Fishing Pug Lake in Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  Pug Lake is one of the Thunder Bay District waters in Ontario. It sits at 484 metres above sea level. At about 26 hectares, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. A shoreline of some 2.4 km keeps the choices simple. It sits higher than most water we list in Ontario. Ignace is the closest town at 98 km. The big place round here is Thunder Bay, 127 km distant. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Pug Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Species logged across Thunder Bay District include cisco, blackfin cisco and rainbow smelt. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Take Pug Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 17°C in July and bottoms out near -19°C in January. Open water arrives late and leaves early, which concentrates the fishing. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early May. On average, early May opens the water and mid November closes it again. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. It sets the rhythm of the year at Pug Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Should this one be busy, Little Shell Lake is 3.9 km off. For Pug Lake in particular, ask before you travel.