A Vacation for Everyone

Fish TV visits Elmhirst’s Resort for Largemouth Bass Fishing

Filming new Fish TV episodes this year had us travelling all over Ontario, often scheduling around the frequent rain but as the saying goes… “the show must go on”. We were fortunate to film at some beautiful locations and we met some fantastic people.

One of our excursions took us to the breathtaking Elmhirst’s Resort on nearby Rice Lake, just 90 minutes east of Toronto. Elmhirst’s boasts a 240-acre cottage resort property including a working farm, passed along from one generation to the next for many years. It also has a conference facility and spa with world-class dining and activities for the whole family in all 4 seasons right on the shoreline of the lake.

elmhirst's resorts rice lake

There are 30 cottages ranging in size from 1 to 5 bedrooms and every cottage offers WiFi, a full kitchen, a fireplace, a dock, and a BBQ…you can even order fresh meat and produce daily delivered right to your cottage. There are many guest amenities available at no additional charge so go for a swim, get in a workout, go for a hike, drop a line in the water, or try a new sport. You can even go on our floatplane for a sightseeing adventure in the Kawarthas!

elmhirst's resorts rice lake

Boat rentals are available for fishing enthusiasts who want to get out and enjoy one of the best fishing areas in eastern Ontario. Rice lake is full of bass-smallmouth and large, crappie, bluegill, walleye, and musky. On this Fish TV adventure, the guys targeted largemouth bass. With the abundance of weed cover, this is an ideal lake for every fish, especially largemouth. We left the dock at Elmhirst’s and headed north to the Hastings River where the current was pretty strong so we looked for back bays off the river in order to find our fish. Largemouth aren’t a big fan of the current so they tend to head for slower-moving water.

elmhirst's resorts rice lake fish species

angler holding musky

Leo Stakos with a musky.

Once we located some of these areas, it was game on using flipping jigs in real heavy cover (weeds). We hooked a number of fish and some up to five pounds and for this type of fishing, you will need the right gear. We used 7-foot 9-inch med/heavy action Rapala flipping rods with 50-pound suffix 832 braid line in order to get those fish out of that cover. The next time you head to Elmhirt’s Resort, bring some of this gear and head north on Rice lake and you will have a fantastic time just like we did.

angler holding bass

Ron James with largemouth bass.

The variety of Elmhirst’s Resort vacation packages is outstanding, and we know you will find the perfect one to fit your vacation plans! Check out their website at: elmhirst.ca

(All photo credits: Fish TV)
About Leo Stakos

Leo Stakos is the host of a national television series, Fish TV, which has been on air over 10 years, allowing him to host several outdoor industry events and star in television commercials, which led to Leo being nominated for nine Golden Moose TV awards, winning best salt water episode/show in the country.

Recommended Articles

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

Karl of Extreme Angler recommends must do walleye lakes in Ontario.

Spring Perch Fishing

Use These Tips on Your Next Ontario Fishing Trip

5 Places to Shore Fish

Fish’n Canada shows you where to go shore fishing in Ontario.

Top 10 Streamers for Ontario Brook Trout

Big Brook Trout get that way by eating lots of smaller fish which is why streamers work well.

Ontario’s Top 5 Ice-Out Species

Here’s where you head to kick off your open water season with a bang.

Catching Ontario Walleye

Pro Tips for Bait and Walley Presentations

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

What baits do you use to target bass? Find out why these 5 are the best!

Hooked On Muskies

Ontario is blessed with the finest muskie fishing in North America.

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.

10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!

Top Ranked Flies For Catching Brown Trout

How to set up a fly rod, pick streamers, and catch some trout.

Year Round Fishing in Ontario

Who Says You Can’t Fish All Year in Ontario?

Tag Team Walleye

Experience the fishing at White Moose Wilderness Outpost.

20 Years With Fish TV!

Fish TV discusses their favourite Ontario catches

World Class Walleye

Fishing Day Trips on the Bay of Quinte

Big Moose Camp

Fishing for Trophy Musky on Lake Nosbonsing

Spring Walleye

Try These Tips on Your Next Ontario Walleye Fishing Trip

Ontario Multi-Species Fishing Lodges

High quality angling and top notch accommodations await at these fishing lodges.

Steelhead of the Upper Ganaraska

Known to most trout and salmon anglers as one of Ontario’s most popular fishing destinations.

Polarized Sunglasses

Why Quality Shades are a Must-Have Piece of Fishing Gear