Philip Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Philip Lake sits in Nipissing District, out in Ontario. It sits at 347 metres above sea level. The water covers around 1.91 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The edge covers about 9.7 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. On our Nipissing District list it sits near the top for size. The town to know is Mattawa, 50 km out. It is 196 km to Barrie, the nearest city. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Philip Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Survey and observation records for Nipissing District include smallmouth bass, cisco, yellow perch and pumpkinseed. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. On Philip Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 18°C on average, January about -13°C. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Once it clears, about late April, the fishing comes on quickly. Expect the water usable from around late April until roughly late November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. It sets the rhythm of the year at Philip Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. You can camp 390 m off, which suits an early start. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Charles Lake at 1.8 km is the sensible second choice. The position on Philip Lake is worth confirming on the day.