Paddling in the wilderness, fishing from a canoe, and then returning to camp for a country fried fish is a special experience.
If you’re up for a trip like this, check out our recommendations for the best backcountry fishing destinations in our northern parks.
Northwestern Ontario
Quetico Provincial Park
For more than 100 years, Quetico Provincial Park has protected a vast, pristine and interconnected network of lakes and rivers. This park is full of walleye, lake trout, largemouth bass, and northern pike, in some cases all in the same lake.
If you enjoy lake trout fishing, Quetico offers some of the best in Ontario. Or maybe you want to try to catch the infamous “Basquatch,” the very large smallmouth bass that lurks somewhere in the waters of Quetico.
However, if you catch the biggest one, this would be a good time to practice catch and release – keep the legend alive! Take a quick photo first.
Wabakimi Provincial Park
Looking for a Walleye the size of a frying pan? This park has 2,000 km of lake and river routes, with abundant walleye, pike, lake trout and whitefish. Anglers can access Wabakimi through road, train and small plane access points.
After a great day of fishing, fry up some fish and camp out on one of Wabakimi’s secluded beaches, surrounded by pristine, boreal wilderness. Or take your canoe and seek out the exciting white water routes of Wabakimi. This is your place if you want to combine your trip with big catches, relaxing shore fun, and whitewater adventures.
Woodland Caribou Provincial Park
While fishing for lake trout, walleye, and northern pike, look for other wildlife species. True to its name, the park is the habitat of the Woodland Caribou, and if you’re a lucky and leisurely traveler, you may just catch a glimpse of one of these majestic animals.
Also, if you’re up for a challenge, there’s a lake in southwest Woodland Caribou that has some voracious Muskie. Just make sure you keep your fingers in the boat!
Northeastern Ontario
Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park
Are you an experienced paddler and ready for a real adventure? Look no further than Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater.
Take exciting routes through rapids to fish for brook trout in the whitewater pools, or target the lakes, also stocked with trout. As you paddle, you will be surrounded by old growth white pines, boreal forests, and many peaks, including Ontario’s highest elevation: Ishpatina Ridge.
Additionally, this park features six beautiful waterfalls, with campgrounds adjacent to the falls. At Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater, incredible recreational experiences await you on and off the boat.
Consuelo Provincial Park
In the heart of Temagami, Solace is aptly named. As you fly, you will be surrounded by calm waters, a beautiful pine forest, and lots (and lots) of trout.
There are easy and challenging routes on Solace; The chain of lakes has Brook Trout and Lake Trout lakes. Regardless of where you are in the park, your spring trout fishing experience is sure to be rewarding.
Mississagi Provincial Park
If you want to spend some time away from it all, Mississagi has one of the calmest flatwater experiences in the region.
semi-white lake
Just west of Sudbury, this park features remote beaches, rewarding hikes, and plenty of brook trout, and even some lake trout in larger lakes like Semiwite and Flack. And since motors are not allowed in the park, it is an ideal place to find peace and quiet.
Do you want to be even more remote? In Mississagi, there are also small Brook Trout lakes that can only be accessed from hiking trails.
Ready to get out your fishing gear?
Before you go, don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the 2023 Ontario Fishing Regulations, obtain your fishing license, and consider how to make your trip as sustainable as possible by practicing conservation fishing.
Additionally, some of these parks have special fishing regulations that are particular to the park and specify what type of lures and hooks can be used; Check the park’s website before preparing for your trip.
A trip to one of our northern parks will not disappoint. Its beautiful landscapes, pristine nature and, of course, abundant fishing will give you the expedition of a lifetime.
Visit our backcountry page to find out more about how to access and stay in each of these parks.