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The Wabigoon Chain of Lakes

World Class Multispecies Angling

About the Wabigoon Chain of Lakes

The Wabigoon Chain of Lakes is one of Northwestern Ontario’s premier fishing destinations, offering world-class opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Stretching across a vast network of connected lakes and waterways, the chain is home to an incredible diversity of sportfish, from trophy-sized Walleye and hard-fighting Smallmouth Bass to feisty Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and Musky. With its mix of rocky shorelines, sheltered bays, and deep channels, the Wabigoon Chain provides endless places to explore and cast a line. Whether you’re after a memorable Canadian shore lunch, the thrill of a trophy catch, or a fun day on the water with family, fishing the Wabigoon Chain of Lakes delivers an unforgettable experience.

Ontario Fishing Regulations

Check out the Trailblazer Tagged Fish Contest

Smallmouth Bass

The Wabigoon Chain of Lakes is a premier destination for anglers chasing Smallmouth Bass. Known for their explosive strikes and incredible fighting spirit, these bronze-backed fish thrive in the chain’s rocky shorelines, points, and underwater structure. Anglers have great success with crankbaits, soft plastics, and live bait, often rewarded with powerful jumps and hard runs once a fish is hooked. Whether you’re exploring hidden bays or casting along the rugged shoreline, Smallmouth Bass fishing on the Wabigoon Chain offers unforgettable action and a true Northwestern Ontario fishing adventure.

Angler holding a large muskie fish caught on a lake

Muskellunge

The Wabigoon Chain of Lakes is a true hotspot for Musky, often called the “fish of 10,000 casts.” Known for their massive size and explosive strikes, Muskies are the ultimate challenge for serious anglers. These apex predators roam weedy bays, rocky points, and open-water structure, where large bucktails, jerkbaits, or topwater lures can trigger heart-stopping strikes. With trophy fish pushing well over 50 inches, the Wabigoon Chain has earned a reputation as one of Northwestern Ontario’s best Musky fisheries. For those seeking the thrill of battling a giant, Musky fishing here is an adventure you’ll never forget.

Black Crappie

The Wabigoon Chain of Lakes offers excellent fishing for Black Crappie, a popular panfish known for its schooling behavior and delicious fillets. Crappie are often found in sheltered bays, around submerged timber, and near weed edges, where light tackle and small jigs tipped with minnows are especially effective. Once located, the action can be fast-paced, making them a favourite for both seasoned anglers and families. Their combination of accessibility, abundance, and taste makes Black Crappie fishing on the Wabigoon Chain a rewarding experience for anyone looking to enjoy time on the water.

Yellow Perch

The Wabigoon Chain of Lakes is home to healthy schools of Yellow Perch, making it a favourite spot for anglers of all ages. These brightly coloured fish are plentiful, fun to catch, and excellent table fare. Perch are often found in weedy bays, sandy flats, and near underwater structure, where light tackle, minnows, or small jigs can lead to steady action. Their schooling nature means fast-paced fishing when you find them, making Yellow Perch a perfect choice for family outings or those looking to reel in both quantity and quality. A day spent perch fishing on the Wabigoon Chain promises plenty of bites and a tasty reward at the end of the line.

Angler holding a walleye

Walleye

The Wabigoon Chain of Lakes is renowned for its outstanding Walleye fishery, attracting anglers from across North America. Known as one of the most sought-after freshwater species, Walleye are prized for both their challenge and their delicious fillets. They are commonly found along drop-offs, rocky points, and deeper channels, especially during low-light periods when they feed most actively. Jigs tipped with minnows, leeches, or soft plastics are the go-to method, though trolling crankbaits can also produce trophy catches. Whether you’re after a classic Canadian shore lunch or the thrill of hooking into a trophy, Walleye fishing on the Wabigoon Chain is a must-experience adventure.

Northern Pike

The Wabigoon Chain of Lakes is famous for producing trophy-sized Northern Pike, a species that offers heart-pounding strikes and unforgettable battles. These apex predators lurk in weedy bays, rocky points, and along drop-offs, waiting to ambush passing prey. Anglers often find success casting large spoons, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics, though live bait can also tempt these aggressive fish. Known for their sheer power and razor-sharp teeth, Northern Pike are a thrill to catch and a highlight of any fishing trip. On the Wabigoon Chain, every cast has the potential to connect with a giant.

Annual Fishing Tournaments

The Wabigoon Chain of Lakes has built a reputation as a premier tournament fishing destination in Northwestern Ontario. Each year, competitive anglers gather on its waters to test their skills against some of the region’s most sought-after species, including Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Musky. With its diverse structure, vast fishing grounds, and healthy populations of gamefish, the chain offers a level playing field that makes every weigh-in exciting. From local derbies to large-scale competitions, tournaments on the Wabigoon Chain combine the thrill of sportfishing with the beauty of the surrounding wilderness, drawing both seasoned competitors and enthusiastic spectators.

Trailblazer Tagged Fish Contest

$100k in prize fish to be caught

The Trailblazer Tagged Fish Contest is one of the most exciting fishing events held on the Wabigoon Chain of Lakes. With $100,000 worth of tagged fish swimming throughout the system, anglers have the chance to reel in incredible prizes while enjoying some of Northwestern Ontario’s best fishing. Open to all skill levels, the contest combines the thrill of the catch with the anticipation of landing a winning tag, making it a highlight of the fishing season for both locals and visitors.

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