Questions About Cooks, Looking for Information

Hey Everyone,

I'm a long time lurker and usually don't post very often but thought I would give it a go and see what information you guys can provide. I'm not looking for specifics, just basic knowledge about the 'lay of the land' per say when it comes to Cooks Bay.

So here are my questions:

1. I noticed a lot more guys here talk about getting onto the bay from Gilford beach area, I'm just wondering if this is because most guys are out in the Barrie area that fish the lake vs people from the Keswick side, or is it that it is easier to get to the deeper/better fishing areas from the west side of the lake, or the more known spots.

2. The guys on the Keswick side of the lake, do you find yourselves pushing further north or west to get to where the fish are at?

3. I have read over the past little while on the forum that a lot of the public access to the lake is now closed off, i'm just wondering if we (as a whole for the forum) have a list of public access places available, like say (Young's Harbor Park) on the south side of the bay.

I apologize if these are redundant questions, I usually fish out of Beaverton when I am going for perch so cooks is a new side of the lake for me and i'm just trying to orient myself before the ice rolls in this winter!

If I'm fishing cooks bay Ill typically fish Lefroy. But, I fish west side soley for the fact its much easier access to go up the 400 then to use a buncha smaller side roads to get to the east side for me. Coming from the east side, I'm sure its the opposite where the east side of cooks is easier to get to.

Parking on the east side isn't as easy from what I understand. Gilford Rd for free parking is where I go.

I have found it really hard to access the west side due to the 400, I keep trying as I live 25 mins from one location to access. I have had little luck and often have to park very very far away.

I have considered driving the extra 20-30 mins as I have heard people have more luck on the east side!

I usually park on the ice close to where the ice road goes across to gorgina island

Long time lurker 🤔. All the way back to November 27, 2017 . Sorry I could't resist. My bad

Would prefer to fish the Keswick side as shorter walk to better fishing areas however the greedy locals have pretty much closed off all out of town access.
Gilford side is a little more friendly and accommodating to the visiting fisherman however as such got to show up early otherwise the walk from the vehicle to the lake is longer than the walk from the shore to the fish.

I go where there is free parking to lol, good point. Just if you find a place, don't tell people! Otherwise its like Gilford where the walk to the lake is as long as the walk to the spot from shore.

I get what you're saying, but I have been reading this forum for some time before signing up.

I appreciate all the responses from everyone. The main point being if people know where to park it gets rammed pretty fast with fisherman, but it is a matter of where you are or preference in order to get onto the ice not more geared towards "spots" per say.

Any other advice anyone can throw out there in regards to Cooks?

Lots of times i get my wife to drop me off and call her to come get me. If you have that luxury you'll save about $35 a day in parking.

I get what you're saying, but I have been reading this forum for some time before signing up.

I appreciate all the responses from everyone. The main point being if people know where to park it gets rammed pretty fast with fisherman, but it is a matter of where you are or preference in order to get onto the ice not more geared towards "spots" per say.

Any other advice anyone can throw out there in regards to Cooks?

If you PM me, you may need to post more before you can, but when you can, PM and I’ll give you a good access point on the west with free parking, and I’ll point you in the right direction for some jumbos.

I get what you're saying, but I have been reading this forum for some time before signing up.

I appreciate all the responses from everyone. The main point being if people know where to park it gets rammed pretty fast with fisherman, but it is a matter of where you are or preference in order to get onto the ice not more geared towards "spots" per say.

Any other advice anyone can throw out there in regards to Cooks?

If you PM me, you may need to post more before you can, but when you can, PM and I’ll give you a good access point on the west with free parking, and I’ll point you in the right direction for some jumbos.

Thanks Kier,

I believe I have to have a certain post count in order to PM, which is understandable; so once I have reached my count I will send you over a message. I am in the Hamilton area; but work out of Markham on Fridays for half days, Was going to head up the 404 towards cooks but any tips along the bay would be great.

Kier,

Still can't PM or email yet for that list. I'm not sure how many posts I have to have to be able to use the function, but I will keep trying.

.

Kier if you can PM him he will be able to answer you I think.