Hornbeam Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  In Ontario, Hornbeam Lake falls inside Nipissing District. It lies 363 metres above sea level. Surface area runs to about 5 hectares — small enough to read in one session. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Nipissing District. Powassan lies 31 km from the water. After that come South River at 35 km and Callander at 43 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Hornbeam Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. County-wide records name smallmouth bass, cisco, yellow perch, pumpkinseed and rock bass. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Hornbeam Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 18°C on average, January about -13°C. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Count the season from break-up, usually late April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late April and starts locking again about late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. That is the shape of the year on Hornbeam Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Mapping shows a campsite some 410 m from the water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Mangotasi Lake at 0.7 km is the nearest alternative. Nothing here settles the position at Hornbeam Lake for certain.