Flowing past Kingston and weaving through the Thousand Islands, the St. Lawrence River was named one of the top five bass fishing destination in North America by Bassmaster Magazine. The waterway earned the number one spot in 2024 and ranked fourth in 2025, thanks to its large population of trophy-sized smallmouth bass.
The St. Lawrence has long amazed anglers, boasting bass surpassing 20 pounds. During the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series held on the St. Lawrence, the top four competitors each reeled in over 100 pounds of smallmouths. The area also attracts visitors who come to see major bass fishing events like the BaitFuel Thousand Islands Open.
Kingston is located at the heart of this internationally acclaimed destination and each summer attracts anglers and amateur fishers looking to get their hooks on a world-class bass, as well as other types of fish. It’s the perfect city to act as your home base, boasting a wide selection of accommodations and restaurants to visit during your Ontario fishing expedition.
If you’re a first-time fisher looking to throw a line for the first time and haven’t obtained your fishing license yet, check out Blue Rock Charters, based in Kingston and led by Captain Joe Spence.
They offer top-tier boat and ice fishing experiences across Lake Ontario, Bay of Quinte, and nearby inland lakes like Collins and Loughborough. During the warmer months, expect guided boat charters targeting species such as lake trout, walleye, pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass. Trips run until August and include all necessary tackle, safety gear, and boating equipment. In winter, the operation transitions to its fully equipped ice fishing program on the Bay of Quinte and Collins Lake. Check out their website for more details.
Need a fishing lure? Stop by the Visitor Information Centre (209 Ontario Street) and pick up a unique, handmade lure from local maker KingLine Lures. And don’t forget your fishing license before heading out on the water if you’re fishing without a charter!
1. Lake Ontario
Depart from Portsmouth Olympic Harbour or Collins Bay either with local charter Blue Rock Charters or with your own boat and go find word-class trout, salmon, bass, and pike in the deep waters of Lake Ontario.
2. Cataraqui River
For those without a boat, the Cataraqui River offers convenient shoreline fishing right in Kingston. Grab a sandwich from Mermaid Sandwich Factory or Pan Chancho Bakery and head over to one of the popular fishing spots along the river including Doug Fluhrer Park, and Kingston Mills. You can expect to pull to the surface panfish, bass, and the occasional pike during the warmer months.
3. Collins Lake
This smaller lake near Inverary is especially popular during the winter months. Collins Lake freezes over during the winter, making it ideal for ice fishing beginners and families, who can expect to catch perch and pike. Ice fishing experiences on Collins Lake are available through Blue Rock Charters.
4. Bay of Quinte
The Bay of Quinte is a must-fish destination for trophy walleye. Located just west of Kingston, the bay offers world-class fishing in both summer and winter. Late fall and ice season are great times to go searching for walleye.
5. Loughborough Lake
Just north of Kingston is Loughborough Lake, boasting scenic rocky shoreline and weed beds and of course, bass and pike. After grabbing breakfast in Kingston, take the drive to Loughborough and fish at one of their public docks.
