Best fishing spots near Hartley Bay Cottages

The fishing right here at Hartley Bay starts at the dock. Badger Lake, the lake our cottages sit directly on, is a genuinely excellent fishery, and most of it is fishable within a short paddle from the cottages.

Badger Lake holds a strong population of both largemouth and smallmouth bass, making it a great lake for anglers who want steady, satisfying action — smallmouth favour the rockier structure, while largemouth like the weedier, quieter bays. Northern pike are common here too, a great option for a relaxed afternoon with a good chance of a solid fish. For something bigger, Badger Lake also holds muskellunge, rewarding patient anglers willing to work the deeper channels, islands and drop-offs.

If you want to range further afield, the French River is a very short drive away and is well known for its walleye fishing — locals call them pickerel — along with muskie of its own. It's a great option for a full day out if you want to fish different water during your stay.

For visitors who'd rather fish with some local expertise, guided fishing trips are available in the area for the French River — a great option if you're chasing muskie for the first time or just want a local's read on where the fish are. All guides are searchable on Google but here are a few:

1. **French River Guide Co.**
* **Specialty:** Trophy Musky, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass across the French River, Lake Nipissing, and Georgian Bay.
* **Details:** Offers specialized multi-species and trophy trips with 25+ years of experience on the water.
* **Contact:** 705-571-0761 | https://www.frenchriverguidecompany.com/

2. **Dale Stevenson (Mid-River System / Wolseley Bay)**
* **Specialty:** Multi-species targeting Walleye, Musky, Northern Pike, and Bass.
* **Details:** Operates out of the Wolseley Bay area and mid-river system (including Chaudière Dam, Five Fingers, and Rainy Rapids) from May through November. Equipped with a 19.5' Lund outfitted with modern electronics (Garmin LiveScope).
* **Booking:** Available independently or via charter platforms like *Captain Experiences*.

3. **Pierre Blais (Hartley Bay Marina Area / Lower French River)**
* **Specialty:** Lower French River and downstream toward Georgian Bay.
* **Details:** Guided daily trips covering boat, gas, bait, and a traditional shore lunch (up to 3 people per boat).
* **Contact:** Reachable through https://www.hartleybaymarina.com/things-to-do/french-river-fishing

A valid Ontario fishing licence is required, and we'd encourage catch-and-release, especially for muskie, to help keep this fishery as good as it is. Ask us when you check in — we're happy to point you in the right direction.