Mug Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Mug Lake belongs to Rainy River District, Ontario. Mixed forest runs right down to the water. At 6 hectares it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Rainy River District. The town to know is Ely, 44 km out. Thunder Bay sits 208 km out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Mug Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish documented in Rainy River District include northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, walleye and white sucker. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Mug Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 19°C, the coldest about -16°C. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late April. Open water usually runs from late April until about late November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. That is the shape of the year on Mug Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Public toilets are recorded roughly 390 m off. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Arch Lake at 1.7 km is the sensible second choice. Confirm access to Mug Lake locally before you travel.