Greater Sudbury, Ontario

What's biting

• Walleye

  Where: Lake Nipissing (east), Ramsey Lake (central Sudbury), Wanapitei Lake; rocky shoals and drop-offs in 3–6 m (10–20 ft) of water

  Early fall sees walleye moving to deeper structure as water cools. Fish dawn and dusk with live shiners or jigs tipped with minnows; work the thermocline transition zone around 4–5 m (13–16 ft) depth.

  Caution: Confirm current size and possession limits with Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary before keeping any fish.

• Lake Trout

  Where: Wanapitei Lake, Ramsey Lake (deeper basins); offshore structure and drop-offs 6–12 m (20–40 ft)

  Water temperature now favours lake trout; troll small spoons (silver, chartreuse) or cast jigging spoons near deep structure. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive.

  Caution: Lake trout are sensitive to handling; wet hands before touch-and-release. Check regulations for slot limits or special restrictions.

• Smallmouth Bass

  Where: Ramsey Lake, Wanapitei Lake, rocky shorelines and weed edges; 2–4 m (6–13 ft) in early fall

  Bass remain active in early September; throw crankbaits, soft plastics, or topwater near structure and vegetation. Cooler nights trigger feeding; fish early morning and evening.

  Caution: Handle with care to avoid damaging the lower jaw. Verify catch-and-release or harvest rules before fishing.

• Northern Pike

  Where: Weedy bays and shallows of Ramsey Lake, Wanapitei Lake, and smaller lakes; 1–3 m (3–10 ft)

  Pike hunt aggressively in fall as they prepare for winter. Cast large spinnerbaits, soft plastics, or live shiners near weed beds and structure. Expect strikes throughout the day.

  Caution: Pike have sharp teeth; use a steel leader or bite tippet. Watch for entanglement in weeds.

• Whitefish (Lake Whitefish)

  Where: Deeper basins of Lake Nipissing and Wanapitei Lake; 6–10 m (20–33 ft) on sand and silt bottoms

  Whitefish are active in fall; fish small jigging spoons, teardrops, or live maggots vertically over deep structure. Early morning and dusk are best.

  Caution: Whitefish are delicate; handle minimally if releasing. Confirm possession limits and any species-specific regulations.