Pump Lake in Manitoba: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Manitoba end of Manitoba holds Pump Lake. It lies 327 metres above sea level. About 3 hectares of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. On size it sits at the modest end of our Manitoba list. Nearest town is Thompson, 204 km off. After that come Snow Lake at 225 km and Pelican Narrows at 247 km. Also worth knowing: Marnie Lake 1.2 km off, Susan Lake 1.6 km away, Farley Lake 1.6 km off, Gordon Lake 2.1 km away and Swede Lake 2.6 km off. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Pump Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. The shape of Pump Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank. Read the water for ten minutes before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 16°C, while January sits near -26°C. Winter owns most of the year at this latitude. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid May. From about mid May to around early November, expect open water on the long-run figures. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Pump Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Marnie Lake at 1.2 km is the sensible second choice. Signs at Pump Lake carry more weight than any list.