Fishing Mill Lake in Renfrew County, Ontario

• Overview

  Mill Lake lies in Renfrew County, Ontario. The ground around here is rolling bush. This is a pocket water of some 5 hectares, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Our Renfrew County list holds plenty of bigger water. Deep River at 24 km is the nearest place to stop. Gatineau is the closest city, 177 km away. Nearby, in order: Parkline Lake at 0.8 km, Lature Lake just 1.1 km, Findlay Lake at 1.8 km, Norman Lake just 2 km and Rat Lake at 2.1 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Mill Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Species logged across Renfrew County include smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Mill Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 19°C for July and -13°C for January. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late April. Averages place the thaw at late April and the freeze at late November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Time your trip to Mill Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, Parkline Lake is 0.8 km off. Ask locally about Mill Lake if anything is unclear.