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
Zone 11 Fishing Regulations (Under French River Exceptions)
Releasing fish within the slot limits means you are releasing the breeding fish.
| Walleye | 43 – 60 cm (16.93 – 23.62 inch) | Sport: Limit 4 Conservation: Limit 2 |
| Pike | None greater than 86 cm (33.86 inch) One only between 61 – 86 cm (24 – 33.86 inch) | Sport: Limit 4 Conservation: Limit 2 |
| Bass | Any size, no slot | Sport: Limit 4 Conservation: Limit 2 |
| Muskie | Min – 137 cm (54 inch) with sports license only We encourage catch and release on all Musky at our lodge | Sport: Limit 1 Conservation: Limit 0 |
Open Dates For Fishing….2025 Season
- Walleye & Northern Pike & Bass: May 17, 2025
- Musky: June 21, 2025
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.