What to expect at Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina

Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina sits on the St. Lawrence River near Gananoque, Ontario, just across the water from the Thousand Islands region of upstate New York. The resort operates a full-service marina with boat rentals, slips, and fuel, plus a hotel and restaurant on-site. For anglers, the draw is access to some of the most productive smallmouth bass and walleye water in the Northeast, along with pike and perch in the same system.

The St. Lawrence River here is a working waterway — commercial traffic shares the channel with recreational boats — but the islands, shoals, and rocky structure create reliable fishing grounds year-round. Spring and fall are peak seasons for bass and pike. Summer brings steady walleye action, especially at dawn and dusk. Winter ice fishing is possible when conditions allow, though the river's current makes ice formation unpredictable.

Access to the water is straightforward if you stay at the resort or rent a boat there. If you're launching your own boat, the nearest public launch is in Gananoque, about 3 miles away. The resort itself does not offer a public launch, but marina staff can direct you to alternatives and advise on current conditions and regulations.

Key Takeaways

  • Bonnie Castle Marina rents boats ranging from small open runabouts to larger cabin cruisers, so you can fish without trailering your own.
  • The St. Lawrence River here holds smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, and perch, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
  • The resort includes overnight lodging and a restaurant, making it a base for a multi-day fishing trip rather than a day-trip destination.
  • You will need a New York fishing license to fish New York waters and an Ontario license for Ontario waters; the river forms the border and both apply depending on where you fish.
  • The river has heavy boat traffic and strong current in places, so local knowledge from the marina staff or a guide is valuable, especially if you're unfamiliar with the system.

Boat rentals and marina services

Bonnie Castle Marina offers rental boats in several sizes, from 16-foot open boats suitable for two to four anglers to larger cabin cruisers for groups or overnight trips. Rental rates vary by boat size and season; contact the marina directly for current pricing and availability. Boats come with basic safety equipment and navigation electronics on newer models.

The marina also provides fuel, pump-out service, and slip rentals for boats you bring yourself. If you're staying at the resort hotel, you can arrange boat rental as part of your package or add it separately. The marina is open year-round, though winter hours and boat availability may be limited depending on ice conditions and weather.

If you prefer to fish with a guide, the resort can connect you with local charter captains who know the river's structure and seasonal patterns. A guide is especially useful if you're new to the St. Lawrence or want to target a specific species during a particular season.

Smallmouth bass and walleye seasons

Smallmouth bass spawn in May and early June in shallow rocky areas around the islands. Pre-spawn fishing in April and May can be excellent as fish move into spawning grounds. Summer bass fishing is productive in deeper water and around structure — rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges. Fall, from September through October, is peak season as bass feed heavily before winter.

Walleye fishing peaks in spring (April through May) and again in fall (September through November). Summer walleye are present but require fishing low-light periods — early morning, late evening, and overcast days. Winter ice fishing for walleye is possible when the river freezes solid enough to support anglers, though this is not may provide every year.

Pike are present year-round and can be caught in spring and fall using larger lures and live bait. Yellow perch are abundant and provide good action for anglers of all skill levels, especially in summer and early fall.

Licenses, regulations, and border considerations

The St. Lawrence River forms the border between New York and Ontario. If you fish on the New York side, you need a New York fishing license. If you fish on the Ontario side, you need an Ontario license. Many anglers fish both sides during a trip, which means you need both licenses. New York licenses are available online through the Department of Environmental Conservation website or at tackle shops in Gananoque and nearby towns. Ontario licenses are available through the provincial Fish and Wildlife Service or online.

Bag limits and size restrictions differ between the two jurisdictions. New York allows five smallmouth bass per day with a 12-inch minimum; Ontario allows six per day with a 12-inch minimum. Walleye limits are two per day in New York (15-inch minimum) and four per day in Ontario (15-inch minimum). Check current regulations before you fish, as rules can change year to year.

The river has designated shipping channels used by commercial traffic. Recreational boats must stay alert and give way to larger vessels. The marina staff can brief you on safe navigation and current channel conditions.

Getting there and where to stay

Bonnie Castle Resort is located in Gananoque, Ontario, about 90 minutes northeast of Toronto and roughly 2 hours from Syracuse, New York. From the U.S. side, you can cross at the Thousand Islands Bridge near Kingston, Ontario, or at other nearby border crossings. Have your passport or passport card ready.

The resort offers hotel rooms, cottages, and suites with views of the river and islands. Rates vary by season and room type; peak season is summer and early fall. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and can prepare fish you catch if you request it in advance.

If you prefer to stay on the New York side, Gananoque is just across the river, and there are motels and bed-and-breakfasts in nearby towns like Alexandria Bay and Clayton. These options put you closer to public boat launches but farther from the marina's rental fleet and services.

What to bring and what to rent

If you're renting a boat from the marina, you'll need to bring your own fishing tackle, cooler, sunscreen, and personal flotation devices (though the rental boat will have PFDs on board). Bring polarized sunglasses for spotting fish in shallow water, especially in spring and fall.

If you don't have tackle, several shops in Gananoque and Alexandria Bay stock rods, reels, lures, and live bait. The marina can recommend local shops and may have basic tackle available. For smallmouth bass, bring medium-action spinning rods with 8- to 12-pound test line, along with crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures. For walleye, live shiners or crawfish work well, along with jigs and small crankbaits.

The river can be windy, especially in spring and fall, so bring a jacket and be prepared for rough water. Summer mornings can be cool even when afternoons warm up, so layering is wise.

Best times to fish and what to expect

Spring (April–May): Smallmouth bass and walleye are moving into shallow water to spawn. Early morning and evening are most productive. Water temperature ranges from 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect variable weather and possible rain.

Summer (June–August): Bass move deeper; walleye are active at dawn and dusk. Daytime fishing can be slow. Water temperature reaches 70 to 75 degrees. The river is busiest with recreational traffic. Mornings are best for walleye; afternoons are better for exploring and sightseeing.

Fall (September–November): Peak season for both bass and walleye. Fish feed heavily before winter. Water temperature drops from 65 to 45 degrees. Weather becomes unpredictable; wind and rain are common. This is the most productive time to fish.

Winter (December–March): Ice fishing is possible when conditions allow, but the river's current makes ice formation unreliable. Some years the river freezes solid; other years it remains open. Contact the marina before planning a winter trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish here, or can I rent a boat and fish on my own?

You can rent a boat and fish on your own if you're comfortable navigating the river and finding fish. However, the St. Lawrence has strong current in places, heavy boat traffic, and lots of structure. A guide or local advice from the marina staff will save you time and increase your chances of success, especially on your first trip.

What's the closest public boat launch if I want to bring my own boat?

The nearest public launch is in Gananoque, about 3 miles from the resort. The marina staff can provide directions and current conditions at the launch. If you're staying at the resort, renting a boat is usually more convenient than trailering your own.

Can I fish both the New York and Ontario sides of the river in one day?

Yes, but you need both a New York license and an Ontario license. Bag limits and size regulations differ between the two states, so know which rules apply where you're fishing. The marina can clarify the border and help you understand which side you're on.

What's the best month to fish for walleye?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–November) are most productive. Summer walleye are present but require fishing early morning, late evening, or overcast days. Winter ice fishing is possible when the river freezes, but conditions are unpredictable.

Does the resort have a restaurant, and can they cook my catch?

Yes, the resort has an on-site restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They can prepare fish you catch if you let them know in advance. Call ahead to arrange this service, especially if you're planning a group dinner.