Lower River and Delta
The lower Spanish River, from the Highway 6 bridge downstream to the river mouth, is the most heavily fished and accessible section. This stretch transitions from a flowing river environment into a broad delta system with marsh habitat, weedy bays, and channels that funnel fish between the river and the North Channel. This is the prime zone for walleye during the spring run and offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing through the summer months. The delta itself is a maze of productive structure, with shallow flats, submerged vegetation, and current seams that concentrate fish.

Espanola Section (Closed Water)
The waters of the Spanish River within the Town of Espanola — from the Domtar Incorporated dam downstream to the Highway 6 bridge — are designated as a fish sanctuary and are closed to fishing year-round. This protected stretch serves as critical walleye spawning habitat and is a cornerstone of the river's walleye population health.

Whalesback Channel and North Channel
Just beyond the river mouth, the Whalesback Channel is formed by a chain of islands that buffer the area from open Lake Huron, creating calm, navigable water with excellent fishing for smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and muskellunge. Venturing further into the North Channel (Zone 14) opens up access to deeper water suitable for lake trout and salmon trolling, as well as continued opportunities for bass and pike along rocky shorelines and weedy bays.

Aux Sables River Confluence
The Aux Sables River, which joins the Spanish River and flows downstream to Highway 17, falls under specific muskellunge regulations in this area, requiring fish to exceed 137 centimetres with a catch-and-release-only rule (size limit 1, creel 0).