Secret Lake in Rainy River District: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  In Ontario, Secret Lake belongs to Rainy River District. The bank gives way to mixed forest. The water covers around 1.51 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The shoreline runs about 7.2 km, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. Ignace at 51 km is the nearest place to stop. Atikokan is 52 km and Dryden 90 km. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Secret Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Rainy River District records list northern pike, smallmouth bass and yellow perch among the fish reported. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. On Secret Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 18°C, with January the cold end at about -17°C. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. After late April the shallows warm and the fish move up. Averages place the thaw at late April and the freeze at mid November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. That shapes the year on Secret Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Crook Lake, 2.2 km away. Rules at Secret Lake are worth checking on the day.