Lake Simcoe Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guide — 5-Hour Charter with Live Sonar
Head out on Lake Simcoe in an 18-foot Alumacraft guided by a pro using live sonar to find smallmouth bass and perch. This private 5-hour charter includes rods, live bait, life jackets and a catch guarantee—catch fish or your next trip is free.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring a valid Ontario fishing license
Provincial regulations require an appropriate license—confirm whether the guide provides one or if you must bring your own.
Wear polarized sunglasses
Polarizing lenses cut surface glare and help you read water and structure for sight-fishing opportunities.
Layer for wind and spray
Mornings can be cool and windy; a light windproof layer keeps you comfortable during long casts.
Protect electronics and valuables
Bring a dry bag and a fully charged phone or camera—guides often provide photos of your catch but you’ll want backups.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Fish shallow spring flats at dawn near the Narrows to Lake Couchiching for active pre-spawn smallmouth.
- •Sheltered bays on the east shore hold perch and offer calm waters and better shade in mid-summer.
Wildlife
- •Bald eagle
- •Great blue heron
Conservation Note
Boat cleaning and invasive-species checks are important—zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil are present in the system. Guides typically follow catch limits and encourage responsible release to protect stocks.
Lake Simcoe was named for Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe in the late 18th century; Indigenous Ojibwe and Huron-Wendat communities have long-standing connections to the lake and its fisheries.
What to Bring
Ontario fishing licenseEssential
Required by law for most non-guided anglers—confirm if the guide covers licensing for your booking.
Polarized sunglassesEssential
Improves visibility into the water and reduces eye strain during bright hours.
Windproof rain jacket
Keeps you warm and dry during cool spring mornings and sudden showers.
Dry bag for electronics
Protects phones, wallets, and spare clothing from spray and accidental splashes.
Common Questions
Do I need prior fishing experience?
No—this is a guided, private trip suitable for beginners; the guide handles boat positioning and teaching casting, baiting, and fish handling.
What species will we target?
Primary targets are smallmouth bass and yellow perch; guides also identify other species and adjust tactics by water and season.
Is the catch guarantee true?
The operator markets a catch-or-return guarantee (catch fish or your next trip is free); confirm terms at booking and any species or weather exclusions.
Where do charters launch and what should I bring?
Charters typically launch from a Lake Simcoe marina near Barrie or Orillia; bring a government ID, weather-appropriate layers, snacks, and any required fishing license if not provided.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 hours
Location
Barrie, Ontario
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for folks comfortable standing for brief periods and handling light tackle.
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