As our boat left Victoria Harbour en route to Severn Sound’s Beausoleil Island, I reminisced about fishing trips in this same area. We pass Methodist Island, close to where late Ontario OUT of DOORS Editor-in-Chief John Kerr and I chased schools of huge crappie 40 years ago. Back then, many anglers didn’t know much about crappie, but some of us recognized the potential of Severn Sound.
Highly respected angler and guide Tyler Brooks was taking me out for a multispecies adventure. Joining us was my friend Peter Suitso, who had retired to Port Severn. This was our second attempt. The first trip, two weeks earlier was cut short due to dangerously high winds.
“We’ve had some great days with clients lately so today should be an opportunity to try for different species,” Brooks said.
Severn Sound and multi-species action
We started off on an underwater hump at about 40 feet deep with four good marks showing on the sonar. Using a drop-shot rig, I hooked a fish that felt like a small bass. When I got it to the surface the mystery fish turned out to be a large white perch. “If you like eating yellow perch, then try a few of these,” Brooks said.
Two perch later, I was rewarded with a heavier fish, a nice walleye. Brook’s prediction for a day of multi-species action was starting to unfold. Big channel cats, pike, and smallmouth were still on the agenda. “Severn Sound has a tremendous variety of species,” Brooks said. “Just last week I had a group of clients catch 80 fish with a mixture of different species.”
Our next destination was to the north of Beausoleil, where numerous islands and underwater structure provided all the basics for excellent smallmouth habitat. We tried depths of 15 to 20 feet with dropshot rigs. A couple of minutes later, I released a decent two-pound smallie. For the next hour-and-a-half, the three of us landed more than 30 fish, mostly in the two- to three-pound range — outstanding smallmouth action.
We finished the day reluctantly, knowing that we’d only experienced a small sample of the potential of Severn Sound.
Severn Sound geography
Severn Sound is a group of bays covering an area of approximately 130 square kilometres in southeastern Georgian Bay on Lake Huron. The basin is a complex of sheltered to exposed bays with depths ranging from six to 12 feet in the eastern end to a 120-foot basin off the northern end of Beausoleil Island where the Sound meets Georgian Bay, according to the Severn Sound Environmental Association.
The major population centers are Midland, Penetanguishene, Waubaushene, Victoria Harbour, and Port Severn. The population of the area is more than 100,000 and in peak cottage season increases to 300,000-plus. Services and amenities are excellent with variety in available shopping, restaurants, and accommodations. Although the area is a boater’s paradise and gets very busy during the summer, Anglers can easily find areas to fish that are away from traffic.
The Trent-Severn Waterway
Lock 45 at Port Severn marks the west end of the Trent-Severn navigation route. Through a series of lift locks, boaters can travel from Trenton, north through the Kawarthas, west to Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching, through Sparrow Lake, the Severn River and into Gloucester Pool, exiting at Port Severn. The total length of the route is 386 km. and includes 44 locks. Boaters can travel from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay and Lake Huron thanks to this engineering marvel and national historic site. An absolute must-see is the Big Chute Marine Railway at Lock 44 at the north end of Gloucester Pool. The only one of its kind in North America, it lifts the boat out of the water and over land on a track system.
Gloucester Pool and Little Lake
It would be an oversight not to include Gloucester Pool in any discussion of the fishing potential of Severn Sound. This waterbody is 13 km long, has more than 80 km of shoreline and 20 islands.
The pool is the last body of water on the Trent-Severn before Lock 45 at Port Severn. Little Lake and Gloucester Pool are connected by a narrow channel. There is an abundance of deep and shallow structure for different gamefish. The pool is very popular with anglers since wind is not usually a problem. The islands, bays, and channels offer shelter from a variety of weather conditions.
I was fortunate enough to stay at my pal’s waterfront home. Suitso moved to Gloucester Pool four years ago and has renovated both a house and cottage on his large property. The one-bedroom cottage is available for rent and has proven to be popular with couples who enjoy boating and fishing.
Trying for panfish
On our first afternoon, my wife Lois convinced Peter and myself to go down to the end of his dock and try for panfish. The big, permanent dock has an island located within 50 yards and is a magnet for fish. On the first cast Lois hooked up with a good bluegill which turned out to be the start of non-stop action. Other than bluegill, we caught a number of aggressive perch and rock bass and a couple decent smallmouth.
“Just off the shoreline about 200 yards out there is a weedline with a significant transition from nine to 12 feet,” Suitso said. “I sometimes take my guests out there to try for walleye and northerns and we usually have some success.”
In Gloucester Pool and Little Lake you can find similar weedlines and structure almost everywhere. The Pool has excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass and pike fishing. Walleye and muskie are also present.
Species spotlight
Salmon: Chinook salmon will start moving into the hole off Beausoleil Island as early as June and can be caught there until early September. Most mature Huron salmon average 12 to 15 pounds. Downriggers with spoons or flasher/fly or meat combos are popular.
Lake trout: They’re targeted out near Giants Tomb island in depths of more than 80 feet. May to August can provide action for two to four pounders with the occasional larger laker.
Pike: Starting May 1, the season opener, most anglers concentrate on the shallow back bays which attract pike. Fishing for them can be fast and furious through June with most fish averaging three to five pounds and 10 pounds plus a possibility. On a good day, Brooks puts his clients onto 50 fish. Casting is the preferred method.
“Pike are everywhere,” said Aaron Barton, who knows when the pike fishing is hot as owner of G-Bay Bait and Tackle. “Northern fishing is good year-round. In the winter, we stock seven- to nine-inch suckers and chub for ice fishing. In the spring, casting is popular for an average of 32- to 34-inch fish and in the fall, bigger pike are active where trolling becomes a proven technique on weedlines.”
More fish to target
Bass: Smallmouth and largemouth are the most popular target species in Severn Sound and with good reason. Population numbers are excellent, and the two species offer great action from the end of June opener right through to November.
“September to ice up can offer amazing opportunities for quantity and quality smallmouth with a few fish each day over four pounds,” Brooks said.
Andy Zrenc is a cottage owner in Severn Sound and a respected bass angler. On the executive of the York Bassmasters and Ontario Bass Nation, he is well versed in what it takes to connect with smallmouth and largemouth in the area. “For early season smallmouth, find shoals that come up from deep water (40 feet) and use drop-shot rigs in 20 to 30 feet moving shallower as the day progresses and water warms,” Zrenc suggested.
“Largemouth are under-exploited, but their numbers are good. The back channels and bays behind Honey Harbour and Matchedash Bay hold fish in pencil reeds and lily-pad areas. A Senko rigged wacky style usually produces,” he added.
Perch, Bluegill, and Crappie: The healthy panfish population can usually be found near the shoreline in areas of reeds. Docks and fallen trees also offer shade and structure. Most perch and bluegill are on the small side but are great for kids. The best time for crappie is early spring just after ice out. The back ends of shallow bays can be productive but be prepared to do some exploring. Many anglers find crappie while they are searching for May pike. White perch, which are becoming a popular target species, migrate into the Midland area in mid-August and stay until October.
Fly fishing Severn Sound
Opportunities exist for a variety of flyfishing options in the area. Matt Martin owner of Midland-based Smooth River Guiding Co. guides clients on Severn Sound. “I start in May, targeting northerns in two to three feet of water with the opportunity of sight fishing using floating fly lines. Hook-ups with 15- to 20- fish are an average day,” he said.
At the end of June, Martin switches to smallmouth on shallow rocky flats, sight fishing when possible. Excellent action continues right through until early November. Flyfishing for gar, carp, bowfin, and drum are also a possibility. “These fish are a lot of fun when we target them in shallow water.”
More than fishing
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre: a National Wildlife Centre with more than 3,000 acres and an extensive system of trails which features special activities throughout the year.
Sainte Marie among the Hurons: in Midland, visit the first European settlement in Ontario and see what life was like in the 17th century.
Martyrs’ Shrine: in Midland, the national holy shrine to Canadian Martyrs celebrates the foundation of discovery in Canada.
Little Lake Park: a great spot to go for a walk or kayak and canoe.
Georgian Spirit Cruises: a variety of boat cruises based in Midland.
Georgian Bay Islands National Park: This park consists of 63 islands and is accessible only by boat. All facilities for visitors are on Beausoleil near Honey Harbour.
Most visitors use their own boat, but water taxi services are available from a number of marinas.
The park has a shuttle service, a 15-minute ride, which requires a reservation and gives participants a chance to get an overview of the park facilities. The south end at Cedar Spring has a welcome center, bike rentals, beaches, and bike trails. The north end, Chimney Bay, has more challenging trails. Camping ranges from primitive sites to cabins. Excellent fishing is adjacent to the shoreline.
Website: parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/georg
Phone number: 705-526-8907
Boating
This is one of the busiest areas for boaters in all of Canada. Navigation routes are well marked, but unless you are familiar with the area, do not stray far from established routes. There are shoals and rock islands that can be problematic on the eastern side of Severn Sound. Marine chart of Port Severn to Penetang Harbour CA2022A_4 is recommended.
Launch ramps
Many boat ramps are available. Some are public and others are at private marinas. Conditions and parking vary by location. Search ramp info before visiting it for the first time. Here are a few popular spots to boat a boat in.
Penetanguishene: public boat launch, Main St.
Victoria Harbour: public boat launch, Albert St. (limited parking)
Midland: public boat launch, Pete Petersen Park,159 Marina Park Ave.
Port Severn: Severn Marina or Muskey’s Landing Resort, 100 Alcove Dr.
Honey Harbour:
• Village Marina, 2762 Honey Harbour Rd.
• Ricks Marina, 2791 Honey Harbour Rd.
Gloucester Pool: public ramp, Kelly’s Landing, 2720 Kellys Rd. contact info
Contact info
Midland Tourism, midland.ca
Tourism Simcoe County, experience.simcoe.ca
Slaunch Donkey Fishing Charters, slaunchdonkey.ca
Tyler Brooks, 705-528-3423
G-Bay Bait and Tackle, Midland, gbayfishing.com
I stayed at Little Lake cottage, Gloucester Pool. The one-bedroom cottage had a full kitchen, three-piece washroom, and barbecue. Parking and docking are included. Contact: [email protected]
Originally published in Ontario OUT of DOORS Fishing Annual 2024
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