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One of the greatest myths in Ontario fishing is that you need a $40,000 bass boat to catch quality fish in the Kawartha Lakes. While having a boat opens up open-water exploration, the Trent-Severn Waterway system creates incredible structural bottlenecks right along the shorelines.
Docks, concrete lock walls, and public parks act as natural magnets for baitfish, which in turn draws in big panfish, bass, walleye, and even massive carp.
If you are fishing on foot, here are 5 accessible, highly productive public shore fishing spots across the region to set up your lawn chair.
1. The Bobcaygeon Lock System (Lock 32)
Located right in the heart of Bobcaygeon, this is one of the most famous shore fishing locations in Ontario. The water flowing through the lock walls creates a steady, oxygen-rich current that attracts fish all day long.
- What You’ll Catch: Walleye at dusk, smallmouth bass along the concrete walls, and endless panfish for kids.
- Tactics: Cast a simple 1/8-ounce yellow jig head tipped with a live worm or white grub tail directly into the current seams and let it drift down-river.
2. Fenelon Falls Lock Walls (Lock 34)
Where the river exits Cameron Lake and tumbles down toward Sturgeon Lake, the massive concrete walls below the falls offer perfect high-vantage shore access.
- What You’ll Catch: Powerful smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and rock bass.
- Tactics: Drop a soft-plastic tube jig straight down against the concrete walls. Bass use these vertical walls to trap baitfish, so keeping your lure close to the stone is key.
3. Omemee Marina & River Park Bank Access
For a slower, quieter day of bank fishing, the town parklands and public launch shores along the Pigeon River in Omemee provide highly comfortable access.
- What You’ll Catch: Giant common carp, largemouth bass, and black crappie.
- Tactics: This is a classic bait-fishing zone. Set up a heavy bottom rig with sweet corn for carp, or suspend a live minnow under a bobber near the shoreline lily pads for largemouth.
4. Gores Landing (Rice Lake Shorelines)
Located on the southern shores of Rice Lake, Gores Landing offers public wharf and shoreline access to one of the most productive fish factories in Canada.
- What You’ll Catch: Yellow perch, bluegill, and late-evening walleye.
- Tactics: Cast a light slip-bobber rig out past the immediate dock structures. Set your bait depth so it hangs roughly one foot off the rocky bottom.
5. Buckhorn Lock System (Lock 31)
The fast, rocky rapids and deep pools below the lock at Buckhorn are a legendary shore destination, particularly during low-light hours.
- What You’ll Catch: Walleye, smallmouth bass, and panfish.
- Tactics: Because the bottom here is very rocky and snag-prone, avoid dragging lures along the floor. Instead, use fast-moving inline spinners or floating crankbaits that run safely above the rocks.
🎣 Universal Shore Fishing Etiquette
When fishing these public structures, always remember that the Trent-Severn locks are active historic navigation sites. Give boats plenty of room to pass safely, never cast your line near moving watercraft, and always pack out your discarded fishing line and garbage so these beautiful community spots stay open for everyone!