Fishing at Smelt Pond, Cormack, Newfoundland and Labrador

• Overview

  Smelt Pond is one of the Cormack waters in Newfoundland and Labrador. It lies 327 metres above sea level. Surface area is around 81 hectares, which gives you real water without needing a boat. At about 7.0 km of edge, most people work one arm at a time. Supplies mean a trip to Deer Lake, 25 km off. St. John's is the closest city, 407 km away. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Smelt Pond

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Smelt Pond responds to conditions more than to tactics. Depth change is worth more than distance from the bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 14°C and February at -10°C. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid May. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid May until roughly late November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. It holds true on Smelt Pond more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. For a change of water, Long Pond is 3.9 km distant. Nothing on Smelt Pond should be assumed from this page alone.