The Petawawa area and the broader Ottawa Valley are home to some of the most underrated fishing in Ontario. While Lake Ontario draws the headlines with its salmon and trout fishery, the rivers and lakes of the valley offer a quieter, more varied experience. Smallmouth bass, walleye, brook trout, lake trout, and northern pike are all available within a short drive of town, and the fishing pressure on most of these waters is a fraction of what you will find further south.
The region's geography works in the angler's favour. The Ottawa Valley sits on the edge of the Canadian Shield, where rocky rivers and deep, cold lakes create ideal habitat for a range of game fish. The combination of accessible public water and relatively low population density means that good fishing is rarely more than a few minutes away.
Petawawa River Fishing
The Petawawa River is one of the finest river fisheries in Eastern Ontario. Flowing from the interior of Algonquin Park to the Ottawa River, it passes through a mix of rapids, pools, and calm stretches that support a healthy population of smallmouth bass and brook trout.
The upper reaches of the river, in and near Algonquin Park, are primarily brook trout water. The fish are not large by southern Ontario standards, but the setting is exceptional and the trout are wild. Wading and shore fishing with small spinners, flies, and live bait are the standard approaches. The river is wadeable in many spots during the summer, though care is needed around the rapids.
The lower Petawawa, from Lake Travers down to the Ottawa River, holds excellent smallmouth bass. The rocky substrate and clear water create ideal conditions for bass, and fish in the 2 to 4 pound range are common. The best bass fishing is from late June through September, after the spawning season and before the water cools in fall.
The rivers of the Ottawa Valley offer excellent fishing in a quieter setting than the Great Lakes.
Ottawa Valley Fishing
Beyond the Petawawa River, the valley is home to dozens of lakes and waterways that hold fish. The Ottawa River itself is a world-class fishery for walleye and muskellunge, though most anglers focus on the quieter tributaries and inland lakes.
The Bonnechere River, running from Algonquin Park through Renfrew County to the Ottawa River, offers similar fishing to the Petawawa: brook trout in the upper reaches, smallmouth bass in the lower sections, with the occasional walleye where the river widens. The Madawaska River, further south, is another excellent option, with walleye, bass, and pike available through the season.
The lakes of the region are best known for walleye and lake trout. Many of the Shield lakes within an hour's drive of Petawawa hold healthy walleye populations, and the lake trout fishing on deeper lakes is excellent, particularly in spring and fall when the fish are holding at accessible depths. Northern pike are present in most of the region's lakes and rivers and provide fast action for anglers who want to bend a rod.
Access and Seasons
Much of the best fishing in the Ottawa Valley is on public water with good road access. Crown land surrounds many of the region's lakes, providing camping and boat launch opportunities. A valid Ontario fishing licence is required, and anglers should be familiar with the specific regulations for the zone they are fishing, as seasons, limits, and methods vary.
The general fishing season in the region runs from late April through September for most species, with specific openings for walleye, bass, and trout. Ice fishing is popular on many of the area's lakes from January through March, targeting walleye, lake trout, and pike.
Local Information
The Petawawa area has tackle shops and outfitters that can provide current information on conditions and access points. For local access, seasonal events, and community information in the Petawawa area, this local Petawawa guide is a useful resource for planning a visit.
Anglers visiting the area for the first time should consider spending a few days to explore the variety of water available. A morning on the Petawawa River followed by an afternoon on a nearby lake makes for an excellent day of fishing, and the scenery in the valley is worth the trip even if the fish are not cooperating.
For a different fishing experience, a trip down to Lake Ontario for charter fishing is well worth considering. The drive from Petawawa to the north shore of the lake is roughly three hours, and the salmon and trout fishing on the lake is unlike anything available on inland waters.