Fishing Kelly Lake in York, Ontario

• Overview

  Set in York, Ontario, this is Kelly Lake. It stands 292 metres above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 2 hectares, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. On size it sits at the modest end of our York list. The closest town, King, is 2.8 km distant. For a city, Vaughan is 16 km off. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Kelly Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. County-wide records name yellow perch, pumpkinseed and rock bass. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Anyone new to Kelly Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is -8°C to 20°C. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid April. Ice clears near mid April and comes back about mid December in a typical year. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Plan any trip to Kelly Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Hackett Lake, 2.2 km away. For Kelly Lake in particular, ask before you travel.