Fishing at Split Lake, Kenora District, Ontario

• Overview

  Split Lake lies in Kenora District, Ontario. It lies 373 metres above sea level. Surface area runs to roughly 3.79 sq km, so plan for one area rather than the whole. You are looking at roughly 21 km of shoreline, with plenty of water between access points. Nearest town is Sioux Lookout, 22 km off. The big place round here is Thunder Bay, 255 km distant. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Split Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Kenora District, recorded fish include northern pike, longnose sucker, white sucker and johnny darter. The county list is broader than any single water. Anyone new to Split Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 18°C and January about -19°C. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late April. On average, late April opens the water and mid November closes it again. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Split Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. For a change of water, Forty Mile Lake is 2.4 km distant. Confirm access to Split Lake locally before you travel.