High Lake in Annapolis County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  You will find High Lake in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia. It sits in pine and birch country. At roughly 4 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Annapolis County list. Start from Digby, 50 km down the road. Liverpool follows at 56 km, then Bridgewater at 59 km. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on High Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records held for Annapolis County cover alewife, Atlantic salmon, chain pickerel and yellow perch. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Fish High Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 18°C and January reads -6°C. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. Climate figures give an open season running mid April to mid December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to High Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. You can camp 1.4 km off, which suits an early start. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Should this one be busy, Kejimkujik Lake is 2.8 km off. Where High Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.