Fishing at Rye Lake, Kenora District, Ontario

• Overview

  Rye Lake lies in Kenora District, in Ontario. The setting is rolling bush on every side. Around 51 hectares of surface means several distinct areas to work. A shoreline of some 3.4 km keeps the choices simple. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Ontario listings. Supplies mean a trip to Ignace, 51 km off. Atikokan lies 65 km off, Sioux Lookout another 118 km. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Rye Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. County-wide records name northern pike, longnose sucker, white sucker and johnny darter. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. At Rye Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 18°C and January reads -19°C. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Ice is part of the season here, ending near early May. Ice clears near early May and comes back about mid November in a typical year. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. On Rye Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Pike mean a wire trace, no exceptions; big spoons and jerkbaits do the searching. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Stretch Lake, 3.2 km out. For Rye Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.