There’s nothing quite like a fresh Ontario fish fry at the lake, especially when the fish on your plate was caught just hours earlier. At Great Blue Resorts, our lakes are home to some delicious freshwater species, making them perfect for a classic fish fry with family and friends.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just learning the ropes, here’s your guide to catching, preparing, and serving up the perfect fish fry.
The Best Fish for a Fish Fry
While many fish can be caught across our resort lakes, some species stand out for their flaky texture, mild flavour, and ease of cooking. If you’re planning a fish fry, keep your eye on these favourites:
- Pickerel (Walleye): The gold standard of Ontario fish fries. Tender, mild, and delicious, it is considered the best-tasting freshwater fish.
- Perch: Small but mighty, perch fillets are sweet, delicate, and fry up beautifully.
- Crappie: Another panfish that’s great for beginners and cooks quickly in the pan.
- Bass (Smallmouth & Largemouth): Slightly firmer and stronger in flavour, but still excellent fried or grilled. It’s an iconic fish that many kids who grew up at the resorts have fond memories of catching.
(Tip: In our Father’s Day Fishing blog, we shared where each of these species can be found across our lakes. Check it out to see what fish could bite your lure on your next trip!)
Prepping Your Catch
What happens in the fish hut is your business, but make sure it’s done right. A clean space makes for clean fillets, and clean fillets make for the tastiest fry.
- Keep it fresh: Put your fish on ice right after catching to help preserve its quality.
- Fillet carefully: Remove bones and skin depending on your preference. Smaller panfish like perch or crappie are often cooked as boneless fillets, while larger fish can be cut into hearty pieces.
- Keep it clean: The resorts have shared fish huts you can use to clean up your fresh catch, just make sure to clean up well after yourself so the next angling ace can enjoy a smooth process as well.
How to Fry It Up
Every angler has their own secret recipe, but a classic Ontario fish fry is simple, crispy, and crowd-pleasing. Scrolling through some online recipes and finding what suits you will be your best bet for success, but there are some basics you can follow.
- Coat your fillets: Dredge in flour or cornmeal, or dip in egg wash and coat with seasoned breading.
- Heat your oil: Use a cast-iron skillet or a thick pan, with oil heated to around 350°F. I common tip is to heat up your pan before adding your oil.
- Fry until golden: About 2–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Another tip is to make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan, giving the fish room to fry up nicely.
- Serve: Serve the fillets as quickly after cooking as you can, the fresher the better.
What to Serve with Your Fresh Catch
The sides can make or break your fish fry. A few classics to consider:
- French fries: Classic golden and crispy, the ideal pairing for an iconic fish fry.
- Coleslaw: tangy and refreshing, the perfect balance to fried fish for those who want something a bit fresher.
- Fresh bread or rolls: great for making impromptu fish sandwiches. If you want to take inspiration from our British friends, make yourself a Fish Butty; Butter up some bread and pile on some fries (or chips if we’re sticking with the British theme), fish, tartar sauce, and sandwich that together, bon appétit.
- Tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and hot sauce: because everyone has a favourite dip.
And don’t forget the drinks! Iced tea, lemonade, or a cold local craft beer pair beautifully with a plate of fried fish. Staying at Cherry Beach Resort? Check out Dune Hopper Brewery for some premium craft beers that come with cozy camper vibes.
The Joy of a Lakeside Fish Fry
At Great Blue Resorts, the best part of a fish fry isn’t just the food, it’s the experience. It’s about catching your own dinner, gathering friends and family, and enjoying the outdoors together. Whether you’re frying up pickerel in a Golden Beach Resort condo, grilling bass by the Woodland Estate campfire, or cooking perch fillets in a cozy Resort Cottage kitchen, nothing beats a lakeside feast made with your own hands.
So pack your tackle box, bring your appetite, and get ready to enjoy the simple pleasure of a true Ontario fish fry.
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