Fishing at Miguels Lake, Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador

• Overview

  Out in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador, sits Miguels Lake. It stands 134 metres above sea level. At 4.24 sq km this is proper open water rather than a pond. The margin runs to about 21 km in total. On our Grand Falls-Windsor list it sits near the top for size. The closest town, Grand Falls-Windsor, is 29 km away. Further out sit Bishop's Falls (38 km) and Botwood (54 km). Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Miguels Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Records held for Grand Falls-Windsor cover Atlantic salmon, American eel, brook trout, rainbow smelt and finescale dace. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Work Miguels Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between February at about -9°C and July at about 16°C, the water has a wide range to work through. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late April. Break-up near late April, freeze-up near early December: that is the shape of an average year. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. It holds true on Miguels Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Sort the permit out before you load the car. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Rolling Pond, 7.6 km away. For Miguels Lake in particular, ask before you travel.