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2,656-acre lake in Kenora District, Ontario. The lake tops out around 13 ft. The depth data here comes from the Ontario MNRF survey of 1978, a decades-old survey (a transect sounding survey). The rest of this page walks each species through its year, using the map's own scoring.
Traced from the shoreline, Gifford Lake runs 2,668 acres with 34.5 miles of edge, with 22 islands in the mix. An index of 4.8 puts the bank firmly in maze territory: point after pocket after cove, every one a casting target. Every acre of it sits shallower than ~15 ft: one big littoral zone, cover and forage throughout. End to end it runs roughly 7.1 mi, about 1.6 mi across. The water lies in Kenora District. The nearest mapped water is McIntyre Lake, 11 mi to the southeast.
In spring, northern pike run shallow here, mostly 2 to 8 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 4 to 13 ft, and winter fish settle into 4 to 13 ft. Weed flat is the standout, a weed flat at roughly 2 ft, rated prime for spring northern pike. Time it for early morning and the evening. You won't need more than a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage most summer days.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2 to 8 ft | midday & dawn | Weed flat (2 ft) | #5 inline spinner, Spoon (red/white) |
| Summer | 4 to 13 ft | dawn & dusk | Sharp break (3 ft) | Bucktail, Weedless spoon over cabbage |
| Fall | 4 to 13 ft | midday & dawn | Sharp break (3 ft) | Big rubber (Bull Dawg style), Husky-style jerkbait |
| Winter | 4 to 13 ft | midday | Weed flat (2 ft) | Tip-ups, Large jigging spoon |
Structure-wise the chart holds 11 features, led in depth by Deep basin at roughly 13 ft.
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 Gifford Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Ontario fishing regulations →
Gifford Lake is about 13 ft (4 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Ontario MNRF survey of 1978, a decades-old survey (a transect sounding survey).
Anglers target northern pike on Gifford Lake.
Weed flat is the top-rated area: a weed flat in about 2 ft of water that rates prime for northern pike in spring. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.
For northern pike, the summer bite is best in early morning and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.
Fishing on Gifford 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.
McIntyre Lake 11 mi · Eabamet Lake 14 mi · Armatta Lake 16 mi · Opikeigen Lake 19 mi · Kenozhe Lake 19 mi · Triangular Lake 21 mi · Oneside Lake 22 mi · Kemp Lake 28 mi · Abazotikichuan Lake 28 mi · Makokibatan Lake 32 mi · Opichuan Lake 33 mi · Peninsular Lake 35 mi
See how Gifford Lake stacks up: best northern pike lakes in Ontario
More water nearby: Kenora District fishing maps (1173 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.