Lake Nipissing Fishing: How To Catch The Most Popular Species

Lake Nipissing is known as one of the best fishing lakes in all of Ontario. Due to its large size and relatively shallow depth, it offers a very strong and diverse fishery. The most popular fish species that anglers target are Walleye (Pickerel), Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Muskies (Muskellunge). Each of these fish species will be attracted to different lures, baits, and presentations, so it’s important to know their preferences.

Walleye is generally the most popular and sought after fish in Ontario. Many anglers are drawn to the challenge of catching them and the joy of eating them. Walleye have particularly good vision in low light conditions due to a variation in the structure of their eyes. Their sight advantage also extends to rough or stained water conditions, giving them a significant advantage over their prey. Walleye are especially active in low light conditions, making a sunset fishing trip your best chance of success. Walleye can also see well in deeper water and can be found there, especially during the warmer summer season. Some of the best places for walleye are in the South Bay and along the southern shoreline of Lake Nipissing. Lure and bait selection can vary widely, but a simple jig with live bait is usually the best strategy for most anglers. Your success with Walleye will often have more to do with local conditions than anything related to rig selection. Walleye are wary fish and are famous for nibbling a bit before attacking their prey. It is important to hesitate a bit before setting the hook.

Northern pike are plentiful in Lake Nipissing and are generally fun to catch. They prefer shallow, weedy areas as well as cool, clear rocky water. Pike fishing from shore can often be quite effective, especially in spring. Very often the first fish caught by a beginner will be a northern pike. All pike are ambush predators, but especially the small and medium sized ones, as the larger ones generally don’t have much to fear. They can lie motionless for a long time waiting for their prey. The body shape allows them to strike extremely fast and anglers will generally have no problem recognizing a bite. Larger pike can be caught with dead fish as bait, although many anglers still prefer to troll with various lures and live baits. This technique often works best in the summer and fall, when pike will seek out deeper water and locations that provide more cover. The natural structure of Lake Nipissing provides many shallow weedy areas mixed with rocky islands and as a result is almost perfect for anglers looking for northern pike. Muskellunge are quite similar to Northern Pike and exhibit many of the same hunting preferences and patterns. Both Northern Pike and Muskellunge are excellent for trophy fishing.

Lake Nipissing also provides great habitat for smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass are generally a fun fish to catch, as they often put up a good fight highlighted with some aerobatics when they reach the surface. Many different types of lures and baits will help you successfully catch Smallmouth Bass, including crankbaits, jigs, and spinnerbaits. Smallmouth Bass generally prefer cooler water and are often found in rocky areas or near sandy bottoms, of which Lake Nipissing has many.