Little Cranberry Lake in Frontenac County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Ontario, Little Cranberry Lake belongs to Frontenac County. It stands 94 metres above sea level. The water covers around 1.85 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. On our Frontenac County list it sits near the top for size. Gananoque sits 18 km from here and is the nearest stop. It is 33 km to Kingston, the nearest city. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Little Cranberry Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Frontenac County records list pumpkinseed, bluegill, rock bass, smallmouth bass and yellow perch among the fish reported. The county list is broader than any single water. Read Little Cranberry Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 20°C and January reads -9°C. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. Ice clears near mid April and comes back about mid December in a typical year. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. On Little Cranberry Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Rideau Breeze Marina is mapped as a fishing spot 1.4 km from the water. There are picnic tables 1.3 km away. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. For a change of water, Little Mud Lake is 1.3 km distant. The position on Little Cranberry Lake is worth confirming on the day.