Fishing McDonnel Lake in Timiskaming District, Ontario

• Overview

  In Ontario, McDonnel Lake belongs to Timiskaming District. The ground round it is pine and birch. With some 15 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The full circuit measures close to 3.3 km on foot. Start from Kirkland Lake, 44 km down the road. Greater Sudbury is the closest city, 172 km away. Also within reach: Weldy Lake (2.2 km), Narrow Lake 3.2 km off, Cameroon Lake (4 km), Baptiste Lake 4.5 km off and Bastian Lake (4.8 km). No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on McDonnel Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. County-wide records name brook trout, northern pike and yellow perch. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On McDonnel Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 17°C for July and -17°C for January. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Once it clears, about early May, the fishing comes on quickly. Break-up near early May, freeze-up near mid November: that is the shape of an average year. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. On McDonnel Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is Weldy Lake, 2.2 km out. For McDonnel Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.