Jumping Lake in Invergordon No. 430: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Invergordon No. 430 in Saskatchewan is where Jumping Lake sits. It stands 491 metres above sea level. This is sizeable water at about 9.16 sq km, and a boat opens up most of it. The perimeter runs near 12 km, so plan the walk before you start. Nearest place of any size is Prince Albert, 44 km away. Then Melfort, 56 km, and Rosthern, 63 km. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Jumping Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The near bank of Jumping Lake is often the one people ignore. Prince Albert is off to the southeast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from -18°C in January up to 18°C in July. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late April. Averages place the thaw at late April and the freeze at mid November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Jumping Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Dickson Lake sits 8.1 km off and takes the overflow. For Jumping Lake in particular, ask before you travel.