Fishing Piche Lake in Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  Thunder Bay District, Ontario, is where Piche Lake sits. Height above sea level is 468 metres. This is sizeable water at about 2.65 sq km, and a boat opens up most of it. The perimeter runs near 17 km, so plan the walk before you start. It ranks high for size among our Thunder Bay District listings. Ignace lies 94 km from the water. Atikokan follows at 116 km, then Lappe at 118 km. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Piche Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Records held for Thunder Bay District cover cisco, blackfin cisco and rainbow smelt. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Piche Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 17°C, the coldest about -19°C. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Once it clears, about early May, the fishing comes on quickly. Expect the water usable from around early May until roughly mid November. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Piche Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Harry Lake at 4.6 km is the sensible second choice. For Piche Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.