Where To Fish On Lake Simcoe
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If you live in Toronto and want to get out on the water in a quick 30-45 minutes on a great lake, then Lake Simcoe is the place to go. A huge lake located roughly 50km north of the city, it offers a variety of fishing adventures. The water is clear, the fish bite hard, and the ice fishing is excellent.
In the spring try staying on the southern part of the lake, in Cook’s Bay or south west of Georgina Island (The biggest island on the lake). Here you will find early season pike and walleye as they congregate in the warmer waters and get ready to spawn. Make sure to check the regulations on when the season opens up and be there opening day. One word of caution, the waters can be pretty choppy on Lake Simcoe and the weather can really affect the fishing. Be sure to go out on the water when it is safe and check the weather forecast so that you aren’t surprised.
Summer is fantastic on Lake Simcoe. The season is open for all sorts of fish and you can hook into some beautiful largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pike, walleye, whitefish, and lake trout. During the dog days of summer the fish tend to go deep so bring some deep diving crank baits, get ready to troll or just float around and jig the bottom of the lake. Trophy size fish are caught every year on Lake Simcoe so expect to be pleasantly surprised when you head out here. A few shore fishing spots can be found around the lake and they can make for a perfect day out with the family or friends. You can keep busy catching pan fish all day long and occasionally hook into a larger species.
Fall is often overlooked by recreational anglers but it can really be a fantastic time to head out on the lake. The fish are feasting on everything just before the winter and they are fat from a long summer of eating. During the week the lake is almost empty, giving you ample opportunity to pick your favourite spot and really focus on fishing. Do yourself a favour and take a day off work, get some buddies together and have a blast catching monsters all day long.
Winter is a very popular time to go fishing on Lake Simcoe. It is one of the largest lakes in the world that completely freezes over. Ice fishing huts are found all over the lake and tournaments are held almost every weekend. There are a lot of ice hut operators that can introduce you to ice fishing and many of them will supply you with your own hut, rods, and bait. The ice is usually very safe come January and February, but be sure to check with authorities on the ice thickness. During the winter you can expect to catch beautiful jumbo perch, whitefish, and lake trout.
Fast Fact:
Length: 30km at its longest.
Width: 25km at its widest.
Area: 744km²
Depth: Average is 49’ but at its deepest it is 135’
Close Towns: Barrie to the west, Orillia to the north, Keswick to the south, and Beaverton to the east.
Amenities: Since there are many small towns and even some bigger cities like Barrie, you can find almost anything you need. From food, supplies, gas, and marinas you will be well covered.
