Where do Outdoor Canada’s writers and photographers go fishing? At these 27 awesome hot spots, from coast to coast to coast

#13  LASALLE RIVER, MANITOBA

THE FISH: Black crappies and bluegills

It’s amazing to find a jewel like this on the outskirts of a large city. The LaSalle River, which skirts around Winnipeg and flows into the Red River, is one of the best places to catch trophy crappies and bluegills—especially on a fly rod. The bluegills grow as long as 10 inches, while crappies can reach 15 inches in length. Do some exploring further to the west, and you can have the water all to yourself as you catch these monster panfish. —Stu Thompson

LEARN MORE: www.huntfishmanitoba.ca

#14  ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK INTERIOR, ONTARIO

THE FISH: Brook and lake trout

After a portage or two as you canoe into Algonquin, you’ll find yourself escaping the crowds and entering a trout-fishing paradise of pristine lakes and rivers, ringed by rocky shorelines and towering white pines. The trout aren’t always monsters, but they’re great fighters and spectacular when cooked over an open fire. To plan your route, consult park maps highlighting the fishing hot spots and inexpensive campsites.—Mark Raycroft

LEARN MORE: www.algonquinpark.on.ca

#15  LADY EVELYN LAKE, ONTARIO

THE FISH: Brook trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass and walleye

This remote lake in northern Ontario’s Temagami region is home to world-class multispecies fishing. Formed by a hydro dam in 1925, the man-made lake provides diverse structure, depth and habitat for pike, smallmouth bass and walleye. And by searching for cold-water streams feeding into the lake, a dedicated angler can also find brook trout. The lake is ideal for exploration by canoe, with fairly easy access to backcountry campsites. —Craig Mitchell

LEARN MORE: www.ontarioparks.com

#16  OTTAWA RIVER, ONTARIO/QUEBEC

THE FISH: Chanel catfish and muskies

The Ottawa River is one of Canada’s great unsung locations for trophy muskie fishing, promising the chance to catch 50-plus-inch lunkers. Heralded as a “muskie factory” by those who know it well, the mighty river system is also home to some of Ontario’s largest channel catfish throughout much of its length. In fact, the 33.36-pound provincial record was caught in the Madawaska, a tributary of the Ottawa. —Mike Fitzgerald

LEARN MORE: www.ottawarivermuskyfactory.com