The French River has been rated as one of the top trophy walleye-producing rivers for fishing in Canada. Pickerel are our most abundant game fish.

Ontario fishing in early spring provides the best opportunity to catch your limit of Walleye and Northern Pike. Late spring and summer bring the added challenge of lunker-size largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and dinner plate-size crappies – with all caught in ever-increasing numbers.

Throughout the summer and well into late fall, huge tackle-smashing muskie and northern pike patrol the French River waters. Both with an appetite that increases as the water cools.

 

The Fall season is a world unto itself – gorgeous colours, warm days and cool nights make this our favourite time of the year. Large walleyes are migrating return to the river from Georgian Bay. Smallmouth bass enter into a full feeding frenzy. Many trophy sized muskie are at their peak in this northern Ontario fishing hotspot.

The French River Delta, Georgian Bay area provides one of the highest quality adventure wilderness outdoor experiences in all of Ontario, Canada. Ontario fishing.
See More Here
30 Years of SUCCESS

FOR FISHING SLOT LIMITS ON FRENCH RIVER-1994 INTRODUCED

 

The introduction of a slot-size fishing program was a realistic effort to restore the sport fish population in the French River. These efforts have worked in the French River Delta, sustaining and improving the quality of the
fishery. The quantities of each fish species has increased in the French River since 1994.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has studied our positive results. Our fishery’s improvement encouraged the implementation of slots sizes throughout Ontario, Canada. The slot sizes for each fish species represents the breeding
stock. Biological research determined the most successful breeders in French River. The Lower French River is the best fishing as reported by the Walleye Index Netting (Fall 2013).

Would you like to experience fishing in Ontario? Send, post or share your fish photos and stories from your stay at Bear’s Den Lodge Facebook. See current fishing French River photos and current news stories on Bear’s Den Lodge Blog!

Regulatory changes for French River Provincial Park Area Beginning January 1, 2024:


French River – Zone 10, Georgian Bay – Zone 14, & Pickerel River – Zone 11

Transportation of Bait:

  • You can move bait through a nearby Bait Management Zone (BMZ), but only if you go straight to another BMZ where you got the bait legally (like baitfish and leeches)
  • You can move dead baitfish and leeches in and out of a BMZ, if you keep them from rotting (e.g. salted or preservative agents).
    • Refrigeration or freezing by itself is not enough for legal transport.

Harmonized French River Provincial Park Zone 10 & 11 Ontario Fishing Seasons & Limits:

Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass combined:

  • Season: 3rd Saturday of May to December 31, 2024.
  • Limits: Sport Fishing License (S) – 4. Conservation License (C) – 2. No size limits.

Walleye (Pickerel)  & Sauger combined:

  • Season: January 1 to the 3rd Sunday in March. Then, 3rd Saturday of  May to December 31, 2024.
  • Limits: Sport Fishing License (S) – 4. Conservation License (C) – 2. None between 43 cm (16.93 in) to 60 cm (23.62 in).

Northern Pike:

  • Season: Open all year.
  • Limits:
    • Sport Fishing License (S) – 4. Allowed 1 greater than 61 cm (24.02 in) but not larger than 86 cm ( less than 33.86 in).
    • Conservation License (C) – 2. None greater than 61 cm.

Muskie:

  • Season: 3rd Saturday in June to December 15, 2024.
  • Limits: Sport Fishing License (S) – 1; must be over 137 cm (53.94 in). Conservation License (C) – 0.

Crappie:

  • Season: Open All Year.
  • Limits:  Sport Fishing License (S) – 30 . Conservation License (C) – 10. No size limits for either license. 

Yellow Perch:

  • Season: Open All Year.
  • Limits:  Sport Fishing License (S) – 50. Conservation License (C) – 25. No size limits for either license. 

Sunfish:

  • Season: Open All Year.
  • Limits:  Sport Fishing License (S) – 50. Conservation License (C) – 25. No size limits for either license. 

Catfish:

  • Season: Open All Year.
  • Limits: Sport Fishing License (S) – 12. Conservation License (C) – 6. No size limits for either license.

Lake White Fish:

  • Season: Open All Year.
  • Limits: Sport Fishing License (S) – 12. Conservation License (C) – 6. No size limits for either license.

Aggregated limits for Trout and Salmon (including Splake):

  • Season: Open All Year for Pacific Salmon, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Splake. Trout are not present in the French River.
  • Limits: Sport Fishing License (S) – 5. Conservation License (C) – 2. No size limits for either license.

Lake Sturgeon:

  • Season: Closed – Endangered Species.

FISHING REPORTS - Northern Ontario Fishing Hotspot - Fishing Reviews

Walleye

Man fall fishing and holding a 28 inch French River Walleye The BEST Walleye fishing can be found in the French River Delta and Georgian Bay areas as they have one of the highest rod hours for any fishing spot in Ontario Canada. Ever increasing numbers, these fish naturally spawn in the Delta of the French River under the protection of slot limits since 1994.

Walleye or Pickerel, as locals call them, grow large and fight hard in this great Canadian wilderness river system, French River Provincial Park. They have large cloudy light sensitive eyes and prefer the stained waters of the French River and Georgian Bay. Walleyes tend to feed at sunrise, sunset or at night in the clearer water areas. Migrating walleyes head for the Georgian Bay late summer and begin to return late August to prepare for spawning in the spring. Many lunker size walleye remain in the French River all summer providing fisherman the opportunity to trophy fish walleye all season.

  • Did you know? A 10 pound French River walleye will produce 250,000 eggs during spawn.
  • Walleye are caught throughout the French, Pickerel River, and Northeastern Georgian Bay.
  • The French River Delta in Northern Ontario is continuing to enjoy an increasing walleye or pickerel population.
  • Migrating male walleye and several other fish species, return to the French River for next year’s spawn in late August and remain there until early June. Large walleye fish remain in the French River Delta all season!
  • Water levels will change approximately 13 feet throughout the season (May – October).
  • Walleye are scattered off rock points in May, this will increase and produce more catch numbers for fisherman.
  • Walleye will move to shallow water with the Mayfly hatch (Late May to mid-June).
  • In June, check water currents for walleye and depths of 10-20 feet.
  • July, water levels are normally changing and fish are diving to depths of 25 feet.
  • By September they are in deep currents (30 ft. and deeper).
  • Walleye fishing is scattered among various depths in October of the French River Delta. Check the shoals and main channels.
  • June 12, 2022, Monte Pattillo caught a 27 inch French River Walleye in Pike Lake.
  • May 22, 2019, Several Walleye caught and released with the largest reported at 28 inches right in Bear’s Den Bay.
  • May 25, 2019, Finishing off the Spring Opener – largest pickerel of the day, 26 inch, caught and release.
  • May 27, 2019, Darren P. updated us with his catch and release of a 26 inch walleye.
  • June 11, 2019; Carson shares his 23 inch French River Walleye and the “Fishest Group’s” experience fishing.
  • June 24, 2019; A reported 39 French River Pickerel were caught and released by Sandy and Harold’s group during their stay with the largest at 25 inches.
  • May 29, 2017, 33 Walleye caught with the largest reported at 23 inches.
  • June 24, 2017, 25 inch French River Walleye caught by group from Ohio.
  • June 25, 2017, 28 inch 8 pound French River pickerel caught late evening in deep water.
  • 23 Walleye caught during the week of May 22 – 28, 2016. Largest reported was 26 inches at 5.5 lbs
  • June 6 – 16 Pickerel produced a shore lunch with the French River fishing guide and returned those not needed for lunch. A great experience for all!
  • June 12-14, 25 inch Walleye caught with a grub in 30 feet of water on the 13th. 26 inch reported as of the 14th.
  • On June 15 a massive storm, unstable weather patterns and cold fronts scattered French River Walleye adding challenge to fisherman
  • Week of July 17, Lots of 21-23 inch Walleye being caught in shallows.
  • July 30 – August 06 6lbs caught by Lewis family.
  • August 6 – 8, group of four (Bob, Tom, Scott Neilson) caught 18 pickerel with the largest at 5lbs.
  • August 15-18, 26.5 inch walleye caught by Shawn, Paula & Mason.
  • August 20-25, “Incidental catch” 20 inch Pickerel.
  • September 9-12, “20 inch Pickerel and great times as always!” – Bryan & Jade.
  • October, numerous walleye caught and released.
  • Q:What is the average size of walleye/pickerel caught in the French River Delta? A:20-22 inches, but it changes throughout the season.
  • Q: How many walleye/pickerel are caught per week? A: Depends on the weather, water levels, experience of the angler, etc.
  • Q: What’s the difference between Walleye and Sauger? A: Sauger are smaller and counts towards your walleye limit. Learn how to spot the difference.
  • Q: What’s the largest walleye/pickerel caught at Bear’s Den Lodge? A: 37 inches
  • Q:What’s the best time to fish for walleye/pickerel? A:When you’re here!

Smallmouth Bass

Man fall fishing and holding a 28 inch French River Walleye Trophy smallmouth bass fishing French River Delta has one of the best action in Ontario Parks, Canada. Ever increasing numbers, these fish regularly spawn in the Delta of the French River freshwater system. Smallmouth (a.k.a. Brown Bass or Bronzeback), grow large and fight hard in this Ontario Provincial Park. Bear’s Den Lodge has seen an increased quality and quantity of the bass population. Like their Largemouth cousins, they are shallow feeders that prefer leaping after spinners off of rock points in the bays of the French River. The spacious wilderness waters of the French River provides structure, rock ledges and weed edges for this populous predator. Many “football” sized Smallmouth remain in the French River producing action packed fun for anglers of all ages! Many smallmouth bass are being caught between 18-22 inches with an ever increasing population and size of smallmouth bass in the river. Bass Season opens on the 3rd Saturday in June. Smallmouth bass are quite active – 22 inch smallmouth bass released late May. August produces many 3 lb. plus bass. When weeds are dying – fish rock points.
  • Pound for pound, they’re the “fightin’est” fish, in freshwater!
  • Bass are caught throughout the French River, Pickerel River, and Northeastern Georgian Bay Ontario.
  • Male smallmouth bass build circular nests pre-spawn 1-6 feet in diameter near protected areas in sand or gravel.
  • Female bass lays thousands of eggs then leaves to the protective eye of the male for days after the hatch.
  • Bass do not migrate to the Georgian Bay, but move within the river system.
  • French River smallies will be hitting off rocks in high waters of spring, but are not in season until the 3rd Saturday of May.
  • Smallmouth remains active off points and in current areas in July.
  • Smallies will move to shallow water with the Mayfly hatch (Late May to mid-June).
  • In June, check river channels and rock walls for bass at depths of 3 – 25 feet.
  • July, water levels are normally changing and fish are diving to depths even over 25 feet.
  • By September they are in deep currents (30ft. and below).
  • Even if water levels drop, they will remain scattered along promising rock points.
  • Currently not in season till 3rd Saturday of June. However, are currently active as fishermen have indicated they are chasing lures.
  • June 24, 2019; 63 smallmouth bass caught and released by Harold and Sandy’s group.
  • June 12-18, several been caught and released in 8 ft of water. The largest currently reported at 14 inches on a yellow spinner.
  • Aug 6-18, lots of bass reportedly being caught
  • Aug 27- Sept 1, 12, 13 & 15 inch bass caught with a bullet rig with a nightcrawler.
  • September 9-12, “Lots of Smallmouth Bass, GREAT STAY!” – Bryan & Jade.
  • September 15, beautiful 5lbs 21 inch French River Smallmouth caught.
  • October 8-14, “Plenty of Bass, sizes range from 12 – 19 inches” – Steve & Brian.
  • October 16, “Another Fantastic 3 days, bass, pike &: no muskies” – Tony.
  • Q:What is the average size of smallmouth? A:16 to 18 in. at 2.5 – 3 lbs.
  • Q: On an average, how many smallies can an angler catch per week? A: Varies during the season, but are usually plentiful.
  • Q: What’s the largest smallmouth caught at your French River resort? A: 10 lbs. smallmouth have been lost and tipping the scale over the 7 lbs. mark.
  • Q: What’s the best time to fish for smallmouth? A: Anytime after opener.

Largemouth Bass

img Largemouth bass (a.k.a. Bucketmouth, Bigmouth and Mossback) are one of the most under fished game fish in freshwater of the French River. These game fish tend to change locations through the season and share many similar traits to their smallmouth cousins. However, unlike their cousins largemouth prefer the weedier areas, docks, fallen lumber, dead heads (logs stuck in the mud from logging, see History), and brush.
Let the hunt begin for world record bass just waiting to jump at your next cast!

  • Male fish protect the sack fry and will even hold them in their mouth when danger passes.
  • Female largemouth are normally larger than their male counterparts.
  • Largemouth bass do not migrate and opt for hiding in vegetation when possible within the river system.
  • They eagerly attack almost any artificial lure or live bait and maybe the least selective feeders of all freshwater fish.
  • Their diet includes small fish and mammals, salamanders, frogs, worms, leeches, crayfish, snails and turtles.
  • French River largemouth will be nesting in shallow waters in spring. Yet, are not in season until the 3rd Saturday of May.
  • Early June they are on nests in shallow bays during spawning. After, largemouth move to areas with vegetation hungry for an angler’s surface lures, plugs, poppers, spinner baits, or Rapalas. Lures that look like Crayfish also entice largemouth bass in Canada.
  • Largemouth will gather in areas with higher concentration of Mayfly hatch (Late May to mid-June).
  • Largemouth remains active off shallow points, freshwater vegetation, and current areas in July.
  • July, water levels are normally changing and these fish are diving to depths even over 15 feet.
  • By September they are in deep currents (30 ft. and below).
  • When water levels drop and vegetation is decaying, they will remain scattered through areas of deadfall and beaver huts. Stay away from murky waters because of low oxygen.
  • Currently not in season till 3rd Saturday of June, though angler reports suggest are highly aggressive this season.
  • June 24, 2019; 3 Largemouth bass caught by Harold and Sandy Mckinty’s group with the largest at 4.5 lbs caught and released.
  • June 18 – 24, Rough week of bass fishing in general due to rough weather conditions and higher-colder waters than normal. Approximately 65+ Large and smallmouth bass were caught during the week between all the northern pike. Even FISH TV’s Ron James and Leo Stakos managed to make a show for the French River Resorts Association with the helpful advice of Art Barefoot.
  • June 22, After a rough week of bass fishing a bass fisherman caught a 4 pound French River Largemouth.
  • June 24, 2017, Trophy 10lb Largemouth was fought back in the shallows of Wanapettie river before line was snapped. Sadly no videos or pictures to document “The Hog” currently.
  • July 1 – 9 2017, Marisa’s 19 inch French River Largemouth Bass.
  • September 16, 2017: Experience fishing program still going well.
  • Big Bass 18-19 inches during the week of July 17, largest was 3 lbs.
  • August 12, Doc. Weaverling caught the largest Largemouth Bass of his life at 20.5 inches at 5lbs. as seen here.
  • September 1 – 8, Martin, Ralf, and Robert from Germany report “good fishing”.
  • September 12-16, “3.6 lbs Largemouth Bass and great weather!” – Steve & Darlene, Ontario.
  • October 8-14, “Plenty of Bass, 12-19 inches” Bryan & Steve.
  • Q:What is the average size of largemouth bass in the French River Provincial Park? A:16 to 18 in. at 3 – 4 lbs.
  • Q: How many largemouth, normally are caught per week? A: Varies during the season, but are usually plentiful.
  • Q: What’s the largest largemouth caught at your Lodge? A: 8.5 lbs. largemouth.
  • Q: What’s the best time to fish for largemouth; Spring, Summer or Fall fishing? A: Anytime after Bass season opener.

French River Lunker bass are waiting. Grab your gear and reel out! Click here
Or
What to bring? Visit our guide! Click here

Northern Pike

img Northern Pike fishing French River is plentiful in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. Every year we see increasing numbers of these naturally spawned predatory fish in the French River Delta. Ontario has some of the best Northern Pike freshwater fishing in North America.

Pike, which are normally smaller than their musky relatives, can grow to be one the larger game fish in the French River system. They have large expandable mouths with long sharp needle-like teeth and an audacious appetite, willing to eat prey that will fit in their jaws. Migrating male pike head for the Georgian Bay early spring and begin to return late August to prepare for spawning the next spring. They instinctively return to the same spawning beds as past. Many trophy size pike remain in the French River all season for endless catching opportunities.

  • A French River pike will spawn in weedy bays and weedy humps and shoals in mid to late May.
  • Pike are caught throughout the French, Pickerel River, and Northeastern Georgian Bay.
  • The French River Delta in Northern Ontario is continuing to enjoy an increasing pike population.
  • Migrating male pike of the species travel to the Georgian Bay and its tributaries, return to the French River for next year’s spawn in late August and remain there until early to mid-June.
  • Large female pike remain in the French River Delta all season!
  • Granite rock shoals, weed beds, eddies, current, and vegetation will entice the Pike angler fishing the French River.
  • A pike’s diet will change over the course of its life and the opportunities presented. Though larger members of the species tend to display more cannibalistic traits.
  • Water levels will change approximately 13 feet throughout the season (May – October).
  • Pike are scattered off rock points in May.
  • Pike will move to shallow water with the Mayfly hatch in search of prey (Late May to mid-June).
  • In June, check water currents for pike and depths of 15-25 feet.
  • July, water levels are normally changing and fish are diving to depths of 25 feet.
  • By September they are in deep currents (45ft. and deeper).
  • Pike fishing is scattered among various depths in October of the French River Delta.
  • June 24, 2019; Sandy and Harold’s group managed to catch and release an impressive 77 French River northern pike with the largest reported at 26 inches.
  • May 29, 2017, 110 Northern Pike with the largest at 31 inches.
  • June 25, 2017, reports of a 30+ inch Pike in Bear’s Den Bay spotted.
  • July 14, 2017, Ken Culp with his 32 inch French River Pike.
  • July 17, 2017, 40-inch Northern Ontario Pike caught and released by Jordan Mason when fishing alone on 30lb braided line while musky fishing. Fish hit perch color pattern lure and bent his treble hook.
  • September 13, 2017: Ed from our corporate group of Home Hardware and Truss with a large pike.
  • In the week of May 22 – 28, 2016, fishermen reported a total of 314 Pike caught with the largest at 40 inches at approx. 17-18 lbs. An Eagle also shared in the delight of fishing and caught a 38″ Northern Pike.
  • June 12-14, Chris Burnette catched and released a 30 incher.
  • 39 inch released by guest from Buffalo, New York.
  • June 15-21, 21.5″ pike caught by Cliff M. while dock fishing. Fishermen reporting elevated levels of pike catches from previous years.
  • June 22-29, 139 pike were catched and released.
  • July 24, T.J. Raytrowsky catching the biggest pike of his life at 37.5 inches; successful release.
  • August 14-20, 35 inch Pike caught by Shane Duppstadt of Manns Choice, Pa.
  • August 27, multiple small pike from 12-15 inch range.
  • August 27 – Sept 1, Kids catching 18 & 20 inch pike off the pier using a spinner bait supplied by other guests.
  • September 9-16, 9 French River Pike released.
  • September 11-17, 33 inch Northern Pike caught and released by George Taylor, Markham ON, with his choice of custom made Taylortail lure.
  • September 12-16, 4.1 lbs Pike released by couple.
  • Q:What is the average size of Ontario Pike? A:18-24″with fish reaching over 30+ inches.
  • Q: How many Pike will an angler catch per week in the French River? A: They are one of the most populous fish and will strike anything that moves or shines.
  • Q: What is the largest Pike caught at your Lodge? A: Several lost over 50″, but 46″ has been the largest released.

Muskie

img
Legal Muskie size for 2024 in Zone 10 is: 137 cm (54 inches). Georgian
Bay boundaries within the French River Park is included in the new regulations of 54 inches. Bear’s Den Lodge had set a limit of over 50 inches in 1989, but have been encouraging catch, photograph and release (cpr) of all trophy muskie.

Muskie fishing in the French River Delta and Georgian Bay is the number one hotspot in Ontario, Canada. Is it tough fishing? Yes, but every year we see increasing numbers of these naturally spawned predatory fish. They naturally spawn
in the Delta of the French River and have seen additional protection through education and educational groups such as Muskie Canada and
Muskie Inc.

Muskellunge (a.k.a. muskelunge, muscallonge, milliganong, or maskinonge) is commonly abbreviated as “muskie” or “musky”. They grow to be some of the largest game fish in the great Canadian wilderness river system, French River Provincial Park.

Muskies, like their Northern Pike cousins, have large expandable mouths with long sharp needle-like teeth. Migrating male muskies head for the Georgian Bay early spring and begin to return late August to prepare for spawning the next spring. They instinctively return to the same spawning beds as past generations. Many lunker size muskie remain in the French River all summer providing fisherman the opportunity to trophy fish muskie all season.

  • A French River muskie will spawn in weedly bays and weedy humps and shoals in mid to late May.
  • Muskie are caught throughout the French, Pickerel River, and Northeastern Georgian Bay.
  • The French River Delta in Northern Ontario is continuing to enjoy an increasing muskie population.
  • Migrating male muskies of the species travel to the Georgian Bay and its tributaries, return to the French River for next year’s spawn in late August and remain there until early to mid-June.
  • Large female muskellunge remain in the French River Delta all season!
  • Granite rock shoals, weed beds, eddies, current, and vegetation will entice the musky angler fishing the French River.
  • Muskie feed on pike and suckers or anything else opportunity including ducks, or anything swimming.

Muskie History Facts about Bear’s Den Lodge:

See Area information for more French River musky history. This angler has a record of 15 fish over 50 inches, caught at Bear’s Den Lodge.

  • Water levels will change approximately 13 feet throughout the season (May – October).
  • Muskie are scattered off rock points in May, this will increase and produce more catch numbers for fisherman.
  • Muskie will move to shallow water with the Mayfly hatch (Late May to mid-June).
  • In June, check water currents for muskie and depths of 10-20 feet.
  • July, water levels are normally changing and fish are diving to depths of 25 feet.
  • By September they are in deep currents (30ft. and deeper).
  • Muskie fishing is scattered among various depths in October of the French River Delta.
  • Q:What is the average size of muskie or musky? A:37-42 inches and larger.
  • Q: How many muskie or French River musky will an angler catch per week? A: Muskie opportunities depend greatly on the weather patterns, water levels, and experience of the angler’s presentation and retrievals. Line Class World Record Holder, Art Barefoot, states, “In a week’s time, a muskie fisherman will have the opportunity and most likely catch or boat three muskies. One fish will be 37-42 inches, one 45-48 inches, and one musky will most likely over 50 inches.”
  • Q: What is the largest muskie caught at your French River lodge, Bear’s Den Lodge? A: 59 inches – 59 lbs. 11 oz. 29 inch girth – 14 lb. Line Class World Record Muskie by Art Barefoot,
  • Q: Does Bear’s Den Lodge hold other World Record Fish? A: Bear’s Den Lodge remains holder of the 53.5-inch muskie, the 70 lb. Line Class World Record Catch and Release Musky, Kevin Penner of Ontario.
  • Q: What is the best time to fish for French River muskie, musky? A: When you have three days of stable weather pattern, and of course when you are here!

Pan Fish

img
A general term to describe fish not considered to be “game fish” by many
enthusiasts and often to be described as “food fish that could fit in a pan”. While there are many different types “pan fish” in the French River ecosystem the predominant ones that is the staple to the food chain are:

Sunfish or “sunnies” are very popular and one of the most colorful fish caught in Ontario fishing around docks by young and senior fisherman. Pumpkinseed, Crappie, Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Rock Bass are the only sunfish varieties in the French River Delta and Georgian Bay. 

Small minnows, worms, or small jigs are the preferred baits of these fish species. These species spawn in late spring with the male building the nest and protecting their young from predators like pike and walleye.
Pumpkinseeds have pharyngeal teeth for crushing invertebrates and can crush snail shells.

Weekly Report:

 

  • June 24, 2019; 50 catfish, 3 perch and 7 rock bass were caught and released by Sandy and Harold’s group as they were searching for French River walleye during their 7 day stay.
  • June 12-18, largest reported was at 7.5 inches.

Perch, are very similar to walleyes and smallmouth bass in nature. Perch are found in the weeds during insect hatches of mud flies and stoneflies. Perch tactics include fishing with worms, small minnows, and small jigs.
Perch and walleye are from the family Percidae. The adult perch like walleye tend to live and travel in schools of approximately the same size. Perch’s diet changes from plankton, invertebrates, to fish as they mature. 

Ultra-light to medium/light action rods are best but you can learn more on how to select your walleye fishing rod. In short, the lighter the action of the rod then the more you will feel the fish’s fight. Small bobbers with 6-8 lb. test line works best unless working weedy water areas.

Weekly Report:

 

  • June 12-18, largest reported was at 9.5 inches.

Bull Heads (or bull head catfish) and Channel Catfish are caught along with perch using the same tactics. More catfish tips and pics while Ontario fishing.

Weekly Report:

 

  • June 5-11, Numerous large Channel cats were caught while walleye fishing. Largest weighed 17 pounds in this
    photo !
  • June 12-18, largest reported channel catfish at 24 inches.
  • August 15-18, 24 catfish caught.

Bowfin, Longnose Gar, and Suckers A variety of Bowfin, Longnose Gar and numerous species of Suckers such as Red Fin Suckers, White Fin Suckers, Longnose Suckers, and Carp inhabit the French River Delta and Georgian Bay. They are rarely targeted by anglers. 

Longnose Gar can be confused with Northern Pike, but they are not the same species – read here for more info. Longnose Gars are cylindrical, predatory, has a long narrow snout, and large ganoids scales. Bowfin and gar tend to gulp air on the surface and can survive in stagnant fishing areas.

Weekly Report:

 

  • June 18-25, Redfin Suckers observed spawning in the French River
    Delta. Muskie appetites focused on red.
  • August 13-20, 2 Bowfin caught and released by Chris Crilly, VA. NEW 25 lb Line Class World Record, Catch & Release Rod and Reel Division with
    Chris’s 29 inch Bowfin making for a
    third Line Class World record fish from Bear’s Den Lodge!

Bait Fish include Emerald shiners, alewives, Cisco, herring, several species of suckers, dace, perch, sickle backs, gizzard shad, white herring, and many more bait fish. Alewives are a part of the Herring family. They
spawn in freshwater and live mostly in salt water thus, anadromous fish. Alewives were reported arriving in the Great Lakes early-mid 1900’s. 

As of January 1, 2022 – New regulations have been passed for Bait Management Zones (BMZ) in Ontario due to transmission concerns of parasites and diseases. Updates for 2024 season, has restrictions and exceptions to purchase or catch baitfish and transfer to another BMZ. 
Click here for Ontario’s Live Bait Regulations.

img They are a protected species since the close of Sturgeon Fishing Season in 2012. Sturgeon are bottom feeders with habits like suckers, carp, and catfish. These prehistoric fish can grow to enormous sizes as much as 9 – 10 feet in length and weigh in excess of 150 pounds.

Sturgeon were often caught using worms, fresh cut bait, and suckers. Most productive sturgeon fishing was generally in or just below fast moving water, current and swifts in the French River, Wanapitae River, and Bad River Channels. Battles with these sturgeons, a prehistoric fish, would sometimes last for hours with the Sturgeon “towing” the angler’s boat up and down stream. “Although considered a delicacy, it often takes 100 – 150 years to reach such giant proportions,” Prior to the closing of sturgeon fishing on the French River, Lodge owner, Art Barefoot, Bear’s Den Lodge, owner recommended, “CPR” catch, photo, and release the giant fish. Sturgeon lack true bones like the other bony freshwater fish living in Canada.

    Yearly report
  • Paul McDougall of Sudbury ON, spotted his second Sturgeon of his life leaping out of the French River water on September 25th, 2016 in the Wanapitae.
  • Chris Burnette & Harry Haddix caught and released a 58 inch Sturgeon musky fishing during 2017 musky opener.

French River Tips & Tricks

  • Canada Walleye, Pickerel, Smallmouth Bass, and Crappie-4-8# test line
  • Ontario Walleye, Pickerel, Smallmouth Bass, and Crappie – Light to medium action fishing rods.
  • French River Largemouth Bass and Canada Northern Pike Fishing – 8 – 12# test line
  • Northern Ontario Largemouth Bass and Walleye – Medium action rods. Or try fly fishing French River.
  • Canada Muskie, Musky – 20-40# test line
  • Depending on the species of fish, many lures will be very light which makes it harder to cast. Try using steel sinkers that are easy to attach to your line as they come in a variety of shapes, weights & sizes.

Water on the water & beer on the pier.

Boaters found impaired or with open alcoholic beverages while operating a boat can have their driver’s licenses suspended or fined $250.00. In 2006, Bill 209 amended the Highway Traffic Act to treat impaired boating the same as impaired driving and will face the same consequences as they would for impaired driving, including the impact on their insurance rates.

Ontario’s liquor laws may be different than your home State, and that bringing alcohol along in the boat, even for a shore lunch, is not legal in Ontario. Boaters who are not impaired can still be charged with other alcohol offenses.

Safety equipment must be carried and in excellent working condition! Check your safety kits and flashlight prior to fishing on the French River. Please wear your lifejacket for your own safety especially during spring & fall seasons for the cooler water temperatures.

Specialty Handcrafted Lures

Are very popular for:

  • Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
  • Pike
  • Musky
  • They come in various colours, patterns, & sizes at the Bear’s Den Tackle Shop:
  • Spring Fishing- light colours are recommended like white, chartreuse, & yellow patterns
  • Summer – add orange, brown, & fire tiger fishing lure patterns
  • Fall Fishing opportunities – pink & purple should be added to your selection
  • Sizes ranges from 12.5 – 28 cm (5 – 11 inches)
  • Heavy gauged wire is used
  • Variety of blade shapes, colours & patterns
  • Premium quality products are used

Widely used by serious fisherman & female anglers for:

  • Bass
  • Northern Pike
  • Muskie
  • Crappie

Tandem Spinnerbaits come in a variety of quality colours, patterns, and sizes for vibrations, allowing the custom made bait to track true:

  • Spring – bright colours entice with slower action of light skirt patterns
  • Summer – good balance of flashy oranges or firetiger patterns & a touch of brown
  • Fall – heavier rigs with dark colours to create the silhouette for the deeper fishing
  • 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, & 3/4 oz. are available from $4, $5 & $7 respectively
Worm-Harness

Are extremely effective in the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay Biosphere for catching numbers of:

  • Walleye (Pickerel)
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Vast collection of top quality components made with:
  • Dependable 20 lb. test fishing line
  • 2 – 3 custom made hooks adds to varieties
  • Add: worms, minnows, imitation rubber/plastic,or leech baits to entice French River fish

A must for every tackle box when seeking the elusive toothed trophy sized fish:

  • Muskie (Musky)
  • Northern Pike
  • Dependable quality strength & abrasion resistant wire is ideal for every toothy occasion:
  • 6 & 12 inch casting steel leaders in 20 lbs.
  • 12 inch casting steel leaders in 50 & 90 lbs. tests
  • Swivel snaps for quick changing rigs of all types of lures

All can be used for trolling your favorite lure or bucktail

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