Tay Valley, with 31 lakes and 8 rivers, is a fishing heaven. There are many fishing opportunities throughout all 4 seasons.
Families who wish to take part in the fishing experience, but who do not wish to buy a license for the entire year or a season, can take advantage of the Ontario Family Fishing Events! Twice a year, the Ontario Government designates specific dates for license-free fishing.
At all other times of the year, it is mandatory for Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 64 years to purchase a valid fishing license to legally fish in Ontario.
For more information on licenses please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources – 1-800-667-1940.
Lakes Accessible to the Public
| Christie Lake |
| The small islands, rocky shoreline and extensive marsh provide a beautiful stage for rare plants. Located on County Road 6, west of Perth, Christie Lake access by canoe or kayak is made easy from the Tay Valley Township access lane on Hanna Road in to the Tay River, approximately 500 metres east of Bolingbroke Road. Angling enthusiasts will find boat launching facilities at rental cottages. Species include Yellow Pickerel, Northern Pike, Small and Largemouth Bass, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, Shorthead Redhorse, Blacknose Shiner, and Fallfish. Winter angling for Yellow Pickerel is becoming more popular. |
| Little Silver Lake |
| This warm-water fishery features two distinct basins: North and South. Travelling from Perth, take County Road 6 (Christie Lake Road) in Tay Valley to Althorpe Road and continue towards Bolingbroke Road. There is a public boat launch at Little Silver Lake Road. The lake is suitable for small motorized craft and car top vessels. |
| Long Lake |
| Named for its shape, this lake is located in the southern section of Tay Valley Township. Take County Road 10 west from Perth, and turn left onto County Road 14. Turn left onto Long Lake Road and travel for about 2.7 km to find an undeveloped public launch site on the right-hand side. Fish species include Northern Pike, Small and Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Brown Bullhead, Bluntnose Minnow, Banded Killifish, Golden Shiner, Fathead Minnow, and Blackchin Shiner. |
| Otty Lake |
| A prestigious lake surrounded by private homes, Otty Lake is located just south of Perth. A public boat launch can be accessed by travelling south on Rideau Ferry Road (County Road 1). Turn right onto Elm Grove (Road County Road 21), and then turn right onto Miller Bay Road Road. Fish species include Northern Pike, Small and Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed, Alewife, Burbot, White Sucker, Black Crappie Bluntnose Minnow, Yellow Bullhead, and Golden Shiner. Fishing for Northern Pike, Bass and Panfish is considered to be fairly good here. |
| Pike Lake |
| Islands of mature white pines mark the shoals throughout this lake. There is a provincial launching ramp and parking area at the north end of this lake near the retaining dam at 4205 County Road 10 (between Perth and Westport). Still free of zebra mussels, you will want to check your boat before launching into the pristine water. Deep, cool undercurrents and shallow bays make the perfect habitat for Northern Pike, Yellow Pickerel, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Brown Bullhead, White Sucker, Burbot, Lake Herring, Yellow Perch, Golden Shiner, Black Chin Shiner, Northern Redbelly Dace, Central Mudminnow, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow. There is fairly good fishing in the summer and ice fishing for Yellow Pickerel is becoming popular. |
| Big Rideau Lake |
| The rugged Canadian Shield landscape along the north shore offers a significant wildlife viewing experience as a known plant and animal migration corridor. This large water body measures 32km long and 6km wide. As part of the navigable World Heritage Rideau Canal System, there are several ways to access this lake. The Big Rideau offers excellent bass fishing, as well as angling for numerous other species, such as Lake Trout, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, and Walleye. For the kids, Sunfish are an easy catch. Public boat launches exist at Murphys Point Provincial Park and at Narrows Lock on County Road 14. |