Fishing at Macoun Lake, Nipissing District, Ontario

• Overview

  Nipissing District in Ontario is where Macoun Lake sits. The surface lies 422 metres up. It measures about 27 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Head to Mattawa, 45 km away, for anything you forgot. Then Powassan, 57 km, and South River, 59 km. More in the same country: Plumb Lake after 1.2 km, Hayes Lake within 2 km, North Cuckoo Lake after 2.3 km, Gash Lake within 2.4 km and Junco Lake after 3.2 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Macoun Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. County-wide records name smallmouth bass, cisco, yellow perch, pumpkinseed and rock bass. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. The shape of Macoun Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 18°C and January near -13°C. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Look for the thaw near late April; the fishing lifts straight after. On average, late April opens the water and late November closes it again. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. On Macoun Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. You can camp 530 m off, which suits an early start. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. If the gate is shut, Plumb Lake at 1.2 km is the nearest alternative. The position on Macoun Lake is worth confirming on the day.