Fishing at Highland Lake, Rainy River District, Ontario

• Overview

  This water sits in Rainy River District, Ontario. The surface lies 456 metres up. The water covers some 39 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The edge covers about 5.7 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Ontario listings. Supplies mean a trip to Atikokan, 27 km off. Ignace is 47 km and Dryden 120 km. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Highland Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Public occurrence data for Rainy River District names northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and walleye. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Highland Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 18°C, with January the cold end at about -18°C. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late April. The season between ice runs from about late April to mid November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. On Highland Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. 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. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Below Bow Lake, 3.8 km away, makes the obvious fallback. For Highland Lake in particular, ask before you travel.