Dead Lake in Algoma: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Dead Lake is an Algoma water, in Ontario. It stands 364 metres above sea level. The water covers some 11 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. About 1.6 km of bank, so nothing stays unexplored for long. Our Algoma list holds plenty of bigger water. Manitouwadge lies 64 km from the water. It is 286 km to Thunder Bay, the nearest city. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Dead Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. 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. Survey and observation records for Algoma include walleye, northern pike and Iowa darter. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Read Dead Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 16°C, the coldest about -17°C. The year here is short and sharp: a long lid, then a burst of open water. The lid usually goes in early May, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Break-up near early May, freeze-up near mid November: that is the shape of an average year. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. That shapes the year on Dead Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. North Crocker's Lake sits 1.3 km off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Dead Lake before loading the car.