Fishing Bentshoe Lakes in Haliburton County, Ontario

• Overview

  Bentshoe Lakes stands in Haliburton County, Ontario. The setting is rolling bush. Bracebridge lies 30 km from the water. Haliburton Village follows at 33 km, then Gravenhurst at 36 km. Other water nearby: Moosetrack Lake roughly 0.9 km, Lower Crane Lake at 1.8 km, Ketch Lake roughly 1.8 km, Poker Lake at 2 km and Little East Lake roughly 2.1 km. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Bentshoe Lakes

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Species logged across Haliburton County include smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed and rock bass. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Bentshoe Lakes the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 18°C for July and -11°C for January. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid April. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid April in spring and again near early December in autumn. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. It sets the rhythm of the year at Bentshoe Lakes.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Big East Lake Access Point gives parking 520 m away. Overnight stays are possible about 310 m out, where camping is mapped. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Moosetrack Lake, 0.9 km away. For Bentshoe Lakes, the notice at the access point is the final word.