Located in Ontario just north of The Boundary Waters, Quetico Provincial Park has over 2,000 lakes and 1 million acres which provide ample fishing opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch walleye, smallmouth bass, lake trout, and northern pike throughout the park. Motorized boats are prohibited in Quetico, making it a renown paddling destination. You can set up camp on the entrance lakes or portage deep into the center of the park. You are bound to find excellent fishing in Quetico wherever you end up going.
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Key Things To Know About Fishing in Quetico
- No motorized boats are allowed within the park
- Fishing with live bait is prohibited within the park
- Anglers must use barbless hooks
- It is recommended to use non-toxic lures in Quetico
Be sure to have the appropriate fishing liscense and check all other regulations prior to fishing in the park
Tips For Quetico Fishing
- Use only one treble hook on crankbaits for easy release (trust me, this is well worth it)
- Bring a portable depth finder, especially if you plan on trolling deeper water
- Bring a lot of extra baits. Between the northern pike biting you off and the snags, you are bound to loose plenty of lures.
- Pack light if you plan on portaging. Weight adds up quickly and the minimalistic approach to fishing is better.
Fishing In Quetico Provincial Park
The four main species that you will encounter when fishing in Quetico Provincial Park are Walleye, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pike. Although these species can be found in most locations, some areas are more productive than others.
Walleye Fishing In Quetico
Your search for walleye in Quetico is largely dependent on the time of year you are visiting the park.
In the spring and early summer, the walleyes will be located along the shoreline. Areas with rock and current are generally great spots to target.
In the summer in Quetico Provincial Park, walleyes will move offshore. If you have a depth finder, try to locate mid-lake points and humps. There are also a lot of small islands on the lakes in Quetico which are great areas the try for mid-summer walleye.
In the fall in Quetico, walleyes will move back to the shallows. Look for walleyes near steep break lines and current in the fall months.
Lures for Walleye Fishing
- Paddle Tails
- Crankbaits
- Hair Jigs
Lake Trout Fishing In Quetico
When fishing for lake trout in Quetico try to focus your efforts near the deepest part of the lake. Lake trout are cold water fish, and the deepest water is typically the coldest. In the spring, lake trout will be closer to shore near steep break lines and rocks. In the summer, lake trout move offshore and suspend over the basin.
Lures for Lake Trout Fishing
- Crankbaits
- Spoons
- In-Line Spinners
Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Quetico
Smallmouths are some of my favorite fish to target in Quetico Provincial Park. They put up a great fight and are generally more than willing to bite your lure.
In the spring and fall months, smallmouth bass will be close to the shorelines. I have had a lot of success fishing in current areas for smallmouth bass in Quetico. Look for eddy’s and slack areas just outside of the current and there is a good chance smallmouth bass will be near.
In the summer, smallmouth bass will move to deeper areas of the lake. You can still find them in current areas, but mid lake points, humps, and islands become more productive as well. The key to finding smallmouth bass when fishing in Quentico is locating rocks.
Lures for Smallmouth Bass Fishing
- Crankbaits
- Paddle Tails
- Stick Baits
Northern Pike Fishing In Quetico
In my experience in the lakes of Quetico Provincial Park, you will have no problem catching Northern Pike. They are very aggressive, and will keep you busy when nothing else is biting.
In Quetico, look to fish for northern pike in the shallow bays. Finding submergent vegetation is key to finding northern pike.
Bonus Tip: If you are looking for a trophy, try trolling large crankbaits or spoons suspended over deep water
Lures for Northern Pike Fishing
- Crankbaits
- Spoons
- Spinner Baits
Looking for Even More Information?
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The Angler’s Line is all about building a community centered around fishing and conservation, so that we can all enjoy this great resource for years to come. Make sure to always follow your local and state fishing regulations and use safe catch and release practices whenever possible.
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