Fishing Lower Matthews Lake in Algoma, Ontario

• Overview

  Lower Matthews Lake is one of the Algoma waters in Ontario. Elevation runs to 345 metres. Roughly 1.54 sq km of surface: treat each bay as a water in its own right. Around 18 km of bank, which is a long day on foot. On our Algoma list it sits near the top for size. The town to know is Hornepayne, 43 km out. Further out sit Manitouwadge (62 km) and Wawa (102 km). No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Lower Matthews Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. County-wide records name walleye, northern pike and Iowa darter. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of Lower Matthews Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 16°C, with January the cold end at about -18°C. Water stays cold even at the height of the year. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early May. Break-up near early May, freeze-up near mid November: that is the shape of an average year. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lower Matthews Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. For a change of water, Plate Lake is 4.8 km distant. Treat Lower Matthews Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.