Dutchman Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Parry Sound District, Ontario, is where Dutchman Lake sits. The setting is mixed forest. At about 25 hectares, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. Bank access stretches around 3.5 km in total. It lies lower than most water we list in Ontario. South River is the closest town at 42 km. Powassan follows at 48 km, then Sturgeon Falls at 55 km. No boundary runs near, so the local rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Dutchman Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Records held for Parry Sound District cover smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, northern pike and rock bass. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. At Dutchman Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -11°C and July at about 19°C, the water has a wide range to work through. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. The water is typically free of ice between mid April and early December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Time your trip to Dutchman Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Boat access is recorded roughly 940 m away. The nearest car park we can see is 890 m out, so expect a walk with your gear. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Red Pine Lake sits 2.2 km off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Dutchman Lake locally before you travel.