Posted : April 13, 2018
Our blog is chock full of great ideas for fun things to see and do in York Durham and Headwaters. We are always adding new content and updating old posts, but sometimes you might stumble upon something from our vault. If this article has inspired you to hit the road, be sure to double-check that the featured stops in this post are still welcoming visitors.
Discover Durham Region’s large and welcoming fishing community! Whether you’re a career angler or simply looking to plan an exciting day of fishing with the family, you will find excellent resources to help you plan an enjoyable adventure to remember.
Lake Simcoe
Sometimes call “The Other Great Lake”, Lake Simcoe is by far the largest body of water along the Trent Severn Waterway system. Lake Simcoe continues to be one of the top smallmouth bass lakes in the country as can be seen from the incredible record tournament catches. Perch, lake trout, white fish, walleye and pike also abound. Travel through main street Beaverton to arrive at Beaverton Harbour (watch the directional signs as you approach the Harbour). There is plenty of parking, a boat launch, and a small restaurant that serves an early breakfast.
Frenchman’s Bay
Local sport anglers and fishing charter operators on Lake Ontario know that Frenchman’s Bay and the surrounding lakeshore is well known for trophy-sized bass. Frenchman’s Bay Marina is available for boat launch and parking. You can structure fish on the southwest shore of the Bay from Beachpoint Promenade off the south end of West Shore Drive. Enjoy the east side of the Bay to launch, dine, and shop in The Nautical Village.
Lake Scugog
With its heavy weed beds and shallow water Lake Scugog is the perfect spot for large mouth and small mouth bass as well as the mighty musky, and panfish. Some have referred to the lake as a bass factory. You can find a quiet bay or nook, shore fish or launch and cover as much water as possible Port Perry Marina is located on Water Street, at the bottom of Queen Street and the town offers a variety of coffee shops, food, gas and fishing tackle shops to keep you well supplied all day.
Plan your Fishing Trip
Durham Region offers anglers a world-class sport fishing experience that is second to none.
Summer fishing starts with the opening of the bass season, on the third week in June. Please check the provincial website for recreational fishing rules and regulations, including licences, open seasons and catch limits for the Durham Region (zones 16, 17 and 20).
Be sure to check local weather conditions, understanding that weather systems can change in an instant. To ensure safety, always wear a life jacket and have each passenger wear one too. Pack a First Aid kit, fresh drinking water, flashlights, maps and a mobile phone onboard your watercraft.
Structure and shore fishing at the mouths of streams are the best choices for Lake Ontario, but why not try your hand at deep-water fishing with one of our many charter operators. Lake Scugog with its heavy weed beds is the perfect spot for largemouth bass. Lake Simcoe bass prefer structure ranging from rocky shorelines, weed beds and deeper water reefs and humps along the Trent Severn Waterway.
Take your choice and enjoy the wonderful fishing amenities of Durham Region that the entire family can enjoy including swimming, picnics on the beach and sightseeing.
