Fishing at Ketchup Lake, Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  In Ontario, Ketchup Lake falls inside Thunder Bay District. It sits in northern bush country. The water covers some 61 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The edge covers about 6.9 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. Manitouwadge lies 31 km from the water. Then Hornepayne, 69 km, and Terrace Bay, 111 km. No boundary runs near, so the local rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Ketchup Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Across Thunder Bay District, recorded fish include cisco, blackfin cisco and rainbow smelt. The county list is broader than any single water. At Ketchup Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 16°C for July and -17°C for January. Winter owns most of the year at this latitude. Once it clears, about early May, the fishing comes on quickly. Open water usually runs from early May until about mid November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Plan around that when you fish Ketchup Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Keep the gear simple: light line, small hooks, split shot and a couple of proven lures. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Pickle Lake is 5.6 km distant. Check the position on Ketchup Lake before loading the car.