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Today
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Sun
06:37 – 19:29
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Waning Crescent · solunar good
Fishing around Kingston
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyKingston Fishing: Early Fall on Lake Ontario and the Cataraqui
What's biting
Largemouth Bass
Where: Shallow bays and weed edges of the Cataraqui River, particularly around Collins Bay and the marshes near Gananoque; Lake Ontario shoreline structure near Wolfe Island.
Early fall cooling triggers aggressive feeding; work soft plastics and crankbaits along remaining weed lines in 1–3 m (3–10 ft) of water. Dawn and dusk are prime.
Caution: Check current Ontario regulations for season and size limits before fishing.
Smallmouth Bass
Where: Rocky shoals and drop-offs along Lake Ontario's north shore near Kingston; limestone reefs and points around Wolfe Island.
Smallmouths are transitioning to deeper structure as water cools; target 4–7 m (13–23 ft) with drop-shot rigs, tube jigs, or live shiners. Cloudy days (Sept 9–10) will keep them shallower.
Caution: Check current Ontario regulations for season and size limits before fishing.
Walleye
Where: Cataraqui River main channel and deeper holes; Lake Ontario's deeper basins (8–12 m / 26–39 ft) east of Kingston.
Fall walleye bite strengthens as water cools to 19°C; use live shiners or jigs tipped with minnow in low-light conditions. Early morning and overcast periods are best.
Caution: Check current Ontario regulations for season and size limits before fishing.
Lake Trout
Where: Deep offshore waters of Lake Ontario (15+ m / 50+ ft); accessible by boat from Kingston waterfront.
Early September is the start of the fall bite; troll small spoons or jigging spoons in the thermocline zone. Water temperature at 19°C surface suggests trout are still moderately deep.
Caution: Check current Ontario regulations for season and size limits before fishing.
Yellow Perch
Where: Shallow bays and weed beds of the Cataraqui River; Lake Ontario shoreline drop-offs in 2–4 m (6–13 ft).
Perch school heavily in fall; small jigs (1/8–1/4 oz) or live minnows under a bobber are effective. Expect fast action in the right spot.
Caution: Check current Ontario regulations for season and size limits before fishing.
Best times
Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and dusk (6 p.m. onward) are most productive. Overcast days (Sept 9–10, 13–14) will extend the bite throughout the day. Avoid the windiest periods (Sept 10, 12) unless targeting deeper structure.
Waters to try
- Lake Ontario (Kingston waterfront and offshore); Cataraqui River (Collins Bay, Gananoque marshes, main channel); Wolfe Island shoreline and reefs; Rideau Lake (30 km west, excellent for bass and walleye).
Regulations
Ontario's fishing regulations vary by species, season, and water body. Before fishing, consult the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary at https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-ontario for current season dates, size limits, and daily catch limits. Some waters may have special restrictions or closures.
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary ↗The fishing note for Kingston, every week
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