Place to fish with daughter

[spoon946]

I am sure this has been posted on here before, but I am looking for a place to take my 3 year old daughter fishing. Something simple, panfish etc etc. I live in Caledonia, but the Grand river in town sucks for this type of fishing (used to be able to do this when I was a kid, but it has been cleaned out!) Looking for a place that is reasonably close in Hamilton and area. If anybody knows any conservation areas, spots that I can keep her somewhat occupied, it would be fantastic.

Thanks in advance

 

[UglyFish27]

hey bud, take her to the hamilton harbour. TONS of shore access, and lots of fish my friend. was there yesterday with the wifey for a couple hours and caught some pig rockbass, some perch, a largie and a smallie. but with some worms or minnows, u'll assure her a catch, even if its some of the bazillion gobies there... kids dont care as long as they catch fish! if ya fish the areas near the boat launch, along the rocks... theres lots of rockbass, perch, and pumpkinseed/bluegills there. catfish, carp, and ya never know when a big 'ol bass will come out to play too. pike as well. and theres lots of ducks, geese and swans to keep her interest as well. if ya need help with the area, shoot me a PM and maybe i can meet ya down there with one of my little ones.

 

[nocatchyname]

kids dont care as long as they catch fish!

Some kids don't even care if you catch fish. I've taken my two daughters (5 & 6) fishing for 3 hours without catching anything (several times I may add) and they still didn't want to go home. The last time we went, we caught a whole bunch, including a nice 11" smallie, but they didn't have any more or less fun than the times before. It's about getting out there and spending time with them, making them feel like a big kid fishing with daddy (or mommy, or both in some cases).

It's not about where you go, or how many fish you catch, but how much fun you had doing it.

I'd suggest finding a place where there isn't anybody else around, so if the fishing is slow, maybe you could look for frogs, or find some crayfish peeking out from under rocks. I guess she's a little young for skipping stones, but what kid doesn't like making things splash? My girls always love when we get visits from the local water snakes (they aren't very big and sort of creep me out, but they are fine and know to keep their distance, plus they get to laugh at me when I get all tensed up, and the sad part is it's only half show haha). Hope this helps. :wink:

 

[RedSkullz]

If resources allow, take your daughter a few hours north and camp and fish. Once you get north of barrie, the country is worth the trip bigtime.

Edit-Oops, missed the 3 year old part...might want to wait a couple of years before camping trips with 3 hour drives. :wink:

 

[Joel52]

This might work. Shades Mill Conservation Area
http://www.grandriver.ca/index/document ... 28&Sub1=12

 

[spoon946]

Thanks guys.....Appreciate the ideas....recently have gone through a seperation deal with the wife, and looking to spend some quality daddy/daughter time. I agree that it isn't all about catching something, and that focus is on just being together. However, it is a huge bonus to see her face with a simple rock bass or sunfish. Will definetely look into some of these places!!

Thanks again!

 

[shimano25]

Another good place is Kelso Lake just west of Milton. You can also try Heart Lake in Brampton. The only problem with these areas is that it is a conservation region and you have to pay a small fee (usually around $5 for an adult) to get in.