Regional Fly Fishing

There are a wide variety of fishing options within 2-3 hours drive from Ottawa. It would be impossible to describe all your options in detail so consider this a starting point. Fishermen (and women) are notoriously protective of their favourite spots but you should be able to pick up a few tips in our Forum.

Fishing In the Ottawa Area

The best way to find that perfect spot is to get out and explore. A good starting point is to follow the Ottawa and Rideau rivers and fish different spots along them. This is an older article but it provides some information about fishing on the Ottawa River downstream from Ottawa.

To the west and south of Ottawa Lanark, Renfrew and Frontenac counties provide many good fishing opportunities. In these areas, lake fishing for trout and bass predominates. The Backroad Mapbooks for either Eastern Ontario or Algonquin Region provide information about lakes and rivers in the area, types of fish you can find and a basic assessment of your prospects. Pick up one or both and start exploring.

The Bing Retreat in Frontenac County is a privately owned and maintained lake about 90 minues southwest of Ottawa. Chris Fisher offers both day fishing as well as overnight accommodations at reasonable prices. If you are looking for a spot to fish for large rainbow trout check out the Bing.

Fishing In Quebec

There are plenty of Quebec lakes and rivers within a short drive of Ottawa. For inormation about regulations, licenses, etc. check out the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife website.

For something a bit more exotic, Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello is one of North America's largest and oldest private fish and game preserves. They maintain fishing for trout, pike and bass on several lakes where you can rent a chalet and have the lake to yourself. For the past few years a group from the OFS have been arranging a 3-4 day trip to Kenauk in the spring and in the fall with the help of John Huff of John Huff Adventures.

New York

New York state offers great fishing opportunities within a few hours drive of Ottawa. Opportunities include fishing within the Adirondack mountains as well as the many rivers and streams that flow into the St. Lawrence River or Lake Ontario. For details on regulations, licences (pruchase online), etc. go to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Lake Placid is in the heart of the Adirondacks and is a good weekend destination from which you can fish the famous Ausable River as well as numerous other spots.

Vermont

Vermont is a bit further afield but offers many opportunities for both trout and bass fishing. Stowe is roughly 5 hours drive from Ottawa and is a good base from which you can check out the fishing. The Lemoille and Winooski Rivers are close by and offer good fishing for brown trout. You can get information about regulations, licences (can be obtained online), etc. go to Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.