Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Ontario, Canada (Full Guide)

Ontario offers some of the best fishing in Canada. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish in Ontario can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Ontario are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in Ontario.

Month	Ontario Fishing Location
January	Lake Simcoe for whitefish and lake trout
February	Niagara River for steelhead and brown trout
March	Grand River for steelhead and walleye
April	Saugeen River for steelhead and brown trout
May	Credit River for steelhead and brown trout
June	Nipigon River for brook trout and salmon
July	French River for bass and walleye
August	Lake Nipissing for muskie and bass
September	Maitland River for salmon and steelhead
October	Bay of Quinte for walleye and pike
November	Ottawa River for muskie and walleye
December	Niagara River for steelhead and brown trout

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Ontario. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the province is on a month-by-month basis.

Discover the prime fishing seasons and times in Canada with this detailed guide, perfect for both salt and freshwater anglers.

Best of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Ontario

Grand River: (Brown and Rainbow Trout) – May to October

Nottawasaga River: (Steelhead, Brown and Rainbow Trout) – March to May, September to November

Credit River: (Brown and Rainbow Trout) – May to October

Ganaraska River: (Steelhead) – September to November

Saugeen River: (Brown Trout) – April to June

Beaver River: (Brown Trout) – May to October

Maitland River: (Brown Trout) – May to October

Bighead River: (Brown Trout) – May to October

White River: (Brook Trout) – June to August

French River: (Smallmouth Bass, Musky, Walleye) – June to September

Mattawa River: (Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass) – June to August

Niagara River: (Steelhead, Brown Trout) – October to December

Credit River tributaries: (Brook Trout) – May to October

Humber River: (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout) – May to October

Bronte Creek: (Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout) – April to October

Nipigon River: (Brook Trout) – June to August

Credit River upper tributaries: (Brook Trout) – May to October

Sydenham River: (Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout) – May to October

Madawaska River: (Smallmouth Bass, Brook Trout, Walleye) – June to September

Spanish River: (Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout) – June to August.

Best Lakes/Rivers to Fish in Ontario

Lake Nipissing: Best for walleye and northern pike, with the best fishing in May and June.

Lake Simcoe: Best for yellow perch and lake trout, with the best fishing in April and May.

Grand River: Best for brown trout, with the best fishing in May and June.

Nottawasaga River: Best for rainbow trout and chinook salmon, with the best fishing in September and October.

French River: Best for musky and smallmouth bass, with the best fishing in June and July.

Credit River: Best for brown trout and steelhead, with the best fishing in March and April.

St. Mary’s River: Best for Atlantic salmon and steelhead, with the best fishing in September and October.

Ganaraska River: Best for chinook salmon and steelhead, with the best fishing in September and October.

Sydenham River: Best for smallmouth bass and walleye, with the best fishing in June and July.

Maitland River: Best for rainbow trout and steelhead, with the best fishing in October and November.

Saugeen River: Best for smallmouth bass and brown trout, with the best fishing in June and July.

Frenchman’s Bay: Best for northern pike and yellow perch, with the best fishing in May and June.

Lake of the Woods: Best for walleye and smallmouth bass, with the best fishing in June and July.

Spanish River: Best for walleye and northern pike, with the best fishing in May and June.

Niagara River: Best for smallmouth bass and steelhead, with the best fishing in October and November.

Pickerel River: Best for musky and northern pike, with the best fishing in July and August.

Mississagi River: Best for brook trout and rainbow trout, with the best fishing in May and June.

Lake Temagami: Best for lake trout and northern pike, with the best fishing in June and July.

English River: Best for walleye and northern pike, with the best fishing in May and June.

Spanish Lake: Best for lake trout and northern pike, with the best fishing in June and July.

Check out this helpful guide for picking the best times and seasons to fish in Toronto. You may also like this article on the best times to fish in Nova Scotia throughout the year.

Best Ontario Sections of Lakes to Fish in the Great Lakes

Georgian Bay, Lake Huron: Best months: May to September; targeted fish: lake trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike.

St. Marys River, Lake Superior: Best months: May to September; targeted fish: walleye, lake trout, Atlantic salmon, steelhead.

Nipigon River, Lake Superior: Best months: May to September; targeted fish: brook trout, lake trout, steelhead, salmon.

Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior: Best months: July to September; targeted fish: lake trout, steelhead, salmon.

Thunder Bay, Lake Superior: Best months: July to September; targeted fish: lake trout, salmon, steelhead.

Niagara River, Lake Ontario: Best months: March to May and September to November; targeted fish: salmon, trout, walleye, smallmouth bass.

Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario: Best months: April to June and September to November; targeted fish: walleye, northern pike, bass, musky.

Prince Edward County, Lake Ontario: Best months: May to September; targeted fish: salmon, trout, walleye, bass.

North Channel, Lake Huron: Best months: May to September; targeted fish: smallmouth bass, lake trout, walleye, northern pike.

French River, Lake Huron: Best months: May to September; targeted fish: musky, pike, bass, walleye.

Manitoulin Island, Lake Huron: Best months: May to September; targeted fish: lake trout, salmon, bass, pike.

Bay of Islands, Lake Huron: Best months: May to September; targeted fish: musky, pike, smallmouth bass.

Lake Nipissing, Lake Huron: Best months: May to September; targeted fish: walleye, pike, musky, bass.

Long Point Bay, Lake Erie: Best months: April to June and September to November; targeted fish: walleye, perch, bass, musky.

Pelee Island, Lake Erie: Best months: May to September; targeted fish: walleye, perch, bass, musky.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Ontario

These Ontario-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Taymo Charters	Oakville, ON
Phantom Sportfishing	Hamilton, ON
Fishin’ Clinician Charters	St. Catharines, ON
Tails Up Sportfishing	Hamilton, ON
Salmon Catcher Charters Toronto	Mississauga, ON
Sea Angel Charters – Toronto	Mississauga, ON
Angler’s Edge Fishing Charters	Toronto, ON
Niagara Fish Assassins Sportfishing	St. Catharines, ON
Blue Rock Charters	Kingston, ON
Moxon’s Guide Service	Lakeshore, ON
Harry Lake Lodge	Upsala, ON
Bluewater Fishing Adventures–Credit	Mississauga, ON

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Chinook (King) Salmon

The best time to fly fish for Chinook salmon in Ontario is from late August to early September. The fish migrate upstream during this time in search of spawning grounds. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for Chinook salmon. Some of Ontario’s best locations to fish for Chinook salmon include the Nottawasaga River, the Credit River, and the Grand River.

Coho (Silver) Salmon

Coho salmon are usually caught during the fall in Ontario, from September to November. They are known to migrate to their spawning grounds during this time, making them more active and easier to catch. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to fish for them, and the best locations include rivers such as the Saugeen River, Credit River, and Ganaraska River. Fly fishermen typically use streamer patterns like woolly buggers or egg patterns to catch them.

Brook Trout

The best time to fly fish for brook trout in Ontario is from May to September when the water is warmer and insects are abundant. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to catch them. Some great locations to fly fish for brook trout in Ontario include the Nipigon River, the Spanish River, and the French River.

Brown Trout

The best times and seasons to fly fish for brown trout in Ontario are typically in the spring and fall months. In the spring, look for hatches of mayflies and caddisflies. In the fall, brown trout can be caught on streamers and nymphs as they prepare for the winter. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times of day to fish. Ontario’s best locations for fly fishing brown trout include the Grand River, Nottawasaga River, and Credit River.

Steelhead (Lake Run Rainbow Trout)

Steelhead are typically caught in Ontario rivers and streams during their spawning runs in the fall and spring. The best months for fly fishing for steelhead in Ontario are usually October to November in the fall, and April to May in the spring. Steelhead can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late evening tend to be the most productive times. Some of the best locations for fly fishing for steelhead in Ontario include the Credit River, the Ganaraska River, and the Saugeen River.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout can be caught throughout the year in Ontario, but the best time to fly fish for them is in the spring and fall months when they are more active. Early mornings and late evenings are also great times to catch them. Some of Ontario’s best locations for fly fishing for rainbow trout include the Credit River, the Grand River, the Niagara River, and the Saugeen River. It’s also possible to catch them in smaller streams and tributaries throughout the province.

Arctic Char

Arctic char is a popular fish for fly fishing enthusiasts in Ontario. The best time to fish for arctic char is during summer, typically from June to August, when water temperatures are warmer. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for Arctic char. Ontario’s best locations for fly fishing for arctic char include the streams and rivers of the Arctic watershed, particularly around the Hudson Bay and James Bay areas.

Lake Trout

Lake trout is most commonly fished in Ontario during the spring and summer months, with the best fishing times being in the early morning or late evening. Ontario’s best locations for lake trout fishing are typically found in deep, clear waters of the Great Lakes, such as Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Ontario. Other great locations include various lakes in the Algoma region, such as Dog Lake and Trout Lake.

Northern Pike

When fishing for northern pike in Ontario, the best time to go is usually during the late spring and early summer months, from May to July. Early morning and late evening are the best times of day to catch them. Some of Ontario’s best locations to fish for pike include the Kawartha Lakes, Lake Simcoe, and the French River. Look for weedy areas and drop-offs where pike like to hang out.

Musky

If you’re looking to fish for musky in Ontario, the best times are in the summer and fall, particularly from June to October. Early mornings and late evenings are usually the most productive times of day, and it’s best to fish in clear waters with structure like weed beds and rocky areas. Some of Ontario’s best locations for musky fishing include Georgian Bay, the Kawartha Lakes, Lake of the Woods, and the French River.

Crappie

Crappie fishing in Ontario is best during the spring and fall months, with May and June being the best. The best time of day to fish for crappie is early morning and late evening. Some of Ontario’s best locations to fish for crappie include Rice Lake, the Bay of Quinte, and the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Whitefish

Whitefish are typically caught in the fall and winter months in Ontario, particularly in September through December. Early morning and late evening are the best times of day to fish for whitefish. Some of the best locations in Ontario for whitefish fishing include Lake Simcoe, Lake Nipissing, Georgian Bay, and the French River.

Walleye

Walleye fishing in Ontario is best during May, June, and July when they are spawning and feeding actively, with dawn and dusk being the most productive times of the day. Some of the best locations for walleye fishing in Ontario include the Ottawa River, Lake Nipissing, Lake of the Woods, Georgian Bay, and the French River, among others.

Catfish

Catfish can be found in many rivers and lakes throughout Ontario, but the best time to fish for them is during the summer when water temperatures are warmer. Early morning and late evening are usually the best times of day to catch catfish. Some popular locations for catfishing in Ontario include the Grand River, the Ottawa River, and the Thames River.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass fishing in Ontario peaks from late May through September when the water temperatures are warmer, and the fish are more active. Early morning and evening are the best times to fish for largemouth bass. Some of the best locations for largemouth bass fishing in Ontario include Rice Lake, Lake St. Clair, Lake Muskoka, and Lake Simcoe.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass in Ontario are best fished during late spring to early summer and early fall when water temperatures range between 60-75°F; early mornings and evenings are generally the best time of day. Ontario’s great smallmouth bass fishing locations include the French River, Lake Nipissing, Lake of the Woods, and the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Carp

Carp are available year-round in Ontario, but the best time to fish for them is in late spring and early summer (May-June) when they are actively spawning, with early morning and late afternoon being the most productive times of the day. Some of Ontario’s best locations to fish for carp include Lake Ontario, the Grand River, the Trent River, and the Rideau River.

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch can be caught all year round in Ontario, but the best time to fish for them is in the spring and fall. The best time of day to fish for perch is early morning and late afternoon. The best locations for perch fishing in Ontario are in shallow bays and weedy areas of lakes, such as Lake Erie, Lake Simcoe, and Rice Lake.

Best Fishing in Ontario on Seasonal Basis

Winter

Lake Simcoe: This lake is known for its yellow perch, which can be caught throughout the winter months. You can also catch lake trout and whitefish in the deeper parts of the lake.
Lake Nipissing: This lake is popular for ice fishing, and you can catch a variety of fish here, including walleye, northern pike, and perch.
Lake of the Woods: This lake is located in Northwestern Ontario and is home to a variety of fish, including walleye, lake trout, and northern pike. Ice fishing is popular here; you can even rent ice huts to keep warm.
Georgian Bay: This bay is known for its whitefish, which can be caught throughout winter. You can also catch lake trout, walleye, and northern pike here.

Spring

Lake Simcoe: This lake is great for catching large northern pike, yellow perch and whitefish. It’s also a popular ice fishing spot during the winter.
Nipigon River: This river is known for its large brook trout and chinook salmon populations, making it a popular spot for fly fishing enthusiasts.
French River: The French River is a great place to catch walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike and musky.
Lake of the Woods: This lake is famous for its walleye fishing, but it’s also a great spot for catching northern pike, smallmouth bass, and musky.

Summer

Lake Nipissing: This lake is known for its walleye fishing in the summer months. You might also have some luck with smallmouth bass and northern pike.
Georgian Bay: This area is great for smallmouth bass fishing in the summer. You might also catch some lake trout and musky if you’re lucky.
Lake Erie: This lake is a popular summer fishing spot. Depending on where you fish, you might catch walleye, perch, or bass.
French River: This river is known for its musky fishing in the summer. You might also have some luck with pike, walleye, or smallmouth bass.

Fall

Lake Nipissing: This lake is a popular destination for anglers looking to catch walleye in the fall. The best time to fish for walleye is early morning or late evening, and they can be found in shallower waters during the fall season.
Bay of Quinte: This bay is known for its trophy-sized musky, which can be caught throughout fall. Musky are more active during the day in the fall, and can be found around weed beds and drop-offs.
French River: The French River is home to various fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. These species can all be caught in the fall, with walleye being most active during the day and northern pike and smallmouth bass being more active in the morning and evening.
Lake of the Woods: This lake is a great destination for anglers looking to catch lake trout in the fall season. The best time to fish for lake trout is early morning or late evening, and they can be found in deeper waters during the fall months.