How far ahead should you book an Ontario fishing trip?

If you are planning an Ontario fishing trip to Lake of the Woods or Crow Lake, the short answer is this: pick your season and your group first, then hold your dates as early as you can. Our rates page notes that prime weeks fill early, and the prime February ice weekends go first.

Here is how to work backward from the season you want to a booked week at Muskie Bay Resort in Nestor Falls. If your dates are still uncertain, call Paul at 807-271-3015 before you pay a deposit. He will talk through them with you.

Start with the season, not the date

The calendar decides what you can catch, so choose the species and the season first. These are Zone 5 seasons from the Ontario government's Fishing Regulations Summary, updated August 4, 2026. Ontario sets them each year, so check the current summary before you book.

• Walleye: January 1 to April 14, then the third Saturday in May to December 31. See our guide to walleye fishing on Lake of the Woods.
• Muskie: the third Saturday in June to December 15. September and October are the months serious muskie anglers ask for. See muskie fishing in Ontario.
• Northern pike: open all year. See northern pike fishing.
• Smallmouth bass: open all year, but catch and release only from January 1 to June 30 on Crow Lake and Lake of the Woods. See smallmouth bass fishing.
• Lake trout: January 1 to September 30 in Zone 5, with limits that vary by water, so check the summary. Our winter trips include shallow-water lake trout fishing on Crow Lake.
• Ice fishing: safe ice on Crow Lake usually arrives in early to mid January and the reliable window runs through mid March, with late January and February the most consistent. See Ontario ice fishing packages.

Which weeks fit which kind of trip?

Late May and June bring the walleye and muskie openers. Midsummer suits a mixed week, when you can fish muskie, walleye, smallmouth and pike in the same trip. September and October are when the serious muskie anglers come, and the season closes on December 15. Winter is a different trip entirely, with shallow-water lake trout fishing on Crow Lake and Lake of the Woods.

If a trophy is the goal, settle your fall dates first. If you want a relaxed week with plenty of species, midsummer fits. Paul can talk you through which weeks suit how you like to fish.

Which package fits your group?

Fishing packages run from 3 to 7 days and are priced per person in US dollars, before 13% Ontario HST. A 3-day package starts at $470 for bring your own boat, $500 for self-guided fishing with lodging, $640 for semi-guided fishing and $970 for premier guided fishing, and the guided packages are priced by how many anglers share a boat. Every length and price is on the rates page, which is always the authority if a number here has changed.

Group size matters for booking. There is a two-person minimum per reservation, so tell Paul how many are coming and how you like to fish, and he will point you at the right package.

What holds your dates?

A deposit of $200 USD per person holds your reservation, and the balance is due in full on the day of check in. Deposits are non-refundable. Our rates page explains why: the season is short, and a held week is one we cannot resell. Visa and MasterCard payments carry a 3% service charge.

A simple booking timeline

1. Pick the season and the species you care about most.
2. Settle your group size and a package length from 3 to 7 days.
3. Call Paul at 807-271-3015 or the reservations line at 1-877-228-2076, or use Book Now, to check dates.
4. Pay the deposit to hold the week.
5. Buy your Ontario licence and Outdoors Card, and sort out your passport. Our guides to Ontario fishing licences for non-residents and crossing into Canada for a fishing trip walk through both.
6. Pay the balance when you check in.

Is winter the time to plan summer?

It is a good time. Prime open-water weeks fill early, and winter is when there is room to compare dates, packages and boats without a deadline. If you want to be on the ice instead, plan the February weekends first, since those go first.

Not sure what an American Plan package covers, or how tax and meals work? Our guide to all-inclusive fishing trips in Ontario explains each plan.

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should I book a fishing trip in Ontario?

As early as you can once you know the season and your group. At Muskie Bay prime weeks fill early, and the prime February ice weekends go first. If your dates are uncertain, call Paul at 807-271-3015 before you book.

When should I book for fall muskie?

September and October are the months serious muskie anglers ask for, and muskie season closes December 15. Settle those weeks first, since they are the ones that fill.

How much is the deposit?

A deposit of $200 USD per person holds your reservation, and the balance is due in full on the day of check in. Visa and MasterCard payments carry a 3% service charge.

Is the deposit refundable?

No. Deposits are non-refundable because the season is short and a held week is one we cannot resell. If your plans are uncertain, call Paul before you book and he will talk through your dates.

What is the minimum group size?

Two people per reservation. Fishing packages are priced per person, and a fuller boat lowers the per-person rate on the guided, semi-guided and self-guided packages.

Can I book just a cabin without a fishing package?

Yes. Lodging is included in every fishing package, and lodging-only stays in the cabins and motel are booked by phone. Call 1-877-228-2076 or Paul at 807-271-3015 for availability.