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

5 New Products That Are Must Haves For Anglers

If you don't own any of these, you should.

Birchland Cottages: Modern comfort with classic Northern Ontario charm

This Clear Lake gem is a great for kids, and the fishing action is non-stop.

Welcome to Wally World

Lake Nipissing is a must-fish destination, putting you right in the heart of the action for post-spawn walleye, pike, and big bass.

The Big Bass List: 5 Incredible Hotspots in Northern Ontario

From hidden back bays of Sunset Country to the legendary "wolf packs" of Lake Huron.

More Than Just a Tug on the Line

From the "lucky" rod to the silent drive home—why a trip to the North is actually a total system reset for the soul.

Double Trouble for Fall Crappies

Check out this expert trick

Guided Lake Trout Fishing

Bob Izumi and JP Bushey hit Georgian Bay for big lake trout.

Waking Up Bass

Add This Crankbait Presentation to Your Bag of Fishing Tricks

Fat Finesse Worm Bass

Learn a Go-To Technique for Fishing Bass

Slow Death Revisited

This technique is used to slow down walleye bite transitioning from spring to summer.

Guardian Eagle Resort

Travel in style to this remote wilderness lodge in Northwestern Ontario for excellent fishing.

10 Tips For Ice Fishing Safety

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a safe day on the hard water

Summer Fishing Patterns for Multi-Species

Bob Izumi discusses tips for different species and how to catch them when summer temperatures soar.

Epic Ice in Northwestern Ontario

An ice fishing report from the Northwest shows it could shape up to be one of the best ice fishing seasons ever.

Ladies Walleye Weekend

A 3-day Fishing Adventure on the Bay of Quinte

Witch Bay Camp

Secluded Lake of the Woods Fishing for Walleye and Muskie

Fishing Esnagi Lake

Train-in Fishing at Lodge Eighty Eight

Debunking Muskie Myths

Busting Popular Myths About Ontario's Big Toothy Beasts

Fish on a Fly

Pike and Walleye Fishing on Esnagi Lake

Hand to Hand Combat

Experience Crappie Fishing in Ontario