If you’ve never fished in Northern Ontario, you’re missing out on something special. I’ve been heading up there for the last five years sometimes for the rush of pulling in a trophy walleye, other times just to unplug and breathe in the kind of quiet you don’t get anywhere else.
One thing I’ve learned? Timing makes all the difference. The same lake can feel like a whole new world from one month to the next, and knowing what species are active during each season can turn a good trip into a great one.
Here’s how it plays out on the water, season by season at least from someone who’s actually been there, tackle box in hand.
Spring (May to Early June): The Walleye Wake-Up
As soon as the ice melts and the lakes open up, the walleye get moving. Early spring is hands-down one of the best times to catch them especially if you’re targeting size.
They’re just coming out of spawning, they’re hungry, and they tend to school in shallower waters. We usually have the best luck around rocky points or near river inlets where the current is gentle.
I remember one trip in late May where we were barely ten casts in and had already hooked three solid walleye all over 20 inches. Minnow-tipped jigs in chartreuse did the trick. The water’s still cold, so they aren’t overly aggressive, but they will strike if you find the right depth.
Northern pike are also active this time of year. We’ve found them lurking in weedy bays and shallow flats, especially when the sun’s out. If you like an aggressive fight, tossing a spinnerbait near submerged timber can get your line screaming in no time.
Summer (Late June to August): Variety Season
By the time the days get longer and the temps warm up, the fishing really opens up. You can go after just about everything in July and August walleye, pike, smallmouth bass, even perch if you know where to look.
Walleye tend to move deeper as the surface heats up, so we usually drift-jig or use bottom bouncers along mid-lake humps or channel edges. Deep diving crankbaits also work well if the bite slows down.
This is also when bass fishing comes into its own. Smallmouth are aggressive, especially early in the morning and later in the evening. We’ve had some fun days using topwater poppers right along the rocky shorelines.
And of course, summer is when Northern Ontario really shows off. The weather is warm, the days are long, and you can spend hours on the water without even realizing it. Just don’t forget the bug spray — trust me.
Fall (September to Early October): The Feeding Frenzy
Fall fishing in Northern Ontario is… something else. The crowds thin out, the air turns crisp, and the fish? They feed like there’s no tomorrow.
Walleye, in particular, get aggressive as the water cools again. This is when we switch over to larger live bait — big minnows, leeches if you can find them and focus on rocky drop-offs. Evening bites are especially hot.
Pike also put on weight this time of year. We’ve caught some of our largest in early October — fat, angry fish that absolutely hammer your bait. They’re trying to bulk up before winter, and it shows.
If you’re lucky, and the temps hold out, the fall colors reflecting off the water add a whole other level of beauty to the trip. Fewer boats, fewer bugs, and just the sound of your reel dragging out line? It’s a different kind of magic.
Winter (Ice Fishing Season): Patience, Warm Boots, and Big Rewards
I’ll be honest: winter fishing isn’t for everyone. But if you’re up for it and you’ve got the gear to stay warm the rewards can be surprising.
Walleye and perch are the main targets once the ice is solid enough. We usually use jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads and set up near mid-depth flats or underwater structure.
What I’ve always loved about ice fishing is the simplicity. A couple of rods, a thermos of hot coffee, and a good portable shelter. It’s peaceful, quiet, and the strikes come when you least expect them.
And yes, there’s always the bragging rights of catching dinner through two feet of ice.
Every season in Northern Ontario offers something different from springtime flurries of walleye to the crisp air and fire-orange shorelines of fall.
It’s not just about catching fish (though, you’ll catch plenty). It’s about knowing what to expect, adjusting your approach, and making the most of whatever nature throws your way.
I still look forward to every trip north like it’s my first. Because up there, on those quiet lakes and winding rivers, you never know what’s going to hit the line next.
