The Urban Angle – Ottawa
By Justin Hoffman
Although Ottawa may be a city where politics reign supreme, there’s no denying that the top-notch fishing opportunities are giving the suits a run for their money. With both the Ottawa and Rideau River flowing through the core, more anglers are beginning to realize how good they really have it. Multiple species, including muskie, bass, walleye, and pike are here for the taking, and are closer than some may think. With excellent bike paths and transit systems in place, many of these urban spots can be accessed by leaving the car at home – making for a more economical and healthier day on the water. And for those heading here on business, numerous spots abound to give a few hours of reprieve in between board meetings.
The following list details some great fishing spots that can be found in the Nation’s Capital. These areas are all excellent for the family and shore angler, and some will fit the bill for the boating enthusiast. But most of all, they will lead you to a fun day on the water, just the way fishing was meant to be.
#1. Dows Lake
This man-made lake is connected to the Rideau Canal, offering endless fishing opportunities for both beginners and pros alike. Located at the foot of Preston Street and Queen Elizabeth Drive, Dows Lake and the surrounding parkland create an idyllic retreat that caters to the outdoor enthusiast.
Large and smallmouth bass, muskie, pike, carp, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and perch are all present in this system, and in very good numbers. Youngsters can toss a worm and bobber for unlimited pannie action, while those searching for largemouth are best advised to work Texas-rigged plastics or weedless topwaters through and around the abundant vegetation.
#2. Petrie Island
A short car ride east along Highway 174 will land you at Petrie Island - a popular angling destination for city folk. Located on Trim Road, Petrie offers a multitude of fishing opportunities throughout all seasons.
Shore spots abound, and include numerous inlets and bays, as well as casting directly into the big Ottawa River. Walleye anglers do well during the spring and fall periods casting into and around the large culverts that run under the road by the bait shop. Jigs and live bait are your best bet.
Launch ramps (fee) are available, as well as a marina, café, boat rentals, live bait and licenses. Parking lots are also located on the island.
Panfish anglers will enjoy the abundant perch, crappie, bluegills and sunfish. Early spring will see crappie close to shoreline structure throughout the island. Ultralight gear and micro tube jigs are always a good bet for action. This is a great time to bring youngsters and the family, as the fishing action can often be fast and furious.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass, muskie, garpike, ling and sturgeon are common catches, with trophy-sized fish always a possibility.
Pike are often targeted during the winter at Petrie. Suspending live or dead bait under a tip-up generally gets the nod. Crappy Bay is a good place to start your search.
Walking trails can be found throughout the island, giving the nature nut a reprieve when the casting arm gets tired. A sandy beach and picnic facilities are also here.
#3. Eccolands Park
Eccolands Park is located on River Road, just south of Hunt Club, and adjacent to the Ottawa Airport. A free launch ramp can be found here, leading you to a small stretch of the Rideau River that is capable of producing big fish.
Muskie rule the roost in these waters, and are more than willing to hit oversized topwaters and bucktails during the heat of summer, and large jerkbaits when fall rolls around. Target 8 to 12-foot flats, as well as the abundant weedlines. Rock and boulders will also hold good numbers of fish.
Parking is available on site, as well as washroom facilities, picnic areas and playground equipment for the kids. Shorefishing is best done along the grassy areas in the park, or from one of the two large floating docks.
Spring can be a good time to chase walleye, with jigs and livebait working best. Concentrate on rock shoals at this time, and deep weedlines as the season progresses.
Smallmouth bass, pike, perch, bluegills and sunfish can also be caught here, providing good action on an otherwise quiet section of river.
#4. Kars
The Rideau River holds endless fishing possibilities, and the stretch located at Kars may be the cream of the crop. Running approximately 40 kilometres in length, the river here has the locks of Long Island to the north and Burritts Rapids in the south.
Kars is a quaint town that is located just east of Highway 416, on Rogers Stevens Drive. Boaters can access two public launch ramps, with a good cement style directly on the river, and a gravel version at the Kars Recreation Arena. This can be found directly across the street. If utilizing the cement ramp, vehicles and trailers must be left at the arena, which is a short five-minute walk.
Largemouth bass enthusiasts can choose any structure style they like, as this stretch has docks, timber, pads, slop, rock and heavy weeds. Flipping jigs fished on heavy line, as well as buzzbaits and spinnerbaits are excellent choices.
Shore anglers can fish from the cement ramp, or from inside the park. Night fishing for walleye with minnows and floats can make for a productive outing, as can panfishing with light gear. Spring crappies can be found shallow in the park area, and are best caught with slip floats and micro tubes.
Smallmouth bass, perch, bullhead, pike, bluegill and sunfish are always willing to play tug of war, and can be found in good numbers for those willing to search.
Chasing muskie throughout this stretch can bring about some photo-worthy moments. I’ve witnessed numerous fish over 30-pounds out of Kars, but they do take dedication and time. Trolling large body baits or working jerkbaits and bucktails are the go-to lures for most, but don’t overlook large suckers, either alive or dead. Drifting along weedlines or deep holes can often bag you fish with this tactic.
#5. Mississippi Lake
Although not located directly in Ottawa, Mississippi Lake is a premier fishing stop that is a 30-minute drive west along Highway 7. This large lake has an average depth of 9-feet and bottoms out at approximately 30-feet.
Walleye are the fan-favourite here and can be caught with a variety of tactics. Working bucktail jigs around weedlines and clumps has proven its effectiveness on many occasions, as has working 3 or 4-inch twistertails along rock shoals and points. Pink, chartreuse, white and black are excellent colour choices.
Two concrete launch ramps (fee) can be found at the municipal park in the town of Carleton Place. There is ample parking, as well as picnic areas, washrooms and playground equipment. This large park is a great spot for the shore angler, with largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, crappie, bluegill and sunfish available to be caught. Live bait suspended under a float, shiny inline spinners and noisy topwaters should see some action.
There is a public launch to the west of Carleton Place at Concession 9A, just off Highway 7. This gravel ramp is free and parking is available. Baitcasters also provides launch facilities (fee), and can be found on the southwest side of the lake.
Saucer-shaped bluegills can be found in good numbers on Mississippi, especially during the early spring period. Look for shallow back bays with a mud or silt bottom, in 3 to 5-feet of water. Micro tubes and mini crankbaits work well on these fish.
#6. Bate Island
Adjacent to the Champlain Bridge, Bate Island is accessible by taking Island Park Drive or the Ottawa River Parkway. The NCC bicycle path will also bring you right to this spot.
Situated on the Ottawa River, this small island park offers the shore angler many options. Smallmouth bass are the main quarry here, where they reside in the fast-flowing currents and slack water. Heavy jigs, crankbaits and topwaters all have their place. Fly fishers are also a common sight at Bate Island, preferring to toss streamers and poppers to these acrobatic fish. Bring a pair of waders in order to work the water more thoroughly. Quieter water can be found at the east end of the island.
There are ample parking spots for those wishing to drive, with benches available that make for excellent lunch stops.
Canoes can be launched at a narrow sand opening on the north side of the island. By working below the rapids in a boat, walleye, bass, pike, catfish and panfish can all be caught. Take extreme care when working a boat, or wading in and around the fast water. The currents can be strong here and should always be respected.
#7. New Edinburgh Park
This park offers a nice retreat for the angler, all within the confines of the city and on the Rideau River. Located south of Sussex Drive on Stanley Avenue, this fair-sized green space has most of the amenities needed for a good day out.
Parking is free, but is fairly limited. If the lot is full, try one of the side streets that can be found close by. Launching a canoe can be done at a number of shoreline spots, but you will have to carry your craft a fair distance from your vehicle.
Largemouth bass and pike are plentiful at this spot, and tossing 3/8th oz. spinnerbaits and buzzbaits, in white or chartreuse hues, can catch both.
There is plenty of shoreline access to cast a line, and this is one spot that the whole family can enjoy. Playground equipment is available for entertaining the kids when the fishing slows, and washroom facilities are open in the park building when programs are running. Picnic spots are also provided.
Muskie, carp, walleye, perch, bluegills, crappie, and smallmouth bass can also be found here, and can lead to a mixed bag at the end of the day.
Sunfish are a common catch at the park, and are excellent species to start young anglers off with. A small piece of worm on an Aberdeen hook, with a bobber for visual strikes, is your best bet.
The NCC bike path runs through New Edinburg – this will allow you to fish multiple fishing spots throughout the day.
#8. Victoria Island
This beautiful island can be found a short walk from Parliament Hill, and boasts some breathtaking views of the cityscape and Ottawa River. Motorists will need to use the Chaudiere Bridge, while pedestrians can access the island by Portage Bridge or Chaudiere.
Victoria Island, or Turtle Island, is located at the foot of Chaudieres Falls. This location has strong Aboriginal roots, and celebrates this culture all summer with the authentic recreation of an Aboriginal village. During the warm months, visitors can enjoy Aboriginal food, dancing and many other activities.
Walleye and smallmouth bass are the most common catches here, and heavier presentations are needed to work the current areas. Jigs in ? or ? oz. weights, tipped with plastics or minnows will work well for both. If slack water is found, lighten up on the gear.
Parking can be found on the island, as well as picnic facilities, washrooms and concession areas. This is a place that the whole family can enjoy, as when the fishing slows, there are many other activities to do. Shore spots abound, and finding a quiet spot to yourself shouldn’t be a problem.
Pike can also be caught here, and are best targeted by tossing heavy spoons (such as the 5 of Diamonds) to the current breaks and calmer water. Chartreuse, silver, and red/white are good colours to start with.
Dunking worms for catfish can also provide fun times. A heavy sinker and a glob of worms should get you into the action.
#9. Mooney’s Bay
This large expanse of the Rideau River can be found just south of the lock station at Hog’s Back, and adjacent to Riverside Drive. Fishing possibilities are varied here, and can be done both on shore and from a boat. A launch ramp (fee) can be found on the south side of Hog’s Back, but access is limited to 9am to 7pm during the summer months. Boats can run southward to Black Rapids.
Panfish action can be fast and furious during the early spring, with crappie, bluegills and sunfish turning up in good numbers. Fishing around the locks and shoreline structure with small tubes and grubs will put you in the action. If fish become finicky, try small minnows or maggots suspended under a float.
Mooney’s Bay Park can be accessed from Riverside Drive, giving the shore angler many spots to cast. Work noisy topwaters during the early morning or evening hours for the abundant largemouth, with Senko-style baits and Texas-rigged worms or lizards producing better during the day.
Parking is available onsite (fee), as well as on many of the side streets. Picnic tables provide a perfect spot for a packed lunch, and the supervised beach can make for a refreshing soak when the heat is on high. Playground equipment is also available for the kids.
Boat anglers will want to try the numerous humps found throughout the bay for smallmouth bass. Three-inch tubes on 5/16th or 3/8oz lead heads are an excellent choice. Stick to natural colours, such as brown, smoke and white.
Walleye, pike, carp, and muskie can also be caught. Try oversized spinnerbaits in black or chartreuse for the latter.
#10. Billings Bridge
This green space along the Rideau River is surrounded by hustle and bustle, but can offer some great fishing throughout the year. It’s located at Bank Street and Riverside Drive, and across from the Billings Bridge Plaza.
Access to parking can be found off of Riverside Drive South only. (They routinely ticket vehicles that park in the plaza itself, so be forewarned.) The bike path along the river also runs through the area.
Muskie are routinely caught in this area, and give many a shore angler a run for their money. Try 6 to 9-inch jerkbaits in walleye or bass patterns, teamed up with 30-pound-test mono line and a stout rod. Largemouth bass are also plentiful, and will usually hit topwater baits early or late in the day. Work a “Spook-style” lure over likely looking weed edges for exciting action.
Washrooms and restaurants can be found at the plaza. I prefer to utilize a park bench and a bagged lunch when I hit this spot, giving me more time to fish.
Panfish, including perch, crappie, bluegill, and sunfish are also in the area, and are always willing to take a live bait presentation.
Pike, walleye, and carp can also be tempted to take a variety of baits and lures. A larger shiner minnow, suspended under a sensitive float, would work well for all of these fish. Be prepared for a hard-fought battle if a carp happens to suck it up!
The Tackle Box
A lowdown on the best baits and tackle for fishing the Ottawa area.
Bass
Largemouth anglers will feel right at home in Ottawa, as many of the area waterways sport expansive surface cover, docks and laydowns, and mile-long weedlines. Heavy tackle is recommended for this thick stuff, with baitcast and flipping rods getting the nod. Fourteen to 20-pound-test mono, or higher rated braid will work to your advantage. Flipping jigs, Texas-rigged worms, lizards and creature baits, and “jerk-style” plastic worms all produce well. Topwater frogs, spook-style baits, and plastic toads will often elicit heart-pounding strikes.
For smallmouths, 3-inch smoke, brown and pumpkin tubes are standard, as are large, white willow-leaf spinnerbaits and popper-style topwaters. Jigs are best fished with spinning gear, on 6 to 8-pound-test line. Many of the area lakes and rivers contain clear water, so finesse-type tactics will often produce for finicky fish.
Walleye
Anglers will find that jigging is an excellent technique for Ottawa walleye. Spinning gear, with 6 to 8-pound-test mono or braid equivalent, should do the trick. Bucktail jigs, standard twistertails, and tubes are excellent choices, with chartreuse, pink, white, black and perch being the recommended hues. Tip jigs with minnows or crawlers for added bites, and rig plastics weedless when fishing around heavy vegetation.
Crankbaits also work well, with the nod given to slender-style baits in the 3.5 to 5-inch length. Cast or troll these lures around likely walleye haunts, and stick with silver, shad, perch and chartreuse colours for best results.
Pike
Toss flashy spinnerbaits and bucktails when chasing Northerns, with a fast retrieve often being your best bet. Large crankbaits, especially suspending models, also have their place in an Ottawa anglers’ box.
For topwater thrills, work oversized buzzbaits or “Super Spooks” around weedbeds. Colour is not so much an issue when chasing pike, but working flashy lures in an erratic manner will ring the dinner bell loud and clear. Make sure you use wire leaders when dealing with these toothy critters.
Panfish
Ultralight spinning gear, coupled with 4-pound-test line, is the best set-up for targeting panfish. Whether it be crappie, perch, ‘gills, or sunfish, micro tubes suspended under slip floats will always bring in the fish. Pink, white, red and brown are time-tested colours.
Tinsel jigs are a personal favourite of mine here in Ottawa, with silver and gold hues producing best. A portion of worm on a single hook will always work, and will have you feeling like a kid again.
Mini crankbaits will also work well on pannies, and can be deadly when twitched subtlety on the surface.
Muskie
The king of freshwater fish is very prevalent in the Ottawa area, giving first timers and seasoned pro’s an excellent shot at a trophy. Trolling oversized crankbaits in the 9 to 14-inch length can often yield big results. If casting is more your style, work 9 to 12-inch jerkbaits, jumbo topwaters and flashy bucktails around productive looking areas, making sure to complete a “figure-8” at the end of each retrieve.
A live or dead sucker worked just off bottom is a common technique in the Nation’s Capital, especially once the cold weather of fall hits. Circle hooks should be used when rigging these chunks of meat up.
Getting there
Ottawa has an excellent transit system, ready to whisk you away to most urban fishing locations. With a fleet of 924 buses, there’s no need to drive your car in order to wet a line. Interactive maps and menus will help you locate the bus you need.
www.octranspo.com
Bike paths rule this city, and offer an exercise-friendly option for getting to local honey holes.
www.canadascapital.gc.ca (site has interactive map for the Capital Pathway)
For more details, great spots, visit:
City of Ottawa
www.ottawa.ca
Ottawa Boat Launches
www.geocities.com/ottawaboatramps
Ministry of Natural Resources
www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR
Tackle Stores and Live Bait Retailers
Baitcasters
135 Hardwood Road – Mississippi Lake
613-264-9696
Bits and Baits
1368 Main Street, Stittsville
613-831-9799
Le Baron
1512 Merivale Road
613-596-4415
Oziles’
1009 Trim Road – Petrie Island
613-841-0778
Sports Action
1555 St. Laurent Boulevard
613-741-0999
Voyageur Depot
379 McArthur Avenue
613-741-3161
联系客服
