McDonalds Lake Fishing near Eganville, Ontario

• Overview

  McDonalds Lake is a Renfrew County water, Ontario side. Elevation runs to 310 metres. The water covers some 22 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. A shoreline of some 2.1 km keeps the choices simple. For a base, Eganville sits 19 km out. Cobden lies 36 km off, Renfrew another 37 km. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on McDonalds Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Records held for Renfrew County cover smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, rock bass and brook trout. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. McDonalds Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 18°C on average, January about -12°C. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Break-up comes around late April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Climate averages put the opening at about late April and the closing near early December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. It holds true on McDonalds Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Grassy Lake at 1.5 km is the sensible second choice. Nothing on McDonalds Lake should be assumed from this page alone.