Maskinonge Lake near Markstay-Warren: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Sudbury, Ontario, this is Maskinonge Lake. Elevation runs to 251 metres. This is big water, about 14.73 sq km, and in a wind it behaves like a small sea. There is roughly 51 km of bank, and each arm behaves like its own water. Size puts it in the front rank of our Sudbury list. You are 34 km from Markstay-Warren. It is 52 km to Greater Sudbury, the nearest city. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Maskinonge Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Public occurrence data for Sudbury names smallmouth bass, northern pike and yellow perch. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Fish Maskinonge Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 18°C and January reads -14°C. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from late April. The open-water window runs from around late April to about late November in an average year. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Maskinonge Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Gawasi Lake at 2.1 km is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Maskinonge Lake before loading the car.