Angling has been part of Algonquin Park’s identity for more than 150 years. From Tom Thomson casting for trout on Cache Lake in the early 1900s to families catching their first fish at Lake of Two Rivers, fishing remains deeply woven into the park’s culture and recreational history. Today, Algonquin continues to offer some of the best trout fishing in southern Ontario.
For visitors staying in frontcountry campgrounds along the Highway 60 corridor, excellent fishing opportunities are always close at hand. Many lakes offer easy shoreline access, while short paddles or hikes lead to quieter water with lighter fishing pressure. The corridor provides access to a wide range of fisheries, from heavily managed trout lakes to small, stocked waters and bass-rich shorelines.
This article focuses on where to fish along Highway 60, highlighting reliable lakes, the species they support, and what kind of access each one offers. It’s designed to help you choose the right lake based on effort, experience level, and the type of fishing you want to do.
For a full breakdown of fish species, seasons, and Algonquin-specific regulations, see Species, Seasons, and Fishing Rules in Algonquin Park >
Cache Lake
Fish Species: Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch
Surface Area: 287 hectares (710 acres)
Maximum Depth: 34 metres (112 feet)
Closest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Canoe Lake
Cache Lake is one of the most developed and historically significant lakes along the Highway 60 corridor, located just south of the highway near km 24. Easily accessed from roadside parking and day-use areas, it offers a mix of shore and boat-based angling with a well-maintained launch and straightforward canoe access. The Madawaska River enters on the west side and exits to the northeast, creating a variety of depths and current-influenced structure.
This is primarily a lake trout lake, with deep basins and steep drop-offs that fish well in spring and fall. Smallmouth bass become more active in the warmer months, especially around rocky points, shoals, and shoreline structure. Yellow perch are common near the boat launch and in shallower weedy pockets.
Cache Lake sees steady fishing pressure due to its accessibility, and special Algonquin trout regulations apply. Anglers should also note motor horsepower limits and the park-wide ban on live baitfish.
Canisbay Lake
Fish Species: Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch
Surface Area: 152 hectares (376 acres)
Maximum Depth: 25 metres (82 feet)
Closest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters –Lake of Two Rivers
Canisbay Lake sits just south of Highway 60 at km 23 and forms the centrepiece of one of Algonquin’s largest frontcountry campgrounds. With a sandy beach, quiet bays, and easy access for paddling, it offers a classic family-friendly lake experience right from the campground shoreline.
This is primarily a lake trout lake, with trout holding in the deeper central basin during the cooler months and retreating deeper as summer progresses. Smallmouth bass become more active along rocky shorelines and mid-lake structure as water temperatures rise. Yellow perch can be found in the weed beds at the south end of the lake, accessible by canoe or from campsites.
Fishing pressure is moderate due to the campground’s size, but early morning and evening outings often provide quieter conditions, especially toward the north end of the lake. Live baitfish are prohibited, and Algonquin’s special trout regulations apply.
Canoe Lake
Fish Species: Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass
Surface Area: 366 hectares (904 acres)
Maximum Depth: 27 metres (89 ft)
Closest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Canoe Lake
Canoe Lake is one of Algonquin’s most iconic waters, located near the west gate and serving as a major access point to the park’s interior. Steeped in paddling and cultural history, it remains one of the busiest lakes along the Highway 60 corridor.
The lake supports lake trout and a small but notable brook trout population, with the best trout fishing occurring in spring and early summer before fish move deeper. Smallmouth bass provide reliable action later in the season along rocky points, shoals, and shoreline structure.
Shore fishing is possible near the access point and at the inflow/outflow of Potter Creek (east) and the Oxtongue River (west), though a canoe greatly expands opportunities. Expect steady fishing pressure, and be sure to follow Algonquin’s trout regulations and bait restrictions.
Lake of Two Rivers
Fish Species: Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Splake, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch
Surface Area: 306 hectares (756 acres)
Maximum Depth: 42 metres (136 ft)
Closest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Lake of Two Rivers
Located near km 32, Lake of Two Rivers is one of the most accessible and well-used lakes along Highway 60, with beaches, picnic areas, and a nearby campground. Its easy access and amenities make it a popular destination for both paddling and fishing.
The lake is primarily known for its lake trout, which are most active in spring when they remain higher in the water column. Smallmouth bass are common along rocky shorelines and shoals, while splake and brook trout are occasionally caught. Young anglers can also target rock bass and yellow perch, often with just a hook and a nightcrawler.
Two boat launches support canoes, kayaks, and small motorboats (20 hp limit), and both the beach and launch areas offer decent shore fishing. Tackle and supplies are available at the Algonquin Outfitters store across the road. As with all Algonquin waters, special trout regulations and bait restrictions apply.
Lake Opeongo
Fish Species: Brook Trout, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch
Surface Area: 5,154 hectares (12,740 acres)
Maximum Depth: 49 metres (162 feet)
Fish Species: Brook trout, lake trout, smallmouth bass
Closest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Lake Opeongo
Lake Opeongo is the largest lake in Algonquin Provincial Park and one of its most iconic, located about 6 km north of Highway 60 via the Opeongo Road Access Point (#11). Its distinctive “Y” shape – formed by the North, East, and South Arms – creates a sprawling network of channels, islands, and sheltered bays that serve as a significant gateway to the park’s interior.
The lake is best known for its trophy lake trout, which inhabit the deep, cold basins and attract experienced anglers throughout the season. A small population of brook trout persists in select areas, while smallmouth bass are common along rocky shorelines, shoals, and island edges. Spring and fall offer the best trout opportunities, with fish holding above or near the thermocline before moving deeper in midsummer. The mouth of Costello Creek is a productive area for anglers targeting yellow perch.
Because of its size, Opeongo often fishes like a small inland sea. Deep-water trolling and jigging are common trout tactics, while bass anglers focus on structure-rich shallows. The access point provides parking, permits, canoe rentals, supplies, and a water taxi service through Algonquin Outfitters, making it one of the most convenient and well-supported fishing destinations in the park.
Peck Lake
Fish Species: Splake (stocked), Yellow Perch
Surface Area: 7.7 hectares (19 acres)
Maximum Depth: 8.5 metres (28 feet)
Closest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Canoe Lake
Peck Lake is a quiet, scenic lake located just off Highway 60 at km 19.2 on the park’s western side. Access is via the 2.3 km Peck Lake Trail, an interpretive loop that circles the shoreline and highlights the ecology of a typical Algonquin lake. The short hike keeps the lake peaceful and lightly used compared to roadside waters.
The lake is stocked in even-numbered years with splake, a hybrid of brook trout and lake trout, and can produce fish up to 50 cm (20 inches). It also supports yellow perch. Although perch compete with splake for insects and juvenile forage, the lake has no other warm-water species and receives limited angling pressure, allowing splake to grow well and respond to a variety of presentations.
Numerous shoreline openings along the trail provide excellent casting access, making Peck Lake a rare hike-in fishery along Highway 60. Anglers should pack light, use artificial lures or permitted natural baits (no live baitfish), and expect a quiet, low-impact fishing experience.
Raccoon Lake
Fish Species: Lake Trout, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Splake (stocked), Yellow Perch
Surface Area: 25 hectares (62 acres)
Maximum Depth: 15.5 metres (50 feet)
Closest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters –Lake of Two Rivers
Raccoon Lake is a small, peaceful lake located just south of Highway 60 near km 40.3, hosting a rustic campground with about 48 sites and a small sandy beach ideal for swimming and launching canoes. Its intimate size and sheltered setting make it a relaxed, family-friendly destination.
The lake is stocked in even-numbered years with splake, and it also supports moderate populations of lake trout. Warm-water species such as smallmouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed sunfish round out the fish community. Despite its modest size, the lake’s cool waters and regular splake stocking provide consistent trout opportunities, complemented by smallmouth bass and other panfish in the warmer months.
Raccoon Lake connects with Rock Lake to the south, and fish movement between the two is possible. Many anglers paddle into Rock Lake for deeper water and expanded fishing opportunities, then return to Raccoon Lake for its quieter, campground-based setting. As with all Algonquin waters, live baitfish are prohibited, and special trout regulations apply.
Smoke Lake
Fish Species: Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch
Surface Area: 663 hectares (1,638 acres)
Maximum Depth: 43 metres (142 feet)
Closest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Canoe Lake
Smoke Lake lies just south of Highway 60 at km 14 and is easily accessed via the Smoke Lake Access Point (#6). Its long, narrow shape and deep basins make it a popular destination for both canoeists and anglers, and it often serves as a gateway to interior routes leading toward Ragged, Big Porcupine, and other nearby lakes.
The lake is best known for its lake trout, which hold in deep, cold water and become most accessible in spring and fall when they rise toward the thermocline. Smallmouth bass are abundant along rocky points, shoals, and mid-lake structure, while yellow perch are commonly found in shallower bays and near weed edges.
Because of Smoke Lake’s depth and varied structure, anglers often troll spoons, plugs, or deep-running lures to cover water and reach trout at different depths. Canoes and small boats can launch from the access point, and anglers should be mindful of wind, as the lake’s long fetch can create challenging paddling conditions.
Sunday Lake
Fish Species: Lake trout, splake (stocked)
Surface Area: 46 hectares (114 acres)
Maximum Depth: 13 metres (43 feet)
Closest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Lake of Two Rivers
Sunday Lake is a quiet interior lake located west of Lake Opeongo and just north of Highway 60. It is accessed primarily by canoe and portage routes, with the Sunday Creek Access Point (#10) serving as the nearest put-in for trips into this small chain of lakes. Its sheltered setting and limited access make it a peaceful alternative to the busier corridor lakes.
The lake is stocked with splake, a hybrid of brook trout and lake trout that can reach lengths of about 50 cm (20 inches). While lake trout were historically present, most recent angler reports indicate splake dominate the fishery today. These cold-water species make good use of Sunday Lake’s deeper basins and clear water, offering anglers a rewarding experience in a quiet backcountry setting.
Because Sunday Lake is reached only by paddling and portaging, fishing pressure is relatively low. Anglers typically work points, drop-offs, and deeper mid-lake structure with spoons, jigs, or small crankbaits. Nearby Sproule Lake is also stocked, making the area a worthwhile destination for trout-focused interior trips.
Tea Lake
Fish Species: Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch
Surface Area: 156 hectares (385 acres)
Maximum Depth: 12 metres (39 feet)
Closest Outfitter: Algonquin Outfitters – Canoe Lake
Tea Lake sits along the Highway 60 corridor at km 11.4 and is home to the Tea Lake Campground, a compact and scenic frontcountry destination surrounded by mixed hardwood and evergreen forest. The lake is part of the interconnected Canoe–Smoke–Oxtongue River system, making it a convenient starting point for short paddling excursions.
The lake supports lake trout in its deeper pockets and smallmouth bass throughout its rocky shorelines and creek mouths, with yellow perch found in the weedy areas near the campground. Trout are most active in spring when cooler water temperatures keep them higher in the water column, while bass fishing improves through summer as fish move into shallower structure.
Shore fishing is concentrated around the campground beach, where pressure can be high. Canoes and kayaks can be launched from the beach for quick access to Smoke Creek and other productive areas. Motorboats are permitted (check horsepower limits), though there is no formal boat launch at the campground. As with all Algonquin waters, live baitfish are prohibited, and special trout regulations apply.
Choosing the Right Highway 60 Fishing Spot
The Highway 60 corridor offers some of the most accessible and diverse fishing opportunities in Algonquin Park. Whether you prefer casting from a campground shoreline, paddling a short distance to structure-rich water, or hiking into a quiet stocked lake, there are options to match nearly every skill level and style of angling.
Fishing success here often comes down to timing, preparation, and choosing the right lake for the season. Pay close attention to Algonquin’s special fishing regulations, bait restrictions, and zone-specific seasons, and be realistic about access and fishing pressure. With thoughtful planning, the Highway 60 corridor can provide everything from relaxed family fishing to memorable trout experiences just steps from the road.
