Guide to Freshwater Fishing in Canada.

Canada, with roughly 22% of the world's freshwater, is a fishing destination like no other. Every Province and Territory has majestic fishing destinations, some in and near cities, more far from the beaten path. Glacial lakes, deep mountain lakes, lakes that are hundreds and hundreds of miles from civilization are all at your beck and call in Canada. From Newfoundland and Labrador, to Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and through to British Columbia, along with our Northern Territories, trout, pike, pickerel, bass (most species aside from striped bass), grayling, arctic char, sea trout, speckled trout, lake trout (almost all species of trout can be found in Canada) and even the ancient sturgeon are just waiting for your baited hook.

Northern Quebec and Labrador are filled with freshwater lakes, and rivers that connect the lakes, which then empty into the oceans, the Great Lakes, or James or Hudson's Bays. Some rivers, like the Broadback and Rupert rivers in Northern Quebec, are home to some of the best trophy fishing on the continent, if not in the world. People drive over 20 hours to get to rivers that have no habitation other than native reserves, and seeing other anglers while fishing the Northern climes is extremely rare, no matter the time of year.

There are so many lakes in Canada, it is almost impossible to state which are the best. However, the Great Slave and Great Bear lakes, in the Northwest Territories and Alberta, are home to phenomenal fresh water fishing that will leave your arms tired every day from reeling in large, near-trophy sized fish. Sturgeon over 100 pounds, and trout over 60 pounds are rather regular fare in some of the colder rivers and lakes in North America.

In Canada, you need a "sportsman's card", and a fishing license for the area you are fishing. The fisheries department is very stringent on catch limits and fish sizes, as conservation is the key. This is so that the fishing will be good for years to come, and maybe even get better if most anglers obey the catch limits. Catch limits can include the fish that you eat while engrossed in your fishing expedition, as well as what you have pacjed to bring home.

As well, make sure that you check with either the fisheries department, local bait stores or fishing lodges for information in special regulations for where you are freshwater fishing in Canada. For example, to fish the historical Miramichi river in New Brunswick, you must have a guide with you for most portions of the river that are not by the mouth to the Northumberland Straight. In many lakes and rivers in Canada, barbless hooks must be used, and no minnows are allowed.

Enjoy your fishing experience in Canada. There really are no bad lakes, and the majority of National Parks are extremely productive places for freshwater fishing.

Fish on!  And fish safe.