Heyden Lake in Algoma: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Heyden Lake lies in Algoma, in Ontario. It lies 313 metres above sea level. With some 53 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The edge runs 3.5 km or so, easy to work in an afternoon. For supplies, Sault Ste. Marie is 15 km out. For a city, Greater Sudbury is 253 km off. More in the same country: 1 km away is Redrock Lake, Maki Lake 1.3 km away, 1.7 km away is Finn Lake, Lower Island Lake 2.4 km away and 2.8 km away is Moss Lake. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Heyden Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. 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. Fish documented in Algoma include walleye, northern pike, Iowa darter, yellow perch and white sucker. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On Heyden Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between -12°C in January and 18°C in July. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about late April. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about late November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. The season on Heyden Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Redrock Lake, 1 km away. Nothing here settles the position at Heyden Lake for certain.