Whether you’re in search of a fun fishing outing with the kids or on the hunt for a trophy fish, you’ll find it in Cornwall.

The Cornwall region forms part of Ontario’s Fisheries Management Zone 20. This zone includes the Canadian waters of Lake Ontario, the
St. Lawrence River and the Lower Niagara River.

There are zone wide seasons and limits that anglers must adhere to, as well as specific exceptions within the zone.

For more information on limits and restrictions in the zone, please click here.

A prize catch

The St. Lawrence offers anglers a bit of everything, with a myriad of warm and cool-water species calling the river home.

Bass, walleye, northern pike, muskie and perch are the most common targets for anglers, but you will also find carp, sunfish, catfish and even the mighty sturgeon (a protected and endangered species).

“Lake St. Francis is a world-class fishery.”

Canadian fishing legend Bob Izumi
2019 Pan Am Bass Championship in Cornwall

“This river right here… it’s the best small-mouth (bass) fishing I have ever seen in my life.”

Professional US angler Scott Martin
2019 Pan Am Bass Championship in Cornwall

Shoreline Fishing

The next best thing to being on the water is being next to it – and there’s a bunch of great spots in Cornwall to fish from shore. In fact, urban fishing in Cornwall is a whole other experience unto itself, with some great fishing holes being located right in the heart of the city!

One great place to start is Lamoureux Park, Cornwall’s downtown waterfront park. The park offers a number of good spots to cast out – and some kid-friendly ones to boot – including the point and the bay just east of the public boat launch at the west end. These spots are great for children and with some worms on the line you could catch anything from perch and sunfish to pike, bass and more!

Further west, the Cornwall Canal offers some fun shoreline fishing in a distinctly historic environment. There’s plenty of space to pull up a chair or grab a seat along the canal wall and cast out.

Heading east, the Cornwall Harbour offers another access point directly to the water’s edge. There’s fish to be caught but be warned, the current is strong so extra weight on your line is a good idea.

East of the harbour, the mouth of Gray’s Creek provides another scenic spot to test your shoreline fishing skills and potentially come up with a memorable catch.

There are a ton of other great shoreline spots beyond the city’s borders, including the Lancaster wharf to the east and the entrances to the Long Sault Parkway in the west.

Of course, every spot is a potential fishing hole waiting to be discovered so have fun exploring. Just remember to be safe and only fish where you’re allowed to do so!

Fishing gear and tackle

There are a number of local establishments ready and waiting to help you with all of your fishing tackle needs, from bait and lures to fishing rods, line and everything in between.

Fence Depot 
3045 Pitt Street
613-932-0717
Website
Google Maps

Fence Depot offers a full line of fishing supplies from rods and reels to bait, lures, clothing and accessories. Fence Depot is also an authorized fish licence issuer – you can purchase yours in person at the store.

Canadian Tire
201 Ninth Street East
613-933-0592
Website
Google Maps

Canadian Tire has a full selection of fishing supplies and gear to meet all needs. It is also an authorized fish licence issuer – you can purchase in person.

Walmart Cornwall
420 Ninth Street West
613-933-8366
Website
Google Maps

Walmart offers a convenient spot to pick up those last-minute fishing supplies – or grab a few new lures or pieces of tackle.

Relic Outfitters
15010 Colonial Drive
Ingleside
613-537-2773
Website
Google Maps

Located a short drive west of Cornwall, Relic Outfitters offers fishing tackle as well as live bait like minnows, leeches and worms.

Worms are a popular choice for live bait in the area and they’re not difficult to find! Most convenience stores in Cornwall and area have worms available for anglers (look for the fridge or ask upon entering)!

Family Fishing Week

This year’s Family Fishing Week in Ontario has been extended by 9 days!

Running from June 28th to July 19, Family Fishing Week is a province-wide opportunity for Canadian residents to fish Ontario waters without the otherwise mandatory fishing version Outdoors Card.

There’s never been a better time to give fishing a try – or to introduce friends and family to fishing.

The summer event is one of four license-free fishing periods designated by the Ontario government throughout the year.

For more information on Family Fishing Week, please click here.

Additional Resources