Fishing is part of life on our lakes — and a healthy fishery is one of the clearest signs of a healthy lake. Deep, cold, well-oxygenated Canadian Shield lakes like Redstone are classic lake trout water, a species that exists in only about one per cent of Ontario's lakes and depends on the cold, clean conditions our association works to protect. Smallmouth bass and panfish round out the fishery closer to shore.
Know the rules — Zone 15
Our lakes sit in Ontario's Fisheries Management Zone 15. Before you fish:
- Licence: everyone 18–64 needs an Outdoors Card plus a sport or conservation fishing licence — buy online at ontario.ca.
- Seasons and limits: lake trout in Zone 15 generally opens the third Saturday in May and closes September 30, with size and possession limits — but many individual lake trout lakes carry their own special rules and sanctuaries, so always check the current Zone 15 regulations summary for the specific lake before you head out.
- Bait: we're in a bait management zone — don't transport live bait between zones, and never dump a bait bucket into the lake.
Fish lead-free — for the loons
A single lost lead sinker can kill an adult loon. Switch to steel, tin, tungsten or bismuth tackle, and trade in your old lead at our tackle exchange — details on our Get the Lead Out page (free custom lure while supplies last).
Give the fishery a hand
- Handle with care. If you're releasing, use barbless hooks or pinch your barbs, keep fish in the water, and support them upright until they swim off — lake trout brought up from deep water need extra care in warm months.
- Respect the spawn. Lake trout spawn on rocky shoals in the fall — one reason the season closes September 30. Leave shoals undisturbed in October and November.
- Keep invasives out. Clean, drain and dry your boat between waterbodies — invasive species are the biggest long-term threat to the fishery.
- The hatchery connection. The association supports the Haliburton Highlands Outdoor Association fish hatchery with an annual donation, part of keeping local fisheries stocked and healthy.
Tight lines — and send us your catch photos for the community gallery!