Carmine

Ontario has the largest fresh water lakes in the world and a huge diversity of fish, making it the best place in the country for a fishing trip. However, make sure to familiarize yourself with all the regulations regarding Ontario fishing before planning your trip. Contact the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for full licensing details.

I can see how someone could easily get hooked on fishing in Ontario with its picturesque settings, particularly if you like fishing. Pack up your rod and tackle box for year round activity. There are trout, bass, walleye, muskellunge, salmon, and plenty of pan fish.

Some of the most popular ports on Lake Ontario and the Niagara River are Wilson, Olcott, and Lewiston. You can book your stay close to these fishy spots at www.affordabletravelagents.com. Heres whats biting when and where.

*Rainbow/Steelhead Trout-With a light pink strip along its side, the domestic puts up a gallant fight, known for its aerial acrobatics when hooked. 6 to 8lb is the average size. Larger fish in the teens are caught frequently year round. Consistent catches in the lower and upper portions of the Niagara as well as along the Lake Ontario shore. Spring and summer lake fishing is great for rainbows, and steelheads. Best time for river fishing is from December through March with Kwikfish lures or fresh trout eggs. Stick baits work in late spring on Lake Ontario. Real tasty!

*Brown Trout Well stocked at Wilson and Olcott. 10-15lb range sometimes larger. Browns have been caught as early as April in Lake Ontario and early June as water temperatures rise. August and September are good months too. Trolling in a large S pattern. Worms and minnows are the best live baits. Larger fish taken after dark.

*Lake Trout- This is the most likely caught fish on the Niagara, and can be caught year round. The season for Lake Trout opens January 1. The state record is 39lbs 8 ounces. You can drift minnows, or kwikfish of three way bottom rigs or you can try jigging for these tasty critters. Shore fishermen on the river can use spoons and do pretty good too.

Carl McKoy is C.E.O. of affordabletravelagents.com. He has been fishing for more than 30 years, and has caught everything from a blowtoad in his hometown Newport News, VA to bluefin tuna while deep sea fishing in Barbados. I guess you could say Carl is more of a catcher than fisher. In the McKoy household, travel and fishing is a family passion.