Explorer Lake Fishing near Manitouwadge, Ontario

• Overview

  Explorer Lake lies within the bounds of Thunder Bay District, Ontario. The surface lies 315 metres up. It measures about 13 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. A shoreline of some 1.8 km keeps the choices simple. Most waters listed here for Thunder Bay District are larger. Manitouwadge is the closest place, 34 km off. Beyond it, Terrace Bay at 65 km and Schreiber at 75 km. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Explorer Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Records held for Thunder Bay District cover cisco, blackfin cisco and rainbow smelt. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Treat Explorer Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 16°C for July and -16°C for January. The year here is short and sharp: a long lid, then a burst of open water. Break-up comes around early May, and the run that follows is short and strong. Open water usually runs from early May until about mid November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. The season on Explorer Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Little Huck Lake, 3.2 km out. Confirm before you fish Explorer Lake.