"Vast Lake Nipissing — meaning “big water” in Algonquin — is the gateway to northern Ontario, home to more than 40 different species of fish, which is reflected in the many fishing lodges that dot the shoreline. The lake has a surface area of 873 sq. km and is the third largest lake in the province, excluding the Great Lakes, yet it’s also a shallow lake with an average depth of only five metres. The City of North Bay lies on the lake’s northeastern shore.

Nipissing is fishing central in Ontario. Fishing season begins in May and June with openings for muskie, walleye, pike and bass. Fishing activities in general contribute more than $60 million annual to the provincial economy.

Walleye, smallmouth bass, muskellunge and northern pike are the main sport fish species. There are also pickerel, whitefish, yellow perch, burbot and cisco or lake herring to be had.

For walleye, try trolling worm harnesses with chartreuse blades. Try the mouth of the French River in the springtime. Trolling along the shoreline is generally productive.

Stocking associations are engaged in attempts to manage the lake’s walleye population.

Angler’s Atlas members have marked up the map for Lake Nipissing with all sorts of hot spots, boat launches and more.

Callander Bay, near North Bay at the southeastern end of the lake, is productive for walleye and smallmouth bass. Weed beds along the shore are a good spot. South Bay on the southeast side of the lake provides ideal habitat for walleye and muskie early in the season before they migrate to deeper water. It’s also popular for ice fishing for pike, perch and herring.

Hundreds of huts can be scattered around the lake on a good winter’s day, although there were fewer this past season due to regulation changes. Check the guide before heading out.

The western end of the lake is known for its king-sized muskies, averaging in the mid-30 inches but fish up to 50 inches have been caught. Muskie fishing is most popular in summer and fall. Some suggested spots are along the western shores of Cache Bay and South Bay, around Goose Island and Gull Rock.

Smallmouth bass range up to 3-4 lbs. They are caught in Callender Bay, around the Manitou Islands, and on the north shore of West Bay.

Angler’s Atlas members also note that the middle of the lake, and the southern shore, are all great spots.

Ice huts and bungalows are available for ice fishing in the winter.

LAKE ACCESS

Lake Nipissing is right on the edge of North Bay, and there are numerous access points and boat launches around the lake. The lake is about 350 km or a three- to four-hour drive from Toronto. There are plenty of lodges, cottages, resorts, guide services and campgrounds that dot the shore."