Algonquin Park is famous for its quality fishing and attracts visitors from around the world. Algonquin Bound has been strategically placed to provide easy access to many of the best lakes in the park. In particular, we are just down the road from the Shall Lake access point (Access #17) where several easy to reach lakes provide quality fishing opportunities. Whether you are looking for good trout fishing or are bringing the kids for some fast perch and bass action, this area will not disappoint the angler.
Species that thrive in our area include Lake Trout and Brook Trout, although you can also find plenty of Splake, Bass, Pickerel (Walleye), Pike and Perch opportunities. While the vast majority of the Algonquin Park fish populations in the area are natural, there are a few lakes that are regularly stocked in order to provide additional fishing fun. Splake, the brook trout/lake trout hybrid, are one of the main species stocked in the Algonquin region since they help reduce pressure on fragile natural trout lakes in the area. The nice thing about Splake is they grow very quickly and can reach some good sizes.
Generally, fishing in Algonquin Park opens on the last Saturday in April and ends September 30th. However, each sportfish has a specific open and closed season. The closed period usually coincides with the spawning period of the fish to allow for regeneration of stocks without angling pressure. Before heading out, be sure to check the Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary for the season dates of the species you intend to fish for.
The following selection of lakes shows how this area provides some of the best fishing in Algonquin Park. The descriptions are courtesy of the Algonquin Region Ontario Backroad Mapbook. This book is an excellent resource for exploring both the park and surrounding area. In addition to fishing information, you will find detailed maps, information on campsites and parks, trails, paddling routes and much, much more. Be sure to stop in at the store to pick up a copy.
- Aylen Lake is one of the largest lakes in the area and is a popular cottage destination. Fishing can be good for smallmouth bass to 2 kg (4.5 lbs). There is also a natural strain of lake trout present and a public access point on the lake's southwestern shore. In summer, jigging off Big Green Island can be very productive for smallmouth bass. Watch for special regulations on the lake.
- Booth Lake is a picturesque Algonquin interior lake. There are over a dozen rustic campsites available, including scenic beach sites and several sites scattered on a few of the islands. Fishing in Booth Lake can be productive for lake trout and brook trout in spring. However, as summer approaches, fishing can be quite good for smallmouth bass that average 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lb). Try in the many bays of the lake or deep holes off rocky points.
- Crotch, Farm and Shall Lakes are easily accessed from the Algonquin Shall Lake access point. There are interior campsites on all three lakes, as well as designated paddle-in sites on Crotch Lake. Fishing can be good for northern pike that are most predominantly found in the weedier sections. Smallmouth bass are also widely available and average 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lb). Lake trout can still be found, although fishing is best in the spring.
- Dickson and Little Dickson Lakes attract many anglers in spring who come in search of the lakes' renowned trout. While outdoor writers may overstate their reputations at times, the lakes are still quite productive. Brook trout have been found to 50 cm (20 in), while good-sized lake trout are also found in Dickson Lake. The trout in Little Dickson Lake are somewhat smaller, however brook trout are caught in excess of 40 cm (16 in).
- Galeairy Lake is one of the access points to Algonquin Park's southern panhandle. 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 up to 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). Fishing for lake trout is slow most of the year, although it picks up in late winter/early spring. Lakers can be found in excess of 75 cm (30 in). Watch for slot size and special winter restrictions.
- Godda and Tattler Lakes can be accessed from Booth Lake. Godda Lake is a few portages away from Booth Lake and provides productive fishing for lake and brook trout. Lakers can be found to 55 cm (22 in), while brookies can be caught up to 40 cm (16 in). Tattler Lake is really an extension of Booth Lake's western side. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good throughout the season and the odd brook trout is still found.
- Harry, Rence and Welcome Lakes are all inhabited by brook trout and fishing is generally good. All three lakes are designated catch and release lakes and only artificial lures can be used as bait. Welcome and Rence Lakes also have size restrictions on brook trout. There are a number of rustic campsites on each lake.
- Kitty Lake is located very close to the Shall Lake access point. There are two interior campsites as well as an old ranger cabin that is available for rent. Fishing can be quite good at times for smallmouth bass that average 0.5 kg (1 lb). Brook trout continue to inhabit the lake, however, fishing is usually slow.
- Lake Lavieille is one of the largest Algonquin interior lakes. The trip to get to Lavieille Lake is challenging, but worthwhile as the lake has a long history as a quality lake trout lake. Although it is a good fishing lake, the size of the lake makes it challenging to fish. Even in spring, some days can be brutally slow, while others offer fierce activity. Lavieille's reputation as 'the spot' brings many anglers after the spring thaw. Crow Bay has often been designated as a good spot for lake trout, although there are just as good or better spots elsewhere on the lake. Brook trout are found to 40 cm (16 in) while lake trout can exceed 60 cm (24 in) in size. Many an angler at Lavieille has thought they had a big lake trout only to be fooled by a big scrappy whitefish.
- Lake Louisa is one of the larger lakes in Algonquin Park's southern interior and has a number of regularly used campsites. The lake is quite scenic and fishing is generally fair in spring for lake trout to 55 cm (22 in).
- McKaskill Lake is a scenic Algonquin interior lake that has a number of nice campsites to choose from. Fishing can be good for nice sized brook and lake trout. Spring is the most productive time of year, however the last few weeks of September can also be good.
- Opeongo Lake is the largest lake in Algonquin Provincial Park and is home to over 135 interior campsites. Lake trout, whitefish and smallmouth bass inhabit the lake. Lakers are found up to 80 cm (32 in) and smallmouth bass average 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lbs), but can be caught over 1.5 kg (3.5 lbs). Whitefish are quite aggressive at times.
- Pen Lake has a number of campsites available and offers fair fishing in the spring, just after ice off for lake trout and brook trout that average 25-35 cm (10-14 in).
- Ryan Lake has several interior campsites on the lake and can be busy on summer long weekends. The lake is stocked with splake that can be found to 50 cm (20 in). Fishing in the spring in this lake can be quite good.
- Shirley Lake is a scenic Algonquin interior lake found north of the Shall Lake access point. There are nine rustic campsites on the lake that are all scenic. Fishing for lake trout to 65 cm (26 in) is generally fair throughout the year but picks up in early spring.
This page is sponsored by Backroad Mapbooks. For more details on their excellent products, please visit www.backroadmapbooks.com
Fishing licences are required to fish in Algonquin Park
If there is anyone who has a picture of a fish that they caught in this area, e-mail it to me I would be happy to show it here.
Serving the East Gate on Highway 60 for over 10 years
Open 7 Days a Week from April 20 to Oct 31
Phone: (613) 637-5508 | Reservations: 1-800-704-4537 | info@algonquinbound.com
