Fishing at Lower Squirrel Lake, Kenora District, Ontario

• Overview

  The Kenora District entry here is Lower Squirrel Lake, in Ontario. The setting is lake country bush on every side. It measures about 22 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. There is roughly 2.7 km of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. Most waters listed here for Kenora District are larger. The nearest town is Ignace, 57 km away. Atikokan is 64 km away, with Sioux Lookout at 124 km. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lower Squirrel Lake

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Fish documented in Kenora District include northern pike, longnose sucker, white sucker, johnny darter and logperch. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Anyone new to Lower Squirrel Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -18°C and July at about 17°C, the water has a wide range to work through. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly early May. Averages suggest open water from about early May through to roughly mid November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Plan any trip to Lower Squirrel Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. For a change of water, Upper Squirrel Lake is 1.3 km distant. Where Lower Squirrel Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.