Fishing at Cross Lake, Sudbury, Ontario

• Overview

  Out in Sudbury, Ontario, sits Cross Lake. What surrounds it is rolling bush. Around 57 hectares of surface means several distinct areas to work. With 6.2 km or so of shoreline, boat anglers cover ground the bank cannot. It is low-lying compared with other Ontario water we list. The town to know is Espanola, 14 km out. For a city, Greater Sudbury is 65 km off. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Cross Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Species logged across Sudbury include smallmouth bass, northern pike and yellow perch. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Cross Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 19°C; by January the average is down near -11°C. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around late April. In an average year the thaw lands around late April and the freeze near early December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. The season on Cross Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. A campsite lies 1.3 km away for anyone staying over. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, Charlton Lake is 1.2 km off. Check the current arrangement for Cross Lake.