There's great fishing in Niagara Falls - but most people overlook it. Here are the best fishing spots, the best fishing boat tour guides, and info on the kinds of (delicious!) fish you can catch in and around Niagara Falls Canada.
Fishing in Niagara Falls. Photo courtesy lonelyplanet.com
One of the most popular activities on a North American "bucket list" is to visit Niagara Falls, Canada, to explore the waterfalls and ride on a Hornblower Niagara Cruise. And no wonder! The falls really do live up to all the hype. But I'm going to be bold and suggest that there are other bodies of water around Niagara Canada that are equally worthy of exploration.
There's a reason why this part of Canada is referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World - there is so much to see and discover. And (no surprises here!) there's a reason why I'm so particularly fond of the Niagara River, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. It all starts with food! The food in southern Ontario, and especially around the Niagara Region, is absolutely amazing. The micro climate of the region means milder winters and favorable conditions, the kind that coaxes finicky grapes and coddles delicate tomatoes. But while I love the fresh produce and local wine (and cheese..... and preserves.... and ciders.......) one of my absolute favourite things to eat in this region is the freshly caught fish. Fishing in Niagara = Foodie Heaven
The BEST part of fishing in Niagara Falls. Dinner! Photo courtesy northernontario.travel
Fresh fish is a favourite travel treat of mine. It's an easy and relatively affordable way to get acquainted with regional specialties and it's a healthy, filling alternative to a lot of my usual travel treats (you've heard about my obsession with cheese, right?)
But when it comes to fish, not all dishes are created equal. I'm a fussy fish eater and I really love it best when it's incredibly fresh and prepared in its simplest forms - pan fried, grilled, or done over the campfire. And in Niagara Canada - thousands of miles from my Maritime coastal roots - you can get freshly caught and expertly prepared fish nearly year-round thanks to a thriving fishing industry in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and even along the Niagara River. Of course, you COULD just go to the market and pick out a tasty specimen but I think for maximum fun you should head out and try your hand at catching some yourself! What kind of fish are in Niagara Falls?
It's not just people who are out for fish! Photo courtesy ontariopics.com
Local fish around Niagara Canada includes bass, walleye, salmon, perch (SO good in a fish fry!) and trout (Swoon! My absolute favourite). Niagara Fishing Adventures, led by Captain Aldo Nava, operates year-round and even in the colder months between October and March they catch steelhead trout along the lower Niagara River. If your sea legs are weak like mine, you can take heart in knowing they specialize in small groups and stable vessels. They're based in St. Catharine's / Port Dalhousie and are just a short drive from Niagara Falls - about 20 minutes.
If you're looking to mix some frivolity in with your fishing, the community of Crystal Beach along the South Coast of Lake Erie offers traditional beach town attractions (ice cream! swimming! boardwalks!) Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes and as such it offers excellent fishing, especially walleye and smallmouth bass that are legendary for being not that small at all. The waterfront park and boat launch are the perfect departing point for private boat rentals and it's close by to a number of Provincial Parks for overnight camping. Another fantastic marina in Niagara Canada is Sugarloaf Marina in Port Colborne. It's just 20 to 30 minutes from Niagara Falls, the Peace Bridge, and Buffalo, New York. Equally popular with locals and visitors, the marina is home to 700 slips, laundry facilities, large showers, picnic spots with BBQs, and bike rentals. Port Colborne also boasts great bass and walleye fishing and is also home to some amazing scuba diving and shipwrecks. It goes without saying that you're much better off viewing the shipwrecks than adding to them! Follow all of the marina and tour operators' recommendations (as well as the federal laws) for safety equipment and procedures, always leave a copy of your plans with a source on shore, and respect local fishing guidelines. (And don't forget to look into the required fishing license regulations - everyone needs one!) 
Caught on board Captain Aldo's boat! Photo courtesy TripAdvisor.
If you've been following along with our blog for a while, you've noticed that southern Ontario is one of our favourite spots to write about. Admittedly it's not hard to win over my heart when food is involved, but the area truly has so much more than that and fishing is just the tip of the iceberg. (Wait. Icebergs? Bad analogy for boats!) Let's just say that between the fine dining, fine company, and fine fun, you'll be heading back for more again and again just like we do. When the 8th Wonder of the World is in your backyard, it's hard not to!
PS - Still not convinced you'll enjoy fishing? Check out my epic tale of ice fishing at nearby Lake Simcoe! If you enjoyed this article, you'll also like: Wolfe Island Photo Essay Travel Memories Are Made When... I Explore the Great Outdoors Tales from the Anti-Adventurist: Vanessa Kayaks in Algonquin Park Destination Roundup: Traveling through the Maritime provinces The Best Family Campgrounds Ontario Wide We loved visiting the Niagara Region a few years ago, and I definitely agree, the area has so much more to offer than just the falls! I always love spending time at the lake, so all of these spots sound great, especially Crystal Beach! And, yum!! I'm now really hungry for fish, lol! :)
Vanessa
29/8/2016 07:59:31 pm
It's so important to remember that the Falls are just one feature in an incredible natural landscape - there is so much to explore in the area! I've made 2 treks to Niagara Falls in my lifetime (which reminds me, it's time to head back!) and would wholeheartedly agree the Niagara Region IS the 8th Wonder of the World. I've always been drawn to the area for the Falls but, had NO idea there is such great fishing there. Loved your post! Thanks for showing how much there is to enjoy in the area!
Vanessa
29/8/2016 08:19:12 pm
And fishing is just the tip of the iceberg - there's so many great food experiences there. 30/8/2016 01:21:24 pm
Haven't yet made it to Niagara falls, though Ive been told time and time again that Canada is the better side :D Wasn't aware there is so much to explore in the area and such a big food scene too - will maybe have to rent a car and spend a few days :)
Vanessa
31/8/2016 05:35:53 pm
I think it's well worth renting a car to explore the area. There are a lot of small towns that you wouldn't get to see otherwise. 31/8/2016 03:47:02 pm
I've only done Niagara from the Canada side. Dying to get up this side... I didn't know you could fish there!
Vanessa
1/9/2016 12:31:48 pm
Both sides of the falls are fantastic to explore! Did you know there's an annual marathon that has runners start in one country and end in another? 4/9/2016 07:05:43 am
I live foraging if ever I go out to nature but never really tried fishing at all. It would be extremely cool to catch a big fish like that!
Vanessa
6/9/2016 09:55:14 am
Sadly, my fishing adventures have never resulted in a massive fish but that never stopped me from bragging as if I did... 4/9/2016 09:46:56 am
I have to admit that I am always intrigued by fishing trips, and your post just makes me want to plan one soon.
Vanessa
6/9/2016 09:58:16 am
DO IT!! I think you'll love it! (And you'll love eating the results too)
Vanessa
6/9/2016 10:00:35 am
Exactly - there is so much to do beyond just looking at the falls.
Vanessa
6/9/2016 10:01:02 am
Hey, we've all been there. Swirling lollypops get the better of even a seasoned traveler ;-) 5/9/2016 01:41:16 am
I'd love to take a trip like this with my dad for some bonding :) He'd love it. I'm not a fan of fishing but I'd love the scenery!
Vanessa
6/9/2016 10:46:18 am
It would be the perfect place for a father-daughter trip.
Vanessa
6/9/2016 10:02:40 am
I am not a big fan of fish when it's prepared in different sauces or with different ingredients. I just love it when it's fresh and prepared simply so a fishing trip and a fish fry are my kind of thing! 6/9/2016 02:21:21 am
Cool article, especially for those that love to fish! There are definitely some trophies to be had. Really love the phototography, makes me want to go there even more than I already did
Vanessa
6/9/2016 10:04:58 am
Niagara is such a beautiful part of the work - definitely a photographer's dream destination.
Vanessa
18/9/2016 07:14:32 am
You should give some tips for everyone here - lots of people who want to try it but few who have so far. Comments are closed.
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