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Fishing
Hullett Marsh offers a rugged fishing experience centered on the South Maitland River. While the interior ponds are beautiful for paddling, they are often too shallow and vegetated for productive fishing; the river itself is the true highlight, supporting healthy populations of smallmouth bass, catfish, and seasonal runs of trout or salmon.
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For the best results, access the river by canoe or kayak to reach the deeper pools that are difficult to access from the brushy shoreline. If you are fishing from the banks or dykes, stick to weedless lures or topwater baits to navigate the heavy aquatic growth.
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All anglers must follow Fisheries Management Zone 16 regulations and carry a valid Ontario fishing license to help ensure the sustainability of this unique warm-water tributary.
Fishing Tips
For the most consistent fishing, target the South Maitland River rather than the interior ponds; the river’s deeper, oxygenated pools support much healthier populations of smallmouth bass and panfish.
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Always check local water levels before heading out, as the South Maitland is highly seasonal; spring is excellent for paddling, but summer "low-flow" periods may require you to wade or drag your canoe over limestone shallows.
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Use weedless tackle like Texas-rigged plastics or topwater poppers to navigate the heavy lily pads and submerged logs without constant snagging.
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Please use barbless hooks to protect the local turtle population; turtles are frequent accidental catches, and a barbless hook allows for a much faster, safer release with minimal injury.
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Be mindful that access to certain interior water bodies is restricted from mid-May to early August to protect nesting waterfowl; these closures are strictly enforced to ensure the survival of young birds.
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