How to Fish Lake Simcoe

Lake Simcoe fishing FAQ

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Simcoe in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 45-55°F. Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise Fish are starting to feed more aggressively but still maintaining deeper staging areas adjacent to eventual spawning flats Key locations: Deep rocky points adjacent to spawning flats in 15-25 foot depth; Boulder fields near drop-offs in 12-20 foot range; Transition areas where rock meets sand in 8-15 foot depth. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations along deep structure, Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly near bottom structure, Tubes dragged slowly across rocky areas. Primary forage: Smaller baitfish (perch and juvenile cisco) in pre-spawn staging areas, Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas, Suspended baitfish schools in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Simcoe in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 34-54°F. Perch are transitioning between deep winter haunts (20-28ft) and shallow spawning areas (3-5ft), with schools becoming more scattered than their tight winter groups Feeding activity is increasing with warming temperatures, but fish remain wary during bright, calm conditions Key locations: Shallow, warmer bays with murky water (3-5ft) showing temperatures near 47°F; Deep basin areas in 22-28ft of water where winter-pattern fish are still holding; Transition areas between deep and shallow water with rock and wood structure. Best techniques: Drop Shot with light line in clear water zones, Ned Rigs dragged slowly along bottom structure, Finesse Jigs worked around rocks and wood in shallow areas, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish. Primary forage: Small Minnows and young-of-year fish, Gobies near bottom structure, Small Perch and Bluegill. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Green Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake Simcoe in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 34-54°F. Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves, making aggressive moves on larger prey items in shallow warming areas Fish are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallow spawning areas, following primary forage movements Key locations: Shallow bays with emerging cabbage and Hydrilla vegetation in 3-8 feet of water; Transitional areas where deep winter holes meet shallow spawning flats; Rocky points and structure adjacent to spawning bays. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through vegetation edges, Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along weed edges and through scattered vegetation, Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near vegetation edges. Primary forage: Yellow Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas, Cisco transitioning from deep winter areas, Various minnow species in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Simcoe in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Actively seeking shallow, warmer bays with hard bottom or gravel for spawning Males guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure Aggressive territorial behavior around spawning areas Key locations: Protected shallow bays with gravel or boulder bottom; Secondary points leading into spawning bays; Rocky shorelines in 2-8 feet of water. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas, Tubes dragged on bottom near nests, Drop Shot with small profile baits for staging fish. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging in warming shallows, Small perch in spawning areas, Juvenile baitfish near shoreline areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Simcoe in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-54°F. Spring spawning perch are forming large schools in shallow to mid-depth areas, actively feeding before and after spawning events Fish are moving between staging areas and spawning locations, with most active feeding during early morning and late afternoon Key locations: Protected shallow bays with vegetation, particularly in Cooks Bay and near Willow Beach; Secondary drop-offs near spawning areas in 8-15 feet of water; Weed edges adjacent to hard bottom areas in 5-12 feet. Best techniques: Drop Shot with light line and small profile baits, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with ice fishing jigs tipped with live bait, Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms. Primary forage: Small minnows and juvenile perch, Aquatic insects and larvae, Gobies near bottom structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake Simcoe in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 34-54°F. Northern Pike are actively moving into shallow, vegetated areas for spawning, particularly focusing on emerging cabbage and Hydrilla beds as reported Fish are exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior in preparation for and after spawning, with a preference for ambush points in vegetation Key locations: Emerging cabbage and Hydrilla beds in shallow water; Protected bays with vegetation; Transition areas between shallow spawning areas and deeper water. Best techniques: Inline Spinners worked through and along vegetation edges, Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves. Primary forage: Minnows gathering in spawning areas, Perch in and around vegetation, Ciscoes in slightly deeper adjacent areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Simcoe in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn smallmouth are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper structure Fish are establishing early summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and adjacent deeper recovery zones Key locations: Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning bays in 8-15 feet; Secondary points with mixed rock and vegetation in 5-12 feet; Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper main lake structure. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly near bottom structure, Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas, Ned Rigs worked methodically around transition areas. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging in rocky areas, Small perch around vegetation edges, Young of the year baitfish beginning to school. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Simcoe in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 45-54°F. Post-spawn perch are actively feeding to recover energy, forming loose schools in moderately deep water around structure and weed edges Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer locations, making frequent feeding movements between depths Key locations: Weed edges and emerging cabbage beds in 8-15 feet of water; Secondary points and drop-offs near spawning bays; Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water in 12-20 feet. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small minnow-style soft plastics worked slowly along bottom, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs tipped with soft plastics, Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms near structure. Primary forage: Small minnows and juvenile perch, Gobies along rocky areas, Emerging aquatic insects and larvae. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake Simcoe in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 45-58°F. Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting abundant perch and baitfish in shallow to mid-depth areas near emerging vegetation Fish are making frequent movements between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper recovery zones, especially during temperature swings Key locations: Emerging cabbage and Hydrilla beds in 8-15 foot depths adjacent to deeper water; Rocky points and structure intersecting with emerging weed growth; Shallow bays warming fastest with presence of baitfish schools. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through and around emerging vegetation, Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds near weed edges and over rocky structure, Inline Spinners worked parallel to weed edges and through scattered vegetation. Primary forage: Yellow Perch congregating near emerging weed growth, Cisco schools transitioning from winter deep water patterns, Various minnow species gathering in warming shallow areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Simcoe in Summer?

Water temp 65-78°F. Actively feeding on crawfish around boulder areas and dock structures during summer months Fish holding tight to hard structure during daylight hours, moving to adjacent areas to feed Key locations: Boulder fields near public docks and access points; Rocky points with access to deeper water; Hard bottom areas adjacent to weed growth. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse presentations around boulders and dock structures, Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas, Ned Rigs worked slowly along hard bottom transitions. Primary forage: Crawfish using boulder areas for shelter, Small perch around weed edges and dock areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Simcoe in Summer?

Water temp 65-78°F. Yellow perch scatter into smaller schools during summer, utilizing weed edges and deeper structure during midday heat Feeding activity peaks during early morning and evening, with fish moving shallower during these periods Key locations: Weed edges and cabbage beds in 8-15 feet of water, particularly near Cooks Bay and Kempenfelt Bay; Deeper structure and drop-offs in 15-25 feet during midday heat; Shallow flats with scattered vegetation during dawn and dusk periods. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small soft plastics worked slowly along weed edges, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during morning and evening periods, Live Bait Rigs near deep structure during midday. Primary forage: Small gobies along bottom structure, Juvenile perch in and around weed beds, Bluegill in shallow vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake Simcoe in Summer?

Water temp 65-78°F. Pike are establishing summer patterns, moving between deeper main lake structures and thick vegetation, primarily active during early morning and evening hours Fish are showing selective feeding behavior, targeting larger prey fish like perch and cisco in clearer water conditions Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake structures (15-25 feet); Cabbage and Hydrilla beds in 8-15 feet of water; Points and rock structures near deep water access. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along weed edges, Spinnerbaits parallel to vegetation breaks, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structure transitions. Primary forage: Yellow Perch, Cisco, Large Minnows. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Simcoe in Fall?

Water temp 48-58°F. Actively feeding on suspended baitfish (herring and cisco) in deeper water, with reports showing success at 25ft depth Transitioning from summer structure patterns to open water fall feeding behavior, following baitfish schools Key locations: Deep water areas with suspended baitfish schools in 20-30 foot range; Boulder fields and rocky structure adjacent to deep water; Deep points and transitions where baitfish concentrate. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to target suspended fish, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) long-lined through bait clouds, Drop Shot with finesse presentations when fish are near structure. Primary forage: Blueback Herring in suspended schools, Cisco/Whitefish in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Simcoe in Fall?

Water temp 48-62°F. Yellow perch begin schooling more tightly in fall, following baitfish schools and preparing for winter patterns Fish become more active feeders during daylight hours as water temperatures cool, with peak activity during morning and evening periods Key locations: Deep weed edges in 15-25 foot range, particularly near Cooks Bay and Kempenfelt Bay; Clean bottom areas adjacent to vegetation in 12-18 foot depths; Deeper structuress near transitional areas where clarity changes. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small minnow imitations worked slowly along weed edges, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with subtle movements during active feeding periods, Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through baitfish schools. Primary forage: Small baitfish (particularly young-of-year perch and shiners), Gobies along bottom structure, Small bluegills near weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake Simcoe in Fall?

Water temp 45-65°F. Pike are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following large schools of cisco and perch as they move to deeper water Fish are transitioning from shallow weed edges to deeper structure, making longer feeding movements during stable weather Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake basins (15-25 feet); Rocky points and deeper structures near cisco-holding basins; Remaining green cabbage beds near deep water access. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with large profile baits along weed edges, Spinnerbaits worked along remaining vegetation, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for imitating cisco and perch. Primary forage: Cisco schools moving to deeper water, Yellow Perch concentrating near remaining vegetation, Juvenile whitefish in deeper zones. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Simcoe in Winter?

Water temp 34-39°F. Yellow perch forming large, tight schools in deeper water, particularly in the 20-26 foot range during winter Feeding activity concentrated during morning and late afternoon periods, with schools remaining relatively stationary once located Key locations: Deep basins adjacent to Cooks Bay and Kempenfelt Bay in 20-26 foot depths; Transition areas between weed edges and deeper water in 15-20 foot range; Deep water humps and points with access to both shallow and deep water. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with small jigging spoons or ice fishing jigs, Drop Shot with small soft plastics, worked slowly and methodically, Ice Fishing Spoons worked with subtle movements to trigger bites in clear water. Primary forage: Small perch and juvenile fish in deeper water, Gobies along bottom structure, Smaller baitfish concentrated in deep water basins. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake Simcoe in Winter?

Water temp 34-42°F. Pike are actively feeding on larger forage in deeper water, particularly around structural elements that concentrate baitfish Fish tend to be more lethargic but will still strike opportunistically at slower-moving prey Key locations: Deep weedline edges adjacent to basins where cisco and perch school; Rocky points and humps in 15-25 foot depth range; Transition areas between shallow bays and deeper water where baitfish concentrate. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Soft Body Swimbaits (Large), Spoons. Primary forage: Cisco schools in deep water, Large winter perch in deep basins, Suspended baitfish schools. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake Simcoe in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Perch form large, tight schools in deeper water basins during the ice season, often relating to bottom structure Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon periods, with fish becoming more aggressive when barometric pressure is stable Key locations: Deep water basins in 20-28 foot range, particularly in Cooks Bay and Kempenfelt Bay; Transitions between weed edges and deeper water in the 15-20 foot range; Secondary points and underwater humps adjacent to deep water. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom, Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging followed by longer pauses, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active schools. Primary forage: Small gobies relating to bottom structure, Juvenile perch in 1-2 inch range, Small bluegills suspended near remaining weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Lake Simcoe in Ice?

Water temp 33-39°F. Pike become more lethargic but maintain feeding activity near primary forage locations Fish tend to concentrate in predictable areas near deep-water access to winter forage Most active during low-light periods and on stable weather days Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake basins (15-25 feet); Transition areas between vegetation and rocky structure; Deeper flats near cisco spawning areas. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths, Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with large profile baits. Primary forage: Cisco/Tullibee congregating in deeper water, Yellow Perch schooling near remaining green vegetation, Small White Suckers near bottom structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.