Upper Rideau Lake Fishing Guide: Species, Structure & Where Bass Live

A mixed-structure Rideau headwater lake: strong smallmouth and largemouth, plus lake trout, pike and — unusual for the chain — plentiful walleye. Max depth ~72 ft, average ~26 ft.

  • Windward points, rock shoals & island breaks — The primary smallmouth water — work the points, offshore shoals and island drop-offs with drop-shot, tubes and jerkbaits.
  • Main shoreline contours & weedy bays — Work the shoreline breaks and island edges for bass and pike; largemouth hold in the weedier sheltered bays.
  • Spring pike & walleye transitions — Pike and walleye fishing is most productive in spring along shallow-to-mid-depth transitions, before the bass opener.

Panfish everywhere — crappie, pumpkinseed, bluegill and lots of rock bass.

Overview