pring is upon us! Trout and pickerel seasons are open here in Ontario and many folks are eager to get out there and sink their lines. If you’re in the market for a canoe to fish from this spring, you’re in the right place. This blog breaks down the features to look for and highlights some of the best fishing canoe options in our line.Â
What to look for in a fishing canoe
The most important quality to look for in a fishing canoe is stability. You’ll want a boat you can feel comfortable to move around in on the water: whether you’re reaching for your net, casting, or reeling in a mammoth, you need to be able to shift your weight around without feeling like your canoe could flip out from under you. Boats with good initial stability will feel stable on the water when you’re stationary (i.e. focused on fishing, not on paddling) – this is where you’ll want to focus your search.
A canoe’s hull shape and width will largely determine its stability on the water. Features to look for: flat bottom hulls, wide beams, tumblehome hulls, canoes with keels. Check out the models listed below to learn which are our best canoes to fish from this spring.
Best overall fishing canoeÂ
Angler 15′Â
When stability is what you’re after in a canoe, the Angler is your ideal choice. The Angler has a wide flat bottom that is carried well into the ends. Ample tumblehome on the sides makes it very easy to paddle and the straight keel provides easy tracking. This makes it perfect for pursuits like fly fishing, nature photography, or just lazing around the lake. Anyone looking for a safe, secure ride will love this canoe! Check out So Fly‘s review video here. More product details here.
Best canoe for trollingÂ
Lure 15’7″
This recreational fishing canoe features a triple keeled, square stern design: ideal for trolling on your favourite lakes and reeling in the catch of the day. The Lure is our response to popular demand for a flat backed canoe. It features an aluminum transom for your outboard or trolling motor (motor sold separately). More product details here.
Best solo canoe for fishing
Trapper 12′ Solo Â
The Trapper is a classic Canadian design originated by the Chestnut Canoe Co, and originally built with the outdoorsman of the early 1900s in mind. Chestnut’s mission was to design a craft that would enable outdoorsmen to paddle small creeks as well as large lakes, while being small enough to get through then nonexistent portage trails. The Trapper combines the enjoyment of a stable fishing platform with the benefits of a compact and light craft for portaging into small productive lakes. More product details here.
Best fishing canoe for river tripsÂ
Prospector 15′
Our Prospectors are known for their excellence as tripping canoes due to their carrying capacity and versatile hull design. Moderate rocker gives this model the maneuverability and responsiveness required for moving water, with enough stability to comfortably fish from in flat sections. The 15′ version of our Prospector can be used solo or tandem and is an ideal adventure companion when the river calls. More product details here.
Best canoe for family fishing tripsÂ
Prospector 18′
The Prospector 18 is a great family tripping canoe with tons of space for kids and gear. Add a center seat for the little ones and load it up for a day trip at your favourite fishing hole or a week in the heart of the backcountry. More product details here.
Want to optimize your existing boat for your next fishing trip? Check out this blog feature with Teddy Cosco: Outfitting Your Canoe for FishingÂ
