Jerry Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Jerry Lake lies in Renfrew County, in Ontario. This is pine and birch country. At roughly 5 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Renfrew County list. Supplies mean a trip to Renfrew, 27 km off. Arnprior lies 38 km off, Mississippi Mills another 41 km. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Jerry Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Species logged across Renfrew County include smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Jerry Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 19°C for July and -11°C for January. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. Open water usually runs from mid April until about early December. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Time your trip to Jerry Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. If the gate is shut, Smiths Lake at 0.9 km is the nearest alternative. Rules at Jerry Lake are worth checking on the day.