A woman in a yellow kayak in a river holds a fish towards the camera

Fishing 101: Getting Started in Kawarthas Northumberland

This guest post by Ashley Rae of SheLovesToFish.com is geared towards beginners and anglers new to the region. Ashley’s passion for the sport has led to her to write for a range of international publications, and we’re thrilled to have her bring her expertise to Kawarthas Northumberland.

If you’re looking to add a fishing trip to your calendar this season, you’ve come to the right place! Kawarthas Northumberland offers a diverse range of fish species with year-round fishing opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Beginners and anglers looking to improve their skills can book local fishing guides and outfitters or sign up for Learn to Fish sessions, and the TackleShare program, which offers fishing rod and tackle box loaner services.

For those organizing a trip with family or friends, a variety of accommodation options are available. With over 350 lakes and rivers to explore, whether from your own watercraft or a boat rental, you surely won’t run out of options!

Fish Species

Some of the more sought-after fish species here include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge (musky), yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, catfish, common carp, and many more.

Silver outdoor sculpture of a large fish
Pisces Pete, a tribute to Hastings’ fishing community

Fishing Destinations

There are many hidden gems throughout the region with both large and small water bodies to explore. Some of the many fishing hotspots are found along the historic 386km Trent-Severn Waterway. This includes Balsam Lake, the highest point on the Trent-Severn, which has varied depths and is a popular destination for bass, walleye, musky, and northern pike. Cameron Lake features deep basins, rocky shoals and vegetation, making it a great destination for bass, walleye, musky, and panfish. Sturgeon Lake’s shallow bays and weed flats provide great walleye, musky, and bass habitat. Pigeon Lake is known for its islands, channels, and weed beds, and is a popular spot for musky and bass.

Buckhorn Lake offers scenic granite shorelines and supports musky, bass, and walleye. Stony Lake’s clear waters and deep structure make it a popular location for bass, walleye, and musky.

Rice Lake is a shallow, vegetation-rich body of water with plentiful shoreline structure. A popular year-round destination, it is home to bass, walleye, musky, crappie, panfish, common carp, and more. Lake Ontario out of Northumberland County features deep, clear waters and rocky shoals, making for great fish habitat. This area features salmon, lake trout, rainbow trout, walleye, bass, and more.

Fishing Licensing & Regulations

Be sure to purchase your fishing license and review the local fishing regulations before hitting the water: https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing 

Three motorboats float near a rocky shore, people lounging in them

Fish ON-Line

Discover which species inhabit the various waters, find boat launches or shoreline fishing spots, explore depth contours, and more using the interactive Fish ON-Line online tool.

Fishing Guides & Charters

There are a number of fishing guides and charters available throughout Kawarthas Northumberland region:

Fishing guides in Peterborough County

Fishing guides in Kawartha Lakes

Fishing charters in Cobourg

Learn to Fish & TackleShare 

The Learn to Fish program, run by Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, is a free, beginner-friendly session for people of all ages that teaches the basics of fishing. The two-hour sessions include one hour of instruction and one hour of supervised hands-on fishing, with all equipment, along with a one-day fishing licence provided. Participants have the chance to learn how to rig their rod, pick up the basics of casting, identify local fish species, go over safety, and more. The program runs from June through August at various provincial parks and urban locations, with a mobile unit visiting community events. Advance registration is required. Learn more at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/learn-fish 

TackleShare is a program by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, which provides free loaners of rods, reels, and tackle boxes. The following locations in the region offer TackleShare:

  • Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority in Port Hope
  • Curtis Point Cottages in Roseneath
  • Ferris Provincial Park in Campbellford
  • Beavermead Campground in Peterborough
  • Emily Provincial Park in Omemee
  • Selwyn Public Library in Lakefield
  • Balsam Lake Provincial Park in Kirkfield
  • North Kawartha Library – branches in Woodview and Apsley 

Check the TackleShare website for more information and availability.

Picture of Kawarthas Northumberland

Kawarthas Northumberland

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