Photo courtesy of SAIL

This article is part 2 of 6 of our “Escape the City” series, presented with SAIL – your outdoor equipment store.

 

Missed Part 1? Discover Where to Go Camping This Summer Near Ottawa

 

Did you know that you can fish over Father’s Day weekend without buying a fishing licence?

Four times a year, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without buying a fishing licence. It’s a great time to try it out if you’re new to the sport. Just make sure you follow normal fishing regulations.

Fishing is easy to learn, is practised almost anywhere, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

You don’t need to travel far to find great fishing spots in Canada’s Capital Region. Fish from shore, or launch a boat, kayak or canoe with ease.

Here’s where you can fish in the Ottawa area:

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Sunrise Yak fishin'

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Where to fish:

  • West Carleton: Morris Island Conservation Area, Fitzroy Harbour, Fitzroy Provincial Park, MacLaren’s Landing, Buckham’s Bay
  •  Port of Call marina
  • Nepean North: Shirley’s Bay, Crystal Beach, Dick Bell Park, Champlain Bridge
  • Ottawa East—Rockcliffe Yacht Club, Blair Road
  • Orléans East—Petrie Island

 

What you can catch:

  • warm-water: black crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, carp, channel catfish, brown bullhead, bluegill, longnose gar
  • cool-water: walleye, sauger, northern pike, muskellunge, rock bass, freshwater drum, yellow perch, mooneye
  • Champlain Bridge area—brown trout, stocked by the Province of Quebec

 

Rideau River

 

Where to Fish:

  • Vanier Parkway: New Edinburgh Park, Riverain Park
  • Downtown: Dow’s Lake, Brewer Park, Billings Bridge Plaza area, Windsor Park, Brantwood Park, OC Transpo Bridge (between Lees and Hurdman Stations)
  • Hunt Club Bridge South to Manotick: Eccolands Park, Black Rapids locks, Chapman Mills Conservation Area, Riverside Park
  • Manotick Area: Walter Upton-Collins Park, Rideau Township marina
  • Kars and Osgoode Area: Long Island marina, Kars recreation area, Kars public wharf, W.A. Taylor Conservation Area
  • Dilworth Road, off Highway #416—Baxter Conservation Area, Reeve Craig boat launch
  • Kemptville and Kemptville Creek: Rideau River Provincial Park, Muldoon Launch, Pirate Cove Marina, Curry Park

 

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Everybody is makin’ love or else expecting rain

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What you can catch:

  • warm-water: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, carp, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead
  • cool-water: walleye, black crappie, rock bass, yellow perch, northern pike, muskellunge

The experts at SAIL say: Trying fishing for the first time? Keep it simple. A rod and some small soft lures are all you need to get started without breaking the bank. Find everything you need with our Starter Kits.

If you’re a little more experienced, try specific gear for catching specific types of fish with Cyril’s tackle boxes

 

Wherever your adventure takes you, make sure you’re equipped with the right gear. Visit your local SAIL store for all your outdoor needs.

Filed under: EscapetheCity