Chime Lake near Mattawa: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  In Ontario, Chime Lake falls inside Nipissing District. It stands 343 metres above sea level. It measures about 21 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. There is roughly 2.6 km of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. Supplies mean a trip to Mattawa, 28 km off. Callander follows at 30 km, then North Bay at 32 km. Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Chime Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Across Nipissing District, recorded fish include smallmouth bass, cisco, yellow perch and pumpkinseed. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Chime Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 18°C for July and -13°C for January. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Once it clears, about late April, the fishing comes on quickly. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late April and starts locking again about late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. It holds true on Chime Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Olmstead Lake, 1.2 km out. None of that is settled for Chime Lake in what we hold.