Drake Lake Fishing in Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  Set in Thunder Bay District, Ontario, this is Drake Lake. Elevation runs to 445 metres. Surface area is around 31 hectares, which gives you real water without needing a boat. The bank runs about 4.2 km all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. It is high ground by Ontario standards. Atikokan lies 65 km from the water. Ely follows at 79 km, then Grand Marais at 82 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Drake Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Species logged across Thunder Bay District include cisco, blackfin cisco, rainbow smelt and bloater. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. On Drake Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 18°C and January near -16°C. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from late April. Average temperatures cross freezing around late April in spring and again near mid November in autumn. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Drake Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Guda Lake at 1.8 km is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Drake Lake locally before you travel.