 This feature now available on our Backroad GPS Maps!
Backroad Mapbooks are Canada's choice for fishing. From easy to access pike and walleye rivers in Alberta and Ontario to those remote brook trout or rainbow trout lakes in BC, you will not find a source out there that offers more variety. Not only do we list all of the fish bearing lakes and streams in each given area, we also show you how to get there with detailed maps.
Yes, Canadians are blessed with some amazing fishing opportunities. Salmon, steelhead, brook trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, northern pike, walleye or pickerel, just to name a few, can all be found in our waters. But finding these waters was always a challenge until the Backroad Mapbook series came along.
Anglers may also want to check out our Fishing Mapbook series. These guides feature lake depth charts or river hot spot maps and even more details on all your favourite lakes and streams.
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 Cariboo Chilcotin BC: Quesnel Lake (Maps 26, 36, 37)
One of the deepest freshwater lakes in the world, Quesnel Lake is a very scenic fjord lake. It holds trophy class fish with rainbow trout to 8 kg (17.5 lbs), lake trout to 20 kg (44 lbs), bull trout to 8 kg (17.5 lbs) and kokanee to 2 kg (4.5 lbs). The most effective angling method used on this deep lake is trolling. Trolling with a down rigger can be quite effective year round, while fly anglers and spincasters will find some success near creek mouths during the spring and fall periods. The lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts with most of the development, including a number of resorts, boat launches and recreation sites, found on the western end of the lake. Be sure to check the regulations before fishing.
Southern Alberta: Bow River (Maps 15, 23, 24, 29-31, 36-38)
The Bow River is considered one of the best fly-fishing rivers in Western Canada, especially the “Lower Bow” from Calgary to Carseland. Drift fishing is very popular in this section, which can be accessed from various highways and backroads. Further west, the river is easily accessed along Highway 1 and 1A from Calgary to Banff. Numerous campgrounds and other facilities line the river.
Since conditions can change daily, it is best to be prepared to fish anything from dry flies to nymphs or streamers. Dry flies work best when you see the fish rising. As a general rule, if you want to dry fly fish anytime throughout the summer, then try just after sunrise and near dusk. The river has numerous hatches that fly fishers can try and match including caddis flies from mid May to mid September, grasshoppers and flying ants from July to September, Trico from the end of August to the end of September. The best flies for the river are the various Adams patterns, caddis fly imitations and a multitude of nymph imitations. Patterns of choice include the Blue Winged Olive from mid April to mid May, then again from mid August to mid October, the March brown in the first three weeks of May and the Pale Morning Dun from mid June to the end of July. The Bow River is heavily regulated, so check regulations before heading out. Remember that the upper section of the Bow River is in Banff National Park, and a National Park Permit is required to fish this section.
Cottage Country Ontario: Big Sound (Map 31/F1–40/F7)
Big Sound is known for its large northern pike, which can be found in the 12 kg (26 lb) range. The best time to find big pike feeding in shallow bays and inlets is springtime. Though less common, some huge muskie can also be found in the sound. Fishing for lake trout can be good during ice fishing season and by trolling during open water season. Big smallmouth and largemouth bass are prevalent in most areas of the sound and fishing is good for bass to 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). Walleye receive a lot of attention throughout the year and fishing is generally good for walleye that can reach 3.5 kg (8 lbs) in size.
New Brunswick: Grand Lake (Maps 10, 11, 18, 19)
The appropriately named Grand Lake is a huge waterbody between Fredericton and Moncton, north of Gagetown. There are many access points, boat launches and campgrounds from which to access the lake. However, users should be sure to check on weather conditions before heading out because of the big wind and wave action that can build up. Lake trout, burbot and lake whitefish are the most common sportfish found here, although tens of thousands of landlocked salmon and splake have also been stocked in Grand Lake in previous years. Fish can reach memorable sizes in this big lake.
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