Fishing Long Lake in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia

• Overview

  Long Lake sits in Halifax Regional Municipality, out in Nova Scotia. Tidal water begins 5.6 km from here. The water covers some 75 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Few waters listed in Halifax Regional Municipality are bigger. The town to know is Stillwater Lake, 14 km out. Then Upper Hammonds Plains, 14 km, and Hubley, 15 km. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Across Halifax Regional Municipality, recorded fish include brook trout, alewife and rainbow smelt. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Long Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, August reads 18°C and January reads -6°C. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. The lid tends to go about mid April and return around mid December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Long Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Mud Lake is 1 km distant. Confirm before you fish Long Lake.