Fourth Lake in Guysborough County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Guysborough County end of Nova Scotia holds Fourth Lake. The coast is 9.5 km away. With some 63 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The perimeter runs near 5.7 km, so plan the walk before you start. It is among the larger waters listed here for Guysborough County. For supplies, Antigonish is 53 km out. Then Port Hawkesbury, 70 km, and Stellarton, 73 km. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Fourth Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Guysborough County records list alewife, American eel, brook trout, Atlantic salmon and blueback herring among the fish reported. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. On Fourth Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between February at about -6°C and August at about 18°C, the water has a wide range to work through. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. Expect the water usable from around mid April until roughly late December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Expect Fourth Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Failing this one, try Little Lake, 1.3 km away. Check the position at Fourth Lake before loading the car.