Sandison Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Sandison Lake lies in Thunder Bay District, in Ontario. Boreal forest runs right down to the water. At some 3.73 sq km it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. At about 26 km of edge, most people fish a single area and learn it well. On our Thunder Bay District list it sits near the top for size. Sioux Lookout lies 159 km from the water. After that come Nipigon at 160 km and Ignace at 161 km. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Sandison Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Public occurrence data for Thunder Bay District names cisco, blackfin cisco and rainbow smelt. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Sandison Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 17°C in July and bottom out at -21°C in January. The season is measured in weeks rather than months. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early May. Break-up near early May, freeze-up near mid November: that is the shape of an average year. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Sandison Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Some banks are open only from a marked point. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Should this one be busy, Vivid Lake is 6.6 km off. Check the current arrangement for Sandison Lake.