Beresford Lake Fishing Guide, Alexander, Manitoba

• Overview

  Within Alexander, Manitoba, you have Beresford Lake. Country round the bank runs to mixed forest. The water covers around 2.81 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The edge covers about 17 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. Size puts it in the front rank of our Alexander list. Lac du Bonnet at 90 km is the nearest place to stop. For a city, Winnipeg is 174 km off. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Beresford Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. County-wide records name smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Fish Beresford Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -19°C and July at about 18°C, the water has a wide range to work through. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late April. In an average year the thaw lands around late April and the freeze near mid November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Beresford Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Should this one be busy, Maberly Lake is 4.1 km off. Where Beresford Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.