It has been said that Rice Lake has more fish per acre than any other lake in Ontario. The Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan rests along the entire North Shore of Rice Lake. Two rivers in OSM Township feed into Rice Lake. They are the Otonabee River and the Indian River.
Rice Lake
Rice Lake offers World Class sport fishing. Everything from pan fish to bass, walleye and muskellunge (Muskie) are abundant in this lake.
Take advantage of one of the boat launches within the Township to begin your fishing trip. Many cottages and fishing resorts line the shore of Rice Lake. At these resorts, you will find knowledgeable staff and maps highlighting the best fishing areas.
Otonabee River
The Otonabee River is part of the Trent Severn Waterway. The river offers many species of fish including pan fish, high quality large and small mouth bass and many other species. Carp fishing in the river is a growing trend for anglers.
Indian River
The depth of Indian River varies widely. In some parts, the water is only a few feet deep and in other parts, it can reach a depth of 25 feet. When fishing in Indian River you may catch pan fish, bass and catfish.
Ice fishing
Ice fishing on Rice Lake gives you the opportunity to fish through the extended bass and Muskie season. Pan fish such as perch, blue gill and crappie are open all year round.
If you do not have a fishing licence and would like to try ice fishing for the first time, there are a few opportunities each year when Canadian residents can try fishing without a licence.
Please review the ice fishing safety tips while planning your fishing trip.
Fishing regulations
The Township is in the Fisheries Management Zone 17. Please check the fishing regulations for this zone before fishing these waters. All Ontario fishing regulations and zone information can be found on the Government of Ontario website.
TackleShare Program
TackleShare program gives new and young anglers the opportunity to go fishing at no cost. There are many barriers to introducing new anglers to fishing on today's waters. OFAH/OPG TackleShare removes these barriers by providing the equipment and knowledge to get them started. Participating anglers simply sign out a rod and reel, as well as an assortment of tackle in the same way that they would borrow library material.
Call 705-295-6814 or send an e-mail if you would like more information.