Get Hooked on Fishing at Island Lake

Our Annual Fishing Derby is Back

Our annual Island Lake Bass Fishing Derby has been on hold for two years and we’re pleased to announce it’s back this summer! Join us on July 16 and 17 at Island Lake Conservation Area.

To get in the derby spirit, here are a few facts about the fish species you can catch in the lake.

Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass are warm water fish and are native to Ontario. They can live up to about 15 years old. They are exciting to catch because of their aggressive nature–making reeling them in extra fun. To keep the largemouth bass population thriving as Island Lake, we ask that you practice catch and release.

Black crappie

Black crappies are the largest species of sunfish. They can live up to about 10 years old. Crappies are schooling fish, which means they will form and travel in large groups as they forage for food.

Northern pike

Northern pike use their long, sharp teeth to eat pretty much anything that crosses their path, including frogs, small fish, worms, bait and lures. They can live up to 10 years old. Similar to bass, they’re an exciting fish to catch because of their aggressive nature, usually giving the person on the other end of the fishing rod a good fight.

Pumpkinseed

You can identify pumpkinseed fish from the seven or eight dark, irregular vertical bands on their sides. They are usually found in quiet, slower moving streams, in the waters of small lakes or ponds and in the shallow, weedy bays of larger lakes.

Yellow perch

Yellow perch is a popular fish to catch at Island Lake. They are native to Ontario and a close relative to the walleye. Yellow perch are most likely to be found in waterbodies with muck, sand or gravel bottoms. Like black crappies, they travel in schools, so if you catch one you’re likely to catch more!

It’s no surprise that part of the joy of fishing is the unknown of what you will pull up on your line. Whether you’re an experienced fisher or just trying it for the first time, our annual fishing derby is for everyone.

Supporting Friends of Island Lake

When you register for the fishing derby, your registration fees will support initiatives led by the Friends of Island Lake (FOIL) projects. FOIL was established in 2005 to support the Island Lake Community Trails Campaign and enhance community involvement and awareness of the need to expand the trail system at Island Lake Conservation Area.

Learn more about the derby and register.

Share your derby pictures and videos with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok.

By CVC’s Kimberley Laird, Associate, Marketing and Communications