A Vacation for Everyone

Fish TV visits Elmhirst’s Resort for Largemouth Bass Fishing.
fishtv_elmhirst_bass.jpg

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 delivered daily 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.

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

The Ontario Fall Crappie Hunt

Ontario's 400,000 lakes are home to a variety of fish species.

Killarney’s Pike Fishing Paradise

Plan your next northern pike fishing vacation to the Sportsman’s Inn Resort & Marina.

Balsam Lake Walleye

How to use snap jigging to catch Ontario walleye.

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.

Top Flies for Northern Pike

Try These Go-to Flies and Tips on Your Next Trip

World Class Muskie at Young's Wilderness Camp

Lake of The Woods for Muskie and Walleye

Bob Izumi searches for bass and pike

Fishing unfamiliar territory, Bob Izumi lands monster smallies and Northern pike

Wind, Cloud & Walleye

How Weather is Important to Walleye Anglers

Topwater Bass

Targeting Spring Bass at Dog Lake Resort

Wild Brook Trout

Remote Outpost Fishing on Pinei Lake

Catch, photo, release

Save Your Fishing Memories With These Photo Tips

Pine Sunset Lodge

Walleyes and slabs of Dinorwic Lake

Ontario Carp Championship

Is Ontario the Carp fishing capital of the world?

Best WhiteFish Tactics

In Part Two, Learn Best Rods, Reels and Lure Presentations for Whitefish

Multi-Species Magic

Cedar Point Resort on Cedar Lake is a drive-in camp with the fabulous fishing of a remote fly-in.

Fishing for Muskie on the French River

Crane's Lochaven Wilderness Lodge

Ghost River Lodges

Remote, Boat-in Fishing on Marchington Lake

The Lake of Many Bays

Fly-in Fishing at Pine Portage Lodge

Trophy Pike & Ribs

Fishing at Kesagami Wilderness Lodge

Big Smallmouth Bass

Fly Fishing at Branch's Seine River Lodge