Swallow Lake in Hudson Bay No. 394: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Hudson Bay No. 394, Swallow Lake is a Saskatchewan water. This is taiga country. It measures about 59 hectares, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The edge covers about 5.0 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. Hudson Bay lies 43 km from the water. Then Preeceville, 61 km, and Swan River, 86 km. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Swallow Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. County-wide records name goldeye, northern pike, white sucker and johnny darter. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Swallow Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 17°C at the top of summer and -19°C at the bottom of winter. Winter runs most of the calendar, and everything worth doing happens in the gap. Ice-out usually falls in late April, and the weeks after it fish hardest. Climate averages put the opening at about late April and the closing near early November. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. It holds true on Swallow Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try White Lake, 3.9 km away. Confirm before you fish Swallow Lake.