Lake Nipissing

Donnie

Donnie is a founder of Basshogg, avid bass fisherman and cottager.

Location: Lake Nipissing is on the edge of North Bay Ontario, 350 Km from Toronto and Ottawa.

Size: 873 Km2

Depth: Average 15ft, Max 210 ft

Species of Fish: Walleye, Muskie, Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass plus many more (over 40).

Largest Bass Caught: Over 5lbs confirmed. Locals claim 7 pounders exist.

About Lake Nipissing

Lake Nipissing is the third-largest lake entirely in Ontario. It is relatively shallow for a large lake, with an average depth of only 4.5 m (15 ft). The shallowness of the lake makes for many sandbars along the lake’s irregular shoreline. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 64 m (210 ft) near the mouth of the French River, off the shore of Blueberry Island.

The lake contains over 40 different species of fish. Numerous sport fishing lodges dot the main shoreline and can also be found on several of Nipissing’s many islands. Most anglers target walleye, smallmouth bass, muskie, and northern pike. The western end of the lake is known for its king-sized muskies, averaging in the mid-30 inches but fish up to 50 inches have been caught.

Boat Launches

There are as many boat launches on Lake Nipissing as there are species of fish. Follow this link to google maps to take a closer look.

Catching Bass on Lake Nipissing

Smallmouth

Smallmouth are extremely widespread on Lake Nipissing. These athletic and aggressive fish will hold in weeds and sand edges. But look for rock structure and you’ll find smallmouth. Rocky shorelines, mid-lake shoals of broken rock and shallow waters off rocky points all hold the minnows and crayfish bass love to devour. Try casting dark-colored tube jigs, shallow diving crank baits or even shiny spinners and the results will vary from numbers of 2 to 3 lb bass to the occasional trophy smallmouth. When the water is calm there are few things more satisfying than casting a top water popper over a rocky shoal to elicit strikes from thick smallmouth.

Largemouth

Largemouth bass are not as widespread on Nipissing. But if you narrow your focus on areas of dense weed growth, you’ll find largemouth. The broad shallows of Cache Bay support the aquatic vegetation that largemouth love to hide in, as do areas of Callander Bay, South Bay and West Bay. Bring all the tools in your box though, they can prove to be elusive. Especially when the water gets choppy.

Hot Spots for Bass on Lake Nipissing

West Nipissing

West Nipissing’s Smallmouth Bass are without a doubt as big as they are plentiful. Lake Nipissing’s, Smallmouth Bass are: pound for pound the most exciting, strongest and athletic fish in the lake. The Smallmouth Bass tend to gravitate to the south side of our islands where they wait, ready to ambush.

Cache Bay

Cache Bay is a northern pike and largemouth bass angler’s paradise. The pencil reeds and submerged weeds provide endless opportunities to throw spinner baits, frogs, and plastics all year round. This is a main destination for many tournament stops throughout the year with some big money to be won. A trophy fish can be caught on any cast at any time!

Callender Bay

Callander Bay is located on the east side of the lake. The picturesque town of Callander populates most of its shoreline. This is a very popular fishing destination for both locals and North Bay residents. It is fairly sheltered from the big winds and waves that the main lake is known for. Smaller aluminum boats are able to fish this area and be able to find shelter all times of the year. Many tournaments are also held on these waters for both northern pike and bass.

The West Arm

The Hay Narrows are located where Lake Nipissing and West Bay meet. This, along with the French River, are the two outflows of the lake, both draining into Lake Huron. West Bay eventually becomes the well-known area called the West Arm. Smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and muskie predominantly occupy these waters and in large numbers.

Summary

Fishing for bass on Lake Nipissing can be an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers. The lake is home to both smallmouth and largemouth bass, and offers a variety of fishing opportunities throughout the year. In the spring, anglers can find bass in the shallow waters near shorelines and weed beds, while in the summer, they can be found in deeper waters near drop-offs and structure. Techniques such as casting soft plastic baits, using topwater lures, and jigging can all be effective in catching bass on Lake Nipissing. Although we listed hotspots and they will not disappoint, there isn’t a place where you can’t find bass. Overall, Lake Nipissing provides an excellent fishing experience for bass anglers of all skill levels.

Check out the Bass Blogg for information about other Bass fishing lakes and more!

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