Maskara Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Kenora District, Ontario, this is Maskara Lake. The land about it is rolling bush. At 3.30 sq km this is proper open water rather than a pond. There is roughly 14 km of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. Head to Sioux Lookout, 62 km away, for anything you forgot. For a city, Thunder Bay is 324 km off. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Maskara Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Survey and observation records for Kenora District include northern pike, longnose sucker, white sucker and johnny darter. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Maskara Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs -19°C to 18°C. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. The lid usually goes in early May, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Ice usually gives way near early May, and forms again about mid November. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Maskara Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. 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. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Cone Lake at 4.4 km is the nearest alternative. Check the current arrangement for Maskara Lake.