Georgian Bay muskie released during a guided trip. Experienced guides, outdoor adventure tours, and fishing trips offered in remote wilderness Ontario, Canada.
Canada fishing for walleye, pike, bass, muskie, salmon, catfish, sturgeon. Relaxed cottage fishing vacation.

Warm clothing (nights are cool), two piece rain suit, extra pair of shoes, flashlight, camera, sharp knife, portable cooler, swim suit, sun screen, fishing gear, hunters- hunting gear along with a current or previous hunting license from your state or province – a must! Mosquito coils and repellant with DEET is helpful. Travel by air requires a passport to enter the country. Passport must be carried to renter United States-  Photo ID or driver's license with photo, birth certificate, or voter registration may be accepted as identification. New U.S. passport regulations are phased in. See bottom of DIRECTION PAGE for U.S. passport requirements.
 

Fishing, Outdoor Cards, and Hunting licenses are available at the Hartley Bay Marina at time of registering your vehicle license. Valet, supervised parking, and boat launching provided at the Marina. Bear’s Den Lodge is just a 5 minute boat ride from the Marina. Bear's Den is three bays from the marina.
 

16th Year For Fishing Slot Limits - Introduced in 1994

The introduction of a slot-size fishing program was a realistic effort to restore the sport fish population in the French River and it has definitely worked in the French River Delta, not only sustaining the quality, but improving the quantities of fish for each species.  The Ministry of Natural Resources has studied our positive results in the significant improvement of our fishery and since then, started implementing slots sizes throughout Ontario, Canada.  The slot sizes of fish represent the breeding stock of each species of fish determined from the biological research completed in the French River.

Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass Fishing in Canada - live release between 13" & 17" (Length)

Walleye - Pickerel - live release between 15" & 25" (Length)

Northern Pike - live release of all between 21" & 34" (Length)

New Non-Resident Outdoor Cards - $9.00 valid for 3 years required for 2009 along with purchase of fishing or hunting license - Please purchase at Marina when purchasing fishing license. 

Sport Fishing License, an angler may keep a total of four fish of each species. Only one fish of each species may measure over the specified "Slot-Size" length. Non-resident 8 day Fishing License - $44.50 Canadian - 2010.

Anglers with Conservation Licenses may only posses 2 fish of each species. Only one fish of each species may measure over the specified "Slot-Size" length. Non-resident 8 day Fishing License - $25.75 Canadian - 2010.

Legal length of Muskie is 48 inches, however, Bear's Den Lodge has been honoring live release of all Muskies under 50 inches, while encouraging measurements - length and girth of the trophy fish, with a quick photo, then live release. A fisherman with a Sport Fishing License may posses only 1 fish over 48 inches as per the Ministry of Natural Resource Fishing Regulations in Zone 10 - French River and 54 inches in Georgian Bay - Zone 14.  See LINK PAGE or below for access to the full Fishing and Hunting Regulations.

OPEN DATES FOR FISHING

Walleye or Pickerel and Canada Northern Pike Fishing - Walleye, pickerel, northern pike fishing open the 3rd Saturday in May, prior to this, pan fish is open.

Muskie -  Musky - Open dates for Muskie or musky fishing is the 1st Saturday in June.

Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass- Largemouth bass fishing and Smallmouth bass fishing opens the 4th Saturday in June.
 

FISHING REPORTS

Walleye:  34" walleye released June 20, 2009 with many in 28" and smaller. Opened May 16, 2009 with numerous fish caught and released. Some measured 27", but averaged somewhat smaller for eating. 31" released late June 2008 with a 27" released July 5, 2008 and a 30" released July 16.  Fisherman and guide report 40 fish caught over 9 lbs. mid June 2007. A 10 pound walleye will produce 250,000 eggs for the next year spawn. The French River Delta in Northern Ontario is seeing an ever increasing walleye or pickerel population.  A 9 year old catches his first walleye of 25 1/4 inches and measured it for the Conservation Officer! A great keeper and a definite fish mount to be proud of! Not bad for his first walleye.  Walleye are being caught throughout the French, Pickerel River, and northeastern Georgian Bay. A 20 inch blue walleye was caught and released in 2009. 25-28 inch walleye are being caught in 2006, including several walleye measuring 28 inches on June 23, 2007. Walleye were scattered off rock points in May, producing increasing numbers for fisherman in 2009. Check current in June for walleye in 10 -20 feet. July water levels are normally changing and fish are diving to depths of 25 feet. Check your current areas for walleye. 31 inch walleye released late August, 2007 and 34 inch walleye in June, 2009.

Smallmouth Bass: 20" smallmouth bass released opening 2009. 31" smallmouth released July 1, 2008. Many smallmouth bass are being caught between 18-22 inches with an ever increasing population and size of smallmouth bass in the river. See more smallmouth bass pictures. Bass Season opens on the 4th Saturday in June. Smallmouth bass are quite active - 22 inch smallmouth bass released late May 2007. Smallmouth remains active off points and in current areas in July. August produced many 3 lb. plus bass in 2007.

Largemouth Bass: 6 1/4# Largemouth bass released June 25, 2009 - by Mark from Ohio. 2 Kg Largemouth bass released opening 2009. 21" released by 9 year old from Altoona, PA - June 14, 2009 - Nice fish Zion!  Reports from fisherman include many largemouth bass caught between 18-24 inches. Bass are enticing the fisherman from the dock and teasing them while sitting on the deck overlooking Bear's Den Bay. When May flies hatch and the crayfish are molting, use gray! Lily pads are another favorite hiding spot for these trophy largemouth bass. 2 Largemouth bass were released measuring 20 1/2 inches one weighed 4 lbs. and the largest was 5 lbs. late June, 2006. The Ministry of Natural Resources ask the French River Delta Association to assist in placing gravel in the Delta for bass spawning beds. Bear's Den Lodge assisted in the project July, 2006. Guests report the bass are slamming their lures and "so fat that you can't get your hand around them!" The spawning beds proved to be effective.  Top water lures are enticing the largemouth in June and July. Green and white are hot right now. Check you weed edges for action of largemouth. Largemouth continue their activities throughout August and into the fall.

Northern Pike: 17 pike caught and released opening 2009 from Bear's Den Bay - 31" largest of these.  41" Northern released July 15, 2008. Anglers are reporting many 3 foot size Canada northern pike being caught within our maze of rivers and bays. 34 inch pike caught and released by a guest off the dock while pan fishing. Stories of the bigger ones having been lost and gotten away to be caught by the next fisherman or fisherwomen.  Many fish are being caught within the slot and returned daily to the French River to reproduce and be caught again as trophy northern pike. A 38 inch pike was released along with 5 over 34 inches mid June, 2006. 2007 is producing many pike some with increasing size and weight including a 36 inch pike early June and a 33 inch pike in Bear's Den Bay late August. July produced more pike around reefs and weed beds.  You can't beat a Daredevil for action. Try bucktails for fall fishing. Weeds are still green and fish are hitting in the weed beds. 2008 weed conditions are producing pike in the shallows.  Gar are surfacing, hooked and released early June, 2008.

Muskies: 58" muskie caught and released while walleye fishing June 23, 2009 on 12# test then a 54" just days later by same fisherman. 49" Muskie released by Chris from Ohio June 24, 2009. July, 2009 produces 9 muskies for 4 men while hooking 7 other fish - largest fish boated was 52 inches. 43" muskie released opening weekend in  May with 3 others from 6 lbs. to 36" in 2009. Breaking news! 54.5 inch muskie released opening Muskie 2008. 52 inch muskie released July 14, 2008 while another fisherman reports loosing a good heavy 50 incher plus.  50 pound plus muskie released on opening walleye. 48" muskie released off Bear's Den Lodge dock early June 2008 and down river June 25, 2008. Muskie Canada group lost huge muskie close to 60" July 5, 2008. 56.5 inch muskie caught and released September 2006. "A true Musky of a lifetime!" June 14, 2006 a 53.5 inch Muskie was released. 55.25 inch Muskie released by avid fisherman along with 4 other muskies on annual fishing trip in August- placed as Lunker of the Month in Muskie Inc. and second largest Musky listed for Muskie Inc. 2005.  A monster 55 inch Muskie was released too. More giant trophy  muskie sightings reported by musky hunters with a 51.5 inch muskie landed and released by a return guest. This brings this angler to a record of 14 fish over 50 inches, most of which have been caught at Bear's Den Lodge. 2007- 40 inch muskie released May 28th and a "45 inch muskie released after a 2 foot rise in the Delta and two sharp cold fronts this past week." Another fisherman in late June reports a "60 inch" muskie "fought for 45 minutes.  At boat 10-12 times could not lift into boat.  Had 12 year old son with me in boat.  Lots of fun, some pictures, fish of a lifetime."   A multiple 50 inch club member reports his hook tangled and was unable to hook a really good fish just this week, while 5 muskies were released in a week by guests - largest being 37 inches. August produces more muskies for release with a 49 incher just this week.  Fisherman report silver spoons and  white producing muskie this week.

Average size of muskies last year were 40-48 inches with many trophy opportunities over 48 inches in the French River and Northeast Georgian Bay. A Muskie Spawning Survey was completed in the Georgian Bay several years ago.- French River Delta, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and volunteers from Muskies Canada set trap nets. 56 Muskie were netted. The largest muskie weighed in at 43 lbs. The Georgian Bay French River Delta muskie area was the highest count of any surveyed in this study. Walleyes were in abundance also, some tipped the scale around 9 lbs.

Several muskie over 50 inches were hooked or teased anglers in the 2006 season once again. Landed and released included a 53.5 inch muskie, the World Record 70 lb. Line Class World Record Catch and Release. The Ultimate world record muskie awaits the avid muskie hunter at Bear's Den Lodge. The current lodge record remains at 59 lbs. 11 oz. muskie - the World Record 14 lb. Line Class Record. 50 inch plus fish are teasing again in 2007.

Pan Fish - Dinner plate size rock bass caught from the main dock - rock bass too big for display in the fish tank at the main lodge. Catfish, perch, crappies, sunfish keep all ages busy with action. Catfish are abundant and action is increasing for catfish. 10# catfish released early June 2008. Perch are reported to be increasing in size this year.

BEST FISHING TIMES

If you have any questions regarding walleye, muskie, Canada northern pike fishing, largemouth bass or smallmouth bass fishing, or black bear hunting, our fly-in or boat access only, our services, or would like to make a reservation, please contact your hosts, Art and Brenda Barefoot for your next Canadian vacation destination.

Fishing in Canada at Bear's Den Lodge will put you at some of the best fishing spots you can find. If you're looking for a fantastic adventure fishing in Ontario, not only will you love Bear's Den Lodge in the French River Delta, you'll find our service is second to none. We are the only full service American Plan Lodge available in the French River Delta. Bear's Den Lodge is an  Ontario Fishing Lodge, an informational, history, educational site, fishing trip, camp resort and Canadian outfitter. It is the greatest vacation spot in Canada! Whether you want to casually do some fishing or try some more serious angling; French River Delta, Ontario is an angler's paradise. Nowhere else can boast such a diverse catch- the largest fresh water lakes and rivers in the world, a huge diversity of fish, and walleye in abundance with the least number of rod hours on the entire French River. We offer an entire range of experiences from adventure tours to fishing trips, corporate retreats, Canadian family vacations, or a get away. Come here for all your vacation, outfitting equipment, area information, and history. Bear's Den Lodge is known as a local museum on the French River. Come equipped, rent our boats, plan a guided trip, canoe, choose one of our fishing packages, or be your own guide and take yourself to where there's just you, the fish, and wildlife on the French River. Discover the beauty of a true Canadian vacation destination. Bear's Den Lodge has been known as a respite retreat for corporate executives or where corporate executives can retreat to create a team building experience and soar to new heights while enjoying the great out of doors.

Recommended Fishing Lures, Tackle, and Rods

Fishing Lures:

Walleye, Pickerel, and Crappie - Jigs 1/4 -3/8 oz.
Smallmouth Bass - Jigs 3/8 - 1/2  oz.

Jigs with worms and minnows, worm harnesses, Twister tails, Mepps, in colors white, chartreuse, or orange. Minnows are recommended when fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, and crappie when water temperature is cooler.

Largemouth Bass and Canada Northern Pike Fishing - Fishing lures: Spinner baits, spoons, jigs, crank baits, Repala, and Mepps in white, red/white, silver, chartreuse. Dardevele in red/white can't be beat.

Muskie or Musky - Believers, Swim Whiz, Grandma, Big bucktails, Eagletails, DepthRaiders, Mepps, and Repala. in black, especially bucktails with orange or chartreuse spoons, perch pattern, orange, chartreuse, florescent colors.  A fishing tip: the water is a tea stain color from the surrounding beaver ponds.  Silver normally works better than copper colors. Top water lures appear to work better during cooler water temperatures. Pink and purple are fall choices when the Pink Salmon come into the French River system.

Fishing Tackle and Rods:

Canada Walleye, Pickerel, Smallmouth Bass, and Crappie - 4-8# test line
Canada Walleye, Pickerel, Smallmouth Bass, and Crappie - Light to medium action fishing rods.

Canada Largemouth Bass and Canada Northern Pike Fishing - 8-12# test line
Canada Largemouth Bass and Walleye - Medium action rods.

Canada Muskie, Musky - 12-40# test line.
Canada Muskie and Canada Northern Pike Fishing - Heavy action rods.


DRUNK BOATERS CAN NOW LOSE DRIVERS LICENSE

As of 2006 boaters found impaired while operating a boat can have their drivers licenses suspended. Bill 209 amended the Highway Traffic Act to treat impaired boating the same as impaired driving. This means that someone caught operating a boat while impaired 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.

CONSERVATION OFFICERS NOW ENFORCE BOATING REGULATIONS

Remember, the safety equipment must not only be carried, it must also work! Check your safety kits and flashlight before going fishing. We recommend you wear your life jacket for your safety.

NEWS RELEASE - Zone 10 for the French River Delta and Zone 14  for Georgian Bay. Muskie size limit for Zone 14 - Georgian Bay- 54" minimum. Bass opens the 4th Saturday in June for Ontario fishing. Ontario Fishing Regulations 2010.

Click here for More details on New Non-Resident Outdoors Card added 2009.