Alabama Lake in Algoma: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Within Algoma, Ontario, you have Alabama Lake. The bank gives way to taiga. At about 18 hectares, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. Wawa is the closest place, 31 km off. Thunder Bay is the closest city, 320 km away. Other water within reach: Fish Hook Lake out at 0.9 km, Mack Lake roughly 1.3 km, Princess Lake out at 2.2 km, Cruise Lake roughly 2.8 km and Leach Lake out at 3.2 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Alabama Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Algoma records list walleye, northern pike, Iowa darter and yellow perch among the fish reported. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The shape of Alabama Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -16°C and July at about 16°C, the water has a wide range to work through. A short, intense season is the rule this far north. Count the season from break-up, usually early May. From about early May to around mid November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Plan any trip to Alabama Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Failing this one, try Fish Hook Lake, 0.9 km away. The position on Alabama Lake is worth confirming on the day.