Ottawa, Ontario

What's biting

• Largemouth Bass

  Where: Shallow bays and weed edges of the Rideau River, Rideau Lake, and Ottawa River backwaters; look for remaining aquatic vegetation.

  Early fall is prime—bass feed aggressively before water cools. Use topwater plugs or soft plastics (4–5 inch) in low-light hours (dawn, dusk, overcast). Target structure: fallen trees, dock pilings, reed beds in 1–2 m (3–6 ft) of water.

• Smallmouth Bass

  Where: Rocky shoals and drop-offs in the Rideau River, Ottawa River main channel, and deeper sections of Rideau Lake.

  Smallmouth are transitioning to deeper water as temps drop; fish rocky points and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) depths with tube jigs or crayfish-pattern soft plastics. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive.

• Walleye

  Where: Rideau Lake main basin, Ottawa River channel, and deeper holes in the Rideau River; also Mooney's Bay.

  Walleye are beginning their fall movement to deeper structure. Fish live shiners or jigs tipped with minnows in 4–6 m (13–20 ft) of water, especially around dusk when they feed. Jigging vertically over structure is effective.

• Northern Pike

  Where: Weed beds and shallower bays of Rideau Lake and Ottawa River backwaters; also Dow's Lake.

  Pike remain in shallow weeds through early September; use large spinnerbaits (size 4–5), crankbaits, or 6–8 inch soft plastics. Cast along weed edges and work slowly—pike are less aggressive as water cools.

• Yellow Perch

  Where: Shallow bays and weed-lined shores of Rideau Lake, Ottawa River, and Mooney's Bay.

  Perch school in deeper water as fall progresses but are still accessible in shallows this week. Use small jigs (1/8–1/4 oz) tipped with live minnows or small shiners in 1–3 m (3–10 ft) depths; fish early morning and evening.