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Recommended Fishing Books
The reading list every Ontario angler should own.
Curated picks for beginners, intermediates, advanced anglers, fly fishers, and anyone wanting to fish Ontario better.
Every book below is one we'd happily recommend in person. Links open directly to Amazon so you can pick the format and edition that suits you. As an Amazon Associate, Hooked Ontario may earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
Ontario Fishing Seasons Calendar
A year-round guide to what's biting and when — print it, pin it, take it to the cabin.

Showing 22 of 22 books
Beginner
5 picksThe Total Fishing Manual
by Joe Cermele
A comprehensive guide covering every major fishing technique, from freshwater to saltwater, with 317 essential skills and pro tips.
View on AmazonFishing for Dummies
by Peter Kaminsky & Greg Schwipps
The perfect starter book that breaks down tackle, casting, bait selection, and reading water in plain, friendly language.
View on AmazonKen Schultz's Field Guide to Freshwater Fish
by Ken Schultz
A pocket reference identifying North American freshwater species with detailed illustrations and habitat info.
View on AmazonThe Pocket Fishing Basics Guide
by Various Authors
A compact reference packed with knots, rigs, and quick tips for anglers on the go.
View on AmazonThe Fisherman's Bible
by Various Authors
A timeless reference covering tackle, techniques, species, and angling wisdom for all skill levels.
View on AmazonIntermediate
3 picksLargemouth Bass
by Various Authors
A deep dive into the habits, habitats, and tactics for catching trophy largemouth bass year-round.
View on AmazonSmallmouth Strategies for the Fly Rod
by Will Ryan
Learn to read rivers and lakes for smallmouth bass, with techniques that transfer to all types of gear.
View on AmazonThe Little Red Book of Fly Fishing
by Kirk Deeter & Charlie Meyers
Two hundred and fifty essential tips and tricks that make you a better fly angler, presented in bite-sized lessons.
View on AmazonAdvanced
2 picksPike on the Fly
by Barry Reynolds
Trophy pike tactics, specialized fly patterns, and big-water hunting techniques for the ultimate predator.
View on AmazonHunting Musky with a Fly
by Rick Kustich
The definitive guide to chasing the fish of ten thousand casts using long rods and strategic presentations.
View on AmazonFly Fishing
4 picksThe Total Fly Fishing Manual
by Field & Stream
A complete reference for fly anglers covering casting, gear, flies, and tactics for every situation.
View on AmazonThe Curtis Creek Manifesto
by Sheridan Anderson
A hand-illustrated, witty classic that teaches the fundamentals of fly fishing in a single, enjoyable sitting.
View on AmazonTrout Bum
by John Gierach
Soulful essays about a life built around small streams, rising trout, and the pure joy of being on the water.
View on AmazonDynamic Nymphing
by George Daniel
Modern Euro-nymphing tactics, rig setups, and drift control techniques that change how you read water.
View on AmazonOntario
5 picksGood Fishing in Lake Ontario and Its Tributaries
by Various Authors
Local knowledge on where and how to fish Lake Ontario and its tributaries for best results.
View on AmazonOntario Freshwater Fish
by Various Authors
A guide to the province's freshwater species, their habitats, and the best approaches to catch them.
View on AmazonThe Complete Guide to Ontario Game Fish
by Various Authors
Comprehensive breakdown of Ontario's game fish with seasonal tactics and regional hotspots.
View on AmazonBackroad Mapbooks Northwestern Ontario
by Russell & Diane Mussio
Essential backroad maps and outdoor recreation guides for accessing remote fishing spots.
View on AmazonFishing Ontario's Grand River Country
by Various Authors
Detailed coverage of the Grand River system, including access points, hatches, and seasonal strategies.
View on AmazonIce Fishing
2 picksIce Fishing: The Ultimate Guide
by Various Authors
Everything you need to know about ice fishing, from safety and gear to finding fish under the ice.
View on AmazonThe Frozen Kitchen: The Cookbook of Ice Fishing
by Various Authors
Creative recipes and techniques for cooking your catch during ice fishing adventures.
View on AmazonSuggest a book
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