Fishing in Lake Ontario? Here Is What You Need to Know

Are you planning a fishing trip near Kingston, Ontario? Whether you are a beginner or a pro angler, Lake Ontario offers year-round fishing opportunities great for all skill levels. Find out more about Lake Ontario's top fish species and its best fishing spots.

Fish Species in Lake Ontario

All four of the other Great Lakes flow into Lake Ontario before it empties into the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River, creating an ecologically diverse lake. Here are some of the most popular fish species you will find in Lake Ontario: 

• Salmon: Salmon is perhaps one of the most sought-after fish in Lake Ontario. Anglers have caught sizable chinook salmon, coho salmon, Atlantic salmon and pink salmon.
• Pike: Northern pike is a voracious cold-water fish with olive green and speckled yellow scaling. These aggressive, opportunistic eaters prefer cooler waters and can be caught in the fall, spring and early summer.
• Bass: If you love bass, you will enjoy Lake Ontario fishing in the summertime. The eastern basin of Lake Ontario is home to many largemouth and smallmouth bass. Anglers can also catch rock and white bass varieties.
• Trout: Lower your lines in the spring for brown and lake trout — especially if you want to catch a trophy-sized sportfish. Otherwise, steelhead and rainbow trout are easier to catch in July. During the spawning season, you can also capture steelhead trout within the lake's surrounding tributaries.
• Channel catfish: Channel catfish typically congregate in deep, cool waters with high currents and hang out in the Black River year-round. However, spawning channel catfish flood Lake Ontario in the summertime.

The Different Ways to Fish on Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario is excellent for fishing year-round, which means there are many ways to fish its waters. Whether you are visiting the 1000 Islands area in the summer or winter, these are Lake Ontario's most popular fishing methods: 

• Chartering a boat: If you want to benefit from a seasoned captain's knowledge, charter a boat. Charter boats also help you pursue schools of fish on the move.
• Shore fishing: Shore fishing is a great way to unwind, especially if you are after fish that congregate toward the lake's shores, including bass and pike. 
• Ice fishing: Lake Ontario is also famous for its ice fishing. Anglers can fish from shorelines and slack water bays during winter.

The Top Lake Ontario Fishing Spots

If you are ready to plan your next Lake Ontario fishing trip, consider stopping by these top fishing spots:

• The Bay of Quinte: The Bay of Quinte is located in Hastings County, Ontario, and it is famous for its sailing and walleye fishing. You can catch many types of fish in this bay, including pike and bass.
• The St. Lawrence River: The mouth of the St. Lawrence River to the right of Lake Ontario boasts excellent fishing for Northern pike, walleye and bass.
• Greater Toronto: You can catch trout, pike, bass, salmon and more at a variety of Toronto's urban fishing spots, including Mississauga's Port Credit and Ashbridges Bay.

Stay at 1000 Islands / Kingston KOA Holiday During Your Next Fishing Trip

Freshwater anglers looking to stay a short distance from Lake Ontario will enjoy staying at 1000 Islands / Kingston KOA Holiday. We are located a few miles from Lake Ontario at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River.

Whether you plan to spend the day on the lake, enjoy the campground's many activities and events or tour the 1000 Island area's popular attractions, 1000 Islands / Kingston KOA Holiday offers campers the perfect basecamp and high-end camping experience.

Call 800-562-9178 today to reserve a campsite or book your site online today!