Sign inSign up free Sign inSign up free Sign inSign up freeLake depth chart
Today's read
Rating depth structure for burbot.
Shared by DepthScout anglers. Exact spots stay private, always.
228-acre lake in Algoma District, Ontario. The lake tops out around 46 ft. The depth chart comes from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled. The season-by-season read for each species follows, from the map's own numbers.
Traced from the shoreline, Ballard Lake runs 229 acres with 4.9 miles of edge. An index of 2.3 puts the bank firmly in maze territory: point after pocket after cove, every one a casting target. About 75% of the surface sits shallower than 15 ft — that's the weed-and-bait zone. Tip to tip the water measures near 1.3 mi with a 0.8-mi widest point. The water lies in Algoma District. For a second option, Blackfish Lake lies 2 mi north.
The spring pattern is a shallow one: burbot in 14 to 46 ft. The depth story barely changes: 14 to 46 ft through summer, 12 to 46 ft in winter. Top water on the chart: Deep basin, a deep basin in the 45 ft range, prime in spring. Time it for after dark and midday. Summer baits: a heavy jig + cut bait gets it done.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 14 to 46 ft | night & dusk | Deep basin (45 ft) | Glow jigging spoon + cut bait, Rattle bait (dark) |
| Summer | 14 to 46 ft | night & midday | Deep basin (45 ft) | Heavy jig + cut bait |
| Fall | 14 to 46 ft | night & dusk | Deep basin (45 ft) | Glow spoon + minnow head, Blade bait (slow) |
| Winter | 12 to 46 ft | night & dusk | Deep basin (45 ft) | Glow tungsten + cut bait, Rattle spoon + minnow head |
6 pieces of structure are mapped here — Deep basin, around 45 ft, is the deepest of them.
Season dates, license requirements, and size and bag limits for Ontario waters are set by the Ontario fishing regulations (FMZ summary) — and special regulations can apply to Ballard Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Ontario fishing regulations →
Ballard Lake is about 46 ft (14 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth chart comes from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry bathymetric survey data, so the contours are survey-derived rather than computer-modeled.
Anglers target burbot on Ballard Lake.
Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 45 ft of water that rates prime for burbot in spring. Every other rated spot, per species and season, is on the map above.
For burbot, the summer bite is best in after dark and midday. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.
Fishing on Ballard Lake is regulated by the Ontario fishing regulations (FMZ summary). Check the official Ontario regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.
Blackfish Lake 2 mi · Carry Lake 3 mi · Pickle Lake 5 mi · Ogasiwi Lake 6 mi · Shikwamkwa Lake 6 mi · Haf L. 7 mi · Buckhorn Lake 7 mi · Dog Lake 8 mi · Bader Lake 8 mi · Ash Lake 9 mi · Maconner Lake 11 mi · Bolkow Lake 12 mi
See how Ballard Lake stacks up: best burbot lakes in Ontario
More water nearby: Algoma District fishing maps (1026 charts). Browse all Ontario fishing maps or see every water on DepthScout. Bathymetry: published agency survey data. How we build these maps. Fish here with a sonar unit that logs? Send us your depth data and we'll improve this chart, credited to you. For fishing guidance only, never navigation.