Josland Lake, Manitoba: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Josland Lake is one of the Kelsey waters in Manitoba. The bank is 298 metres above sea level. Roughly 40 hectares: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. With about 3.3 km of edge, you can try several depths in one session. On size it sits at the modest end of our Kelsey list. Snow Lake at 28 km is the nearest place to stop. It is 510 km to Saskatoon, the nearest city. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Josland Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Kelsey include white sucker, johnny darter, northern pike and walleye. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Josland Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from -23°C in January up to 17°C in July. Long winters and short summers set the pattern. The lid usually goes in early May, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Break-up near early May, freeze-up near early November: that is the shape of an average year. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. It holds true on Josland Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Should this one be busy, Norris Lake is 2.7 km off. Nothing here settles the position at Josland Lake for certain.