Fishing Whiteside Lake in District Municipality of Muskoka, Ontario

• Overview

  In Ontario, Whiteside Lake belongs to District Municipality of Muskoka. The water sits 398 metres up. It covers about 7 hectares, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. It is a small entry by District Municipality of Muskoka standards. Huntsville lies 18 km from the water. South River follows at 48 km, then Bracebridge at 51 km. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Whiteside Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Fish documented in District Municipality of Muskoka include pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch and rock bass. The county list is broader than any single water. The shape of Whiteside Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs -12°C to 18°C. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Winter locks it down, and late April brings it back. Ice usually gives way near late April, and forms again about late November. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Plan around that when you fish Whiteside Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Failing this one, try Erkett's Pond, 0.8 km away. Check the position on Whiteside Lake before loading the car.