Fishing Directives
As your Fishing Director, I’m excited to introduce you to some of the best fishing opportunities for Rainbow Trout and Chinook Salmon in South-Central Ontario.
🗺️ Authorized Fishing Locations and Seasons
🌊 Pine River:
- Season: Opens the fourth (last) Saturday of April for Rainbow Trout and runs until early June. Salmon fishing begins in late August, with all fishing closing on September 30.
- Authorized Spots: “The Pipes”, “Deer Feeder”, and “Tioga Hole”. Explore the river between “The Pipes” and “Deer Feeder” only. Fishing north of “The Pipes” or south of “Deer Feeder” is prohibited. Respect all posted signs.
🐟 Catawampus Pond:
- Stocked primarily with Rainbow Trout. Open to members after the spring Children’s Fishing Derby.
❌ Restricted Areas:
- Fishing is prohibited in Bear Creek, Mad River, and the Blackdown Cadet Camp area.
🚪 Access and Entry Requirements
Enter the training area via Gate 13 for Pine River and Deer Feeder.
Sign in at Range Control with your membership number, vehicle license plate, and cell phone number.
Obtain a recreation pass (to be displayed on your vehicle dashboard) and a key for gate access. All gates must be locked upon entry and exit.
- Sign out at Range Control and return all issued items when finished.
🚗 Parking:
- Park inside Gate 13 when fishing at “The Pipes” or “Deer Feeder”.
- Park near the trail entrance when fishing at “Tioga Hole”. Ensure your vehicle does not obstruct military training or traffic.
🌱 Conservation Guidelines
Base Borden is a conservation area. Harvest no more than two fish per species per day, even if provincial limits are higher.
⚠️ Other Rules
- Fish Cleaning: Do NOT clean fish at the river. Take the entire fish home for cleaning.
- Coarse Fish: Return any coarse fish caught back to the river. Do NOT dispose of them in the bush.
- Garbage: Pack out ALL your trash and pick up any litter left by others. Use available receptacles.
- Fishing Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
- Reporting: Report any suspected infractions or poaching incidents.
💡 If you need assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact me.
🎣 Tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣
Bill Rittershofer
Fishing Director
Authorized 2025 Fishing Spots Map
A: Catawampus Pond
GRID: 17 TNK 87547 03705
Although there is no requirement to access the training area or to be a member of the BBRGC to fish the Catawampus Pond, anyone fishing the Catawampus Pond must still follow all provincial rules and regulations.
B: The Pipes
GRID: 17 TNK 83770 01825
Although it is possible for anglers to access the Pine River here from Range Road without passing through a training area gate, anyone fishing in this area must still sign in with Range Control and park their vehicle just inside gate 13.
C: Deer Feeder
GRID: 17 TNK 83737 01042
Enter the training area through gate 13, and proceed along the dirt road keeping to the right. The is a small footbridge across the Pine River, with parking available for two or three vehicles. There are many holes to fish, both upstream and downstrem from here.
D: Tioga Hole
GRID: 17 TNK 83110 98755
Along the southernmost road in area H3, there is a sign marking access to a path leading to Tioga Hole. This road may not be on all maps. At the South-East corner of the “S” looking roads, there is a road that leads to the east then turns immediately south – this is the road we are looking for. There is ample parking on the north side of the road, across from the path. This path has some very steep segments, and can be very slippery for days after a rainfall so use care and plan accordingly.
Before heading out
Inform yourself on the current Ontario Fishing Regulations which are available at Fishing | ontario.ca. Base Borden is in Zone 16.
It is each individual’s responsibility to ensure they know the rules and regulations – Ignorance is never an excuse.
Poison Ivy
Remember, Poison Ivy is always a concern in the forest. If you are not familiar with what Poison Ivy looks like, or how to react after coming in contact with it, be sure to find out before heading out into the bush. Poison Ivy can be some nasty stuff.