Highway Lake, Manitoba: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Within Kelsey, Manitoba, you have Highway Lake. It sits at 273 metres above sea level. It measures some 1.32 sq km, and wind has room to build across it. The edge covers about 11 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. Snow Lake sits 21 km from here and is the nearest stop. Further out sit Flin Flon (116 km) and Creighton (118 km). The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Highway Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Kelsey include white sucker, johnny darter, northern pike, walleye and silver redhorse. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The shape of Highway Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 17°C and January about -23°C. Open water arrives late and leaves early, which concentrates the fishing. Count the season from break-up, usually early May. Average temperatures cross freezing around early May in spring and again near early November in autumn. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Time your trip to Highway Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, Tramping Lake is 5.4 km off. For Highway Lake in particular, ask before you travel.