Cross Lake Fishing near Parry Sound, Ontario

• Overview

  Cross Lake lies in Parry Sound District, in Ontario. It sits in pine and birch. It measures about 26 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Shoreline length is close to 6.1 km, and each section fishes a little differently. It is low-lying compared with other Ontario water we list. Parry Sound is the closest place, 61 km off. Sturgeon Falls is 62 km away, with West Nipissing at 62 km. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Cross Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Species logged across Parry Sound District include smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, northern pike and rock bass. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. At Cross Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 19°C and January near -10°C on the long-run figures. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid April. Averages place the thaw at mid April and the freeze at early December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Time your trip to Cross Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. The nearest alternative is Index Lake, 1.1 km out. Check the current arrangement for Cross Lake.