Otter Lake Fishing near Porters Lake, Nova Scotia

• Overview

  Otter Lake is one of the Halifax Regional Municipality waters in Nova Scotia. Salt water lies 15 km off. About 7 hectares of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. For supplies, Porters Lake is 13 km out. The nearest city of size is Dartmouth, 29 km away. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Otter Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name brook trout, alewife, rainbow smelt and American eel. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Otter Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 18°C in August and bottoms out near -6°C in January. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about mid April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly mid December. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Time your trip to Otter Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Pine Lake at 1 km is the nearest alternative. Nothing on Otter Lake should be assumed from this page alone.