Fly Fishing in the Capital

Ottawa may be best known for politics but it is no slouch when it comes to fishing either. For a flyfisher, there are numerous spots where one can cast a line within a short walk or drive of the parliament buildings. The main rivers - the Ottawa and Rideau offer many spots for either wade or boat fishing. The Rideau Canal is also a good spot to explore especially if one is limited in time or can&srquo;t travel far. Another location, particularly in the spring and early summer is the Jock River near its confluence with the Rideau River. Fishing is also excellent on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River.

Species one can expect to find are equally wide ranging from small and largemouth bass, various types of sunfish, pike, walleye, and even musky. For several years Greendrake Outfitters has been instrumental in leading a group of local flyfishing enthusiasts in stocking brown trout in the Ottawa River and there are regular reports of people catching trout during summer evenings.

The following are links to articles describing fishing opportunities in and around Ottawa.

Catch Fishing - 2006 National Fly Fishing Week by Jeff Morrison
Downtown Fly Fisher, Ottawa-Hull (Part 1) by Mark Anderson
Downtown Fly Fisher, Ottawa-Hull (Part 2) by Mark Anderson

During the summer months the Ottawa Flyfishers Society organizes weekly fishing nights to local fishing spots. The objective is to pick spots that are easily accessible to local people. If you are new to Ottawa or new to fly fishing, coming out on a weeknight evening is a great way to discover local fishing spots as well as to meet other Ottawa flyfishing enthusiats. Check the forum for details.