Fishing at Anchor Lake, Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  Out in Thunder Bay District, Ontario, sits Anchor Lake. The ground round it is northern bush. Around 71 hectares of surface means several distinct areas to work. The outline measures near 10 km, so local knowledge counts. Longlac lies 66 km from the water. It is 301 km to Thunder Bay, the nearest city. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Anchor Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Reported across Thunder Bay District: cisco, blackfin cisco, rainbow smelt and bloater. The county list is broader than any single water. Read Anchor Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 16°C on average, January about -20°C. Cold dominates the year and the fishing works around it. Count the season from break-up, usually early May. Climate averages put the opening at about early May and the closing near mid November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Anchor Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Keep the gear simple: light line, small hooks, split shot and a couple of proven lures. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Sheep Lake, 0.8 km away. For Anchor Lake in particular, ask before you travel.