What fish are in Lake Simcoe at Barrie?

Lake Simcoe (Kempenfelt Bay at Barrie) offers lake trout, yellow perch, whitefish, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. The lake is also home to lake whitefish — a specialty catch unique to Lake Simcoe. The deeper offshore areas hold lake trout. Spring and fall are best for trout; summer is excellent for bass and perch.

Barrie Boat Ramps — Lake Simcoe Launches 2026

Q: Are there free boat launches in Barrie on Lake Simcoe?

The City of Barrie charges launch fees at its primary ramps (Bayfield Park, Centennial Beach). Some smaller Lake Simcoe launches in nearby townships (Innisfil, Orillia, Ramara) offer free access. The Barrie waterfront launches are well-maintained and worth the fee for the dock facilities and trailer parking. Fees are typically in the $15–$20/day range.

Q: Can you ice fish from Barrie boat ramps in winter?

Lake Simcoe is one of Ontario's premier ice fishing destinations. In winter when the ice is safe (minimum 4 inches for foot travel, 8–12 inches for snowmobiles), many boat launch areas provide ice access. The Barrie waterfront, Big Bay Point, and Shanty Bay are popular ice fishing areas. Always check the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority ice thickness reports before going out.

Barrie City Boat Launches (Kempenfelt Bay)

City of Barrie manages several waterfront launches on Kempenfelt Bay, the south arm of Lake Simcoe.

Bayfield Park Boat Launch

Barrie · Kempenfelt Bay · Lake Simcoe

Fee:Fee City of Barrie daily launch fee (~$18)

Ramp:Well-maintained concrete ramp, double-lane — handles boats to 25 ft

Parking:Bayfield Park lot — trailer parking in designated area

Access:Seasonal (May–November). Also used for ice fishing access in winter when ramp area is safe

Address:Bayfield St at Lakeshore Dr, Barrie

Phone:705-739-4220 (City of Barrie Recreation)

Centennial Beach Boat Launch

Barrie · Kempenfelt Bay

Fee:Fee City of Barrie — daily and seasonal rates

Ramp:Concrete ramp near Centennial Beach parking area

Parking:Centennial Beach lot — busy in summer, arrive early on weekends

Access:Seasonal. Adjacent to popular swimming beach — courtesy speed restrictions near shore

Address:Centennial Beach, Lakeshore Dr, Barrie

Notes:Popular ramp — can have lineups on summer holiday weekends. Go early or use Bayfield Park as alternative.

Shanty Bay Boat Ramp

Innisfil / Barrie border · Lake Simcoe east shore

Fee:Free Township access — no formal fee

Ramp:Small concrete ramp — suited for smaller trailered boats and PWC

Parking:Limited roadside — not recommended for large trailers

Access:Year-round when ice-free; also used as ice fishing access point

Address:Shanty Bay Rd at Lake Simcoe, Innisfil

Notes:Good alternative to busy Barrie launches on weekends; best for smaller boats

Lake Simcoe Surrounding Area Launches

Public launches around the full perimeter of Lake Simcoe, from Orillia to Innisfil.

Orillia Centennial Park Launch

Orillia · Lake Couchiching / Lake Simcoe · Trent-Severn

Fee:Fee City of Orillia daily rate

Ramp:Double concrete ramp at Orillia waterfront, Trent-Severn access

Parking:Centennial Park lot — trailer parking available

Access:Seasonal. Provides access to Lake Couchiching → Lake Simcoe and the Trent-Severn Waterway

Address:Centennial Park, Mississaga St at the lakefront, Orillia

Notes:Gateway to the Trent-Severn — cruise south to Peterborough or north to Georgian Bay from this launch

Big Bay Point Conservation Area

Innisfil · Lake Simcoe south shore

Fee:LSRCA Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority permit

Ramp:LSRCA managed ramp — good for small to mid-size trailered boats

Parking:Conservation area lot — day pass required

Access:Seasonal. LSRCA day pass or annual permit. Also popular ice fishing spot in winter.

Notes:Good walleye and perch spot on south Lake Simcoe. Contact LSRCA at lsrca.on.ca or 1-800-465-0437

De Grassi Point Conservation Area

Innisfil · Lake Simcoe west shore

Fee:LSRCA Conservation Authority permit

Ramp:Concrete ramp — good access to open Lake Simcoe

Access:Seasonal — LSRCA managed. Good lake trout fishing area in this region of the lake

Notes:Quieter than Barrie city ramps. Good choice for weekday boating. Ice fishing access in winter.

Lake Simcoe Boaters — PCL Numbers Required

OPP Marine Unit regularly patrols Lake Simcoe. Every motorized craft needs its Pleasure Craft Licence number displayed on both sides of the bow — minimum 75 mm (3") tall, block letters, contrasting colour. Marine-grade premium vinyl decals, cut to your number. 5-year outdoor guarantee. Made in Ontario.

Transport Canada SOR/2010-91 · Last Verified March 2026

Order Compliant
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Frequently Asked Questions — Barrie & Lake Simcoe

Are there free boat launches in Barrie on Lake Simcoe?

The City of Barrie charges fees at Bayfield Park and Centennial Beach. Some surrounding area launches (Shanty Bay, township ramps on the east shore) are free or lower cost. LSRCA Conservation Area ramps require a day pass. Innisfil has some township ramps with nominal fees.

Can you ice fish from Barrie boat ramps in winter?

Yes — Lake Simcoe is one of Ontario's top ice fishing destinations. Bayfield Park and Centennial Beach areas provide ice access when conditions are safe. Always check LSRCA ice thickness reports (lsrca.on.ca) before going out. Minimum 4 inches for foot travel, 8 inches for snowmobile, 12 inches for light vehicles.

What is Lake Simcoe known for fishing?

Lake Simcoe is famous for lake trout, lake whitefish, yellow perch, smallmouth and largemouth bass. It's one of the few southern Ontario lakes with a healthy lake trout population and a world-class ice fishing perch fishery. The lake is managed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) with specific bag limits — check current regulations at ontario.ca before fishing.