Freshwater Fish of Ontario Guide

From the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay to all the creeks, rivers, smaller lakes, and wetlands in between, Ontario’s aquatic ecosystems contain a highly diverse fish population.

Fish are abundant in most bodies of water and are the most diverse group of vertebrate animals. They range from large predatory pike in the Great Lakes to small shallow water minnows tucked away in streams. All fish species have a skull, gills, and limbs in the form of fins. Beyond that, there is a great variety of characteristics to be found in any community of fish.

This guide includes information on 11 species of important fish found in Ontario, and touches on species at risk, invasive species, and game fish. For each species detailed, there is an overview of the fish’s appearance, diet, habitat, and life history.

This guide was developed with support from Cabela’s Outdoor Fund.