Barthelette Lake, Manitoba: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Out in Manitoba, sits Barthelette Lake. Height above sea level is 322 metres. This is sizeable water at about 5.19 sq km, and a boat opens up most of it. With about 25 km of shoreline, local advice saves a lot of walking. On our Manitoba list it sits near the top for size. The nearest town is Thompson, 400 km away. Arviat follows at 424 km, then Gillam at 456 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Barthelette Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Anyone new to Barthelette Lake should walk it once before setting up. The catchment above it covers around 157 sq km, enough to colour the water after a wet spell.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 15°C on average, January about -27°C. Cold dominates the calendar on water this far north. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late May. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about late May until roughly late October. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Expect Barthelette Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Basil Brown Lake sits 3.6 km off and takes the overflow. Where Barthelette Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.