Fishing Gossard Lake in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia

• Overview

  Halifax Regional Municipality in Nova Scotia is where Gossard Lake sits. It stands 25 metres above sea level. With some 12 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The edge runs 1.7 km or so, easy to work in an afternoon. Musquodoboit Harbour is the closest town at 14 km. Porters Lake lies 27 km off, Lake Echo another 33 km. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Gossard Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Halifax Regional Municipality records list Atlantic cod, coalfish, brook trout and alewife among the fish reported. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Gossard Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from -5°C in February up to 18°C in August. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid April. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly late December. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. It holds true on Gossard Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. A jetty or pier is mapped about 1.2 km from here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. For a change of water, Abbiecombec Lake is 1.3 km distant. Confirm before you fish Gossard Lake.