Compass Lake Fishing near Capreol, Ontario

• Overview

  Compass Lake lies in Timiskaming District, in Ontario. What surrounds it is mixed forest. It measures about 13 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Around 2.6 km of margin, front to back. The closest town, Capreol, is 73 km away. The big place round here is Greater Sudbury, 97 km distant. Rules here are straightforward: one set of provincial rules.

• Where to Fish on Compass Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Species logged across Timiskaming District include brook trout, northern pike, yellow perch, Iowa darter and walleye. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. The near bank of Compass Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 17°C, the coldest about -16°C. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Winter locks it down, and late April brings it back. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about mid November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Time your trip to Compass Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Reekie Lake sits 2.6 km off and takes the overflow. Signs at Compass Lake carry more weight than any list.