Sidetrack Lake Fishing near Deep River, Ontario

• Overview

  Look for Sidetrack Lake in Renfrew County, Ontario. Elevation runs to 178 metres. At roughly 9 hectares, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is low-lying compared with other Ontario water we list. Nearest place of any size is Deep River, 7.6 km away. Chalk River is 15 km away, with Petawawa at 34 km. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Sidetrack Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Fish documented in Renfrew County include smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch and rock bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. At Sidetrack Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 19°C, with January the cold end at about -13°C. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Once it clears, about late April, the fishing comes on quickly. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about early December. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. It sets the rhythm of the year at Sidetrack Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Long Lake at 1.9 km is the nearest alternative. Signs at Sidetrack Lake carry more weight than any list.