The Rideau River is a storied waterway flowing northward through eastern Ontario, ultimately emptying into the Ottawa River in the heart of Canada's capital city. Stretching roughly 160 kilometres, this river passes through a diverse mix of urban, agricultural, and forested landscapes, each supporting its own distinct fish community. The river is part of the broader Rideau Canal system — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and offers anglers an exceptional variety of warmwater species in a setting that ranges from bustling urban shorelines to quiet, tree-lined rural stretches. With over 34 fish species documented in the mainstem and its tributaries, the Rideau River is one of the most species-rich fisheries in the Ottawa region, drawing both casual and dedicated anglers throughout the open-water season and into winter.