Goldsmith Lake near Longlac: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  The Thunder Bay District entry here is Goldsmith Lake, in Ontario. This is taiga country. The water covers some 26 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The edge runs 2.7 km or so, easy to work in an afternoon. Nearest place of any size is Longlac, 32 km away. Thunder Bay is the closest city, 280 km away. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Goldsmith Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Thunder Bay District records list cisco, blackfin cisco and rainbow smelt among the fish reported. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. At Goldsmith Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 16°C and January reads -19°C. The fishing year opens late and shuts early. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early May. Open water usually runs from early May until about mid November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Goldsmith Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Proctor Lake sits 2 km off and takes the overflow. Check the position at Goldsmith Lake before loading the car.