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

Georgian Bay Salmon and Trout Excursions

Another Ontario angling adventure for your bucket list.

Fish for Canadian Musky Success

A simple strategy for catching muskies, fish as many islands as possible.

Lake of the Muskies: An Angler's Paradise in Northwest Ontario

It’s not a question of will you catch a musky, but of how many.

Ontario's Trophy - Splake Prize

It is fair to say that Ontario offers the finest fishing for splake anywhere in the world

Paradise Cove Resorts

On the hunt for Musky in Ontario's Sunset Country

The Eagle has Landed

If you're looking to make your Ontario fishing dreams come true, this is the place to do it.

Warm Water Smallmouth

The Lakes, Lures & Lodge

Outpost Walleye in Brook Trout Country

This is an outpost fishing adventure you won't want to miss.

Fly Fishing for Bass

Northern Ontario is the destination for incredible bass fishing.

Agich's Kaby Kabins

Fly-in for Amazing Black Bear Hunting and Fishing

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.

Tamarack Muskies

Fishing Musky on Lake of the Woods in Ontario

An Angler’s Perspective on Northern Ontario

Find Your Favourite Fishing Adventure in the North.

Top 5 Flies for Brook Trout

Favourite fly patterns from The New Fly Fisher

5 Reasons To Go Fishing In The Fall

Tips for catching Ontario trophies.

Sweet Spot Season

When you have a limited amount of time to be out there fishing, you really want to look for those high percentage sweet spots.

Fishing Carp

German Fishing Superstar Babs Kijewski Visit Ontario

Igniting the Spark

Don't Overlook Carp Fishing in Ontario

French River Fever

This waterway is rich in lunge lore, having produced muskies in excess of 60 pounds.

World Class Carp

Ontario is a World-Class Fishery for Carp