EAST SIDE OF COOKS BAY ACCESS, NEVER FISHED THIS SIDE!

[Jstubbs]

Good day folks,

Im coming up for my annual trip this year looks like west side of cooks might not be doable - only time will tell.

But if we have to drive around to the east side, I've not a clue where to walk onto the lake from there or where to park (even if I have to pay the dreaded 50 bucks)


Any insight on access would be awesome.

We are staying up in Innisfil (where we usually access via sled) but from the sounds of it not even sure we can walk on Cook's bay further south on the West side.

Air bnb's paid for so we're going - if we have to drive around to get on the lake we will - just have no clue where to go lol

[passionforfishing]

There are many access points but as an out of towner, all I have to say is parking is always the issue just like the west side. Well the whole lake Simcoe for that matter.

[Jstubbs]

I dont even mind paying at this point I just want to find a place I can get access for sure and not have to drive the whole way around the lake maybe too.

Keswick I've heard of....any spots I can try getting out of there?

[Washout]

The east side is not user friendly, and anyone that knows about access/parking is and has always been very tight lipped. It's nothing personal....it's just the way it is due to the limited choices.

Here's todays latest update on the lake from the west side. If you listen carefully, you'll hear the names of some hut operators you can contact for access info on the west side which will save you a whole lot of trouble and money.

Good luck.



[YOUTUBE]https://youtu.be/RV7t930BFEU[/YOUTUBE]

[moose1948]

If am you i go to port bolster look like the ice it ok that were am going tomorrow

[Jstubbs]

Im on my work PC I cant watch that video lol


But TY for the heads up.

[4flava]

When are you headed to Simcoe? Another cold snap is headed our way the following week.

As for Keswick, the most popular/easiest entry point has to be Rayners Park. Just google it and you'll see. I won't tell you to park on the ice but literally everyone does over there so you decided to do what you do.

[Jstubbs]

Yeah I know I seem to pick crappy timing every year - last year a warm snap melted a bunch of the snow and made some slush patches on the lake - snapped both my skis on my ice sled almost right off.

Got a new and improved one now but can't even use it.

I just feel like bringing the sled all the way up there on sketchy ice isn't smart - are people still driving around on that part of the lake with machines?

With the questionable weather I just assumed the sled was a no go this year.

Thanks for the tip on access point - doubt the GF will want to park her new truck on the ice but we will see



We are hoping to park at cooks bay marina and walk out there it sounds like.

[Rook]

went out from Gilford yesterday, shoreline is still real good with only a 1 foot heave right at shore, plenty of parking if you read the signs, ice was between 8 and 12 inches, slippy out there with no more real snow left on the ice. ROOK

[Jstubbs]

Awesome that's great news - cold overnight Thursday as well so I think we will be golden for Friday/Sat!

Still not bringing the snowmobile down - lack of snow and all.

Going to taxi out of Cooks bay marina (hopefully) and park there. $10 is more than fair.

Thanks for all the assistance as usual this fishing community/forum has always been helpful on any questions I have asked.

If anyone comes down my way to Lake St. Clair/Rondeau Bay etc. drop me a line I will return the favour as some forum members already know.

Will post a report next week.

Cheers, and tight lines!

[Longshank]

good luck


One of these times you ought to try another location though, just to experience it

[Jstubbs]

Longshank - we've decided that next year, I think that's what we are going to do.

Sounds like Taj does good work - we might go out of their access point next year.

[longfish]

Longshank is bangon....Taj is the best....I am going out with Taj tomorrow morning and I am sure there will be a report.....we did well with him on Feb 7.

Arnie

[Jstubbs]

Saw the report longfish - nice.