Fishing Kelter Lake in Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  Look for Kelter Lake in the Thunder Bay District part of Ontario. It lies 434 metres above sea level. Around 32 hectares of surface means several distinct areas to work. Shoreline comes to about 2.9 km, small enough to learn in a day. It is high ground by Ontario standards. Start from Nipigon, 70 km down the road. After that come Lappe at 73 km and Shuniah Township at 77 km. No boundary runs near, so the local rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Kelter Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Survey and observation records for Thunder Bay District include cisco, blackfin cisco, rainbow smelt, bloater and shortjaw cisco. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Work Kelter Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 17°C and January at -20°C. Winter runs most of the calendar, and everything worth doing happens in the gap. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early May. The season between ice runs from about early May to mid November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. On Kelter Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Mantan Lake, 1.5 km away. Confirm access to Kelter Lake locally before you travel.