Fishing on Rice Lake Ontario: Best Fishing Spots, Seasons & Expert Tips
If you've been dreaming about a freshwater fishing trip somewhere in Ontario that actually delivers on its promise, Rice Lake deserves a serious spot on your shortlist. Nestled in Northumberland and Peterborough counties - just off Highway 401 - this is a lake that's been reeling in anglers for over 150 years, and for very good reason.
Rice Lake is considered one of Ontario's largest and most productive inland fisheries, reportedly producing more fish per acre than any other lake in the province - a distinction backed by Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources. The lake is shallow, rarely exceeding 27 feet, which means dense weed beds, warm fertile water, and fish populations that thrive season after season.
But great fishing is only half the story. Where you stay shapes the whole trip. More on that shortly.
What Fish Are in Rice Lake?
Before packing your tackle box, it helps to know exactly what Rice Lake fish you're targeting. The answer? A lot more variety than most anglers expect.
Before packing your tackle box, it helps to know exactly what Rice Lake fish you're targeting. The answer? A lot more variety than most anglers expect.
Walleye (Pickerel)
Rice Lake is widely regarded as one of the best Walleye fisheries in all of Southern Ontario. The lake's lush weed growth creates ideal feeding habitat - Walleye move in, rest, and actively hunt through the vegetation. Expect an average catch around 1–2 lbs, with lunkers in the 5–6 lb range that are not uncommon.
Rice Lake is widely regarded as one of the best Walleye fisheries in all of Southern Ontario. The lake's lush weed growth creates ideal feeding habitat - Walleye move in, rest, and actively hunt through the vegetation. Expect an average catch around 1–2 lbs, with lunkers in the 5–6 lb range that are not uncommon.
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
The Largemouth Bass population here is nothing short of astounding - Rice Lake consistently ranks among Southern Ontario's top Bass destinations. Many Largemouth Bass in the 5–6 lb range are pulled from the lake annually. Smallmouth prefer the deeper, rocky structure but show up reliably for anglers willing to work for them.
The Largemouth Bass population here is nothing short of astounding - Rice Lake consistently ranks among Southern Ontario's top Bass destinations. Many Largemouth Bass in the 5–6 lb range are pulled from the lake annually. Smallmouth prefer the deeper, rocky structure but show up reliably for anglers willing to work for them.
Muskie
Rice Lake has earned a reputation for its Muskie fishing. With an abundance of panfish as forage, these predators grow substantial - fish ranging from 10–15 lbs are common, with some specimens reaching close to 30 lbs.
Rice Lake has earned a reputation for its Muskie fishing. With an abundance of panfish as forage, these predators grow substantial - fish ranging from 10–15 lbs are common, with some specimens reaching close to 30 lbs.
Panfish & Carp
Because of the weedy nature of much of Rice Lake, Panfish abound - Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish fill these waters throughout the season. Rice Lake also ranks high among Southern Ontario's best destinations for Carp fishing.
Because of the weedy nature of much of Rice Lake, Panfish abound - Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Sunfish fill these waters throughout the season. Rice Lake also ranks high among Southern Ontario's best destinations for Carp fishing.
Best Fishing Spots on Rice Lake
Weed Flats Around Bewdley
The western end of the lake near Bewdley is a go-to for Walleye in spring. Casting a silver rattle bait and retrieving at medium speed in 5–8 feet of water covers this large, productive stretch well - or try trolling with a chartreuse worm harness if the bite is slow. This area also fires up for Largemouth Bass all summer long.
Weed Flats Around Bewdley
The western end of the lake near Bewdley is a go-to for Walleye in spring. Casting a silver rattle bait and retrieving at medium speed in 5–8 feet of water covers this large, productive stretch well - or try trolling with a chartreuse worm harness if the bite is slow. This area also fires up for Largemouth Bass all summer long.
The Islands
The islands scattered across Rice Lake offer excellent structure and cover for Largemouth Bass, with their rocky, tree-lined shores producing strong catches year after year. If you have a boat and time for only one area, hit the islands.
The islands scattered across Rice Lake offer excellent structure and cover for Largemouth Bass, with their rocky, tree-lined shores producing strong catches year after year. If you have a boat and time for only one area, hit the islands.
Tick Island Drop-Off
The submerged railway near Tick Island creates a natural drop-off that attracts Smallmouth Bass - the rocky rubble draws crayfish, which are the Smallmouth's preferred prey.
The submerged railway near Tick Island creates a natural drop-off that attracts Smallmouth Bass - the rocky rubble draws crayfish, which are the Smallmouth's preferred prey.
Otonabee River Mouth
Where the Otonabee River spills into the lake, deeper holding pools make ideal Walleye territory - jigs tipped with worms or minnows work well in this zone.
Where the Otonabee River spills into the lake, deeper holding pools make ideal Walleye territory - jigs tipped with worms or minnows work well in this zone.
South-End Deep Channels
Come summer, Walleye move into the deeper south-end channels near Gores Landing. Slow trolling with a chartreuse worm harness in the 17–21 foot range tends to produce results - once you hook one, anchor and finish the school with jigs. These same channels hold Muskie, particularly when you cover water with large perch-pattern crankbaits.
Come summer, Walleye move into the deeper south-end channels near Gores Landing. Slow trolling with a chartreuse worm harness in the 17–21 foot range tends to produce results - once you hook one, anchor and finish the school with jigs. These same channels hold Muskie, particularly when you cover water with large perch-pattern crankbaits.
Fishing Seasons in Ontario: When to Plan Your Trip
Knowing the fishing season in Ontario is critical for planning the right visit. Here's how Rice Lake fishes across the calendar:
Knowing the fishing season in Ontario is critical for planning the right visit. Here's how Rice Lake fishes across the calendar:
· Spring (May - June): The most exciting window. Walleye flood the shallow weed flats, Bass turn aggressive post-spawn, and every species is on the move. The lake is at peak activity.
· Summer (July - August): Bass fishing peaks. Weed growth is thick - target pockets and open holes in the vegetation. Walleye push deeper, so work the south-end channels.
· Fall (September - October): Crappie run long into fall, and Bass feed heavily before the cold sets in. Cooler water makes fish easier to pattern and more aggressive on the strike.
· Winter (January - March): Rice Lake's shallow, fertile structure keeps Walleye and Perch active under the ice, with ice fishing possible from January through early March when conditions allow.
Expert Tips for Fishing Rice Lake
Pick up a local map: The Rice Lake Road and Fishing Map, sold locally, is a practical investment for finding productive weed edges and island channels.
Rip jig for Walleye: Firing a bucktail jig directly into the weeds and ripping it sharply upward mimics a struggling bait fish - an unconventional but highly effective Rice Lake technique.
Troll for Muskie: Covering lots of water along the deeper channels with large-body crank baits in perch patterns - around 6 - 9 inches - consistently produces results for Muskie.
Get your licence sorted first: An Ontario fishing licence is required for anyone 18 and older - available online at Ontario.ca or at local bait and tackle shops near the lake.
Where to Stay While Fishing on Rice Lake
A great fishing trip isn't just about what's in the water - it's about where you come home to after a long day on the lake. And if you're fishing on Rice Lake Ontario, there's one waterfront stay that makes the whole trip feel complete.
Sunny Shades Resort & Spa in Bewdley sits right on the western shore of Rice Lake - the same stretch of water that holds those productive Walleye weed flats and prime Bass grounds. Whether you're booking a cozy lakefront cottage, setting up at the RV/trailer park, or trying something different with glamping, Sunny Shades puts you steps from the water every single morning.
For anglers, the location is the real advantage. The resort offers a boat launch and boat rentals so you can be on the water before the sun clears the treeline - no long drives, no marina queues. After the day's fishing, you're back at a proper resort with a heated pool, spa facilities, outdoor amenities, and waterfront views that make every evening feel like a reward.
It's the kind of base that turns a good fishing trip into a great one - and it works just as well if you're bringing family along who'd rather swim and relax while you fish.