Table Lake, Ontario: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  This water sits in Thunder Bay District, Ontario. It sits in pine and birch. At 8 hectares it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Our Thunder Bay District list holds plenty of bigger water. Grand Marais sits 35 km from here and is the nearest stop. After that come Neebing at 63 km and Parkdale at 78 km. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Table Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish documented in Thunder Bay District include cisco, blackfin cisco and rainbow smelt. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The near bank of Table Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 17°C at the top of summer and -15°C at the bottom of winter. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early May. Ice usually gives way near early May, and forms again about mid November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. At Table Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Overnight stays are possible 890 m away. Facilities run to toilets 1.1 km from the water. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Bench Lake at 0.6 km is the nearest alternative. Treat access at Table Lake as something to verify.