Ontario's diverse waters offer fishing opportunities throughout the year, but knowing when and where to fish for different species can make the difference between a successful outing and going home empty-handed. This comprehensive guide breaks down Ontario's fishing seasons, explains why certain times are better than others, and reveals how you can enjoy year-round fishing even when traditional waters are closed or frozen.
Understanding Ontario Fishing Seasons
Ontario has regulated fishing seasons to protect fish during vulnerable times, primarily during spawning. Different species have different seasons based on their life cycles. General Open Seasons: Many species are open year-round, but some have closed periods. Zone Variations: Ontario is divided into Fisheries Management Zones, each with slightly different regulations. Always check the current regulations for your specific area at ontario.ca/fishing.
Spring Fishing (March-May)
Spring is one of the most exciting times to fish in Ontario as fish become active after winter. What's Biting: Trout season opens in many areas (check specific zones). Pike and walleye are actively feeding pre-spawn. Panfish start becoming active in shallow water. Where to Fish: Stocked trout ponds and lakes. Shallow bays and channels for pike. Rivers and streams as ice breaks up. Spring Tips: Fish are hungry but water is still cold—use slower presentations. Many species are in spawning mode by late spring—check for closed seasons. Spring runoff can make water murky; fish near clearer tributaries. Early spring (March-April) offers less competition from other anglers.
Summer Fishing (June-August)
Summer is peak fishing season with warm weather and all species active. What's Biting: Bass season opens (check dates, usually late June). Trout fishing best early morning and evening. Pike and muskellunge are active. Panfish are abundant and easy to catch. Where to Fish: Deep, cooler water for trout during hot days. Weed beds and structure for bass. Open water for pike and muskie. Ponds and shallow lakes for panfish. Summer Tips: Fish early morning (5-9 AM) or late evening (6 PM-dark). Use lighter line and smaller lures in clear summer water. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Stocked trout ponds remain productive all day since fish are accustomed to feeding.
Fall Fishing (September-November)
Fall is an underrated fishing season with beautiful scenery and aggressive fish. What's Biting: Trout fishing is excellent as water cools. Bass are feeding heavily before winter. Pike and muskies are particularly active. Salmon runs in tributaries of the Great Lakes. Where to Fish: Deeper water as temperatures drop. River mouths and tributaries. Lakes with good trout populations. Fall Tips: Fish are feeding aggressively to prepare for winter. Water clarity improves as algae dies back. Fewer crowds than summer. Cooler weather means all-day fishing comfort. Watch for early ice in Northern Ontario by November.
Winter Fishing (December-February)
Ice fishing opens up a whole new world of angling opportunities. What's Biting: Lake trout through the ice. Perch, crappie, and other panfish. Pike under the ice. Some bass in certain zones (check regulations). Where to Fish: Frozen lakes with safe ice (minimum 4 inches for walking). Popular ice fishing lakes near Ottawa include Gananoque, Sharbot Lake, and various smaller bodies of water. Winter Tips: Safety first—always check ice thickness and fish with a buddy. Ice fishing requires specialized equipment (auger, tip-ups, ice shelters). Dress warmly in layers. Fishing is often best during early ice (December-January) and late ice (February-March).
Species-Specific Seasons in Ontario
Different fish have different open and closed seasons. Always verify current regulations, but here's a general overview for the Ottawa area (Zone 18). Rainbow Trout: Generally open year-round in stocked waters. Some wild trout streams have seasonal closures. Brook Trout: Season typically closes in September to protect fall spawning. Lake Trout: Open year-round in most zones. Bass (Smallmouth and Largemouth): Closed during spawning, usually mid-April to late June. Check exact dates. Pike and Muskellunge: Generally open year-round, but some waters have specific closures. Walleye: Some areas have spring closures to protect spawning fish. Note: These are generalizations. Always check official Ontario fishing regulations before fishing.
Year-Round Fishing: Private Stocked Ponds
Here's the secret to fishing every month of the year: private trout farms operate outside provincial season restrictions. At Thistle Springs Trout Farm in Ashton, you can fish for rainbow trout year-round (weather permitting). Why Private Ponds Offer Year-Round Fishing: They're stocked with farm-raised fish, not wild populations. No spawning closures needed since reproduction is controlled. Operate when weather allows (typically March-November in Ottawa area). No fishing license required. This makes private trout ponds the perfect solution for: Off-season fishing when public waters are closed. Families who want spontaneous fishing trips. Beginners practicing before tackling wild waters. Anyone seeking guaranteed action regardless of season.
Best Times of Day to Fish by Season
Time of day matters as much as time of year. Spring: Mid-morning to afternoon as water warms. Summer: Early morning (dawn-9 AM) and evening (5 PM-dusk) to avoid heat. Fall: All day can be productive, with slight preference for midday as it's warmest. Winter: Midday is often best when ice fishing—10 AM to 3 PM.
Planning Your Fishing Calendar
Here's how to maximize your fishing throughout the year. March-April: Trout fishing in stocked ponds as ice melts. Early pike fishing. May: Trout season peaks before water gets too warm. Pre-spawn pike and walleye. Late May-June: Bass season opens—target aggressive pre-spawn fish. July-August: Early morning trout fishing. Bass and pike in deeper water. September-October: Fall trout fishing is spectacular. Active bass and pike feeding. November: Late-season fishing before freeze-up. December-February: Ice fishing for lake trout, pike, and panfish. Year-Round Option: Thistle Springs Trout Farm operates spring through fall, weather permitting.
Weather and Fishing Success
Certain weather conditions improve or hurt fishing regardless of season. Best Conditions: Overcast days (fish are less cautious). Light rain (insects fall in water, fish feed). Stable barometric pressure (fish are predictable). Worst Conditions: Bright, sunny, calm days (especially for trout). Rapidly falling barometer (cold fronts suppress feeding). Post-frontal conditions (first day after a storm). Adapt your tactics to conditions. On bright days, fish deeper or shadier spots. After cold fronts, slow down your presentation.
Make the Most of Every Season
Ontario offers incredible fishing opportunities 12 months a year if you know where and when to fish. From the excitement of spring trout fishing to the adventure of winter ice fishing, each season brings unique experiences. For reliable, season-flexible fishing that doesn't depend on wild fish populations or weather conditions, Thistle Springs Trout Farm is your year-round solution. Open from spring through fall (weather permitting), we provide consistent fishing action when public waters may be closed, frozen, or unproductive. Located 30 minutes from Ottawa at 8739 Copeland Road in Ashton. No license required, equipment available, and fish biting year-round during our operating season. Visit thistlesprings.ca or call 613-875-0058 to check current conditions and plan your visit. The fishing season never has to end!