Fishing at Shohola Lake, Rainy River District, Ontario

• Overview

  Set in Rainy River District, Ontario, this is Shohola Lake. It stands 405 metres above sea level. The water measures roughly 7 hectares, so nothing here is far from anything else. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Rainy River District. Ely lies 40 km from the water. After that come Babbitt at 58 km and Atikokan at 73 km. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Shohola Lake

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Species logged across Rainy River District include northern pike, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Treat Shohola Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 19°C in July and bottoms out near -16°C in January. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near late April. Ice clears near late April and comes back about mid November in a typical year. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. It holds true on Shohola Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. There is a campsite 1.2 km from the water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. If the gate is shut, Agawato Lake at 1.4 km is the nearest alternative. For Shohola Lake in particular, ask before you travel.