Fishing North Crocker's Lake in Algoma, Ontario

• Overview

  Set in Algoma, Ontario, this is North Crocker's Lake. The bank is 360 metres above sea level. The water covers some 50 hectares, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The edge covers about 6.2 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. Nearest town is Manitouwadge, 64 km off. Thunder Bay is the closest city, 287 km away. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on North Crocker's Lake

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Records held for Algoma cover walleye, northern pike and Iowa darter. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. On North Crocker's Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -17°C and July at about 16°C, the water has a wide range to work through. Everything is compressed into the middle of the year. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly early May. In an average year the thaw lands around early May and the freeze near mid November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. It holds true on North Crocker's Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. 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. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. The nearest alternative is Buck Lake, 0.9 km out. The position on North Crocker's Lake is worth confirming on the day.