Fishing Stump Lake in Richmond County, Nova Scotia

• Overview

  Stump Lake is one of the Richmond County listings for Nova Scotia. It stands 57 metres above sea level. At 8 hectares it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Nearest town is St. Peter's, 14 km off. The nearest city of size is Sydney, 62 km away. Nearby, in order: Bishops Lake 2 km off, MacNabs Lake within 3.3 km, MacLeods Lake 3.5 km off, Indian Lake within 4.7 km and Boot Lake 5.6 km off. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Stump Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Reported across Richmond County: Atlantic salmon, coalfish and striped bass. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. At Stump Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 18°C in August and bottoms out near -6°C in February. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid usually goes in late April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. In an average year the thaw lands around late April and the freeze near late December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. The season on Stump Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. If the gate is shut, Bishops Lake at 2 km is the nearest alternative. For Stump Lake in particular, ask before you travel.