Fishing licenses are required for French River Zone 10, Georgian Bay Zone 14, & Pickerel River Zone 15. For the full Northern Ontario fishing regulations summary please click on the image or for Ontario Resident and non-resident outdoors cards, click on the example card image below (left). If you need a pleasure craft license or renewal, click on the example card image on the right.
Welcome to Bear’s Den Lodge—A World-Class Fishing and Hunting Destination
Situated in the heart of the French River Provincial Park, Bear’s Den Lodge is a premier fishing and hunting lodge in Ontario. Nestled in the French River Delta, our roofed accommodations offer a perfect blend of comfort and nature. Reach us via Hartley Bay Marina parking and explore the scenic, unspoiled French River, Pickerel River, Wanapitei River, and Northeast Georgian Bay.
Fishing Adventures Await
Our All-Inclusive fishing resort is dedicated to fishing enthusiasts of all levels! Catch trophy fish such as Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Salmon, and Muskellunge (Muskie). Bear’s Den Lodge is renowned for its Muskie fishing, providing cozy rustic vacation cottages with All-Inclusive American Plan meals and Self-Catered Housekeeping Cottages, boat and motor rentals, and experienced guides.
Explore Nature and Adventure
The French River Provincial Park offers a myriad of outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, black bear hunting, and eco-tours. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and enjoy one of Ontario’s highest quality wilderness experiences in the French River Delta, Ontario.
Join or call us at Bear’s Den Lodge for an unforgettable adventure!
French River Fishing Tips and Regulations
Legal length of Muskie is 137 cm (54 in). Yet, Bear’s Den Lodge has been encouraging live release of all Muskies for years. For those wanting a mount, a replica can be made with measurements – length and girth – of the trophy fish and a quick photo.
Anglers with a Sport Fishing License may possess only 1 fish over 137 cm (54 in) as per the Ministry of Natural Resource Fishing Regulations in Zones 10, 11, and 14 – French River Provincial Park & Georgian Bay areas.
Effective as of January 1, 2024 – Transportation of minnows and leeches from one Bait Management Zone (BMZ) to another is permissible if:
- You go straight to another BMZ where you acquired the bait legally.
- Dead baitfish and leeches can be transported in and out of a BMZ, if kept from decaying (e.g. salted or preservative agents).
- Refrigeration or freezing by itself is not enough for legal transport.
We are located in the Northeastern Bait Management Zone. You must have receipt of the purchased bait (minnows and leeches) while fishing at all times. Visit Ontario.ca to read the bait regulations.
Resident & Non-Resident Outdoor Cards Northern Ontario Fishing Licenses
- Valid for 3 years required with purchase of fishing or hunting license - $8.57
- Please purchase online prior to arriving at Hartley Bay Marina launch and Bear's Den Lodge.
- Always PRINT your Ontario License First before printing your receipt.
- If Licenses are forgotten, Bear's Den will assist you for your convenience at the full service lodge.
Sport Fishing License
- Only one fish of each species may measure over the specified "Slot-Size" length - trophy fish.
- An Ontario Sport Fishing License is required for Muskie fishing.
- 1-year Ontario Resident Sport Fishing License $26.57
- 1-year Canadian Resident Sport Fishing License $55.81
- Non-resident 8 day Sport Fishing License - $54.38 Canadian Funds.
Conservation License
Anglers with a Conservation License may only possess two fish of each species. Muskie fishing is NOT permitted with this license.
- Only one fish of each species may measure over the specified "Slot-Size" length or Trophy size.
- 1-year Ontario Resident Conservation Fishing License $15.07
- 1-year Canadian Resident Conservation Fishing License $33.43
- Non-resident 8 day Fishing Conservation License - $31.52 Canadian Funds.
- A great value for CPR - Catching, Photo and Release!
- Please visit the official Hunting and Fishing Ontario page for other sport and conservation license 3 year fishing pricing & hunting options.
When a Fishing License is NOT Needed
Ontario Residents who are Under 18 or 65 and Older can catch and possess fish with limits of a Sport Fishing License per Ontario Fishing Regulations page 6 with proper Federal or Provincial Government ID indicating their name & birth.
Non-Residents who are Under 18 years old and are accompanied by a person with a valid Ontario Recreational Fishing License & share their limits.
Family Fishing Opportunities
Ontario & Canadian Residents have four opportunities throughout the fishing season to fish free without a license. During these dates, individuals must follow catch and possession limits for Conservation Fishing Licenses.
These dates are:
- Family Fishing Weekend (February 15 – 17, 2025)
- Mother’s Day Weekend (May 10 - 11, 2025)
- Father’s Day Weekend (June 14 - 15, 2025)
- Ontario Family Fishing Week (June 28 - July 6, 2025)
- OPEN DATES FOR FRENCH RIVER FISHING – See Fishing & Guides Page