Middle Lake Fishing in Richmond County, Nova Scotia

• Overview

  The Richmond County end of Nova Scotia holds Middle Lake. It stands 12 metres above sea level. It measures about 27 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Roughly 2.3 km of bank means you can walk to a fresh area when one goes quiet. It is low-lying compared with other Nova Scotia water we list. Marion Bridge at 25 km is the nearest place to stop. Then Eskasoni 3, 30 km, and Sydney Forks, 32 km. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Middle Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Records held for Richmond County cover Atlantic salmon, striped bass, American eel and alewife. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Fish Middle Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 18°C in August and bottom out at -6°C in February. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough late April. The open-water window runs from around late April to about late December in an average year. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. The season on Middle Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try MacMullin Lake, 1.9 km away. Confirm before you fish Middle Lake.