Fishing at Kiowa Lake, Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  Kiowa Lake sits in Thunder Bay District, out in Ontario. It lies 570 metres above sea level. Surface area is around 12 hectares, which gives you real water without needing a boat. On size it sits at the modest end of our Thunder Bay District list. Grand Marais sits 33 km from the bank. It is 82 km to Thunder Bay, the nearest city. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Kiowa Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Open biodiversity records for Thunder Bay District list cisco, blackfin cisco, rainbow smelt and bloater. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Kiowa Lake to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from -15°C in January up to 17°C in July. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early May. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early May until roughly mid November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. On Kiowa Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Overnight stays are possible 1.3 km away. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Crystal Lake, 1.3 km out. For Kiowa Lake in particular, ask before you travel.