Antoine Lake Fishing Guide, Rainy River District, Ontario

• Overview

  In Ontario, Antoine Lake belongs to Rainy River District. The bank is 376 metres above sea level. About 3.57 sq km, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. The perimeter runs near 18 km, so plan the walk before you start. On our Rainy River District list it sits near the top for size. Atikokan is the closest town at 27 km. Thunder Bay sits 169 km out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Antoine Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Survey and observation records for Rainy River District include northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and walleye. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Read Antoine Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 18°C and January about -17°C. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late April. Climate averages put the opening at about late April and the closing near mid November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. It sets the rhythm of the year at Antoine Lake.

• 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. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Failing this one, try Ram Lake, 2.5 km away. For Antoine Lake in particular, ask before you travel.