Kootchie Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Kootchie Lake lies within the bounds of Nipissing District, Ontario. It lies 455 metres above sea level. Surface area runs to about 3 hectares — small enough to read in one session. On size it sits at the modest end of our Nipissing District list. For a base, United Townships of Dysart, Dudley, Harcourt, Guilford, Harburn, Bruton, Havelock, Eyre and Clyde sits 41 km out. Beyond it, Huntsville at 48 km and Haliburton Village at 54 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Kootchie Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Reported across Nipissing District: smallmouth bass, cisco, yellow perch, pumpkinseed and rock bass. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Kootchie Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between -12°C in January and 18°C in July. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Ice is part of the season here, ending near late April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late April and starts locking again about late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Plan around that when you fish Kootchie Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. You can camp 760 m off, which suits an early start. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Should this one be busy, Grape Lake is 1.1 km off. For Kootchie Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.