Cottage Country Fishing

Peterborough, the Kawarthas and the Haliburton Highlands are the perfect destination for fishing. With many cool and warm water lakes and rivers, and a variety of fish species to catch from pan fish to sport fish, it all happens here. Although fishing is meant for pleasure and fun, in Ontario there are rules to follow while taking part in this pastime/sport. You’ll need to get a fishing license, and learn the open seasons, catch limits and fishing zones before you head out to the water. Here’s a handy guide for fish by species.

When to go
Here are the regulations for what dates you can fish for each species. Peterborough and the Kawarthas are in Zone 17 and for full details and body of water/catch limitations check out www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary.

•  Brook Trout Season: Fourth Saturday in April to September 30

•  Brown Trout Season: Fourth Saturday in April to September 30

•  Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass combined Season: Third Saturday in June to December 15

•  Muskellunge Season: First Saturday in June to December 15

•  Channel Catfish Season: Fourth Saturday in April to November 15

•  Crappie Season: Open all year

•  Lake Sturgeon Season: Closed all year

•  Rainbow Trout Season: Fourth Saturday in April to September 30

•  Lake Trout Season: Fourth Saturday in April to September 30

•  Lake Whitefish Season: Fourth Saturday in April to November

•  Northern Pike Season: Open all year

•  Pacific Salmon Season: Fourth Saturday in April to September 30

•  Atlantic Salmon Season: Fourth Saturday in April to September 30

•  Sunfish Season: Open all year

•  Walleye and Sauger Combined Season: Second Saturday in May to November 15

•  Yellow Perch Season: Open all year