This northeastern Ontario fishing spot made Top 10 in Canada
Out of all the amazing spots across Canada, two from Ontario made the 2024 Top 10 list for fishing destinations in Canada – including one right here in the northeast.
The French River, along with Lake Ontario, has been selected by FishingBooker -- a website that helps anglers plan their next fishing trip -- as one of the best in the country.
The French River is one of Canada's Top 10 fishing destinations in 2024 (FishingBooker)
"Recognized as the first Canadian Heritage River, this locale blends historical, cultural, natural and recreational treasures in northeastern Ontario," FishingBooker said in a news release.
"Ideal for history and outdoor enthusiasts, the French River boasts lodges, creating a perfect base for angler families. French River Provincial Park offers many outdoor activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater paddling, sightseeing, hiking, hunting and fishing."
The French River is 110 kilometres (68 miles) long and connects Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay in Lake Huron.
"With many bays, shoals and rich bio-diverse vegetation, they have made the river system a fisherman’s paradise. Having such a large body of water, many fish species have come to inhabit the French River," Bear's Den Lodge said on its website.
Pike, musky, walleye, and bass are just a few of the species found in the French River.
Two anglers show off their ice fishing prowess on the French River (Great Escape Cabins)
"The French River is famous as a trophy walleye river — and rated as one of the country’s top walleye streams," the Angler's Atlas said on its website.
"The French River is a fishing enclave, with more than 50 lodges and marinas along its length."
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
The waterway has a rich history dating back hundreds of years.
"The best way to describe the French River is an 80-mile long series of island dotted lakes connected by rapids and falls that gently lower the river a total of 60 feet from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay," French River Resorts Association said on its website.
"Other than fast-moving water, there are fishing areas that include weedy bays, coves, flats, rocky pings, and mid-river shoals. A fisherman’s dream and photographer’s paradise."
Man holds fish he caught on the French River in front of an ice hut. (Great Escape Cabins)
The small community of just more than 2,600 people is located about 3.5 hours north of Toronto and just less than an hour south of Sudbury.
The other destinations that made the Top 10 for 2024 include:
- The Cowichan River, B.C.
- Bow River, Alta.
- Last Mountain Lake, Sask.
- Lake Dauphin, Man.
- Saguenay, Que.
- North Lake, P.E.I.
- Bras d'Or Lake, N.S.
- The Gander River, Nfld.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old
A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.