Fishing Leach Lake in Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  Look for Leach Lake in Thunder Bay District, Ontario. The setting is northern bush on every side. Small at around 6 hectares: two anglers spread out cover most of it. On size it sits at the modest end of our Thunder Bay District list. For a base, Manitouwadge sits 3.2 km out. Beyond it, Hornepayne at 80 km and Longlac at 86 km. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Leach Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Thunder Bay District records list cisco, blackfin cisco and rainbow smelt among the fish reported. The county list is broader than any single water. On Leach Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about -17°C in January to roughly 16°C in July. The ice season is long here and the open one short. Break-up comes around early May, and the run that follows is short and strong. Ice usually gives way near early May, and forms again about mid November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Plan any trip to Leach Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. A light spinning outfit with a small box of lures and some bait covers most of what swims here. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Gaug Lake, 0.7 km away. Confirm access to Leach Lake locally before you travel.