Fishing Third James Lake in Renfrew County, Ontario

• Overview

  Third James Lake stands in Renfrew County, Ontario. The surface lies 155 metres up. Ground here is low by Ontario standards. Deep River sits 9.2 km from the bank. Chalk River follows at 15 km, then Petawawa at 33 km. Alternatives close at hand: Second James Lake the better part of 1.8 km, Little Bass Lake sits 2 km out, Sidetrack Lake the better part of 2.2 km, Long Lake sits 2.5 km out and Big Bass Lake the better part of 2.7 km. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Third James Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Reported across Renfrew County: smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, rock bass and brook trout. The county list is broader than any single water. Third James Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 19°C and January near -13°C. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Once it clears, about late April, the fishing comes on quickly. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about early December. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. The season on Third James Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. If the gate is shut, Second James Lake at 1.8 km is the nearest alternative. What applies at Third James Lake may have changed since it was mapped.