Activities & Facilities

Fishing

Regardless of how seriously you take your fishing, Stoney Lake provides some of the best angling opportunities in the Kawarthas.  Pine Vista Resort offers new modern fish cleaning and freezing facilities, rod and reel rentals as well as bait and tackle sales. 

Fishing licenses and gas are available at a small supply store next door.  Excellent launching and docking facilities are available for your private boats.

Whether you're a veteran angler in search of that elusive trophy or a newcomer to the sport of fishing, Stoney Lake has it all.  Muskie, bass and pickerel (a.k.a. walleye) abound. 

Some of the following hints will help you:

• Pickerel (or Walleye as our American friends call them) are considered to be one of the best eating fish and range from three to fourteen pounds.  Some of the most effective methods include slowly jigging a leech or worm along a deep water weed line, slowly trolling a "Rapala" type lure, or using a weight forward spinner.  Remember a slow presentation is best.  Pickerel are schooling fish so if you catch one stay in that area. 
• Bass, both smallmouth and largemouth, are plentiful in Stoney Lake.  The smallmouth bass is renowned for its acrobatic jumps and fighting prowess when hooked.  Try surface lures.  Jigs can also be effective.  Largemouth bass prefer a weedier environment and can be tempted with carefully presented spinner baits, plastic worms, or weedless jigs.  Live bait such a frogs, minnows or crayfish can tempt any bass. 
• Muskellunge, or Muskie for short, is the King of Sport Fish in Stoney Lake.  Growing in size to over thirty pounds these "fresh water sharks" give the angler a real challenge.  Large lures and stiff tackle are the mainstays of Muskie fishing.  Lures such as the Suick or Teddy Bait or oversized spinner baits are effective when casting along weed lines with deeper water nearby.  Trolling lures such as the Swim Whiz or Believers are the best when worked quickly.  Try fishing at the end of September and early October for the real trophy fish. 
• Panfish are very common in Stoney Lake and are highly co-operative for even beginning anglers.  Perch, sunfish and rock bass will accommodate the angler who offers a hook and worm.  These fish are excellent for introducing the youngsters to the joys of fishing.  There is no time for them to be bored as the action is fast and furious.  Work shallow water with weeds and rocks.  Be prepared though -- more than one Muskie has attacked a hook and worm offered by a youngster on a sunny afternoon!  NOTE:  To preserve the fish population, we have a limit on panfish of 25 fish per person per day. 

Remember, it is always wise to check with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources or your tourist operator regarding licensing requirements before wetting a line.