Arch Lake Fishing Guide, Rainy River District, Ontario

• Overview

  You will find Arch Lake in Rainy River District, Ontario. Around the bank it is rolling bush. At about 15 hectares, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. A shoreline of some 1.5 km keeps the choices simple. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Rainy River District. For a base, Ely sits 43 km out. After that come Babbitt at 62 km and Atikokan at 64 km. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Arch Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Rainy River District cover northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, walleye and white sucker. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Work Arch Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -16°C and July at about 19°C, the water has a wide range to work through. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid usually goes in late April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. From about late April to around late November, expect open water on the long-run figures. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. It sets the rhythm of the year at Arch Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A toilet block sits 1 km away. 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. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Yabut Lake at 1.3 km is the nearest alternative. Confirm access to Arch Lake locally before you travel.