Banner Lake in Hastings County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Banner Lake lies within the bounds of Hastings County, Ontario. It sits at 384 metres above sea level. It measures about 19 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The bank runs about 4.0 km all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. The nearest place of any size is Bancroft, 3.4 km away. The nearest city of size is Kingston, 142 km away. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Banner Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Fish documented in Hastings County include rock bass, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch and bluegill. The county list is broader than any single water. At Banner Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -11°C in January to roughly 18°C in July. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Winter locks it down, and mid April brings it back. The season between ice runs from about mid April to early December. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Plan around that when you fish Banner Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Jeffrey Lake, 1.1 km out. The position on Banner Lake is worth confirming on the day.