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

Frequently Asked Questions About Grass Carp

Learn how to detect these fish species and how to keep them out of the Great Lakes.

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.

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.

Lady Evelyn Lake

Get to Know This Lake in Northeastern Ontario

Top 5 Wet flies for Brook Trout

Fly Fishers describe their favourite brookie flies.

Fishing Big Rideau Lake

This is a bucket list fishing in Ontario at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Polarized Sunglasses

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

An Angler’s Perspective on Northern Ontario

Find Your Favourite Fishing Adventure in the North.

Grand Tappattoo Resort: Fishing Adventures Near the GTA

A half-hour drive from Parry Sound = excellent pike and bass fishing.

Hand to Hand Combat

Experience Crappie Fishing in Ontario

Lake Mattagami Walleye

Drive-to fishing at Green Wilderness Lodge.

The 3 Best Baits For Northern Ontario Walleye

Catch those golden bars in any lake depth.

WOW Summer Whitefish

Whitefish hit harder in the open water season than in the winter

5 Keys To Canadian Muskies

The fish of 10,000 casts; an elusive predator fish with legend and lore.

Sharpshooting Crappies

Check out this fishing technique for landing a few fall black crappie

The Spin on Early Season Walleye

Depending on where you are walleye fishing in Ontario, the conditions range from early spring to near summer-like.

Who Let the Dawgs Out

Fishing Muskie on the Ottawa River

Big Moose Camp

Fishing for Trophy Musky on Lake Nosbonsing

Fall Walleye

Using Chub, Bottom Bouncers and Beads

HIdden Bay Lodge

Fly-in to Armit Lake for Epic Walleye Fishing