Parley Lake in Rainy River District: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Parley Lake belongs to Rainy River District, Ontario. It stands 380 metres above sea level. With some 11 hectares of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. It is a small entry by Rainy River District standards. Nearest place of any size is Ely, 34 km away. Babbitt is 55 km and Atikokan 65 km. Other water nearby: Iron Lake 3.3 km away, 3.3 km out stands Rush Lake, Dark Lake 3.4 km away, 4.1 km out stands Fox Lake and Sunday Lake 4.1 km away. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Parley Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Rainy River District records list northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, walleye and white sucker among the fish reported. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Read Parley Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 19°C and January near -16°C. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around late April. From about late April to around mid November, expect open water on the long-run figures. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. Plan any trip to Parley Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. For a change of water, Iron Lake is 3.3 km distant. For Parley Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.