FISHING
Take your kayak close to the fish
SUMMER FISHING NEARBY
BY TIM ALLARD
K
ayak fishing is one of angling’s fastest growing pleasures. Kayaks
are relatively cheap, easy to operate when the water is calm, and
they let you into confined or shallow waters that are off limits
to larger boats. For kayak fishing, all you need is a boat, a paddle,
regular safety equipment, a rod and some tackle – simple. And there
are plenty of spots worth exploring, rod on board, with a kayak in the
Ottawa area. Here are a few:
OTTAWA RIVER
This long stretch of river has plenty of put-in spots near the cities and towns
bordering its shores. Ottawa-area residents should consider the Shirleys Bay
launch off Rifle Road in the west end, or Petrie Island off Trim Road east of town.
Both are close to several islands and bays.
RIDEAU RIVER
The Rideau is a popular waterway for anglers and recreational boaters alike.
Stretching south from Ottawa, the river and the Rideau Lakes system eventually
run to Kingston. Here’s a link with access points and
paddling information along the whole route: www.
rideau-info.com/canal.
THOUSAND ISLANDS
This St. Lawrence River area is a paddler’s paradise.
Filled with bays, shoals and islands (estimates of
the actual number run from about 1,150 to 1,800),
there are plenty of spots to tuck away from the main
channel’s boat traffic and enjoy the sights while
wetting a line. You’ll find many access points around
Gananoque and along the Thousand Islands Parkway.
For details go to www.1000islandsgananoque.ca.
Connecting a slew of lakes along its course, there’s no shortage of boat launches
and put-in spots. For information on the river near its outflow, go to Ottawa Valley
Canoe and Kayak: www.ovck.com.
FRONTENAC PROVINCIAL PARK
If you’re hoping to combine fishing with camping, Frontenac Provincial Park is a
great place to consider. Because of restrictions on powerboats on its interior lakes,
the fishing can be fantastic. Visit www.ontarioparks.com for information on the
park. Frontenac Outfitters (www.frontenac-outfitters.com) rents and sells canoe,
SUP and kayaks. It’s just a short drive from the park entrance.
GATINEAU PARK
Close to home, Gatineau Park offers lots of paddling areas with Meech Lake,
Lac Phillippe, and Lac la Pêche being the most popular spots. You’ll find more
information at ncc-ccn.gc.ca
LAKE “X” AND RIVER “Y”
This last category represents those small, secluded waters that all paddling
anglers keep to themselves. It’s always fun to explore and find new secret spots to
add to your own list. Check out Backroad Mapbooks www.backroadmapbooks.com
for Ontario and Quebec.
Your Best Storage Value in South East Ottawa!
Call 613-706-7728
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
From the border of Bon Echo Provincial Park to the
Ottawa River near Arnprior, the Mississippi River is
a great paddling route full of fishing opportunities.
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