Canada’s Top Fly Fishing Destinations

With freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams covering almost nine percent of its total area, Canada is a haven for anglers. Trout, bass, northern pike, and steelhead are just a few of the species that lure fly fishermen to Canadian waters. Although it’s possible to fly fish in most freshwater bodies, these top Canadian destinations offer stunning views, lodging nearby, and a great chance of securing a rewarding catch.

Hatchet Lake, Saskatchewan

A remote fishing locale in northeast Saskatchewan, Hatchet Lake offers 5,000 square miles of water with trophy-size lake trout, Canadian walleye, northern pike, and arctic grayling. Stay at the Hatchet Lake Lodge, which provides all the amenities of a luxury fishing resort. You can fish on site or fly out to one of the area's other nearby lakes.

Little Vermilion Lake, Ontario

Little Vermilion Lake is famous for its smallmouth bass, northern pike, and muskie. Thanks to its catch-and-release policy, the lake offers exceptional fishing. Stay at Fireside Lodge, which offers a remote experience with access to ten other lakes in the region.

Fraser River, British Columbia

Travel to British Columbia to fish for salmon and trout on the Fraser River. You can enjoy excellent fly fishing most of the year, with trout season lasting from March to November and salmon season starting in late summer and lasting until November. Trout fishing is also popular out of season, especially between December and February. The onsite Fraser River Lodge offers comfortable accommodations and can provide full fishing gear to visitors, including fly fishing rods, reels, and bait.

Bow River, Alberta

A world-renowned spot for brown and rainbow trout, the Bow River in Southern Alberta is easily accessible from Calgary. It’s teeming with fish, with a population of 3,000 brown and rainbow trout per mile and an average fish size of 48cm or 19 inches. The river’s proximity to Calgary offers easy access to hotel accommodation, and guided fishing services are available from several providers.

Kesagami Lake, Ontario

Kesagami Lake is home to countless northern pike, many measuring 40 to 50 inches (100 to 130cm) long and weighing as much as 30 pounds (14kg). There is a catch-and-release policy for the pike, but a selective harvest for smaller walleye means that you can still enjoy a lunch of freshly caught fish. Fly-in lodging at Kesagami Lake Wilderness Lodge offers visitors the remote experience they crave.

Kississing Lake, Manitoba

A hotbed for walleye, northern pike, and lake trout, Kississing Lake stretches 26 miles (41km) across and is home to islands, reefs, and marshy weed beds that are great for fishing. In fact, locals boast that it's not uncommon for someone to catch 100 fish a day in this lake. Stay at Kississing Lake Lodge, a luxury resort that offers premium accommodations and guided fishing tours.

Canadian fishing spots offer some premium opportunities for anglers. Check out our Instagram page to share photos of your own amazing fishing experiences.