South Lake Fishing in Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  South Lake is one of the Thunder Bay District waters in Ontario. Height above sea level is 420 metres. This is sizeable water at about 1.10 sq km, and a boat opens up most of it. The edge covers about 8.0 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. Some 87 km away sits Sioux Lookout, the nearest settlement. For a city, Thunder Bay is 231 km off. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on South Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Thunder Bay District records list cisco, blackfin cisco and rainbow smelt among the fish reported. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. On South Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between -20°C in January and 17°C in July. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around early May. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early May until roughly mid November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Plan any trip to South Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Pumphouse Lake sits 1.9 km off and takes the overflow. Check the position at South Lake before loading the car.