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 he Ottawa River which we fished lay between Ontario and Québec and extended from Arnprior in the west to Rockland in the east (see map). The Ottawa River is relatively fertile but it varies considerably from place to place. The water level of the Ottawa River is controlled by The Ontario Hydro Corporation in order to properly utilize the dams for creating hydroelectrical power. The water level of the Ottawa River changes during the year, being at its highest level in spring (April-May) and gradually being lowered until fall (August-September), varying from year to year. |
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We discovered that some areas of the river were extremely dangerous to be in because water was being let out when downstream dams required it. At these times and in these areas, the water moves rapidly downstream and can easily take your boat into shallow or rocky areas you do not want to be in. Beware of areas where the river narrows and the currents increase and BE VERY CAREFUL if you value your life. Both above and below Chats Falls Generating Station near Fitzroy Provincial Park is one place in our area of the Ottawa River that can be extremely dangerous. If you plan a fishing in the Ottawa River, we strongly suggest you obtain copies of hydrographic maps of the Ottawa River. One example is, "Ottawa River, Chats Falls to Chenaux, No. 1551", published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ottawa. Hydrographic or nautical maps are no longer available directly from any department of the Federal Government, but instead must be purchased from map stores. One example of several map stores in the Ottawa area is: "Pathfinder Maps", 112 John Cavanaugh Road, Carp, ON K0A 1L0 (www.pathfindermaps.ca) or call toll-free 1-888-447-4745. |
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Fishing the Ottawa River
Game Fish species in the Ottawa River include: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye (pickerel, doré), northern pike, muskellunge, channel catfish, yellow perch, mooneye, and others. We enjoyed the Ottawa River's wide variety of fishing habitats. We fished shallow weedy bays and/or steep stoney and rocky shorelines where we thought smallmouth black bass would likely feed. We also fished in deeper areas where we thought walleyes would live, but had very little success in catching them. Some fish living in the river are quite contaminated with toxic substances- so beware. The bigger fish have more toxins stored in their flesh. It is not dangerous to eat a few fish, especially small ones, freshly caught from the river, but continuous and extensive eating of numerous Ottawa River fish can be dangerous to your health. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has a book  available which lists the toxicity of various species of fish from different parts of the Ottawa River as well as other bodies of water in Ontario. We recommend that you obtain a copy and take their sage advice.
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