New Found Out Lake, Nova Scotia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  New Found Out Lake lies in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia. It sits in rolling bush country. About 7 hectares of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Antigonish is the closest place, 59 km off. Port Hawkesbury follows at 66 km, then Louisdale at 80 km. Also worth knowing: Mills Lake after 0.8 km, Hardings Lake at about 1.3 km, Owl Lake after 3.1 km, Forks Lake at about 3.9 km and Grassy Lake after 4.2 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on New Found Out Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. County-wide records name coalfish, Atlantic cod and alewife. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. Treat New Found Out Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 18°C and February at -6°C. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Ice-out usually falls in mid April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. On average, mid April opens the water and late December closes it again. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. On New Found Out Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Mills Lake, 0.8 km away, makes the obvious fallback. For New Found Out Lake in particular, ask before you travel.