Fishing at Johnson Lake, Kelsey, Manitoba

• Overview

  In Manitoba, Johnson Lake falls inside Kelsey. It stands 294 metres above sea level. Around 45 hectares of surface means several distinct areas to work. The bank runs about 3.4 km all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. Nearest town is Snow Lake, 13 km off. Flin Flon is 128 km and Creighton 130 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Johnson Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Public occurrence data for Kelsey names white sucker, johnny darter, northern pike and walleye. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. The shape of Johnson Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -24°C in January to roughly 17°C in July. A short, intense season is the rule this far north. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early May. Averages place the thaw at early May and the freeze at early November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Johnson Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Pike mean a wire trace, no exceptions; big spoons and jerkbaits do the searching. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Senyk Lake is 2.4 km off. The position on Johnson Lake is worth confirming on the day.