Roche Lake in Renfrew County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Roche Lake lies in Renfrew County, in Ontario. Around the bank it is lake country bush. About 8 hectares of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Eganville sits 14 km from here and is the nearest stop. Cobden follows at 34 km, then Pembroke at 38 km. Nearby, in order: 2.6 km away is Silver Lake, Mullen Lake 4.6 km, 4.7 km away is Little Lake Clear, Hogan Lake 4.8 km and 5 km away is O'Grady Lake. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Roche Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Records held for Renfrew County cover smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch and rock bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of Roche Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 19°C on average, January about -13°C. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Break-up comes around late April, and the run that follows is short and strong. On average, late April opens the water and early December closes it again. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Roche Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Silver Lake is 2.6 km distant. Treat Roche Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.