French River Fishing
Experience Some of the Best Fishing on the French River
Crane’s Lochaven Wilderness Lodge is located off the easterly end of 18-Mile island at the junction of the North and Main channels of the French River, directly across from the big pine rapids.
The surrounding landscape is awe-inspiring with six sets of white-water rapids as close as 1/4 mile (0.4 km) from the fishing lodge, to the Chaudiere rapids which are 10 miles (16 km) away.
Combine this with hundreds of miles of deep shoreline and numerous bays and islands, and you’ll quickly realize why a French River fishing vacation is one of the most beautiful and relaxing experiences to be had in Ontario.
The French River is known as one of the top-rated areas to catch Walleye. Anglers will also love the challenge of landing lunker-sized small mouth bass, tackle-smashing muskie, and northern pike in various numbers and sizes. Grappling with a channel catfish (a great fish fry appetizer!) in fast water is an exciting experience you won’t soon forget. You’ll also find sturgeon, whitefish and a variety of pan fish such as perch. A recent arrival in the past few years is crappie.
Your holiday can be enhanced with the help of a professional fishing guide to help you navigate the river, land your catch, and experience an amazing shore lunch.
Of course, fishing isn’t the only thing to see and do at Crane’s. The French River is also famous for its beautiful landscapes, white water rapids, various bays and islands, rocky shores, pine-growth forests, and abundance of wildlife. Guests at our fishing lodge can also enjoy hiking, bird watching, boating, canoeing and more.
Slot Sizes
Releasing fish within the slot limits means you are releasing the breeding fish. This photo shows one bass under the 13″ limit and one bass over the 17″ limit. Any bass that are caught between these two sizes must be released.
| Walley | 40 – 60 cm | 15.7 – 23.6 in |
| Pike | 53 – 86 cm | 21 – 34 in |
| Bass | 33 – 43 cm | 13 – 17 in |
| Muskie | Min – 122 cm | Min – 48 in |
Open Dates For Fishing….2023 Season
- Walleye & Northern Pike & Bass: May 20, 2023
- Musky: June 17, 2023
Of course, fishing isn’t the only thing to see and do at Crane’s. The French River is also famous for its beautiful landscapes, white water rapids, various bays and islands, rocky shores, pine-growth forests, and abundance of wildlife. Guests at our fishing lodge can also enjoy hiking, bird watching, boating, canoeing and more.
Fully Guided Fishing
Guide service is available. Duties include preparing and cooking shore lunch and cleaning and packaging all fish. Please reserve your guide when making your reservation.
Extras
Guide service and airport pick up are the only extra charges you will incur at our lodge, aside from taxes and store purchases. Gratuities are always appreciates.