Clayton Lake in Lanark County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Clayton Lake is one of the Lanark County listings for Ontario. The setting is rolling bush on every side. This is sizeable water at about 5.01 sq km, and a boat opens up most of it. Few waters listed in Lanark County are bigger. For supplies, Mississippi Mills is 13 km out. For a city, Nepean is 52 km off. Within a short drive: Marshall Lake (2.9 km), 2.9 km away is Quig Lake, Taylor Lake (3.8 km), 4.5 km away is Lake on the Mount and Reid Lake (6.1 km). This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Clayton Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Survey and observation records for Lanark County include pumpkinseed, rock bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill and yellow perch. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. The near bank of Clayton Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 20°C at the top of summer and -11°C at the bottom of winter. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Look for the thaw near mid April; the fishing lifts straight after. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near early December. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. The season on Clayton Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Public data records a boat ramp 1.1 km out. You will be walking about 940 m from the nearest car park. A platform or pier sits within 1.1 km. A campsite lies 990 m away for anyone staying over. There is a toilet block some 930 m out. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Marshall Lake at 2.9 km is the nearest alternative. Check the position on Clayton Lake before loading the car.