Top Five Northern Ontario Shore Fishing Destinations

Nipigon River, Nipigon

The Nipigon River is world-renowned as the #1 Brook Trout hotspot. But since it empties into Lake Superior, it harbours many other fish species. Lake Trout, Rainbow (Steelhead) Trout, Chinook Salmon, Northern Pike, Walleye, and even Smallmouth Bass traverse to the Nipigon’s river mouth in search of food or a spawning area.

When I first heard stories of the Nipigon River from my father (he worked there for many years), I thought of a rugged, rapid river that weaved through heavily forested areas. In my mind, it was unreachable by shore, and you could only get there by freighter canoe. Wow, was I wrong. Yes, there are sections of the river that pass through ridiculously thick bush, but there are many areas of the river that are accessible by boat and from shore.

My father Gord Bowman has caught many Brook Trout along with giant Pike out of the Nipigon River. A large number of them were caught from shore.

A Multi-Species Mecca

Probably the best-known shore access on the river is near the town of Nipigon. This stretch of the river flows freely to Lake Superior (no dams), allowing all migrating fish species to use this area for feeding and or spawning. Way back in the day, this area was pretty much exclusively a Brook Trout and Northern Pike spot. Nowadays, however, it is a multi-species mecca.

There are many motels, gas stations, coffee shops and restaurants near here, so finding accommodations and amenities is easy. But make sure you book in advance. Many other shore-bound anglers will want to hit this world-class fishing destination, too.