skills, and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. Until Next Time!
- Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
- Photos from Unsplash & canva.