Fishing Margaret Lake in Haliburton County, Ontario

• Overview

  Margaret Lake lies within the bounds of Haliburton County, Ontario. The water sits 349 metres up. It measures about 60 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. There is roughly 5.8 km of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. Head to Haliburton Village, 31 km away, for anything you forgot. The nearest city of size is Barrie, 103 km away. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Margaret Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Survey and observation records for Haliburton County include smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, rock bass and yellow perch. The county list is broader than any single water. Margaret Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 18°C and January at -11°C. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Break-up comes around mid April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly early December. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Margaret Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping shows a ramp about 870 m from the shore. A camping area sits within 510 m of here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Check the position at Margaret Lake before loading the car.