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Fishing in the Forest Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, locally known as "the Wildlife", has been called a lot of things by a lot of people. Above all, Haliburton Forest is a fisherman's delight. The 60,000 acres of forest are situated in the heart of Ontario's cottage country, on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, and at the head of the three central Ontario watersheds. An Angler's Delight With over 50 lakes, numerous large ponds and miles of streams and creeks, Haliburton Forest offers year round fishing for everyone. If you want to relax and fishing success is of no great importance, just head to the closest boat landing and wet your line. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of everyday life and want to be guaranteed peace and tranquility, listen to ravens and wolves conversing, watch the circling osprey and observe moose at the shoreline, then how about portaging into Snap, Havelock or Powderhorn lakes? If fishing success is of the essence, well ..... Haliburton Forest does not guarantee fishing success. What can be guaranteed to visitors however, is an outdoor experience out of the ordinary. Haliburton Forest is "trout country". Lake Trout, Splake, Speckled and Rainbow Trout are dominant species in most of the larger lakes and streams. While native trout populations still exist in many lakes, annual stockings in others serve the aim of proper fisheries management. Some of the other fish species encountered here are Large and Smallmouth Bass, Sucker, Ling and Perch, as well as a variety of minnows. General Information An extensive fishing guide to Haliburton Forest's waters is available at the Base Camp office. All lakes accessible by road offer boat landings which are designated as such so that trespassing over camp sites can be avoided. A mandatory creel survey is in effect fort all lakes within Haliburton Forest. Anglers are required to report truthfully all catches as well as angling effort - successful or not - in order to assist Haliburton Forest's management of its fisheries. Restrictions Voluntary fishing restrictions are in effect on MacDonald, Clear, and Black lakes. Although Haliburton Forest is privately owned, provincial Fish and Game Laws do apply and will be enforced. On most of the lakes the use of live bait, with the exception of worms, is prohibited. Further and updated information on Haliburton Forest and its fishery can be obtained at the Base Camp office. Outboard Motors The general size limit for outboard motors on Haliburton Forest's lakes is 9.9 horsepower. NO gasoline outboards are permitted on Blue, L'Azure, Dutton, Black, Baby Loon and Loon Lakes. Environmental Please respect the private property of Haliburton Forest. Please also have respect for the concerns of others and the environment. Take home your garbage (especially your tangled fishing line). Avoid excessive noise and honour posted regulations. One of the greatest threats to the natural trout fishery at Haliburton Forest is the introduction of bait buckets. Anglers are required to be vigilant about avoiding introducing non-native species. Restrictions on live bait are in effect on many lakes. Accommodation Accommodation and limited camping is available on site. Whatever plans you may make, we recommend you book in advance of your visit, especially on weekends. For more information - see Rate Schedule page. We know you'll find a superior fishing challenge here at Haliburton Forest, but the best way for you to judge is to come and see for yourself. This is your invitation! For The Record The following list of large fish does not claim to be complete. It should rather serve in helping assess and grade fish catches at Haliburton Forest and guide expectations. It should be noted that these catches were recorded because of above average size.
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