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1,053-acre lake in Sudbury District, Ontario. The lake tops out around 170 ft. The depth data here comes from a transect sounding survey by the Ontario MNRF. Here's the year, species by species, as the scoring engine sees it.
On the chart, Dougherty Lake draws 1,058 acres inside 18.6 miles of shoreline, broken up by 11 islands. An index of 4.1 puts the bank firmly in maze territory: point after pocket after cove, every one a casting target. About 19% of the surface sits shallower than 15 ft — that's the weed-and-bait zone. Tip to tip the water measures near 2.5 mi with a 2.2-mi widest point. You'll find it in Sudbury District. Closest neighbour on DepthScout: Frederick Lake, 2 mi northwest of here.
Spring puts lake trout in skinny water — 10 to 40 ft is the zone. Warm water sends them out to 50 to 120 ft; cold water stacks them in 20 to 80 ft. Main-lake point is the standout, a point at roughly 24 ft, rated prime for spring lake trout. Plan around early morning in the warm months. A white tube jig (deep) or a magnum spoon on downrigger covers the summer program.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 10 to 40 ft | dawn & dusk | Main-lake point (24 ft) | Casting spoon over shoals, Jerkbait (shallow) |
| Summer | 50 to 120 ft | dawn | Break off the point (61 ft) | White tube jig (deep), Magnum spoon on downrigger |
| Fall | 10 to 50 ft | dusk & dawn | Main-lake point (24 ft) | Heavy casting spoon, Jigging rap over reefs |
| Winter | 20 to 80 ft | dawn | Break off the point (61 ft) | White tube jig, Airplane jig |
Come spring, look for walleye tight to the bank in 4 to 15 ft. Expect a summer slide to 15 to 35 ft, then a winter hold in 20 to 40 ft. Start at Main-lake point. It's a point holding about 24 ft of water and rates prime come fall. Prime time lands in the evening and early morning. A crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) is the honest summer answer here.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 4 to 15 ft | dusk & dawn | open water | 1/8 oz jig + minnow, Hair jig |
| Summer | 15 to 35 ft | dusk & dawn | Main-lake point (24 ft) | Crawler harness on bottom bouncer, Deep crankbait (trolled) |
| Fall | 12 to 40 ft | dusk & night | Main-lake point (24 ft) | Jigging rap, Jig + big minnow |
| Winter | 20 to 40 ft | dusk & dawn | Main-lake point (24 ft) | Jigging spoon + minnow head, Rattle bait |
Start shallow in spring: smallmouth bass sit in 3 to 12 ft that time of year. Warm water sends them out to 10 to 30 ft; cold water stacks them in 20 to 45 ft. Top water on the chart: Main-lake point, a point in the 24 ft range, prime in fall. Fish it in early morning and the evening and you'll meet the bite. Throw a drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig until the fish tell you otherwise.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 3 to 12 ft | dawn & dusk | open water | Ned rig, Tube jig |
| Summer | 10 to 30 ft | dawn & dusk | Main-lake point (24 ft) | Drop shot (goby/minnow), Ned rig |
| Fall | 8 to 25 ft | midday & dawn | Main-lake point (24 ft) | Jerkbait, Blade bait |
| Winter | 20 to 45 ft | midday | Break off the point (61 ft) | Blade bait, Hair jig |
The chart marks 8 structure features on Dougherty Lake; the deepest is Deep basin at about 160 ft.
Access data: Land Information Ontario — Fishing Access Point. Confirm conditions and fees locally before you launch.
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 Dougherty Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Ontario fishing regulations →
Dougherty Lake is about 170 ft (52 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from a transect sounding survey by the Ontario MNRF.
Anglers target lake trout, walleye, smallmouth bass on Dougherty Lake.
Main-lake point is the top-rated area: a point in about 24 ft of water that rates prime for smallmouth bass in fall. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.
For lake trout, the summer bite is best in early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.
Fishing on Dougherty 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.
Frederick Lake 2 mi · Davis Lake 3 mi · Stouffer Lake 4 mi · Centre Lake 4 mi · Paradise Lake 5 mi · Stobie Lake 5 mi · Laura Lake 5 mi · Alma Lake 5 mi · Hazel Lake 6 mi · Moon L. 6 mi · McGown Lake 6 mi · Chiniguchi Lake 6 mi
See how Dougherty Lake stacks up: best smallmouth bass lakes in Ontario · best walleye lakes in Ontario · best lake trout lakes in Ontario
More water nearby: Sudbury District fishing maps (868 charts). Browse all Ontario fishing maps or see every water on DepthScout. Bathymetry credit: state fisheries survey programs. 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.