The Best of Canadian Musky Fishing Lakes
Eagle Lake
Situated in Ontario, Canada, just West of Dryden, Eagle Lake is a significant musky fishery. Like many of the Canadian Lakes listed, Eagle is packed full of the most dangerous navigational hazards juxtaposed with unmatched scenic beauty. Eagle Lake is a sprawling 68,000 acres, 500 islands, and 70 miles long. Most anglers stick within their lodge's area of expertise as the narrows, islands, and bays can easily confuse even the best navigator. There are both stained and clear waters to fish, boulders and reefs, or weeds and coves. This lake really does have it all including a healthy population of pike and walleye to keep things interesting between the musky bites. Whether you are looking for the 50+ trophies or bays full of numbers, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Eagle Lake
Lake of the Woods
Another Lake you don’t want to miss, Lake of the Woods, spreads its waters over Northern Minnesota and the Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Manitoba. Lake of the Woods is another 70-mile-long lake, featuring over 950,000 acres and 14,500 islands. This lake, though considered a relatively shallow water fishery, has a maximum depth of 310 feet. Targeting musky across Lake of the Woods is fantastic as the fishery is thriving and appeals to anglers who love throwing at weeds and reeds. This is definitely a great stop for those who love vegetation fishing. Despite its popularity for musky angling, Lake of the Woods offers ample opportunity for targeting any number of gamefish: including, pike, largemouth, smallmouth, and even lake trout.
Lac Seul
Head further North of Dryden Ontario and you’ll eventually run into the crescent-shaped musky fishery of Lac Seul. This lake boasts tea-colored water from the tannins of flooded trees which gives rise to longer fishing windows during peak fishing times. Though Lac Seul is noted as the “Walleye fishing capital of the world,” it’s also a great place to seek out musky. This 358,400 acre is Ontario’s second largest lake with its own fishing regulations. If it’s musky you seek, catch and release is the only option here as there are “no keepers” on Lac Seul. Musky fishing is sometimes overlooked on Lac Suel because of its famous walleye, but it has a natural fishery with low pressure that will reward those who put in the time.
Lake St. Clair
This 26-mile-long lake lying partly in Michigan and partly in Ontario makes the list as a great entry point into Canadian musky fishing. As Lake St. Clair is accessible right outside of Detroit, Michigan, it is a great jumping-off point for those wanting to have the Canadian Experience from the comfort of the U.S. Lake St. Clair has a healthy musky population; however, some would argue that it’s a numbers lake more so than a monster factory, but regardless, musky fishing here can be outstanding. Whether you are following the trolling trend on Lake St. Clair or fishing the river channels, one thing is for sure, you will not be disappointed with your catch. Lake St. Clair has plenty to offer with its relatively shallow water (average of 15ft) and its closeness to creature comforts.
Wabigoon
Located just South (touching) Dryden, Ontario, Wabigoon is a stained lake offering up some monster fish to those who are interested in fishing its depths. “The Goon” as called by locals, is not unlike portions of Eagle Lake with treacherous shallow reefs and boulders left behind by arctic ice. Those who choose to fish its 20 miles or 26,000 acres are sure to catch some monster musky. Though highly regarded as musky waters, Wabigoon isn’t highly pressured water due to its dark staining and dangerous underwater elements, but most navigate by word of mouth and gather information as they go. It’s well known for harboring upper 40s and over 50-inch behemoths. With the very nearby town of Dryden, Wabigoon is a good landing place for those not prepared to brave the wild areas of Canada.
Lake Nipissing
Head North from Toronto and run into a great muskie lake that offers up some monsters. Another stained lake, Lake Nipissing offers a little bit of every type of fishing for those who like to experience various structures: from islands and vegetation to reefs and rocks. It might be difficult to nail down a spot when there are so many to choose from, but this lake is well worth the effort. Lake Nipissing is upwards of 40 miles long with around 215,000 acres of water to choose from. It has some staggering depths of up to 170 feet, so I wouldn’t venture out without a life jacket on this expanse. Despite it being a favorite for musky anglers, walleye anglers also flock to Lake Nipissing for the larger-stature yellow walleye.
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