Fishing at Forbes Lake, Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  In Ontario, Forbes Lake belongs to Thunder Bay District. What surrounds it is spruce and muskeg. At 7 hectares it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is a small entry by Thunder Bay District standards. Nipigon lies 43 km from the water. Amethyst Harbour lies 59 km off, Shuniah Township another 64 km. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Forbes Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Thunder Bay District records list cisco, blackfin cisco, rainbow smelt, bloater and shortjaw cisco among the fish reported. The county list is broader than any single water. On Forbes Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -18°C in January to roughly 17°C in July. Open water is the exception rather than the rule here. Once it clears, about early May, the fishing comes on quickly. On average, early May opens the water and mid November closes it again. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. On Forbes Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Keep the gear simple: light line, small hooks, split shot and a couple of proven lures. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Hayes Lake at 1.5 km is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Forbes Lake before loading the car.