Fishing at Long Lake, Parry Sound District, Ontario

• Overview

  Parry Sound District in Ontario is where Long Lake sits. The surroundings are mixed forest. At some 1.72 sq km it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. You are looking at roughly 13 km of shoreline, with plenty of water between access points. It ranks high for size among our Parry Sound District listings. Start from South River, 21 km down the road. Powassan follows at 38 km, then Huntsville at 42 km. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Long Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Species logged across Parry Sound District include smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Long Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between -12°C in January and 18°C in July. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late April and starts locking again about late November. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. It holds true on Long Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Irving Lake sits 1.4 km off and takes the overflow. Rules at Long Lake are worth checking on the day.