Harding Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Harding Lake lies within the bounds of Lanark County, Ontario. Beyond the shoreline you have lake country bush. It measures about 13 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The whole outline is near 1.6 km, and most of it is walkable. Ground here is low by Ontario standards. Start from Carleton Place, 17 km down the road. The big place round here is Nepean, 56 km distant. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Harding Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. County-wide records name pumpkinseed, rock bass and smallmouth bass. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. The shape of Harding Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 20°C; by January the average is down near -11°C. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid April. On average, mid April opens the water and early December closes it again. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. That is the shape of the year on Harding Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Bigford Lake is 3.2 km distant. Confirm access to Harding Lake locally before you travel.