Reel in memories while fall fishing in Rideau Lakes! Situated among the best freshwater fisheries in the world, Rideau Lakes is the perfect place to drop a line. With more than 30 lakes in the area, fishing has been a popular recreational activity here for hundreds of years. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying out your rod for the first time, our lakes are a haven for bass, pike, walleye, trout, pan fish and more, with visitors coming from across the globe to spend the day making memories on the water.
Did you know that the township has been an idyllic vacation spot for more than 150 years – with generations of people visiting Rideau Lakes for the fishing? Many of the lodges here made a name for themselves through the stable and consistently fantastic fishing in the area. Historic accommodations like Stirling Lodge and The Poplars in Newboro still see guests hitting the lake on their own or taking advantage of a guided fishing excursion. Shore lunches on a nearby island on Newboro Lake cap off a perfect guided experience!
Similarly, the backstory at Simmons Cottages in Chaffey’s Lock tells of kick-starting the tourism industry in Rideau Lakes through housing a young New Yorker who took a chance and ventured there after hearing a rumour of legendary fishing. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and after the Simmons Family opened their door to the young American, droves of people started coming to the hamlet to cast a line, hire guides and experience the fishing for themselves. Just down the road, visitors also started exploring lake life at Dorothy’s Lodge at Rideau Lakes Cottages. It quickly became a favourite for friend or family reunions – now Dorothy’s Lodge has more than 80 years under the floorboards, first opening as a fishing lodge and restaurant. Near the Cataraqui Trail in Chaffey’s Lock sits Indian Lake Marina and Campground which also caters to anglers with boat slips, delicious ice cream, camping and friendly hospitality.
The fishing doesn’t have to stop once summer is over. Bundle up and experience a day of picturesque fall fishing in Rideau Lakes!
Fin Freaks
Book a seat in a boat with an experienced guide who knows the water and where the fish are biting! This guided fishing service offers half day and full day adventures within Rideau Lakes. Fin Freaks is family friendly and welcomes kids to enjoy their first fishing experience with them. Check out the gallery on their website to see some of the mammoth fish they’ve reeled in with excited anglers!
Norris Live Bait and Tackle
Norris’ is a staple in Rideau Lakes - your fishing trip won’t be complete without a stop there first! Look for the huge fish dangling out front – just like the fish will be on your line in no time. Norris’ has been providing everything an outdoors person needs for fishing and hunting for more than 40 years and giving great local advice to boot. Offering live bait, tackle, fishing gear, boat rentals and much more!
Photo: Norris Bait anf Tackle by Marie White
Brown’s Marina
Before you head out on the lake, stop in to Brown’s Marina in Chaffey’s Lock to stock up your tackle box. In addition to offering everything boating, Brown’s carries a wide selection of lures designed to entice local species onto your fishing line, as well as TRAX maps showing all the local lakes.
Photo: Browns Marina Facebook Page
Look here for more info about what fish are biting according to season!
Want to know more about renting a boat or getting out on our lakes? Look at our blog about local marinas and rentals in Rideau Lakes! Be sure to plan ahead and take a peek at Rideau Lakes’ public harbours and boat launches. The perfect places to set off for a day fuelled by fishing in Rideau Lakes!
