5.0(4 Reviews)Ontario Fishing Charter, Yellow Perch and Blue Catfish
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target yellow perch and blue catfish on Ontario watersComfortable pontoon boat accommodates up to six guestsFull-day and half-day trips with quality equipment provided
Guide Mike at On The Line Fishing Adventures knows these Ontario waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list, this charter delivers. The comfortable pontoon boat gives everyone plenty of room to spread out, cast lines, and land fish without getting in each other's way. You'll be targeting some of Ontario's finest gamefish including walleye, northern pike, blue catfish, and yellow perch – species that'll keep your rod bent and your drag singing.
Mike runs both half-day and full-day trips, so you can pick what works best for your schedule and stamina. The pontoon boat is perfect for families and groups up to six anglers – it's stable, spacious, and way more comfortable than cramming into a smaller fishing boat. All the gear is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and live bait, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except yourself and maybe a cooler with drinks. The seven-day cancellation policy takes the pressure off too – Ontario weather can be unpredictable, and Mike gets it. He'd rather reschedule than have you out there in conditions that won't produce fish or fun.
Mike's got the right setup for whatever's biting. For walleye, you'll likely be working jigs tipped with minnows along drop-offs and structure, feeling for that telltale tap-tap-tap before setting the hook. Northern pike fishing means heavier tackle and steel leaders – these toothy predators love to smash spoons and spinnerbaits near weed lines and shallow bays. Blue catfish require a different approach entirely, with bottom rigs and cut bait or nightcrawlers fished in deeper holes where these whiskered fighters like to hang out. Yellow perch are scrappy little fighters that often travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Mike switches up techniques based on what the fish are doing that day, and he's always happy to teach you the finer points of reading your rod tip or feeling the bite.
"Mike Eddy is AMAZING!! Incredible knowledge of the lake and all fishing techniques. My son and I had a phenomenal time and are already planning a return trip with him. Mike is clearly in a class of his own. The Ward boys will be back!!" - James
"My grandchildren had so much fun and learned a lot." - Michelle
"Mike is fantastic! We booked him for fishing excursions twice this weekend for our kids - we were travelling with friends and had 15/12/12/8/6 plus 2 dads out on the boat and they had the most positive experience. Mike explained everything to the kids - they LOVE fishing so the education was perfect. Mike was super encouraging and was willing to do whatever it took to keep the kids happy and engaged. Will totally be booking him again." - Melissa
Walleye are the crown jewel of Ontario fishing, and for good reason. These golden-sided beauties average 14-20 inches in these waters, with plenty of keeper-sized fish and the occasional wall-hanger pushing 6-7 pounds. They're most active during low-light periods – early morning, evening, and overcast days – making them perfect targets for both half-day and full-day trips. Walleye have excellent table fare, so you'll want to keep a few for dinner. Their subtle bite means you'll learn to really feel what your rod is telling you, and that first solid hookset on a nice walleye is something every angler remembers.
Northern pike are Ontario's ultimate predators, and they fight like it. These toothy missiles can stretch 24-36 inches and hit lures with explosive strikes that'll test your drag and your nerves. Pike are ambush hunters that love hanging around weed edges, fallen trees, and shallow bays where they can dart out to crush unsuspecting prey. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most aggressive, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. The fights are spectacular – jumps, head shakes, and powerful runs that'll have you questioning whether your tackle is up to the task.
Blue catfish might not jump like pike, but they're bulldogs that'll test your patience and your arms. These whiskered fighters can grow huge in Ontario waters, with fish ranging from eater-sized 2-3 pounders up to genuine heavyweights pushing 15-20 pounds or more. They're bottom dwellers that love deeper holes and channel edges, especially during the heat of summer when other species might be sluggish. Catfish bite best on smelly baits – cut fish, worms, or prepared baits that really get their attention. Once hooked, they're dogged fighters that use their weight and the current to their advantage.
American Yellow Perch are the perfect species for kids and new anglers – they're plentiful, bite readily, and are absolutely delicious. These striped beauties typically run 6-10 inches, though you'll occasionally hook into a jumbo that stretches past 12 inches and really bends the rod. Perch travel in schools, so once Mike finds them, the action can be fast and furious with everyone on the boat catching fish. They're active throughout the day and aren't as finicky as some other species, making them reliable producers when you want consistent action and lots of photo opportunities.
Bowfin are Ontario's prehistoric bruisers – ancient fish that have been swimming these waters since the dinosaurs. They're not pretty, but they're tough fighters that'll surprise you with their strength and stamina. Bowfin can breathe air and survive in conditions that
Cast your line from our roomy 2022 Pontoon Legend Cottage Splash EXT, a 19-foot fishing platform that's perfect for chasing yellow perch and blue catfish in Ontario's productive waters. This stable pontoon boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, powered by a reliable 60-hp Mercury 4-stroke engine that gets you to the hotspots without burning through fuel. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fish without tangling lines, while the smooth ride keeps your bait presentations natural even when moving between spots. Guide Mike provides quality rods, reels, and live bait, so you can focus on reading the water and working those productive depths where perch school up and catfish cruise. Whether you book a half-day trip to test the bite or go all-in with a full-day adventure, this pontoon's layout makes it easy to land fish and enjoy the action with your crew.
Perca FlavescensYellow perch are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and a fish fry at the end of the day. These golden beauties with dark vertical stripes typically run 6-10 inches, perfect pan-fry size. They school up in huge numbers around weed beds, docks, and shallow structure, especially during spring and fall. What makes perch fishing so enjoyable is the steady bite - where you catch one, you'll usually find dozens more. They're also some of the finest eating fish around with sweet, flaky white meat. Perch aren't picky eaters and will hit small jigs, worms, minnows, or leeches. They bite year-round but spring spawning runs near shore are dynamite. Pro tip: use light tackle with 4-pound line and small baits. When you find a school, work the area thoroughly - they travel in groups of 50-200 fish.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the heavyweights of Ontario waters, regularly hitting 25-45 inches and averaging around 15-20 pounds, with some monsters topping 50 pounds. These slate-blue fighters hang out in deeper holes with muddy bottoms, especially where there's current or near creek mouths. They're most active from late spring through fall when water temps are up. What makes blues special is their hard-pulling fight - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild white meat. These opportunistic feeders love cut bait like herring or chicken liver. The key is letting your bait sit on the bottom - they're not chasers. My go-to tip: use fresh-cut bait and give it time to bleed scent into the water. When you feel that first nibble, wait for the second before setting the hook.
Amia CalvaBowfin are living fossils that'll give you a fight you won't forget. These prehistoric survivors typically run 18-24 inches for males, with females reaching 30 inches and 8+ pounds. They love shallow, weedy areas like marshes and backwaters where other fish can't survive - they can actually breathe air when oxygen gets low. Summer's your best bet when they're active in the shallows, especially at night. What draws anglers to bowfin is the raw power and stamina - they fight harder than most fish their size and never give up. They're aggressive predators that'll crush cut bait, crayfish, or small fish. Fair warning: they have a mouth full of sharp teeth and attitude to match. My advice: use a steel leader and heavy tackle. When you hook one, keep steady pressure - they'll roll and thrash like crazy trying to throw the hook.
Esox LuciusThese toothy predators are pure excitement on the end of your line. Pike average 2-3 feet but can stretch over 4 feet and pack serious muscle. They lurk in shallow, weedy areas and around structure during cooler months, then move deeper when summer heats up. Spring and fall are your best bets when they're actively hunting in the shallows. What guests love about pike fishing is the explosive strikes and bulldogging fight - they'll make multiple runs and try every trick to throw the hook. They're aggressive hunters that'll hit spoons, spinners, and soft plastics. Fair warning: those razor-sharp teeth mean you need a steel leader. Here's my trick - when a pike hits, don't horse it. Let it run, then work it back slowly. They often follow your lure, so figure-eight at the boat.
Sander VitreusThese golden-colored beauties with their distinctive glassy eyes are what serious anglers come for. Most walleye run 14-18 inches, though we see some real trophies pushing 25+ inches and 8-10 pounds. They're picky feeders that love deeper water around 10-20 feet, especially near rock piles, weed edges, and drop-offs. Evening and low-light conditions are prime time since their special eyeshine helps them hunt. What makes walleye so popular is they're both a great fighting fish and hands-down the best eating you'll find - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or baked. My tip: when you feel that light tap-tap, wait a second before setting the hook. They like to mouth the bait first, and patience pays off.
5.0 out of 5.0Mike Eddy is AMAZING!! Incredible knowledge of the lake and all fishing techniques. My son and I had a phenomenal time and are alr...
My grandchildren had so much fun and learned a lot.
Mike is fantastic! We booked him for fishing excursions twice this weekend for our kids - we were travelling with friends and had ...
Amazing experience and guide, we had 3 young kids and Mike knew the perfect spots and we got quite a few fish with the kids! 3 hou...
Muskoka, ON, Canada