Fish

Algonquin Park has over 1,500 lakes, 1,200 kilometres of streams, and countless smaller ponds and bogs, and we have recorded 54 different species of fish in the Park.

Algonquin is well known for its Brook Trout and Lake Trout fisheries but has other species such as Smallmouth Bass, Lake Whitefish, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, and Walleye.

Also see Fishing in Algonquin Park.

Why is Algonquin Park world-famous for its Brook Trout and Lake Trout?

Trout populations were established in Algonquin after the glaciers retreated 11,000 years ago. The lakes left behind were deep, coldwater lakes situated on hard granite. Trout are extremely well-adapted to these seemingly harsh conditions but, as a result, are slow-growing fish with small populations, and are very sensitive to pollution, development, and fishing pressure. Fortunately, most of the lakes in Algonquin are in relatively pristine condition and have not been touched by development.

Lakes in the backcountry of the Park are not fished heavily because of their remote location. Lakes along Highway 60, where fishing pressure is higher, have special regulations to ensure the populations are not overfished. As a result, Algonquin Park is considered one of the finest locations for Brook Trout and Lake Trout in the world.

Fisheries Research in Algonquin Provincial Park

Not easily observed in their watery environment, except during the spawning season, Brook Trout are usually seen by visitors on the end of a hook, destined for a frying pan. Most people do not give much thought to how many fish might be in a lake, or the age of the fish they just caught. For fisheries biologists at the Algonquin Fisheries Assessment Unit, these are things they think about regularly. To explore the complexities of estimating and aging one of Algonquin's less visible animals, visit The Science Behind Algonquin's Animals, a website which focuses on wildlife research in Algonquin Park.

Check out the following publications to learn more about Algonquin's fish, research, and management.

Fishing in Algonquin Provincial Park Fishing in Algonquin Provincial Park – Many visitors come to the Park with little or no idea of how or where to fish, or even the kinds of fish that might be expected. This book is intended to give you the information that may make the difference between success and failure. A detailed table in this book describes what fish you'll find in many of the Park lakes.
Lake Depth Maps of Algonquin Park Lake Depth Maps of Algonquin Park – With the help of current technology, Park staff have surveyed 23 of Algonquin's most popular lakes to produce colour maps showing what is beneath the deep, cold waters of Algonquin's lakes. This book, an asset to anglers and canoeists, includes key lake characteristics such as fish species present, and historical significance.
Fishes of Algonquin Provincial Park Fishes of Algonquin Provincial Park – Over 50 kinds of fishes occur in Algonquin but their appearance, behaviour, and ecology are largely unknown to most visitors. This book fills the gap with outstanding colour photos of living fish, Park distribution maps, and a definitive text by two of Canada's leading ichthyologists.
Raven Talks About Fish and Lakes The Raven Talks about Fish and Lakes – A compilation of fisheries-related articles from "The Raven," (the Park's popular newsletter) from 1960 to 2003. This inexpensive publication showcases Algonquin's notable concentration of trout lakes compared to other areas of Ontario, plus their relative pristine state inside Park boundaries. This enjoyable read also details the impact by humans upon Algonquin's fisheries, and sadly, even bigger changes that seem inevitable.
Fishing in Algonquin Provincial Park Lake Depth Maps of Algonquin Provincial Park Fishes of Algonquin Provincial Park Raven Talks about Fish and Lakes

Related Information

 

Reserve your developed or backcountry campsite for your next visit.

Share your passion for Algonquin Park by becoming a member or donor.

Special regulations for Algonquin's special fishery.