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599-acre lake in Haliburton County, Ontario. The lake tops out around 105 ft. The depth data here comes from the Ontario MNRF survey of 1979, a decades-old survey (a transect sounding survey). Here is how the season plays out for each species, straight from the data behind the map.
The drawn water covers 601 acres wrapped in 10.6 miles of bank, with 5 islands in the mix. The 3.1 development index tells the story — a convoluted bank whose fishable edge far outruns the acreage. About 37% of the surface sits shallower than 15 ft — that's the weed-and-bait zone. The basin spans about 2.7 mi end to end and 1 mi across at its widest. Haliburton County claims this one. If the bite dies, Little Esson Lake is 1 mi to the northeast.
Come spring, look for lake trout tight to the bank in 10 to 40 ft. They move out to 32 to 105 ft in summer and finish the year down in 20 to 80 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Deep basin: a deep basin around 105 ft that scores prime in summer. Best bite is early morning. A white tube jig (deep) or a magnum spoon on downrigger is the honest summer answer here.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 10 to 40 ft | dawn & dusk | Main-lake point (1 ft) | Casting spoon over shoals, Jerkbait (shallow) |
| Summer | 32 to 105 ft | dawn | Deep basin (105 ft) | White tube jig (deep), Magnum spoon on downrigger |
| Fall | 10 to 50 ft | dusk & dawn | Main-lake point (1 ft) | Heavy casting spoon, Jigging rap over reefs |
| Winter | 20 to 80 ft | dawn | Deep basin (105 ft) | White tube jig, Airplane jig |
The chart marks 7 structure features on Esson Lake; the deepest is Deep basin at about 105 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 Esson Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Ontario fishing regulations →
Esson Lake is about 105 ft (32 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Ontario MNRF survey of 1979, a decades-old survey (a transect sounding survey).
Anglers target lake trout on Esson Lake.
Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 105 ft of water that rates prime for lake trout in summer. Scroll up to the map for the complete spot list by 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 Esson 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.
Little Esson Lake 1 mi · Mountain Lake 2 mi · Cockle Lake 2 mi · Miskwabi Lake 3 mi · Clement Lake 3 mi · Little Dudmon Lake 3 mi · Yankton Lake 3 mi · Grace Lake 4 mi · Wilbermere Lake 4 mi · McCue Lake 4 mi · Leaf Lake 4 mi · Tory Lake 4 mi
See how Esson Lake stacks up: best lake trout lakes in Ontario
More water nearby: Haliburton County fishing maps (295 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.