About this water
One of Northern Ontario's most accessible and productive multi-species fisheries. Lake Nipissing consistently produces walleye, with a special slot-size regulation to protect spawning fish.
Large, shallow lake with moderate clarity. Sandy and rocky bottom. Can get rough with wind.
FMZ 11 regulations — North Bay & Temagami
The smallest of the northern Ontario zones, in northeast Ontario. The Ottawa River and Lake Temiskaming (FMZ 12) form its eastern border, and its southern border follows the Pickerel River, Highway 522 and the northern boundary of Algonquin Park.
- Walleye (Nipissing): 3rd Sat in May – March 15; special slot – release 40–46 cm, S-2/C-1.
- Muskie: fourth Saturday in June to Dec 15; 137 cm min, S-1/C-0.
- Lake trout: Jan 1 – Sept 30 on many waters; S-2/C-1.
Zone check: FMZ 11 confirmed from this water's coordinates against the official Ontario zone boundaries (reviewed 2026-08-12).
Summary only — always confirm current seasons and limits on the Ontario MNRF FMZ 11 page before your trip.
Seasonal availability
Open-season windows for the species found at Lake Nipissing – North Bay, taken from the FMZ 11 regulation summary. Green months are within a published open season — they are not a prediction of how well fish will bite.
- special slot – release 40–46 cm, S-2/C-1.
No FMZ 11 season line published in our summary for: Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch. Check the official page before keeping these species.
Summary only, and seasons change annually. Confirm dates on the Ontario MNRF FMZ 11 page before your trip.
Fishing tips
- Lake Nipissing walleye slot is stricter than most FMZs — memorize it.
- Temagami-area lake trout drop deep by late June; long-line and downrig.
- Nipissing has a slot size for walleye — check regulations before you keep fish. Troll worm harnesses over sandy flats for best walleye results.
- Access: Free parking at the North Bay waterfront. Multiple public boat launches with trailer parking.
Solunar Calendar— Lake Nipissing – North Bay
Waxing Gibbous
78% illuminated · Age 10.2d
🌔 Sun, Aug 23
78% · Rating 80🌔 Mon, Aug 24
86% · Rating 88🌔 Tue, Aug 25
93% · Rating 93Major windows (~2 h) cluster around moon transit and antitransit; minor windows (~1 h) around moonrise and moonset. Local approximations — verify against a printed almanac for planning.
Gear setup
- Setup:
- Medium spinning for walleye/bass; medium-heavy for pike/muskie
- Rod:
- 7' medium spinning rod; 7'6" medium-heavy for pike
- Reel:
- Size 2500–3000 spinning
- Line:
- 10 lb braid with 8 lb fluorocarbon leader
- Best bait:
- Minnows, Leeches, Worms
- Best lures:
- Jig & minnow (chartreuse), Spinnerbait, Jerkbait, Worm harness
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