Located east of Frenchman’s Bay, the Pickering powerplant has some amazing fishing opportunities. The Powerplant omits warm water through the marsh which flows into Frenchman’s Bay and this attracts a variety of species that prefer warmer water. Underneath the bridge that flows into Frenchman’s Bay is a common spot for bass as it provides them shelter and the muggy water means feeding can happen any time of the day. The marsh attracts a variety of different types of fish and is an excellent spot for carp fishing as well.
Rainbow trout are attracted to the river area due to the current and warmer water temperature, these fish are an average of four pounds in size and provide excellent action after the ice thaws. Some other species like walleye are also attracted to the warmer water of the marsh which can provide great fishing opportunities. Another common catch are brook trout which are also attracted to the warm water let out of the Pickering Nuclear Powerplant. Other seasonal fish include chinook and coho salmon.
Carp are attracted to the marsh area due to the muggy water and shallow depths. Carp caught here are up to ten pounds. Carp can often be spotted from shore coming up to the surface then descending back down. Anglers do best using sweet corn along with a heavy weight to keep the bait on the bottom. There is no specific hotspot to catch the carp here they are abundant throughout the marsh area.
Black crappie aren’t as common as they used to be here due to the overfishing of some selfish fisherman. They take shelter near the boardwalk on the eastern side and can often be found in small schools. Anglers use worms for live baits and some small minnows. Small tube baits and jigs have also been successful for anglers.
Largemouth bass fishing is great along the northern shoreline. Largemouth average around three pounds with some up to five. Although it is difficult to access the northern part some largemouth come to the western side where anglers can enjoy great action at any time of the day due to the muggy water of the marsh. Some small lily pad formations begin to sprout in mid-July which also makes another great spot for Largemouth to be.
Smallmouth bass stick closer to the southern side of the marsh along with closer to the bridge. Anglers in search of a two to three pound smallmouth often pull up a crappie as they are in similar areas. After the season opens angling action is fierce right away. Action is good right till season closes in December. Smallmouth can be caught with crank baits, minnow baits and silver spinners. Silver spinners work best due to the muggy water, other baits are difficult to see. For live bait worms and small minnows will provide excellent action for anglers.
Both white and yellow perch can be caught at the powerplant. Yellow perch are mostly caught at the mouth of the entrance under the bridge and in that area. The shallow water way provides an excellent habitat for perch. Most perch are too small to keep in this area and should be released. Perch can primarily be caught on worms in the Pickering powerplant marsh. Very small minnow baits are also effective and can provide great action all year round.
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