Horseshoe Lake Fishing Guide, Simcoe County, Ontario

• Overview

  Within Simcoe County, Ontario, you have Horseshoe Lake. The country round it is rolling bush from end to end. The water covers some 64 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Shoreline length is close to 8.8 km, and each section fishes a little differently. It is low-lying compared with other Ontario water we list. You are 22 km from Gravenhurst. Midland is 23 km and Penetanguishene 24 km. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Horseshoe Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Reported across Simcoe County: pumpkinseed, northern pike and yellow perch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Horseshoe Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -9°C and July at about 19°C, the water has a wide range to work through. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Ice-out usually falls in mid April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. On average, mid April opens the water and early December closes it again. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Horseshoe Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Burrows Lake sits 2.8 km off and takes the overflow. What applies at Horseshoe Lake may have changed since it was mapped.