Benedictson Lake Fishing Guide, Kelsey, Manitoba

• Overview

  Benedictson Lake sits in Kelsey, out in Manitoba. What surrounds it is northern bush. With some 50 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The margin runs to about 6.0 km in total. The closest town, Snow Lake, is 15 km distant. The nearest city of size is Saskatoon, 526 km away. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Benedictson Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Kelsey records list white sucker, johnny darter and northern pike among the fish reported. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. On Benedictson Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 17°C, with January the cold end at about -23°C. The ice season is long here and the open one short. Break-up comes around early May, and the run that follows is short and strong. Climate averages put the opening at about early May and the closing near early November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. On Benedictson Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Vickers Lake sits 0.9 km off and takes the overflow. The position on Benedictson Lake is worth confirming on the day.