Gwillam Lake Fishing Guide, Kelsey, Manitoba

• Overview

  Gwillam Lake is a Kelsey water, Manitoba side. This is boreal forest ground. At some 2.08 sq km it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. Around 20 km of bank, which is a long day on foot. The nearest place of any size is Flin Flon, 56 km away. Further out sit Creighton (59 km) and Snow Lake (73 km). Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Gwillam Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Kelsey records list white sucker, johnny darter and northern pike among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. At Gwillam Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 17°C, the coldest about -23°C. The ice season is long here and the open one short. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early May. Ice usually gives way near early May, and forms again about early November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Gwillam Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Finger Lake sits 1.8 km off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Gwillam Lake locally before you travel.