It’s old news to Canadian fishers, but we’ll let you in on a secret: Canada has some of the best fishing you’ll find anywhere, ever.
Why? Well, for starters, the options are nearly endless. Canada is literally full of lakes. Consider this: Canada has over two million lakes within its borders. That’s about 9 percent of its land mass, making Canada the country with the most lakes in the world. For comparison, there are about 125,000 lakes in the lower 48 U.S. states, the country’s closest neighbor.
Salivating yet? Now consider that many of Canada’s northern lakes are quite remote and benefit from guiding services to reach them. Once you’re there, though, don’t be surprised if you have the place all to yourself. In a sport that’s known for its competitive spirit (secret fishing spots, anyone?), having the trophy fish all to yourself is a rare luxury.
If you’ve been considering a fishing trip to Canada, you know that choosing the right location can be overwhelming. We’re here to help: check out this list of some of Canada’s best fishing spots and prepare to take the plunge (and probably bag a trophy fish or two).
1. Chipewyan Lake
This remote lake is teeming with prize fish like northern pike, walleye, lake trout, and Arctic grayling. If the kid in you still dreams of unspoiled lakes where the fish grow big and hungry, this is the place for you. It remains mostly underfished and unexplored with bays, creeks, and coves still unnamed and untried.
Bonus: If you get tired of Chipewyan—which is doubtful—you’re within striking distance of Otter, Loon, Trout, and Fox Lakes as well as the South Seal River to the north.
2. Wolf Lake
Wolf Lake might be known for its trophy northern pike, but savvy Canadian anglers know it for its excellent walleye as well. The lake is located at the northern end of Big Sand Lake and features many shallow bays and weed beds.
Because of the large number of rivers and creeks flowing into Wolf Lake, it has a constant flow. This means some areas of the lake never freeze, even in the coldest cold (and Canada winters can be COLD). It’s also near the South Seal River, which boasts some of the best Arctic grayling fishing in Manitoba.
3. Jordan Lake
The excellent walleye fishing in this Manitoba lake starts where it’s fed from the west and flows northeast via the Kitimiwi River to Kitimiwi Lake and into Big Sand Lake. The lake is fed by numerous lakes and creeks swarming with fish, and it provides plenty of habitats for them to wait for your cast.
But there’s no reason to limit yourself to walleye here—the northern pike game is just as good. Even better, trophy Arctic grayling make the fast waters in the northeast portion of Jordan Lake their home. And, because Jordan Lake is so remote, it’s quite possible you and your buddies will have it all to yourselves.
4. LeClair Lake
Each year, some of the best northern pike in Canada are pulled from LeClair Lake. Walleyes, too: plenty of natural rock structures provide an ideal habitat for these beauties.
One of the best aspects of this area is its diversity—just a short jaunt away are three other connected lakes boasting shallow bays and weed beds where trophy catches are just lying in wait. You might see them follow your hook right up to the boat only to turn away as if to say, “Maybe next time!”
A fishing trip to Canada’s lakes can easily be the trip of a lifetime. Monster trophy fish await, and you can even pursue the “big brag” itself, the Canadian Grand Slam.
To make your trip one to remember, book a trip with the folks at Big Sand Lake Lodge in Manitoba, Canada. Every year, Big Sand Lake Lodge guides help their sports catch and release 20–30+ pound northern pike; 50+ pound lake trout; 3-4 pound (average) walleye; and trophy-sized Arctic grayling. Located in Canada’s remote wilderness, Big Sand Lake Lodge offers fishing at its best. Contact the fishing experts at Big Sand Lake Lodge today to discover just how good Canadian lake fishing can be.