Fishing Constance Lake in Ottawa, Ontario

• Overview

  Constance Lake is listed under Ottawa, Ontario. It stands 55 metres above sea level. At 1.47 sq km this is proper open water rather than a pond. The outline measures near 7.2 km, so local knowledge counts. It is the biggest water on our Ottawa list. Nearest town is Carp, 7.8 km off. Beaverbrook lies 10 km off, Kanata-Lakes another 11 km. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Constance Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Survey and observation records for Ottawa include pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and white sucker. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. At Constance Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between -11°C in January and 20°C in July. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly early December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Constance Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. A slipway is marked about 740 m from here. There is a jetty 730 m off, worth knowing on a busy day. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Dunrobin at 3.7 km is the nearest alternative. For Constance Lake in particular, ask before you travel.