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Rating depth structure for lake trout.
Recent public catches load as you reach this section.
96-acre lake in Thunder Bay District, Ontario. The lake tops out around 34 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. Here is how the season plays out for each species, straight from the data behind the map.
Drawn out, this is 97 acres of water rimmed by 2.6 miles of bank. Index 1.9 on the shoreline: a few honest points and pockets, nothing labyrinthine. The shallow band under 15 ft claims about 70% of the surface — that's where the groceries are. Tip to tip the water measures near 0.8 mi with a 0.4-mi widest point. The water lies in Thunder Bay District. The nearest mapped water is Lost Lake, 1 mi to the west.
The spring pattern is a shallow one: brook trout in 2 to 15 ft. Midsummer fish sit out in 10 to 30 ft before dropping to 3 to 20 ft for winter. The spot to know is Deep basin, a deep basin in about 30 ft of water that rates prime for brook trout in summer. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. Summer baits: a small spoon fished deep or a trolled lake-clear wobbler + worm gets it done.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2 to 15 ft | dawn & dusk | Main-lake point (1 ft) | Small inline spinner (gold), Tiny spoon |
| Summer | 10 to 30 ft | dawn & dusk | Deep basin (30 ft) | Small spoon fished deep, Trolled lake-clear wobbler + worm |
| Fall | 2 to 15 ft | midday & dawn | Main-lake point (1 ft) | Small spoon (orange), Spinner |
| Winter | 3 to 20 ft | dawn | Break off the point (14 ft) | Small jigging spoon, Tungsten jig + plastic |
The spring pattern is a shallow one: lake trout in 9 to 34 ft. The depth story barely changes: 10 to 34 ft through summer, 9 to 34 ft in winter. Top water on the chart: Deep basin, a deep basin in the 30 ft range, prime in summer. Time it for early morning. Summer baits: a white tube jig (deep) or a magnum spoon on downrigger gets it done.
Depth note: when a documented seasonal range extends below this chart, the table shows the deepest mapped working water, not a verified holding depth.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 9 to 34 ft chart-limited; documented 10 to 40 ft | dawn & dusk | Break off the point (14 ft) | Casting spoon over shoals, Jerkbait (shallow) |
| Summer | 10 to 34 ft chart-limited; documented 50 to 120 ft | dawn | Deep basin (30 ft) | White tube jig (deep), Magnum spoon on downrigger |
| Fall | 7 to 34 ft chart-limited; documented 10 to 50 ft | dusk & dawn | Break off the point (14 ft) | Heavy casting spoon, Jigging rap over reefs |
| Winter | 9 to 34 ft chart-limited; documented 20 to 80 ft | dawn | Deep basin (30 ft) | White tube jig, Airplane jig |
Count 6 structure marks on this chart. The deepest, Deep basin, sits near 30 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 Hilma Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Ontario fishing regulations →
Hilma Lake is about 34 ft (10 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 brook trout, lake trout on Hilma Lake.
Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 30 ft of water that rates prime for lake trout in summer. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.
For brook trout, 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 Hilma 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.
Lost Lake 1 mi · MacIntosh Lake 2 mi · Long Lake 2 mi · Upper Hunters Lake 2 mi · Nolan Lake 2 mi · Clegge Lake 3 mi · Himdick Lake 3 mi · Elbow Lake 3 mi · Moose Lake 3 mi · Bisect Lake 3 mi · Sward Lake 3 mi · Big Pearl Lake 3 mi
See how Hilma Lake stacks up: best lake trout lakes in Ontario · best brook trout lakes in Ontario
More water nearby: Thunder Bay District fishing maps (662 charts). Browse all Ontario fishing maps. 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.