Fishing at Critchetts Lake, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia

• Overview

  Critchetts Lake lies within the bounds of Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. This is rolling bush country. It measures about 10 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The edge runs 1.7 km or so, easy to work in an afternoon. Port Hawkesbury is the closest town at 9.6 km. Louisdale follows at 24 km, then Princeville at 27 km. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Critchetts Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Fish documented in Guysborough County include coalfish, Atlantic cod, alewife and American eel. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Take Critchetts Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 18°C; by February the average is down near -7°C. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late April. Average temperatures cross freezing around late April in spring and again near late December in autumn. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. The season on Critchetts Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. 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. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Wheatons Lake sits 1.1 km off and takes the overflow. Nothing on Critchetts Lake should be assumed from this page alone.