Shier Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Shier Lake is a Cochrane District water, in Ontario. It stands 251 metres above sea level. It measures about 23 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The full circuit measures close to 3.1 km on foot. 16 km away sits Cochrane, the nearest town. Greater Sudbury sits 295 km out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Shier Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Species logged across Cochrane District include northern pike, yellow perch, white sucker and Iowa darter. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Read Shier Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs -19°C to 17°C. Winter owns most of the year at this latitude. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early May. Ice usually gives way near early May, and forms again about mid November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Shier Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. A pier 1.3 km from here gives a platform over deeper water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Little Connon Lake, 0.8 km away, makes the obvious fallback. For Shier Lake in particular, ask before you travel.