Shafton Lake Fishing Guide, Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  Set in Thunder Bay District, Ontario, this is Shafton Lake. Country round the bank runs to lake country bush. The water covers around 1.26 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The edge covers about 11 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. It sits higher than most water we list in Ontario. Head to Lappe, 65 km away, for anything you forgot. Parkdale is 74 km and College Park 75 km. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Shafton Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Thunder Bay District, recorded fish include cisco, blackfin cisco and rainbow smelt. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The shape of Shafton Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 17°C and January near -18°C. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Count the season from break-up, usually early May. On average, early May opens the water and mid November closes it again. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Time your trip to Shafton Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Keep the gear simple: light line, small hooks, split shot and a couple of proven lures. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. The nearest alternative is Pistol Lake, 1.4 km out. Confirm before you fish Shafton Lake.