Fishing at Blue Heron Resort

Bass fishing at the only resort on the lower Spanish River.
blue heron resort spanish river bass fishing ontario

The Fish TV crew visited Ontario's Blue Heron Resort situated at an amazing location along the Spanish River, and the resort is very close to the town of Spanish itself. The lodging is exceptionally clean with a spacious kitchen, bathroom and common room with an additional screened-in porch that really gives you the true cottage experience! If you are travelling in an RV, premium site locations are available as well. There is a great central location, within the grounds, for hanging out with your family and friends, enjoying beach volleyball, horseshoes and a playground for the kids. There is also a slide and floating swim raft for the swimmers in the family. 

blue heron resort aerial blue heron playground
Photo credit: Lortz Photo

You can expect to find a boat launch on-site, and plenty of docking room with power available to charge your batteries while leaving your boat in the water.

There is a fish cleaning and deep fry station on-site, with a bonus service available…the resort owners, Patti and Mike, will cook your catch with a side order of onion rings and french fries! But the “you catch and clean” policy is in effect lol. You can also enjoy eating in a screened-in dining site overlooking the river. All in all, an amazing location to hang out and enjoy your holiday!

blue heron resort dinner blue heron resort food

Once you get out on the water, you are a short boat ride over to access the North Channel, if that’s your preferred destination. Our research told us that there was amazing walleye fishing to be had in the Spanish River/ North Channel area, but our mission was to unlock the seemingly forgotten or misunderstood smallmouth bass fishery that was available in the North Channel.

blue heron resort ontario bass fishing

Being new to the area, we looked over lake maps with Patti and Mike, as well as speaking to some amazing locals in the area, to safely navigate the waters. 

*A special note to mention here—this area borders 2 fishing zones so be sure to understand your fishing regulations in each zone (zone 10 and zone 14)!

We were quite confident to start our smallmouth quest fishing around the abundant islands in the North Channel. It didn’t take long at all to find aggressive smallmouth, exploding on top waters, and smashing jerk baits. We expanded our journey, targeting visible structure along the shoreline and bluff walls, which had visible chunk rock leading into the water. Although the North Channel is somewhat protected from the wind and elements, expect to be dealing with the wind at times. Don’t let the wind discourage you when fishing smallmouth bass, just pull out your spinner bait rods and keep the fish-catching bonanza going! We were amazed at both the number of sass available and the lack of fishing pressure from other anglers. 

blue heron resort ontario bass fishing

It truly was amazing, sharing space with otters, eagles and even a bear and her cub swimming across the Spanish River on our way back to Blue Heron Resort. Take it from me, you won’t be disappointed with the accommodations or the fishing when visiting Blue Heron Resort. It really is fun for the whole family!

About Jason Greentree

Jason is a multi-species angler with quite a vast resume of accomplishments in the fishing world. He is a multiple bass tournament winner, participated in many television and radio guest spots and a been on the cover of Outdoor Canada magazine. Currently, Jason continues to enjoy the outdoors and shares his fishing tips and tricks with viewers as a host of Fish TV.

Recommended Articles

Ontario Brook Trout

Fish these 10 sweet spots.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Muskies

Muskies are fish of 10,000 casts and are found in large bodies of water in Northwestern Ontario.

Ten Mile Lake Lodge

Enjoy Northern hospitality fishing for splake, brook trout and lake trout

White(fish) North

Ontario's Lakes Offer Unlimited Opportunities

5 Lakes, 4 Seasons, and Plenty of Fish

Fish TV selects their favourite lakes in Ontario.

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

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

Guided Lake Trout Fishing

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

Salmon Fishing

The Michipicoten River is a Sleeper for Chinook

Coffee, Fish, Repeat

Fishing for Smallmouth Bass and Muskie

Cutler Lake Lodge: Your Cozy North Channel Area Fishing Getaway

Where exceptional hospitality and fantastic multi-species fishing meet.

Hidden Musky Gems

The Musky Hunter shares 3 favourite musky hot spots across Ontario.

Abitibi Walleye Experience

Fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike and Jumbo Perch

5 Big Water Ontario Fishing Locations

Where to go big water fishing in Ontario.

Adventures on the Nipigon River

Anglers can target Chinook Salmon and Steelhead in this body of water—but most come for the trophy Brook Trout.

Different Strokes

From jigging and buzzing to chunking' and windin', there's no right or wrong way to work a fishing lure.

Como Lake Resort

Genuine hospitality and excellent fishing is found here.

Sandy Beach Cottages on Lake Clear

Pet-friendly cottages and everything you need to have a worry-free holiday!

The Perfect Shore Lunch

Try this award-winning recipe on your next Ontario fishing trip.

Fly Fishing Basics

Learn Tips From An Avid Angler Towards Initial Fly FIshing Success

Best WhiteFish Tactics

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