New Edinburgh Park: Urban Rideau Angling
New Edinburgh Park offers a fantastic retreat for the urban angler, located entirely within the city core on the Rideau River. Situated south of Sussex Drive on Stanley Avenue, this fair-sized green space provides most of the amenities needed for a productive day out, without the need for a long commute.
For those with small watercraft, launching a canoe or kayak is possible at various shoreline spots. However, be prepared to portage your craft a short distance from your vehicle.
The Mixed Bag
- • Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
- • Northern Pike (Plentiful)
- • Walleye & Muskellunge
- • Trophy Common Carp
- • Yellow Perch, Crappie & Bluegill
Lure Selection
Tossing 3/8th oz. spinnerbaits and buzzbaits in white or chartreuse hues is a high-percentage tactic here, as they effectively trigger both Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike in the river's vegetation.
Family Fishing & Shore Access
There is plenty of shoreline access to cast a line, making this one of the best places to fish in Ottawa for the whole family. If the fishing slows down, playground equipment is available to keep the kids entertained.
Pro-Tip for Young Anglers:
Sunfish are the most common catch here. A small piece of worm on an Aberdeen hook, suspended under a sensitive bobber, is your best bet for keeping youngsters engaged with "visual strikes" throughout the afternoon.
Connectivity & Facilities
New Edinburgh Park is uniquely connected via the NCC bike path system. This allows mobile anglers to easily travel between multiple fishing spots throughout the day along the Rideau River corridor.
Parking: Parking is free but remains fairly limited. If the main lot is full, look for space on the adjacent side streets close to Stanley Avenue.
Amenities: The park features dedicated picnic spots and washroom facilities (accessible in the park building when local programs are running), making it a comfortable destination for a long day of urban angling.