Catfish Lake Fishing in Nipissing District, Ontario

• Overview

  Catfish Lake is a Nipissing District water, in Ontario. The setting is lake country bush. About 6.62 sq km, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. On our Nipissing District list it sits near the top for size. Mattawa sits 44 km from here and is the nearest stop. Then Powassan, 62 km, and South River, 65 km. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Catfish Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Survey and observation records for Nipissing District include smallmouth bass, cisco, yellow perch and pumpkinseed. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Catfish Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 18°C on average, January about -13°C. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Break-up comes around late April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Averages suggest open water from about late April through to roughly late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Anyone fishing Catfish Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. You can camp 300 m off, which suits an early start. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Bird Lake sits 2.3 km off and takes the overflow. Check the position at Catfish Lake before loading the car.