An Angling Destination for the Capital
A short car ride east from the city core along Highway 174 will land you at Petrie Island—one of Ottawa’s better-known urban fishing spots. Located at the north end of Trim Road, this sprawling island network on the Ottawa River offers fishing through much of the year, with open-water and ice-fishing periods.
Shore spots abound at Petrie, providing access that is rare in an urban environment. Anglers can choose between sheltered inlets and bays or casting directly into the expansive main channel of the Ottawa River.
Common Catches
- • Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
- • Muskellunge & Northern Pike
- • Walleye (Spring & Fall Peaks)
- • Longnose Gar
- • Perch, Crappie & Panfish
Note: Lake Sturgeon may be present in the Ottawa River system.
The Walleye Run
Walleye anglers often find success during the spring and fall periods. Focus your efforts on casting into and around the large culverts that run under the road near the bait shop. Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics are often the most productive choice here.
Panfish & Family Angling
Panfish enthusiasts will find productive water in the calmer bays of the island, where Perch, Crappie, Bluegill, and Sunfish are found. In the early spring, look for Crappie holding tight to shoreline structure throughout the island's many inlets.
Pro-Tip for Families:
Ultralight gear and micro tube jigs are an effective way to target schooling panfish. This is an excellent location to introduce youngsters to the sport, as the action can often be fast and furious during the warmer months.
Winter Hard-Water Tactics
Petrie Island is a well-known destination for ice fishing in Ottawa. Northern Pike are a frequent target during the cold months, with many anglers utilizing tip-ups with large live or dead bait. Crappy Bay is a traditional starting point for those looking to locate both predators and schooling panfish through the ice.
Facilities & Recreation
The island is equipped to support a day on the water. Boat access and rentals are available at the pavilion and marina area, which also features a café for refreshments.
For those who need to stock up on essentials, the island marina provides access to live bait. Multiple parking lots are distributed across the island, providing convenient access to various shore-fishing zones.
Beyond the angling, Petrie Island is a nature lover's retreat. Extensive walking trails wind through the island, offering a reprieve for the "nature nut" when the casting arm gets tired. A sandy beach and picnic facilities make it a complete destination for a summer day out in the National Capital Region.