Complete guide to popular fish species in Canadian waters. Learn about size, difficulty, taste, and fishing tips.
Micropterus salmoides
Canada's most popular sport fish. Aggressive predators that strike hard and fight well. Found in lakes and slow rivers across southern Canada.
Use plastic worms, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures around structure. Early morning and evening are best. Target shallow bays in spring.
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Beautiful, acrobatic fighters known for their spectacular jumps. Thrive in cold, clean water. Excellent table fare with pink flesh.
PowerBait, small spinners, or flies work well. Fish near inlets and outlets. Use light tackle for best fight experience.
Esox lucius
Aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth. Known as "water wolves" for their fierce strikes. Found throughout Canada's northern waters.
Use steel leaders to prevent bite-offs. Large spoons, jigs, and live bait work well. Fish weed edges and drop-offs.
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
The king of Pacific salmon. Massive, powerful fish that provide epic battles. Premium eating fish with rich, oily flesh perfect for grilling.
Troll with downriggers using cut-plug herring or large spoons. Fish 80-200ft deep. Use heavy tackle - these fish are powerful!
Sander vitreus
Canada's premier eating fish. Mild, flaky white meat with no fishy taste. Found in lakes and rivers across Canada. School fish that bite readily.
Jig with minnows or worms near bottom. Fish rocky points and drop-offs. Best at dawn, dusk, and night. Slow presentation is key.
Perca flavescens
Perfect beginner fish. Small, abundant, and excellent eating. Distinctive yellow body with dark stripes. Great for kids and ice fishing.
Small jigs tipped with worms or minnows. Fish schools in 10-30ft of water. Great through ice. Use light tackle for best sport.
Salvelinus fontinalis
Canada's most beautiful trout with stunning coloration. Native to eastern Canada. Requires pristine, cold water. Excellent table fare.
Small spinners, flies, or worms work well. Fish cold, clean streams and lakes. Very sensitive to water temperature and quality.
Esox masquinongy
The fish of 10,000 casts. Canada's largest freshwater predator. Massive, aggressive, and incredibly elusive. The ultimate trophy fish challenge.
Large bucktails, jerkbaits, and topwater lures. Use heavy tackle and steel leaders. Fish figure-8s at boatside. Patience required!
Gadus morhua
Classic East Coast groundfish. Excellent eating with firm, white meat. Foundation of Atlantic Canada's fishing heritage. Bottom dwellers.
Bottom fishing with bait rigs. Use clams, worms, or cut fish. Fish rocky bottoms in 30-200ft. Heavy sinkers needed for current.
Micropterus dolomieu
Pound-for-pound the strongest freshwater fighter. Bronzeback beauties that jump and run hard. Prefer rocky areas and clear water.
Tubes, jigs, and crankbaits around rocks. Drop-shot rigs in deep water. Target rocky points, shoals, and drop-offs.
Salvelinus namaycush
Canada's iconic deep-water trout. Long-lived giants that can exceed 40 pounds. Prefer cold, deep lakes. Excellent smoked or grilled.
Deep trolling with downriggers or lead-core line. Use large spoons or plugs. Fish 60-150ft deep. Best in spring and fall.