Fishing in Lake Erie & Lake Ontario: Best Spots & Species

The western basin of Lake Erie is one of the most productive walleye fisheries in the world. The shallow, nutrient-rich waters support an enormous walleye population, with fish in the 3-6 pound range common. Yellow perch fishing is excellent. Top access points include Leamington, Wheatley, Kingsville, and Point Pelee National Park.

1. Lake Erie Western Basin (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass)

Windsor/Leamington area

The western basin of Lake Erie is one of the most productive walleye fisheries in the world. The shallow, nutrient-rich waters support an enormous walleye population, with fish in the 3-6 pound range common. Yellow perch fishing is excellent. Top access points include Leamington, Wheatley, Kingsville, and Point Pelee National Park.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2

Boat Launch: Lake Erie Western Basin →

2. Lake Erie Central Basin (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Perch)

Port Stanley to Long Point

The central basin offers excellent walleye and smallmouth bass fishing. Port Stanley, Port Bruce, and Port Burwell provide access. The lake's stained water provides good fishing during daylight hours.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50

Boat Launch: Lake Erie Central Basin →

3. Lake Erie Eastern Basin (Smallmouth Bass, Walleye)

Long Point to Buffalo

The eastern basin is world-famous for smallmouth bass. The rocky shoals and islands around Long Point provide exceptional habitat. Walleye fishing is also excellent.

• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2

Boat Launch: Lake Erie Eastern Basin →

4. Bay of Quinte (Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch)

Belleville area

The Bay of Quinte is famous for trophy walleye exceeding 10 pounds. Fall trolling with crankbaits is the standard technique. The bay's stained water and abundant baitfish produce fast-growing walleye.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Northern Pike · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50

Boat Launch: Glenora Marina →

5. Lake Ontario Kingston Basin (Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout)

Kingston area

Lake Ontario offers world-class salmon and trout fishing. Chinook salmon over 30 pounds are caught annually. Trolling with downriggers is standard.

• Lake Trout · Limit: S-3 and C-1 · January 1 to September 30 and December 1 to December 31 Limits: S-3 and C-1

Boat Launch: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour →

6. Lake Ontario Niagara Bar (Chinook Salmon, Coho, Steelhead, Brown Trout)

Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Niagara Bar area is one of Lake Ontario's most productive salmon and trout fisheries. The nutrient-rich waters attract baitfish and gamefish.

• Brown Trout · Limit: S-5 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-5 and C-2

Boat Launch: East Launch →

7. Lake Ontario Toronto Waterfront (Salmon, Trout, Walleye)

Toronto

Lake Ontario offers excellent fishing within Toronto. Tommy Thompson Park, Bluffers Park, and the Humber River provide access. Chinook salmon, coho, and rainbow trout are the main targets.

• Atlantic Salmon · Limit: S-1 and C-0 · open all year Limits: S-1 and C-0
• Brown Trout · Limit: S-5 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-5 and C-2
• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2

Boat Launch: Ontario Place North Marina →

8. Niagara River Upper (Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Muskie)

Niagara Falls area

The upper Niagara River offers excellent smallmouth bass and walleye fishing. The river's current creates unique fishing conditions found nowhere else in Ontario.

• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2

Boat Launch: Niagara Sailing Club →

9. Niagara River Lower (Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout)

Niagara Gorge

The lower Niagara River offers world-class trout and salmon fishing year-round. The gorge's deep, cold water holds steelhead and brown trout.

• Brown Trout · Limit: S-5 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-5 and C-2
• Lake Trout · Limit: S-3 and C-1 · January 1 to September 30 and December 1 to December 31 Limits: S-3 and C-1

Boat Launch: East Launch →

10. Grand River (Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Rainbow Trout)

Brantford to Lake Erie

The Grand River offers excellent fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, and rainbow trout. The river's current and deep pools provide diverse habitat.

• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Rainbow Trout · Limit: S-5 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-5 and C-2

Boat Launch: East Launch →

11. Detroit River (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie)

Windsor

The Detroit River connects Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie and offers world-class walleye fishing. The river's current concentrates fish around structure.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2

Boat Launch: East Launch →

12. Lake St. Clair (Smallmouth Bass, Muskie, Walleye)

Lake St. Clair is famous for its smallmouth bass and muskie fishing. The lake's shallow, productive waters are world-renowned.

• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2

Boat Launch: Lake St. Clair →

13. Welland Canal (Walleye, Bass, Panfish)

St. Catharines

The Welland Canal offers fishing for walleye, bass, and panfish. The canal's locks and channels provide unique fishing opportunities.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2

Boat Launch: East Launch →

14. Credit River (Rainbow Trout, Salmon)

Mississauga

The Credit River offers excellent salmon and trout fishing during the fall spawning runs. Chinook salmon and rainbow trout move up the river from Lake Ontario.

• Rainbow Trout · Limit: S-5 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-5 and C-2
• Atlantic Salmon · Limit: S-1 and C-0 · open all year Limits: S-1 and C-0

Boat Launch: East Launch →

15. Humber River (Salmon, Trout)

Toronto

The Humber River hosts fall salmon and trout runs. The lower river offers productive fishing within the city.

• Atlantic Salmon · Limit: S-1 and C-0 · open all year Limits: S-1 and C-0
• Brown Trout · Limit: S-5 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-5 and C-2

Boat Launch: East Launch →

16. Port Glasgow (Lake Erie)

Port Glasgow, Ontario

Port Glasgow offers Lake Erie fishing with good shore access for walleye and perch anglers.

Boat Launch: Port Glasgow Marina →

17. Turkey Point (Lake Erie)

Turkey Point, Ontario

Turkey Point offers Lake Erie fishing for walleye, perch, and bass. The provincial park offers camping.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

18. Wellington (Lake Ontario)

Wellington, Ontario

Wellington offers Lake Ontario salmon and trout fishing in Prince Edward County.

Boat Launch: Belwood Lake Boat Launch →

19. Thames River (Chatham)

Chatham area

The Thames River through Chatham offers walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish fishing.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

20. Sarnia (Lake Huron)

Sarnia

Sarnia offers Lake Huron fishing for salmon, trout, and walleye from its waterfront parks.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

21. Grand Bend (Lake Huron)

Grand Bend

Grand Bend offers excellent Lake Huron salmon and trout fishing. Pinery Provincial Park provides access.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

22. Bayfield (Lake Huron)

Bayfield

Bayfield offers Lake Huron fishing for salmon and trout from its historic harbour village.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

23. Port Dover Pier (Lake Erie)

Port Dover Pier, Ontario

The Port Dover pier offers excellent lake fishing for walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

24. Rondeau Provincial Park (Lake Erie)

Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario

Rondeau Provincial Park offers Lake Erie fishing for walleye, perch, and bass in a beautiful natural setting.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

25. Pelee Island (Lake Erie)

Lake Erie

Pelee Island offers exceptional walleye and perch fishing in the western basin of Lake Erie.

Boat Launch: Scudder Marina →

26. Presqu'ile Bay (Lake Ontario)

Presqu'ile Bay, Ontario

Presqu'ile Provincial Park offers Lake Ontario fishing for salmon, trout, and walleye.

Boat Launch: Harbourview Marina →

27. Darlington Provincial Park (Lake Ontario)

Darlington Provincial Park, Ontario

Darlington Park offers Lake Ontario fishing for Chinook salmon and rainbow trout.

Boat Launch: Port Darlington Marina →

28. Bronte Creek (Lake Ontario)

Oakville

Bronte Creek offers fall salmon and trout runs from Lake Ontario.

Boat Launch: Bronte Harbour →

29. Port Credit (Lake Ontario)

Mississauga

Port Credit Harbour offers excellent Lake Ontario salmon and trout fishing.

Boat Launch: Credit Village Marina/Port Credit Harbour →

30. Port Stanley (Lake Erie)

Port Stanley, Ontario

Port Stanley offers excellent Lake Erie fishing for walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass.

Boat Launch: King George VI Lift Bridge →

31. Port Bruce (Lake Erie)

Port Bruce, Ontario

Port Bruce is a popular Lake Erie fishing port offering walleye and perch fishing.

Boat Launch: North Erie Marina →

32. Port Burwell (Lake Erie)

Port Burwell, Ontario

Port Burwell offers Lake Erie fishing for walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

33. Erieau (Lake Erie)

Erieau, Ontario

Erieau offers excellent Lake Erie fishing for walleye and perch.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

34. Long Point (Lake Erie)

Long Point, Ontario

Long Point is a World Biosphere Reserve offering exceptional walleye and smallmouth bass fishing.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

35. Cobourg (Lake Ontario)

Cobourg

Cobourg offers Lake Ontario fishing for Chinook salmon, coho, and rainbow trout.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

36. Port Hope (Lake Ontario)

Port Hope

Port Hope offers excellent Lake Ontario salmon and trout fishing.

Boat Launch: East Launch →

37. Saugeen River (Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Eel, Steelhead)

Port Elgin area

The Saugeen River offers excellent fishing for Chinook salmon, steelhead, and brown trout.

• Brown Trout · Limit: S-5 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-5 and C-2

Boat Launch: Saugeen River →

38. Ausable River (Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout)

Grand Bend area

The Ausable River offers rainbow trout, brown trout, and salmon fishing.

• Brown Trout · Limit: S-5 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-5 and C-2
• Rainbow Trout · Limit: S-5 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-5 and C-2

Boat Launch: East Launch →

39. Sydenham River (Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye)

Wallaceburg area

The Sydenham River offers excellent smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike fishing.

• Northern Pike · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2

Boat Launch: Owen Sound Marina →

40. St. Clair River (Smallmouth Bass, Walleye)

Sarnia area

The St. Clair River offers world-class walleye and smallmouth bass fishing.

• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2

Boat Launch: East Launch →

41. Lake Erie (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Yellow Perch, Perch)

Lake Erie, Ontario

Popular fishing lake in the Lake Erie & Lake Ontario: Best Spots & Species region of Ontario.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50

Boat Launch: Mohawk Marina →

42. Lake Seneca (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Yellow Perch, Perch)

Lake Seneca, Ontario

Popular fishing lake in the Lake Erie & Lake Ontario: Best Spots & Species region of Ontario.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50

Boat Launch: Holland River Marina →

43. Lake Victoria (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Yellow Perch, Perch)

Lake Victoria, Ontario

Popular fishing lake in the Lake Erie & Lake Ontario: Best Spots & Species region of Ontario.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50

Boat Launch: Lake Victoria →

44. Lake Wabukayne (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Yellow Perch, Perch)

Lake Wabukayne, Ontario

Popular fishing lake in the Lake Erie & Lake Ontario: Best Spots & Species region of Ontario.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50

Boat Launch: Credit Village Marina/Port Credit Harbour →

45. Lake Whittaker (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Yellow Perch, Perch)

Lake Whittaker, Ontario

Popular fishing lake in the Lake Erie & Lake Ontario: Best Spots & Species region of Ontario.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50

Boat Launch: East Launch →

46. Professor's Lake (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Yellow Perch, Perch)

Professor's Lake, Ontario

Popular fishing lake in the Lake Erie & Lake Ontario: Best Spots & Species region of Ontario.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50

Boat Launch: East Launch →

47. Puslinch Lake (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Yellow Perch, Perch)

Puslinch Lake, Ontario

Popular fishing lake in the Lake Erie & Lake Ontario: Best Spots & Species region of Ontario.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50

Boat Launch: East Launch →

48. Sunfish Lake (Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Yellow Perch, Perch)

Sunfish Lake, Ontario

Popular fishing lake in the Lake Erie & Lake Ontario: Best Spots & Species region of Ontario.

• Walleye and Sauger combined · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · open all year Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Smallmouth Bass · Limit: S-6 and C-2 · fourth Saturday in June to November 30 Limits: S-6 and C-2
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50
• Yellow Perch · Limit: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50 · open all year Limits: S-50; in one day, possession limit of 100, and C-25; in one day, possession limit of 50

Boat Launch: East Launch →