Fishing at Maskinonge Lake, Algoma, Ontario

• Overview

  Maskinonge Lake is an Algoma water, Ontario side. The bank is 386 metres above sea level. This is sizeable water at about 1.11 sq km, and a boat opens up most of it. The margin runs to about 5.6 km in total. Few waters listed in Algoma are bigger. 45 km away sits Wawa, the nearest town. Chapleau is 92 km and Hornepayne 103 km. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Maskinonge Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Algoma records list walleye, northern pike, Iowa darter and yellow perch among the fish reported. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. At Maskinonge Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 16°C, the coldest about -16°C. Cold dominates the year and the fishing works around it. Look for the thaw near early May; the fishing lifts straight after. Averages place the thaw at early May and the freeze at mid November. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. That is the shape of the year on Maskinonge Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Bearpaw Lake, 2.1 km away. Treat Maskinonge Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.