Limerick Lake is a beautiful fishing and cottage destination in Hastings County, Ontario. Located near Gilmour and about 30 kilometres from Bancroft, the lake offers excellent fishing in a quiet, natural setting.
Anglers visit Limerick Lake primarily for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and lake trout. Rock bass, perch and other panfish also live in the lake. Therefore, visitors have several fishing options throughout the open-water season.
Unlike heavily developed cottage lakes, Limerick Lake maintains a more peaceful atmosphere. Forested shorelines and clear water create an ideal setting for fishing, boating and relaxing at the cottage.
There aren’t many commercial resorts directly on the lake. However, Limerick Lake Lodge & Marina provides accommodations, boat rentals and marina services right on the water.
For anglers planning a Limerick Lake fishing trip, it provides an excellent home base.
Limerick Lake Lodge & Marina
Limerick Lake Lodge & Marina sits directly on the shores of Limerick Lake near Gilmour, Ontario.
The family-owned property combines traditional cottage-country charm with modern amenities. In addition, its location gives anglers direct access to Limerick Lake without having to trailer a boat back and forth each day.
Visitors can choose from several types of accommodations. Options include cottages, a larger house rental, campsites and RV sites. Therefore, the property works well for couples, families and fishing groups of different sizes.
The lodge also offers easy access to fishing, boating, hiking and nearby ATV trails.
Cabins and Accommodations
Limerick Lake Lodge offers several accommodation styles.
Its modern housekeeping accommodations provide many of the conveniences visitors need for a multi-day stay. Depending on the rental, amenities can include kitchens, patios, lake views, BBQ facilities and fire pits.
Smaller cabins work well for couples or small fishing groups. Meanwhile, the larger house provides more room for families and groups travelling together.
The property also offers campsites and RV sites. As a result, visitors aren’t limited to traditional cottage accommodations.
That variety makes Limerick Lake Lodge suitable for more than fishing trips. Families can enjoy the lake while anglers in the group spend their days on the water.
Official Website: Limerick Lake Lodge & Marina
Limerick Lake Marina
The marina is one of the biggest advantages of staying at Limerick Lake Lodge.
Anglers who don’t own a boat can rent one directly from the marina. The lodge currently offers 14-foot fishing boat rentals. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available.
For boat owners, the marina provides convenient access to the lake. In addition, Hastings County lists live bait, tackle, gas and boat services among the amenities available at the property.
The lodge also operates a marina store for basic supplies.
These services can make a fishing vacation much easier. Instead of travelling back into town for every small item, anglers can get many of their basic boating and fishing needs right at the lake.
Fishing on Limerick Lake
Fishing is one of Limerick Lake’s main attractions.
The lake supports both warm-water and cold-water fish. Consequently, anglers can use very different fishing techniques depending on the species they want to catch.
The primary sportfish include:
- Smallmouth bass
- Largemouth bass
- Lake trout
- Rock bass
- Perch
Bass and lake trout are the standout species. In fact, Hastings County specifically highlights the lake’s bass and trout fishing.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are one of the most popular targets on Limerick Lake.
Anglers should search rocky shorelines, points, islands and other hard structure. Smallmouth often use these areas to feed on minnows, crayfish and other forage.
Soft plastics can work extremely well. Tubes, drop-shot rigs and small swimbaits are all worth carrying.
Crankbaits and jerkbaits can also help anglers cover water. Meanwhile, topwater lures can produce exciting strikes when bass move shallow.
Water temperature and weather will affect fish location. Therefore, anglers should avoid spending too much time fishing an unproductive area.
Instead, move between different structures until you find active fish.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Limerick Lake also holds largemouth bass.
These fish often prefer different habitat than smallmouth. Look for protected bays, vegetation, docks and other shallow cover.
Spinnerbaits and soft plastics provide good starting points. Weedless presentations can also help anglers reach bass hiding in heavier cover.
Having both largemouth and smallmouth bass available adds variety to a fishing trip.
For example, anglers can work rocky areas for smallmouth in the morning. Later, they can move into sheltered bays and search for largemouth.
Lake Trout Fishing
Lake trout are another major attraction on Limerick Lake.
The lake’s deeper, colder water provides suitable habitat for trout. However, their location changes considerably throughout the fishing season.
Spring can provide some of the most accessible lake trout fishing of the year.
Shortly after ice-out, trout often use relatively shallow water. The local Limerick Lake information site notes that lake trout can be especially active during the first couple of weeks following ice-out.
As the lake warms, trout generally move deeper.
At that point, anglers may need to target deeper water with trolling or vertical presentations. Electronics can become especially useful because they help locate both trout and suspended baitfish.
Spoons, trolling lures and jigging presentations can all produce fish.
Because lake trout regulations can be more restrictive than bass regulations, anglers should check the current Ontario rules before fishing.
When to Fish Limerick Lake
Limerick Lake offers fishing opportunities throughout much of the year.
Spring is particularly interesting for anglers targeting lake trout. Cooler water can bring trout within easier reach before they move deeper during summer.
Bass become a major attraction once their season opens.
Summer provides excellent opportunities for smallmouth and largemouth bass. Moreover, longer days give anglers plenty of time to explore different parts of the lake.
Mid-to-late summer can produce excellent bass fishing. Local lake information notes that July can be particularly productive.
Fall brings another change.
Cooling water can increase fish activity as bass and other species feed before winter. In addition, fewer recreational boaters can make the lake quieter during the fall months.
Ice Fishing on Limerick Lake
Limerick Lake isn’t only a summer fishing destination.
Ice fishing is also popular once safe ice develops. Lake trout are one of the primary winter targets.
However, anglers need to pay close attention to regulations. The Limerick Lake community’s 2026 information identifies the lake as a one-line lake for ice fishing.
Ice conditions can change quickly. Therefore, anglers should never assume the lake is safe simply because other nearby lakes have frozen.
Always verify local conditions before heading onto the ice.
Limerick Lake Fishing Regulations
Limerick Lake falls within Ontario Fisheries Management Zone 15.
Anglers should check the current Ontario Fishing Regulations before every trip. Pay particular attention to lake trout rules, seasons, catch limits and size restrictions.
Regulations can change from year to year. Therefore, don’t rely solely on information from a previous fishing trip.
This is especially important because nearby lakes may fall within different management zones. For example, the local lake association notes that neighbouring lakes can have different regulations from Limerick Lake.
Checking the regulations before leaving home only takes a few minutes and can prevent problems once you’re on the water.
More Than Just Fishing
Although fishing is a major attraction, Limerick Lake offers plenty of other outdoor activities.
Boating is an obvious choice. Visitors can spend an afternoon cruising the lake or exploring different sections of shoreline.
Kayaking and paddleboarding provide quieter ways to explore. Limerick Lake Lodge rents both, which makes these activities accessible even if you don’t bring your own equipment.
The surrounding area also offers hiking opportunities.
In addition, ATV and snowmobile trails attract outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Limerick Lake Lodge promotes access to the Eastern Ontario trail network from the area.
As a result, groups don’t have to consist entirely of anglers to enjoy a vacation here.
Getting to Limerick Lake
Limerick Lake is located in Hastings County near Gilmour, Ontario.
Bancroft is about 30 kilometres from Limerick Lake Lodge. The town provides access to larger grocery stores and other services that may not be available closer to the lake.
Travellers coming from farther away can reach the area from either Toronto or Ottawa. The lodge estimates the drive at approximately three hours from either city.
Because services become more limited as you approach the lake, planning ahead makes sense.
Fill your vehicle before arriving and bring any specialized fishing equipment you expect to need.
Why Choose Limerick Lake for a Fishing Vacation?
Limerick Lake offers a good balance between wilderness and accessibility.
You can enjoy a quiet Ontario lake without travelling to the far north. At the same time, the lake provides enough services to make a multi-day vacation comfortable.
The combination of bass and lake trout is another advantage.
Bass anglers can spend summer days working shoreline structure. Meanwhile, trout anglers can explore deeper areas or plan an early-season trip.
Limerick Lake is particularly well suited for:
- Bass fishing trips
- Lake trout fishing
- Family cottage vacations
- Couples’ getaways
- Small fishing groups
- Boating vacations
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- ATV trips
- Ice fishing trips
- Quiet Ontario cottage getaways
Planning Your Limerick Lake Fishing Trip
Limerick Lake is worth considering if you want good fishing without travelling deep into Northern Ontario.
Smallmouth and largemouth bass provide excellent summer opportunities. Meanwhile, lake trout give anglers another challenging species to pursue.
Limerick Lake Lodge & Marina makes planning the trip easier. Visitors can stay directly on the lake and access boats, marina services and several types of accommodations.
The lake also offers much more than fishing. Boating, kayaking, hiking, ATV riding and winter activities can keep everyone in the group busy.
Most importantly, Limerick Lake still provides the relaxed atmosphere that makes an Ontario lake vacation special.
If your ideal getaway combines bass fishing, lake trout, comfortable accommodations and a quieter natural setting, Limerick Lake deserves a spot on your list.
Visit Limerick Lake Lodge & Marina’s official website to check current accommodations, boat rentals and other services before planning your stay.