Matthews Lake near Huntsville: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Matthews Lake sits in District Municipality of Muskoka, out in Ontario. It stands 318 metres above sea level. It covers about 6 hectares, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for District Municipality of Muskoka are larger. The closest town, Huntsville, is 19 km away. Then Bracebridge, 33 km, and Gravenhurst, 45 km. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Matthews Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Records held for District Municipality of Muskoka cover pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, northern pike and yellow perch. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. At Matthews Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 18°C and January near -10°C. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly early December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. That shapes the year on Matthews Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Lamberts Lake sits 2.1 km off and takes the overflow. Treat access at Matthews Lake as something to verify.