Fox Lake Fishing near Gillam, Manitoba

• Overview

  In Manitoba, Fox Lake belongs to Manitoba. It stands 177 metres above sea level. At 5.64 sq km this is proper open water rather than a pond. The shoreline runs about 20 km, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. Few waters listed in Manitoba are bigger. The closest town, Gillam, is 88 km distant. Further out sit Thompson (124 km) and Oxford House (160 km). The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Fox Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Fox Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance. Watch the surface for movement before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 16°C; the cold one sits at -24°C. Everything is compressed into the middle of the year. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about mid May. Break-up sits around mid May on average, with the water closing again about early November. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. It holds true on Fox Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Mukataysip Lake at 19 km is the sensible second choice. The position on Fox Lake is worth confirming on the day.