Lake Nipissing is the fifth-largest lake in Ontario (excluding the great lakes) and covers 831 square km. Located 50 km northeast of Georgian Bay, the lake runs in an east-west direction to a length of 80 km. It is relatively shallow (about 30 ft in most places) and is consequently well aerated, which leads to an abundance of healthy plant and fish life. Dozens of rivers and streams drain into Lake Nipissing, most notably being the Sturgeon River, Wasi River and South River. The French River, which outlets from its southwest end, drains into Georgian Bay.
The prime game fish sought by anglers are the walleye or pickerel. They are so plentiful in this lake that catching your limit is considered a bad days fishing. Other species that are abundant are northern pike, smallmouth & largemouth bass, yellow perch, muskellunge, whitefish & cisco. Lake Nipissing is also the ice-fishing capital of the north. With over 2,000 huts on the lake, anglers enjoy the best winter fishing in Ontario. For more ice fishing information visit Ice Fishing Lake Nipissing.
| Lake Nipissing and Upper French River | Zone 11 (in general) | |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye & Sauger | January 1 to March 15 & 3rd Saturday in May to October 15 |
January 1 to 3 Sunday in March & 3rd Saturday in May to December 31 |
| Northern Pike | January 1 to March 15 & 3rd Saturday in May to November 30 |
January 1 to 3rd Sunday in March & 3rd Saturday in May to December 31 |
| Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass | January 1 to March 15 & 3rd Saturday in May to November 30 |
January 1 to 3rd Sunday in March & 3rd Saturday in May to December 31 |
| Muskellunge | 3rd Saturday in June to November 30 | 3rd Saturday in June to December 15 |
Season:
January 1 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to October 15 (May 18 - October 15, 2024)
Limits:
S-2: must be between 40-45 cm
C-1: must be between 40-45 cm
Season:
January 1 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to November 30 (May 18 - November 30, 2024)
Limits:
S-4: not more than 1 greater than 61 cm, none greater than 86 cm
C-2: not more than 1 greater than 61 cm, none greater than 86 cm
Season:
January 1 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to November 30 (May 18 - November 30, 2024)
Limits:
S-6
C-2
Season:
third Saturday in June to November 30 (June 15 - November 30, 2024)
Limits:
S-1: must be greater than 137 cm
C-0: must be greater than 137 cm
S = Sport Fishing License / C = Conservation Fishing License
For all other species please refer to the Fishing Ontario Guide.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for reference only.
We do not guarantee it's accuracy.
Please refer to the Ontario Guide for complete information.
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Walleye are everywhere in the lake. Trolling worm harnesses with chartreuse blades in 11-14 ft of water is always sure to catch a mess of pickerel. Some of the best areas are in the bay between Hardwood Island and Goulais Pt., at the mouth of the French River, especially in the spring, around Goose Island, Manitou Island, South Bay and the along the south shore from Callander to Deepwater Point.
Muskellunge are usually found along the western shore of Cache Bay and South Bay, and around Goose Island and Gull Rock. Casting large body baits in perch, walleye and pike patterns in 6-14 ft of water can produce some monsters.
Bass can be caught along the north shore of West Bay, the east shore of South Bay, around the Manitou Islands, and near Callander. Casting small body baits in perch patterns in 10-14 ft of water is a proven tactic for Nipissing smallies. Small tube jigs and plastic grubs worked slowly along the bottom can produce some lunkers.
Northern Pike are abundant in Cache Bay, at the mouths of the Sturgeon River and the French River, around Iron Island and Goose Island, at Deepwater Point and all along the eastern shore between Callander and North Bay. Casting large spoons in 6-10 ft of water can very productive in the spring. In summer, spinner baits with white, yellow or chartreuse skirts in weedy bays can be hot, especially on windy days. Sucker minnows fished 1 foot off the bottom is a favorite technique for catching winter pike.
Mashkinonje Resort
566 Musky Island Road
Lavigne, ON, P0H 1R0
CANADA
1-705-594-9330
info@mashkinonje-resort.com
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ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. MASHKINONJE RESORT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE PRICES AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.
