OTTAWA, ONTARIO
When it comes
to a net full of urban fishing opportunities, the nation’s
capital is definitely near the top of the list. Running through
the city is the powerful Ottawa River, which teems with smallmouth
and largemouth bass, walleye, pike and muskie. Panfish, crappie,
perch, bluegill and pumpkinseed can also be found, particularly
during the hardwater season—it’s quite the sight
to see ice huts out on the river in the city’s west end.
The Ottawa has also relinquished prehistoric-looking fish such
as sturgeon and gar pike right in the shadow of Parliament Hill.
While the Ottawa serves as the city’s northern boundary,
both the Rideau River and Rideau Canal run north-south through
the capital—and offer excellent chances to catch big fish
right in the city’s core. I personally have a soft spot
for the Rideau River, as it yielded my first-ever muskie. But
the Rideau Canal can also give up good-sized bass and pike,
as well as massive carp. Whether you have a boat to tackle these
waters or you like to work from shore, get ready for frenzied
action right in the heart of Canada’s historic capital.
 |
| Caught
in the capital: A largemouth from the Petrie Island
area |
| FISHING
FACT |
| A
10-pound-plus walleye was pulled out of the Ottawa
River at Petrie Island last year by an ice angler.
Yes sir, they’re in there! |
| ANGLER
ATTRACTION |
| Oziles’
at Petrie Island is a year-round angling operation,
complete with a bait shop, café, boat launches
and boat rentals. Plenty of comfy huts are available
for ice fishing, too. Contact: (613) 841-0778; www.oziles.com. |
|
38 Petrie Island
This year-round location on the Ottawa River offers good fishing
from shore and by boat. Catch monster largemouth near the shore
and good-sized walleye in deep holes. And you never know when
a muskie will strike.
39 Green’s Creek
Where the creek meets the Ottawa River, shoreline anglers cast
minnows as far as possible to entice late-summer walleye. Pike
can be found cruising around the shallow weeds as well.
40 Rideau Falls
From a boat, cast toward the base of the falls where the Rideau
River meets the Ottawa. Or jig a minnow near bottom for walleye.
Smallmouth bass can be caught around the small island points.
41 Victoria Island
This is a picturesque spot to cast for bass, pike and walleye
spring through fall on the Ottawa River. Use heavy sinkers to
get your lure down in the strong current; dark plastics work
well.
42 Bate Island
Located under the Champlain Bridge, this island park is popular
with kayaking anglers. Launch from the island’s east end
and cast spinnerbaits toward the Ottawa’s rushing water
for midsummer smallmouth bass.
43 Remic Rapids
There’s good summer shore fishing for smallmouth bass
and pike at this scenic stop along the Ottawa River Parkway.
Bounce tubes off the rocky bottom in fast-moving riffles for
quick hits.
44 Dow’s Lake
Part of the Rideau Canal, this man-made lake offers shoreline
opportunities for panfish, smallies and big carp, from Victoria
Day through to Thanksgiving. Use Texas-rigged worms with heavy
sinkers on the lake’s west side.
45 Hog’s Back Falls
Below the falls on the Rideau River, cast in-line spinners and
spinnerbaits for feisty smallmouth bass and, if you’re
lucky, muskie. Try fishing in late spring, when the water level
drops.
46 Mooney’s Bay
Launch your boat in the Rideau River and take advantage of the
smallmouth around humps, and largemouth under shoreline trees.
Pike and muskellunge can also be picked up on big spinnerbaits.
47 Chapman Mills Conservation Area
Several fishing areas are located along the boardwalk on the
Rideau River, giving anglers easy access to bass, pike and muskie.
Topwaters and buzzbaits keep you from getting snagged in the
weeds. |
