Trout Fishing in Algonquin Park

Although Algonquin Provincial Park is a breathtaking place to adventure all year round, there is something about it in the springtime that makes it extra special. It could be the lush fauna waiting to be meandered through or the exciting chance to spot young wildlife right along Highway 60, but any angler will tell you the reason you want to visit Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park in the spring is because of the incredible trout fishing. And there is nothing more alluring than the acclaimed Trout Opener.

Starting on the fourth Saturday in April and lasting through to the end of September, anglers have the chance to head out to Algonquin Park for ample brook trout and lake trout fishing opportunities. Though the season is long, the best time to catch these cold water fish is just after ice off in late April, up until late June, when the trout are often found closer to the surface.

Be sure to pay attention to the park opening dates as well. Even though the official Trout Opener is the Friday before the fourth Saturday in April, late ice off on some of the interior lakes (and more recently Covid-19) often results in park staff delaying interior permits until at least the end of the month.

Where to Go

With over 1,500 lakes to choose from in Algonquin Park, it can be tricky to know exactly which one will get you that prized trout or the most consistent action. Generally, you will want to steer yourself a little farther away from the crowd and towards the quieter lakes in the park, which are typically found around the east side. One easy to reach, but features an out of the way access point that leads to several prime trout lakes is Shall Lake north of Madawaska. However even in the busier parts of the park, it is not hard to find your own favourite fishing hole, as there is quite the selection spread throughout the park. If this is your first trip to Algonquin for trout fishing season, here are a few lakes to start you off:

• Big Trout Lake
• Booth Lake
• Grand Lake
• Ragged Lake
• Rock Lake 

What to Know

Algonquin Park is considered one of the best places for brook and lake trout fishing in the entire world, and it is all thanks to the special regulations in place to ensure no populations are overfished. Before you head out to fish this spring, refresh your knowledge on the special regulations in Algonquin Park, as well as the entire province of Ontario, in the PDF copy of the Fishing Regulations Summary. A quick snapshot of the key regulations includes:

• Possession and use of live baitfish prohibited within Algonquin Park 
• No fishing within 100 metres (330 feet) of any dam in Algonquin Park 
• It is illegal to transfer fish from one body of water to another 
• Dip-nets and bait fish traps may not be used to harvest baitfish 
• No winter fishing (the park is a fish sanctuary from December 1 to late April)
• While motorboats are not permitted on most Algonquin Lakes, there are four groups of exceptions: unlimited, 20, 10 and 6 horsepower on specific lakes. 

How to be a Pro

If you have been out trout fishing in the spring before, you probably have some of your own tricks for catching that prize trout, but for any beginners here are a few tips to help you reel in a really big laker:

Stay Near the Surface

During the early spring, lake trout like to stay close to the surface of the water, where it has been warmed up by the sun, providing a comfortable place for them to hang out. 

Use the Rocks 

Because rocks will retain any heat from the sun, this will attract many trout looking for a warm place to hang. Using the troll method, without going off the point of the rock itself, try going back and forth in a zigzag pattern, imitating the movement of a minnow. Jigging tubes or spoons over the top of the rock can also help.

Read the Depths

Using a GPS or the new Algonquin Provincial Park Adventure Map app with bathymetric charts or a map with depth charts, look for drop offs no deeper than 14 metres (45 ft). Once you locate the ideal depth, you can troll along the drop-offs to attract the trout.

Dress in Layers

Spring time can produce all kinds of weather variations. To ensure you do not get cold or overly hot, be sure to dress in layers using a moisture wicking under layer and a rainproof outer layer. 

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Leave a comment below and let us know where you are most excited to drop a line this spring, and do not forget to upload pics from your trip to Instagram and using #brmblife!