Flood Lake in Rainy River District: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Flood Lake is one of the Rainy River District waters in Ontario. Height above sea level is 427 metres. With some 57 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The outline measures near 5.9 km, so local knowledge counts. Atikokan at 22 km is the nearest place to stop. Ignace is 84 km away, with Ely at 96 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Flood Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Survey and observation records for Rainy River District include northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and walleye. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Read Flood Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -17°C in January to roughly 18°C in July. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late April. In an average year the thaw lands around late April and the freeze near mid November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Flood Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Como Lake, 1.7 km away. Confirm access to Flood Lake locally before you travel.