Axe Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Axe Lake sits within Parry Sound District in Ontario. Elevation runs to 314 metres. Surface area runs to roughly 2.35 sq km, so plan for one area rather than the whole. At about 11 km of edge, most people work one arm at a time. On our Parry Sound District list it sits near the top for size. Head to Huntsville, 23 km away, for anything you forgot. After that come Parry Sound at 42 km and Bracebridge at 42 km. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Axe Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Treat Axe Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is -11°C to 18°C. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around late April. On average, late April opens the water and early December closes it again. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Axe Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. For a change of water, Burnside Lake is 2.5 km distant. For Axe Lake in particular, ask before you travel.