Randals Lake in Yarmouth County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Randals Lake is one of the Yarmouth County waters in Nova Scotia. The country round it is rolling hill from end to end. The water covers around 1.25 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. Shoreline length is close to 6.8 km, and each section fishes a little differently. On our Yarmouth County list it sits near the top for size. Yarmouth is the closest place, 21 km off. Barrington is 39 km and Shelburne 44 km. Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Randals Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. The tide is the timetable on this water; two hours either side of the change usually fish hardest. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Fish Randals Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is -4°C to 17°C. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Expect Randals Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Public data records a pier about 800 m out. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. For a change of water, Argyle Long Lake is 1 km distant. Treat access at Randals Lake as something to verify.