West Pike Lake Fishing in Thunder Bay District, Ontario

• Overview

  Out in Thunder Bay District, Ontario, sits West Pike Lake. The surface lies 475 metres up. About 3.08 sq km, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. The edge covers about 15 km, enough to hold several distinct areas. On our Thunder Bay District list it sits near the top for size. Start from Grand Marais, 39 km down the road. The big place round here is Thunder Bay, 78 km distant. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on West Pike Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Species logged across Thunder Bay District include cisco, blackfin cisco and rainbow smelt. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. The shape of West Pike Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about -16°C and July at about 17°C, the water has a wide range to work through. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early May. The open-water window runs from around early May to about mid November in an average year. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. The season on West Pike Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. You can camp 150 m off, which suits an early start. Keep the gear simple: light line, small hooks, split shot and a couple of proven lures. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Pemmican Lake is 2.9 km off. What applies at West Pike Lake may have changed since it was mapped.