Fishing Algonquin Park is one of the most popular pastimes of canoe trippers. The area near Algonquin Bound is famous for its quality fishing and attracts visitors from around the world. The Algonquin Park fishing season opens on the last Saturday in April and ends September 30th. However, anglers need to be aware of the regulations and restrictions before heading out. Things like slot size limits and designated voluntary catch and release lakes are having positive effects and are vital for a healthy fishery for years to come.

Anglers often fish Algonquin Park in search of the elusive brook trout or speckled trout. McKaskill Lake or the Opeongo River is a good choice, especially early in the season from late April into early June. At this time, fishing for brook trout from shore with smaller silver or gold spinners like a Blue Fox or Panther Martin can be effective. Fly-fishing and even bobber fishing with a hook and worm are also popular. Later in the summer, trolling small spoons such as the Little Cleo is effective.

Lake trout are recognized by their forked tail, long head and an abundance of spots. They are one of Algonquin Park's most sought after sportfish and good lake trout destinations include Booth or Shirley Lake. Lakers are found near the surface in spring and will take spoons and spinners, especially on the troll. As the waters warm, trolling deeper is necessary. Lead core or steel line is a popular method of finding where they are holding. Popular lake trout lures include the Williams Wobbler, Apex and Little Cleo.

Northern pike are aggressive fish that readily strike fast moving spoons and spinners. Identified by their long slender bodies with large mouths and sharp teeth, pike can be often found in the calm bays of Algonquin Park lakes such as Booth or Shall Lake. Fishing success is best on calm overcast days casting spoons, spinner baits or crankbaits along weeds or other bottom structure. Popular northern pike lures include the Daredevil and the Five of Diamonds, while silver and gold Williams Wobblers are also good choices.

Algonquin Park smallmouth bass have a reputation of putting up a great fight when hooked. They love structure and will gravitate to underwater drop offs and rocky shoals or shorelines such as in Crotch or Farm Lake. Recognized by their football shape and green bodies, underwater presentations are usually more effective for smallmouth bass. Popular choices used to catch smallmouth are the crayfish fly or lure, Berkley jigs, Mepps or Blue Fox spinners, and Live Target crankbaits.

There are a few select walleye or pickerel lakes nearby. These include the Opeongo and Madawaska Rivers as well as Bark Lake. One of the favourite lures or set ups for trolling for walleye is the worm harness. Jigging white or chartreuse Berkley jigs over rock piles, weeds or drop offs can produce results, while other presentations include Live Target crankbaits and Mepps spinners. Splake, the brook trout/lake trout hybrid, is also stocked in Algonquin Park in Ryan Lake. Try using similar presentations as for lake trout.

Another popular catch is largemouth bass. Nicknamed bucket mouths, these fish frequent the quiet back bays of Bark Lake where plenty of weed growth or shore structure is found. They often strike top water presentations such as the Jitterbug or the Hula popper. Alternatively, weedless Berkley jigs, Mepps spinner baits and Live Target crankbaits are recommended.

Algonquin Bound has long been a great source for fishing Algonquin Park. Trying to pick the top lakes and streams in the area is no easy task. There are hundreds of great destinations that offer everything from Algonquin Park lake trout and brook trout to smallmouth bass and walleye. What is listed below are a few of the better known lakes and rivers in our area. As always, be sure to check the fishing regulations for before heading out.

Aylen Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Algonquin Highlands area and is a great nearby fishing spot to the northwest of Madawaska. Fishing in the lake can be good for smallmouth bass to 2 kg (4.5 lbs). There is also a natural strain of lake trout present. Algonquin Bound provides delivery service to the park access point on the lake's southwestern shore. In summer, jigging with Berkley Powerbait off Big Green Island can be very productive for smallmouth bass. Watch for special regulations on the lake.

Regarded as one of the most picturesque Algonquin Park interior lakes, Booth Lake will not disappoint. There are over a dozen interior campsites available, including scenic beach and island sites strategically scattered around the lake. Fishing in Booth Lake can be productive for Algonquin Park lake trout and brook trout in spring. As summer approaches, fishing can be quite good for smallmouth bass that are reported over 1 kg (2 lbs) on occasion. Try in the many bays of the lake or deep holes off rocky points.

These three lakes are easily accessed from the Algonquin Park Shall Lake access point. There are interior campsites on all three lakes, as well as designated paddle-in sites on Crotch Lake. These lakes make the perfect short trip or overnight trip destination.  Fishing can be good for northern pike that are most predominantly found in the weedier sections. Smallmouth bass are also widely available and anglers report fish over 1 kg (2 lbs) on occasion. Lake trout are best found in the spring.

This beautiful lake is one of the access points to the interior of Algonquin Park's southern panhandle. Algonquin Bound provides delivery service to the Whitney area and beyond. The lake is quite large and is inhabited by lake trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass. Bass fishing is fair to good throughout the lake for bass caught up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) in size. Fishing for lake trout in Galeairy Lake picks up in late winter/early spring. Lakers can be found in excess of 75 cm (30 in) in this Algonquin Park lake.

Lake Louisa is one of the larger lakes in Algonquin Park's southern interior. It is just far enough away from the Galeairy Lake or Rock Lake access points to create a good fishing and canoe trip destination. The sheer number of Algonquin Park interior campsites can attest to the popularity of the lake. The scenic lake has been known to offer up lake trout that grow to 55 cm (22 in) on occasion. If you are looking for a good three day trip in spring, Lake Louisa will rarely disappoint Algonquin Park anglers.

The historic Madawaska River flows close to Algonquin Bound's doorstep. Flowing west to east from the scenic Algonquin Highlands, the river is well known for its whitewater paddling. Fishing enthusiasts will be happy to know that the calm sections also boats some quality fishing opportunities. Good numbers of bass can be found throughout the river and we regularly get reports of lunker sized smallmouth. Also found in the river are northern pike and the odd walleye or pickerel.

This scenic interior Algonquin Park lake has a number of nice campsites to choose from. Mainly visited by anglers in spring, fishing can be good for nice sized brook and lake trout. Spring is the most productive time of year to plan an Algonquin Park fishing trip into this lake, however the last few weeks of September can also be quite good. Found a few portages beyond Shirley Lake, let Algonquin Bound be your Algonquin Outfitter for access into this remote fishing lake.

Opeongo Lake is perhaps Algonquin Provincial Parks most popular destination. Considered the gateway to the interior of the park, thousands of Algonquin Park canoe trips begin here every year. It is the largest lake in the park and anglers flock to Opeongo for its legendary lake trout that are found up to 80 cm (32 in) in size. Smallmouth bass are very active in the summer months and can be caught over 1.5 kg (3.5 lbs), while whitefish are a good alternative when lake trout action is slow.

Once a mighty logging river, this historic Algonquin Park river flows southeast out of the big lake and north of Madawaska. Brook trout can be found throughout the river with the best sections reported to be found in the upper reaches beyond Booth Lake. The river is a fantastic stream to paddle and to fish, as there are many little water holes that are perfect for algonquin trout to hide in. Small Panther Martin or Blue Fox spinners or even nymph type fly patterns are effective.  

Found just beyond Shirley Lake to the north of the Shall Lake access point, Ryan Lake can be busy on summer long weekends. The lake has several Algonquin Park interior campsites and is stocked with splake that can be found to 50 cm (20 in). Fishing on this Algonquin Park lake in the spring can be very good using a Little Cleo or Williams Wabler. Algonquin Park anglers can also find descent success using Berkley Gulp throughout the year.

Once the home of an active logging operation, Shirley Lake is now a scenic Algonquin Park interior lake destination. Found north of the Shall Lake access point, there are nine wilderness campsites on the lake. Anglers report the odd lake trout to 65 cm (26 in) with the best action occurring in spring when the trout are closer to the surface. At this time, a Little Cleo or Apex lure can entice one of the bigger lake trout into striking. Be sure to stop by the Algonquin Bound store for the latest hot lure.