About the Fishing

McTavish Lake is approximately 20km. (13 miles) long but rarely ever more than 1km. in width. There are many islands, bays and long fingers so you can always find a protected spot to fish. In addition there are long channels which take you to places like Zbarsky Bay, Jackfish Alley and Turtle Bay. Reel North is the only Outfitter on the lake and other than 3 privately owned cabins, which are rarely used, our fishermen have the entire lake to themselves.

McTavish Lake has Northern Pike & Lake Trout in abundance as well as some white fish. The average weight is 3 to 5 lbs. and many in the 20+lb. range caught every year. In the early season, trout and pike can be caught casting or trolling. As the water warms the trout go down to deeper cooler water where you can use weighted line (steel, lead core, down riggers) or jig with heavy bait. The lake has a lot of natural underwater structure with many depth changes, rock ledges, sand bars and weed beds, as well as warm shallow bays…. all good places to catch fish. You may want to bring a depth/fish finder to assist with finding these areas.

Catching Walleye requires a little more work, with two portages into the Sandy River. You will have to take in motors, gas and gear, with the first portage about 100 yards long to a small lake. There are 2 boats in which to load your gear and cross the lake. The second portage is about 350 yards to the river where another 2 boats are. Besides fishing for walleye there is trout and pike in both the lake and the river.

In addition to McTavish Lake you will have the use of two other lakes, Keith and Waters. Keith Lake is at the far north end of the lake and can be entered by boat through a small river. Waters Lake requires a portage of approximately 250 yards on a well-traveled path, with a cart to haul your gear. We have 2 boats at the lakeshore for your use. Both lakes have an abundance of trout and pike.

While not every day is the same, it is common for each fisherman to catch 30 to 50 fish a day. Remember, even a lousy day of fishing is better than a great day at work.

 

Click here for a google map of McTavish Lake.