Every public access point, boat launch, and urban fishing location in the greater Montreal area, mapped and rated.
Public access points, boat launches, kayak put-ins, and parking areas across the greater Montreal region.
The premier fishery in the Montreal region. Multiple public boat launches on the Dorval and Pointe-Claire shores. Excellent bass, pike, and walleye habitat with extensive weed flats and rocky points.
| Best Species | Bass, Pike, Walleye, Perch |
| Access | Parc du bout-de-l'île launch (free) |
| Peak | May–October |
A winding, island-dotted river north of Laval that offers exceptional pike fishing in spring. Countless backwaters hold bass through summer. Multiple public launches from Rosemère to Deux-Montagnes.
| Best Species | Pike, Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass |
| Access | Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, Laval |
| Peak | April–June, September–October |
The most accessible fishing in Montreal, no car needed, no boat needed. The canal runs through the heart of the city and holds surprising numbers of yellow perch, carp, and the occasional bass. Some sections don't require a licence.
| Best Species | Yellow Perch, Carp, Bass |
| Access | Multiple street access points |
| Peak | Year-round |
The big river. World-class muskie and walleye fishing in the shoals and current breaks between Montreal Island and Lac Saint-François. A powerful river that demands respect, plan your drift carefully.
| Best Species | Muskie, Walleye, Pike, Catfish |
| Access | Beaconsfield, Lachine, Varennes launches |
| Peak | June–October |
The South Shore's best-kept secret. The Richelieu runs from the US border to the St. Lawrence and holds exceptional smallmouth bass in its rocky, current-washed sections. Walleye are found in the deeper pools.
| Best Species | Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Pike |
| Access | Chambly, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu |
| Peak | May–September |
A large, shallow lake at the confluence of the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers. Prime largemouth bass territory in the extensive vegetation mats near Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac.
| Best Species | Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye |
| Access | Pointe-Calumet municipal launch |
| Peak | June–September |
Within 2–3 hours of Montreal, Quebec offers some of the best freshwater fishing in North America.
The lakes and streams of the Laurentians north of Montreal are world-famous for brook trout. Our guide covers the best public access streams, where to buy a licence, and what to bring for a perfect spring day.
Read Travel GuideThe Ottawa River valley is home to some of the largest pike in Quebec. We cover the must-fish sections near Gatineau, camping options, and the best seasons to make the trip worthwhile.
Read Travel GuideFree launch, parking, washrooms. Direct access to the St. Lawrence and Lac Saint-Louis junction. Best for kayak anglers heading west.
Excellent launch for the Mille-Îles river system. Rental kayaks available on-site if you don't own one.
Direct access to Lac Saint-Louis western basin. Easy entry, free parking, good for dawn launches.
For urban paddlers. Access to the St. Lawrence main channel. Use caution, strong current. Best for experienced kayak anglers only.
The go-to launch for the west end of Lac des Deux-Montagnes. Shallow entry, ideal for inflatables and sit-on-tops.
