Fishing at Washagomis Lake, Kenora District, Ontario

• Overview

  Look for Washagomis Lake in the Kenora District part of Ontario. Everything around it is rolling bush. The water covers around 5.69 sq km, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. The shoreline runs to about 53 km, far more than one trip can cover. On our Kenora District list it sits near the top for size. The town to know is Red Lake, 76 km out. The nearest city of size is Winnipeg, 350 km away. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Washagomis Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Species logged across Kenora District include northern pike, longnose sucker, white sucker, johnny darter and logperch. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. The shape of Washagomis Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from -20°C in January up to 18°C in July. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early May. Open water usually runs from early May until about mid November. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Washagomis Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Swain Lake, 4 km away, makes the obvious fallback. Rules at Washagomis Lake are worth checking on the day.