A Guide to Fishing the French River

The French River has long been one of Ontario's best-kept fishing secrets, and staying right on the water at Hartley Bay Cottages means you can be casting a line within minutes of stepping off your dock. Guests regularly land bass and northern pike without ever leaving the property — no boat required.

Smallmouth and largemouth bass are the most common catch close to shore, especially early morning and evening around the rock structure the French River is known for. Northern pike show up in the same waters and tend to reward a bit of patience near weed beds and drop-offs. Walleye and muskie are also present in the wider river system for anglers willing to venture out by boat.

If you want to fish beyond the dock, Hartley Bay Marina is right next door and can help with boat launches, fuel and supplies for the day. Ontario fishing regulations — licences, seasons and catch limits — change from year to year and vary by zone, so check the current rules at ontario.ca before you head out.

Each of our three cottages — The Aspen, The Birch and The Cedar — has its own private waterfront, so you're not sharing a dock or fighting for casting room. Bring a cooler if you're keeping your catch, but please don't clean fish inside the cottage — it's an easy way to end up with an unwanted cleaning fee.

Ready to plan a fishing trip? View our cottages and check availability to find your dates.