Patterson Lake near Wiarton: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Patterson Lake sits within Bruce County in Ontario. It lies 189 metres above sea level. It measures about 15 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. A shoreline of some 1.5 km keeps the choices simple. By elevation it sits in the lower part of our Ontario listings. Wiarton lies 9.4 km from the water. After that come Owen Sound at 33 km and Port Elgin at 37 km. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Patterson Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Across Bruce County, recorded fish include smallmouth bass, lake whitefish and humpback whitefish. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Patterson Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 19°C; the cold one sits at -6°C. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid April. From about mid April to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. On Patterson Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A camping area sits within 1 km of here. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Hodgins Lake at 1.3 km is the sensible second choice. The position on Patterson Lake is worth confirming on the day.