Did you know that Canada has the most lakes of any country in the world? No one has actually counted them all, but many sources estimate there are upwards of two million.
From tiny sparkling pools to vast inland seas (like the Great Lakes and Lake Winnipeg), Canada's lakes are truly one of its most incredible geographical features. Tourists visit Canada from all around the globe to experience the splendour of the country's stunning wilderness, but if you're an avid fisher, those two million lakes mean one thing to you and one thing only: Enough fishing for a lifetime!
From west to east and north to south, Canada's lakes offer some of the most remarkable fishing on the planet. But with so many diverse options, where do you even begin? In this post, we'll take a look at nine of the top fishing lakes in Canada and whet your appetite for the fishing adventures that will await you when you finally have the opportunity to explore and experience each one. If you're currently searching for your next fishing destination, the list below should help you narrow down your options.
Disclaimer: Admittedly, a couple of the listings below aren't lakes, but they are renowned Canadian freshwater fishing destinations, so we've gone ahead and included them anyway.
1. Munroe Lake (Manitoba)
Located in the heart of northern Canada, Manitoba's Munroe Lake is a stunning, world-class destination for trophy Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Arctic Grayling. Only accessible by small plane, Munroe Lake Lodge, the only structure on the lake, is situated in a forested region near the edge of the tundra. Guests can expect to experience exceptional fishing where every detail is taken care of, and each day brings a new adventure.
2. Great Slave Lake (Northwest Territories)
Great Slave Lake is the fifth-largest lake in North America. Located in the Northwest Territories, it's easily accessible by road or air (via the Yellowknife Airport). Great Slave Lake is surrounded by the rugged Canadian Shield and is an incredible destination for sport fishing in any season—winter ice fishing beneath the Northern Lights, anyone? It's known for trophy Lake Trout of up to 27 kg (60 lbs), plus you can try your hand at Northern Pike and Arctic Grayling fishing. A day on the water here won't disappoint!
3. North Lake (Prince Edward Island)
Known as the Tuna Capital of the World, North Lake on Prince Edward Island (off of Canada's east coast) offers fishers the unique opportunity to catch Giant Bluefin Tuna. If you like to chase the biggest fish in the pond, you'll be thrilled to know that Giant Bluefin Tuna in the region regularly weigh in at over 450 kg (1,000 lbs) each. Due to strict conservation regulations, all Giant Bluefin Tuna fishing on North Lake is catch-and-release.
4. Lake of the Woods (Ontario)
Located in northwestern Ontario, Lake of the Woods is a large and picturesque lake in the Canadian Shield that boasts more than 14,000 islands. Accessible by road or small plane, Lake of the Woods is a sport fishing haven from morning until night. Renowned for giant Muskellunge (Muskies), it's also home to healthy populations of Walleye, Northern Pike, Perch, Sauger, Crappie, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Lake Trout, Lake Sturgeon, and Whitefish.
5. Fraser River (British Columbia)
The Fraser River is the longest river in British Columbia, winding its way through some of the province's most breathtaking scenery. If it's Salmon or Sturgeon you're after, you'll be in heaven as you explore the Fraser River's bends and rapids. With between 20 - 50 million Salmon making their way upstream every year and one of the largest White Sturgeon populations in the world, it's truly an angler's paradise.
6. Tree River (Nunavut)
Located north of the tree line in western Nunavut, Tree River is a deliciously remote destination where you can truly disconnect from society. It also happens to be home to the world's largest Arctic Char fishery. Spend your days casting and reeling in amidst ancient rocks and fighting massive Northern Trout. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
7. Reindeer Lake (Saskatchewan)
Reindeer Lake, in northern Saskatchewan, is home to some of the largest Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Walleye, and Arctic Grayling in Canada. If trophy fish are what you're after, Reindeer Lake may be your ideal destination. Fresh, clear, cold water from more than 95 tributaries makes for unparalleled northern fishing that never slows down in any season.
8. Wolf Lake (Yukon)
Surrounded by tundra, wooded lowlands, and mountains, Wolf Lake is undoubtedly a gem. Just hiking the shoreline is a feast for the eyes and spirit, but once you're out on the water, you can expect to be reeling in trophy fish like Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, and Whitefish. There's really nothing quite as magical as frying up succulent fish after a day in the pristine wilderness, and Wolf Lake offers it all.
9. Bow River (Alberta)
Another river on the list (yes, we know), but we couldn't resist mentioning the Bow River in Alberta, one of Canada's premier fly fishing destinations. Cutting a path through the Rocky Mountains, the Bow River offers Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Bull Trout, Cutties, and Rocky Mountain Whitefish. Fish fry, anyone?
For more information about Munroe Lake Lodge's fly-in fishing or hunting experiences, contact us today!