Eric Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Eric Lake is a Rainy River District water, in Ontario. It stands 376 metres above sea level. Roughly 3.84 sq km of surface: treat each bay as a water in its own right. The outline measures near 12 km, so local knowledge counts. On our Rainy River District list it sits near the top for size. The closest town, Atikokan, is 61 km distant. Beyond it, Ignace at 62 km and Dryden at 87 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Eric Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Open biodiversity records for Rainy River District list northern pike, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Fish Eric Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 18°C on average, January about -17°C. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late April. Expect the water usable from around late April until roughly mid November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Plan any trip to Eric Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. The nearest alternative is Kenorain Lake, 3.1 km out. What applies at Eric Lake may have changed since it was mapped.