Sept 3-4 our first trip to Simcoe, Staying in Orillia

[TomSudbury]

We are 3 senior citizens going for our first Simcoe trip. I have a 16.5' boat and 60hp. Is this boat ok on this lake? Are the shoals easy to see? I do have a map in the Humminbird. Is there a restaurant handy by boat?

Any advice or tips will be much appreciated.

[RHYBAK]

There is a Boston Pizza on the river at Keswick.
A restaurant on the river in Beaverton

Beyond that, I'm no help

[Fisherman]

There's a strip mall on the north side of the Narrows there may be a restaurant in there. There's the Bayside restaurant just a bit west of Tudhope park.

[Newburg007]

The boat size is fine. When it gets rough, as with any lake, it's just no fun battling the element and trying to enjoy fishing. You know your boat and your crew members, so pick your days. (Two days is a short window -- unless your travel plans can be flexible around any changing weather conditions.)
Good luck and take a lot of photos when you're out!

[naturefan]

Yes, as was mentioned your boat is OK for Simcoe, just don't go when wind is over 15 km/h. I've not seen any shoal what you can hit by boat on that lake, keep your tank full – it’s big lake. Good luck!

[Coda]

Tom,

As far as food in the Orillia I'd recommend checking out some of the Marina's in that area. You should be able to find a restaurant on the water.

Here's a list of Marina's in Orillia. Marina's maybe check them out for a restaurant.

Fishing in that area, you should check out any of the islands. My goto out of Keswick are Snake Island and Fox Island. You could try Strawberry island if you're launching fishing in the Orillia area.

Here's an only chart of the Lake for reference Chart

The lake is full of Goby's so I have lots of luck with goby colored plastic.

Have fun, happy fishing.

[TomSudbury]

Our schedule is very flexible so we'll see. Have to pack a lunch I guess. There will be pictures.

Thank you

[ORH]

Pier one restaurant in lagoon city is decent. Fin city fish and chips is really good as well, also in lagoon city which is not far from Orillia. Both are accessible by boat.

For breakfast, Bayside restaurant is great and you can quickly launch at the public boat launch across the road on Collins Drive.

[Brooktrout]

The north end of the lake has some islands to fish around (and hide from the wind) if it picks up. You can also easily access Couchaching through the narrows. There are some shallow shoals behind Strawberry you should watch for.

Cook's Bay will also provide a little more shelter than the big lake, and lots of fishing opportunities in that area as well.

Best of luck!