The French River, part of a historic canoe route, flows west from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay, representing the dividing line between south and north Ontario. The river is sometimes described as an angler’s dream, a haven for monster muskie and trophy walleye fishing. Long a destination for Ontario anglers, the French River is a wide and slow-running river with few rapids. The French River is famous as a trophy walleye river — and rated as one of the country’s top walleye streams. The French River is a fishing enclave, with more than 50 lodges and marinas along its length.

Walleye season opens in the third week of May with a limit of one fish greater than 34 inches. The season peaks in late September, when full-sized pickerel migrate upstream from Georgian Bay and the river offers a vast series of hot spots. Try tolling a minnow plug before the water warms up. Bass, perch, sunfish and crappie are caught in the many shoals along the river. Popular spots include Hartley Bay, Crombie Bay and the river’s delta.

French River Provincial Park is set along this 120-km stretch of lakes, rapids and waterfalls. No reservations are needed for camping. You can fish along the shore or use the boat launch at Hartley Bay Marina.

Muskie, sturgeon and northern pike are also part of the French River angling tradition in summer and fall. In late spring and summer, the bass fishery picks up, smallmouth and largemouth averaging 5-6 lbs. Pan fish, including yellow perch, sunfish and rock bass, are also caught. French River is located along Hwy. 400 (Hwy. 69) between Sudbury and Parry Sound, about a 3.5-hour drive from Toronto.