Fishing on Lake Simcoe Guide: Spots, Licenses, Tips – Ontario

Are you ready to embark on an exciting angling adventure on Lake Simcoe? As a popular angling destination, Lake Simcoe offers a wealth of opportunities to catch various species while enjoying the stunning beauty of the surroundings.

Planning and preparation play a crucial role in ensuring a successful angling trip on Lake Simcoe. Familiarize yourself with the lake’s features, such as its angling maps and important lake information. Understanding the layout of the lake, including its depths, drop-offs and hotspots, can greatly enhance your chances of reeling in the big ones.

When it comes to angling on Lake Simcoe, bass is a great catch. Bass can be found in abundance throughout the lake, particularly in areas like Atherley and Kempenfelt Bay. Keep in mind that bass can be quite mobile, so it’s essential to move around and explore different spots until you find their preferred feeding grounds.

For a successful bass angling experience, consider using live suckers as bait. These live lures are highly effective in enticing bass to bite, especially when presented a few feet off the bottom. Pair your live suckers with appropriate attractants, such as crankbaits or jerkbaits, to increase your chances of a rewarding catch.

As you explore the material in this article, you’ll discover valuable tips and insights to make your angling adventure on Lake Simcoe truly memorable. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the sport, mastering the art of angling on this stunning lake will undoubtedly provide you with unforgettable moments.

So grab your angling gear, plan your trip, and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Lake Simcoe. The thrill of reeling in jumbo perch or the excitement of landing a trophy bass awaits you in this angler’s paradise.

Remember, successful angling on Lake Simcoe requires careful preparation, knowledge of the lake’s features, and a touch of patience. So dive into this article and equip yourself with the necessary tools to make your angling trip a resounding success.

Stay tuned for more tips, top spots and the best fish to catch on angling Lake Simcoe!

Understanding Lake Simcoe and Its Fish Species

Lake Info

Lake Simcoe is a picturesque lake located in southern Ontario, just north of Toronto. It is a popular destination for year-round angling enthusiasts due to its diverse ecosystem and abundance of fish species.

The lake is characterized by its shallow and narrow shape, with numerous weed beds, docks, and shorelines providing ideal habitats for various fish species. The presence of bluffs and varying depths creates an exciting angling experience for anglers.

Description of Popular Fish Species in Lake Simcoe

Lake Simcoe Lake Trout

Lake trout, also known as “lakers,” are highly sought after by anglers in Lake Simcoe. These fish are known for their size and fighting ability. Lake trout can be found throughout the lake, particularly around deeper areas and underwater humps. They are known to inhabit depths ranging from 30 to 100 feet.

Lake Simcoe Whitefish

Whitefish are another popular species in Lake Simcoe. These silver-colored fish can be found in schools around the lake. They are often found in deeper waters, feeding on live lures such as smelt and herring. Anglers target whitefish using a variety of techniques, including jigging and bait angling.

Lake Simcoe Jumbo Perch

Jumbo perch are highly prized by anglers visiting Lake Simcoe. These fish are known for their size and delicious taste. Perch rigs with live or artificial baits are commonly used to catch jumbo perch. Anglers often find success near weed beds and bluffs.

Read more: Lake Erie Fishing Guide for PA, OH, MI & NY Anglers in 2023

Smallmouth Bass

Lake Simcoe is home to a healthy population of smallmouth bass. These feisty fish can be found around rocky structures and algae beds. Anglers often use attractants such as crankbaits, jerkbaits, or soft plastics to entice smallmouth bass.

Walleye

Walleye, also known as pickerel, can be found in Lake Simcoe. These elusive fish are known for their delicious taste and challenging nature. Walleye often inhabit deeper areas and are commonly targeted at dawn or dusk using live or artificial baits.

Additional Fish Species

This Lake is also home to other fish species such as ling, largemouth bass, crappie, panfish, and muskellunge. Each species offers unique angling opportunities and adds to the diverse angling experience in Lake Simcoe.

Fishing Seasons, Techniques and Hot Spots

Spring Angling

Best Practices and Techniques during the Spring Season

During the early spring, typically starting in mid-March, the fish in Lake Simcoe tend to move to deeper water as the ice begins to melt. To increase your chances of success, consider using jigging spoons and jigging raps, which can imitate the movements of baitfish. These attractants can be particularly effective when tipped with minnows or worms. Another popular technique is jig angling, where you use a jig and a plastic bait to entice the fish to strike. Crankbaits and jerkbaits can also be effective in attracting fish, especially when used near bluffs and algae beds.

Recommended Bait, Lures and Equipment

• Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass are a trophy catch in Lake Simcoe during the spring. They can be targeted using crankbaits, jerkbaits and topwater attractants. Look for them around the mouth of the Holland River and in Kempenfelt Bay.
• Jumbo Perch: Jumbo perch can be found throughout the lake during the spring. They are often found near bluffs and algae beds. Use perch rigs tipped with minnows or worms to entice them.
• Walleye: Walleye are known to inhabit Lake Simcoe and can be targeted using crankbaits, jerkbaits and jigging spoons. They tend to be found around bluffs and near the shoreline.
• Lake Simcoe Whitefish: Lake Simcoe is also known for its whitefish population. They can be caught using artificial lures such as jigging spoons and jigging raps. Look for them in deeper water.

Top Spots and Popular Angling Locations during the Spring

• Mouth of the Holland River: This area is known for its abundance of smallmouth bass and walleye during the spring season. It provides excellent opportunities for anglers to catch these trophy fish.
• Kempenfelt Bay: It is another top spot for smallmouth bass and jumbo perch during the spring. The bay offers a variety of structures where fish tend to gather, including bluffs and algae beds.

Summer Fishing

Best Practices and Techniques During the Summer Season

When it comes to summer angling on Lake Simcoe, there are several best practices and techniques that can greatly increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your angling experience:

• Timing is Key: The best time to go angling during the summer is during the early morning hours or late evening. The fish are more active during these cooler parts of the day, especially during dusk and dawn.
• Choose the Right Bait: Depending on the fish species you’re targeting, different baits and lures may be more effective. For live bait, consider using minnows, worms, leeches, or crayfish. If you prefer artificial angling tackles, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater attractants can be great options.
• Locate the Top spots: Lake Simcoe offers a variety of top spots and popular angling locations during the summer. Look for algae beds, bluffs, docks, and shorelines, as these areas often attract fish. Do some research or ask local anglers for recommendations to find the best spots.

Recommended Bait, Lures and Equipment

To improve your chances of catching specific fish species on Lake Simcoe during the summer, it’s important to use the right bait, lures and equipment. Here are some recommendations:

• Jumbo Perch: For jumbo perch, live minnows or small artificial angling tackles like spinners and jigs can be effective. These fish are known to gather around algae beds and bluffs.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth bass can be targeted using a variety of attractants, including plastic worms, crankbaits, and topwater attractants. Look for them near algae beds, docks, and other structures.
• Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass can be enticed with crayfish imitations, tube baits, and jerkbaits. They are often found near rocky areas and bluffs.
• Northern Pike: For northern pike, large spinnerbaits, spoons, and jerkbaits are popular choices. These aggressive predators can be found near algae beds and in shallow bays.

Remember to check the local angling regulations and obtain the necessary licenses before heading out to fish on Lake Simcoe.

Popular Angling Locations During the Summer

Lake Simcoe offers plenty of popular angling locations that are worth exploring during the summer months. Here are some notable spots to consider:

• Kempenfelt Bay: Located in Barrie, it is known for its diverse fish population, including bass, pike, and perch.
• Cook’s Bay: Situated on the southern part of the lake, Cook’s Bay is a top spot for perch angling, especially during the summer.
• Thorah Island: Thorah Island is a great spot for bass angling, with plenty of structure and algae beds to explore.
• Snake Island: Snake Island is a popular destination for pike angling, thanks to its proximity to deep water and algae beds.

Fall Angling

Best Practices and Techniques During the Fall Season

When it comes to fall angling on Lake Simcoe in Ontario, there are some tried and true techniques that can greatly improve your chances of success. One popular method is jigging spoons. These attractants are designed to mimic injured baitfish and can be highly effective in attracting predatory fish. Another technique to consider is using jigging raps, which have a lifelike swimming action that can entice fish to strike.

For anglers targeting perch, using perch rigs with live minnows or worms can be a winning strategy. Perch are known to congregate around structures such as algae beds and bluffs, so focusing your efforts in these areas can greatly increase your chances of landing a nice catch.

Recommended Bait, Lures and Equipment

When it comes to bait and lures, it’s important to have a variety of options to cater to different fish species. For perch, using live minnows on a jig can be highly effective. Crankbaits are also a popular choice, as they can mimic the movement of injured live lure and trigger aggressive strikes.

If you’re targeting other species such as bass or pike, consider using crankbaits or jerkbaits. These artificial angling tackles can be retrieved at different speeds to imitate different types of prey, making them highly versatile options.

Having the right equipment is also crucial for success. Make sure to bring a sturdy angling rod and reel that can handle the fight of larger fish. It’s also a good idea to have a variety of angling lines with different strengths, as well as a landing net to safely bring in your trophy catches.

Top Spots and Popular Angling Locations During the Fall

When it comes to finding the best angling spots on Lake Simcoe during the fall, it’s important to consider the seasonal movements of the fish. One top spot to check out is Kempenfelt Bay, which is known for its abundance of jumbo perch. Another popular location is the shoreline near various bluffs, where predatory fish often gather in search of food.

Ice Fishing on Lake Simcoe

Ice fishing season on Lake Simcoe in Ontario is an exhilarating adventure that attracts anglers from all over America. With its frozen expanses and abundance of fish, Lake Simcoe offers a unique and thrilling experience for ice-angling enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the safety precautions, essential tips and techniques, popular spots, and ice-angling rentals available on the lake.

Safety Precautions and Guidelines for Ice angling

Before venturing onto the frozen waters of Lake Simcoe, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Here are some essential safety precautions and guidelines to keep in mind:

• Always check the ice thickness before stepping onto it. The recommended ice thickness for walking is at least 4 inches.
• Use a spud bar or an ice auger to check the ice thickness as you move further onto the lake.
• Dress appropriately in layers to stay warm and dry. Thermal clothing, waterproof boots, and insulated gloves are essential.
• Carry safety equipment such as ice picks, a throw rope, and a life jacket.
• Ice angling is best enjoyed in groups, so always bring an angling buddy along.
• Stay away from areas with flowing water, as the ice may be weaker there.

 Ice Fishing Techniques and Tips

To make the most of your ice angling experience on Lake Simcoe, consider the following tips and techniques:

• Timing: The ice-angling season on Lake Simcoe typically begins in December and extends until late March. Early in the ice season, focus on shallower areas where the ice is more stable.
• Equipment: Use small jigs and spoons to entice fish to bite. Frozen bait, such as dead minnows, can also be effective. Live minnows are a popular choice for targeting larger species.
• Location: Explore different areas around the lake, including algae beds and bluffs, as they often attract a variety of fish species. Consult local angling resources and guides for information on the most productive spots.
• Techniques: Experiment with jigging techniques to attract fish. Try a combination of short and long jigging motions to mimic the movement of prey. Pay attention to subtle bites, as fish may be more cautious during the winter months.

Popular Spots and Recommended Areas for Ice Angling on the Lake

Lake Simcoe offers numerous popular spots for ice angling. Here are some recommended areas worth exploring:

• Bear Point Fish Hut Rentals, Innisfil: Located on the southern shores of Lake Simcoe, Bear Point offers comfortable fish hut rentals and easy access to productive angling areas.
• Cook’s Bay Marina, Innisfil: Cook’s Bay Marina provides access to Cook’s Bay, a known hotspot for ice angling. The marina offers amenities and services to enhance your ice-angling experience.
• Fish Simcoe Hardwater Outfitters, Churchill: Fish Simcoe Hardwater Outfitters offers guided ice angling trips and rentals, ensuring a memorable and successful angling adventure.
• Floyd Hales Ice Huts, Beaverton: They provide well-maintained ice huts and experienced guides for an enjoyable ice-angling experience on Lake Simcoe.
• Lucky’s Sons Ice Huts, Lefroy: They offer a range of ice hut options and knowledgeable staff to assist anglers in finding the best angling spots.
• Tim Hales Fish Huts, Beaverton: Tim Hales Fish Huts provides comfortable huts and access to prime ice angling locations, making it a popular choice among anglers.

Ice Fishing Rentals on the Lake

If you are looking to rent ice angling equipment or fish huts on Lake Simcoe, consider the following options:

• Bear Point Fish Hut Rentals, Innisfil
• Cook’s Bay Marina, Innisfil
• Fish Simcoe Hardwater Outfitters, Churchill
• Floyd Hales Ice Huts, Beaverton
• Lucky’s Sons Ice Huts, Lefroy
• Tim Hales Fish Huts, Beaverton

Renting from these reputable establishments will ensure that you have the necessary equipment and a comfortable shelter while enjoying your ice-angling adventure on Lake Simcoe.

Remember to check local regulations and obtain the necessary angling licenses before engaging in ice-angling activities.

Lake Simcoe Fishing Guides and Accommodation

Overview of Angling Guides

Fatal Force Outfitters

Fatal Force Outfitters is one of the top angling guide services available for hire on Lake Simcoe. They offer expert guides who are experienced in navigating the lake’s waters and finding the best angling spots. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, Fatal Force Outfitters can provide a tailored angling experience to meet your needs.

Fish City Tours

Fish City Tours is another excellent choice for hiring an angling guide on Lake Simcoe. Their knowledgeable guides have a deep understanding of the lake’s ecosystem and can help you target various fish species, including bass, pike, and perch. With Fish City Tours, you can expect a memorable angling adventure and valuable tips and techniques from experienced guides.

Read more: Lake Nockamixon Fishing Guide: Spots, Licenses, Tips – Pennsylvania

Fish Crazy Guide Services

If you’re looking for an angling guide service that goes above and beyond, Fish Crazy Guide Services is the perfect choice. They offer personalized angling trips tailored to your preferences and skill level. Their guides are passionate about angling and are dedicated to ensuring you have a successful and enjoyable experience on Lake Simcoe.

Happy Go Fish Hut Rentals & Guide Service

Happy Go Fish Hut Rentals & Guide Service provides a unique angling experience on Lake Simcoe. In addition to offering expert angling guides, they also provide ice hut rentals, allowing you to fish comfortably during the winter months. With their knowledge of the lake and top-notch equipment, Happy Go Fish Hut Rentals & Guide Service is a great option for those looking to explore ice angling on Lake Simcoe.

SR angling

SR angling is a trusted name in the angling guide industry on Lake Simcoe. Their experienced guides know the lake inside and can take you to the best angling spots. Whether you’re interested in catching trophy-level fish or simply enjoying a relaxing day on the water, SR Fishing can provide a customized angling experience to suit your needs.

Wood Angling

Wood Angling offers professional angling guides who are passionate about helping anglers of all skill levels make the most of their time on Lake Simcoe. With their extensive knowledge of the lake and its fish species, Wood Angling guides can provide valuable insights and techniques to enhance your angling success.

Benefits of Hiring a Fishing Guide

Hiring an angling guide on Lake Simcoe offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, guides have an in-depth understanding of the lake’s ecosystem and can take you to the best angling spots based on the current conditions. They can provide valuable tips and techniques to improve your angling skills and increase your chances of success. Additionally, angling guides handle all the logistics, including providing the necessary equipment and licenses, so you can focus solely on enjoying your angling experience.

Recommendations for Accommodations

The Briars Resort & Spa, Jacksons Point

Located in Jacksons Point, The Briars Resort & Spa offers comfortable accommodations and a range of amenities for anglers visiting Lake Simcoe. After a day of angling, unwind at the resort’s spa or enjoy a delicious meal at their on-site restaurant.

Inn on the Lake, Keswick

Situated in Keswick, the Inn on the Lake provides a peaceful retreat for anglers looking to relax after a day on the water. The inn offers cozy rooms with beautiful lake views, as well as a restaurant serving locally-inspired cuisine.

Lakeside Inn Orillia, Orillia

Lakeside Inn Orillia is a charming waterfront accommodation option in Orillia. With its convenient location near Lake Simcoe, it provides easy access to angling spots. The inn features comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

Peninsula Resort, Pefferlaw

For those seeking an angling resort experience, Peninsula Resort in Pefferlaw is an excellent choice. The resort offers various accommodation options, including cottages and cabins, along with amenities such as boat rentals and angling docks.

Best Western Plus Orillia Hotel

Located in Orillia, the Best Western Plus Orillia Hotel offers comfortable and convenient accommodations for anglers visiting Lake Simcoe. The hotel provides modern rooms, a fitness center, and easy access to nearby attractions and angling spots.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on reliable sources and research. It is always recommended to refer to official angling regulations and local authorities for the most up-to-date information

FAQs

Q: Where can I catch lake trout and whitefish on Lake Simcoe?

A: Lake trout and whitefish can be found in abundance in Lake Simcoe. They are often found near shoals and can be caught using various techniques.

Q: What about yellow perch? Are they abundant in Lake Simcoe?

A: Yes, yellow perch can be found in Lake Simcoe. They are popular gamefish and can be caught using light tackle and live bait.

Q: Are there any specific angling maps available for Lake Simcoe?

A: Yes, there are Lake Simcoe fishing maps that provide valuable information about the lake, including angling top spots and important areas to explore.

Q: Can I fish for lake trout and whitefish during the winter season for ice angling?

A: Yes, ice angling on Lake Simcoe is a popular activity, and lake trout and whitefish can be targeted using various ice angling techniques.

Q: What about bass? Can they be found in Lake Simcoe?

A: Bass, especially smallmouths, can be found in Lake Simcoe. They are quite aggressive and can be caught using a variety of lures and techniques.

Q: Do whitefish schools in Lake Simcoe? How deep do they typically swim?

A: Yes, whitefish are schooling fish in Lake Simcoe. They are often found a few feet off the bottom and can move deeper during certain times of the year.

Q: What type of bait is recommended for angling on Lake Simcoe?

A: Live bait, such as suckers, is commonly used for angling on Lake Simcoe. It is known to attract various gamefish and produce good results.

Q: Can you provide any tips for a successful angling outing on Lake Simcoe?

A: It’s important to understand the forage and feeding patterns of the fish in Lake Simcoe. Additionally, using light tackle and exploring weedy areas can also be productive.

Q: Is Lake Simcoe suitable for year-round fishing?

A: Yes, Lake Simcoe offers angling opportunities throughout the year. However, fish behavior may vary depending on the season, so it’s important to adjust your techniques accordingly.