About fishing at Frenchman’s Bay

Located in Pickering, Frenchman’s Bay offers some of the best fishing in the Toronto area. There are many different types of fish in the bay, which offers anglers a very diverse ecosystem and great action throughout the summer months. Frenchman’s Bay also has many different fishing spots, including two different marinas, which offer great opportunities for pike fishing. There is parking available in two main areas at the southeast part of the bay at the end of Liverpool Road, and also on the southside, parking is available off of W. Shore BLVD.

Due to Frenchman’s Bay being located so close to the Pickering Powerplant, the warm water that is omitted from the plant attracts walleye to the bay. Walleye fishing is available all year at Frenchman’s Bay and is normally caught by anglers targeting pike. Ice fishing is also a great opportunity for anglers looking for walleye, pike, and perch. Be sure to check with local weather forecasts and government websites to ensure the ice is safe for fishing.

Frenchman’s Bay has many great opportunities both from shore and from boats. Entrance from the mouth of the bay from Lake Ontario is the only boat entrance other than the gravel boat launching area on the south part of the bay. Boat anglers do well trolling along the shorelines in search of either walleye or pike. Shoreline fishing is great throughout the year, with many different fish being able to be caught with long casts from the shore.

There are many seasonal opportunities at Frenchman’s Bay. The bay attracts, chinook and coho salmon as well as brown trout and rainbow trout. These can be caught from shore using, spinners, spoons, small minnow baits as well as flies When targeting these fish, try to cast to the deepest spot in the bay as these fish prefer the coldest water.