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216-acre lake in Timiskaming District, Ontario. The lake tops out around 40 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 depth data here comes from the Ontario MNRF survey of 1983 (an MNRF lake survey). Here is how the season plays out for each species, straight from the data behind the map.
Drawn out, this is 215 acres of water rimmed by 4.8 miles of bank. An index of 2.3 puts the bank firmly in maze territory: point after pocket after cove, every one a casting target. About 71% of the surface sits shallower than 15 ft — that's the weed-and-bait zone. Tip to tip the water measures near 1.6 mi with a 0.6-mi widest point. You'll find it in Timiskaming District. For a second option, Byng Lake lies 1 mi northwest.
When the water first warms, yellow perch slide up into 3 to 12 ft. Summer is a 10 to 30 ft game here, winter a 15 to 35 ft one. Start at Deep basin. It's a deep basin holding about 30 ft of water and rates prime come fall. The feeding windows run early morning. Keep a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm rigged through the warm months.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 3 to 12 ft | midday & dawn | Shallow bay flat (1 ft) | Small jig + curly tail, Perch-pattern micro crank |
| Summer | 10 to 30 ft | dawn | Deep basin (30 ft) | Drop-shot micro plastics, Small spoon tipped with worm |
| Fall | 12 to 35 ft | midday | Deep basin (30 ft) | Jigging spoon (small), Perch rig / spreader |
| Winter | 15 to 35 ft | midday & dawn | Deep basin (30 ft) | Tungsten jig + spikes, Rattle spoon (small) |
The spring pattern is a shallow one: northern pike in 2 to 8 ft. Midsummer fish sit out in 8 to 20 ft before dropping to 5 to 15 ft for winter. The spot to know is Shallow bay flat, a weed flat in about 1 ft of water that rates prime for northern pike in spring. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. Summer baits: a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage gets it done.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2 to 8 ft | midday & dawn | Shallow bay flat (1 ft) | #5 inline spinner, Spoon (red/white) |
| Summer | 8 to 20 ft | dawn & dusk | Break off the point (19 ft) | Bucktail, Weedless spoon over cabbage |
| Fall | 6 to 18 ft | midday & dawn | Break off the point (19 ft) | Big rubber (Bull Dawg style), Husky-style jerkbait |
| Winter | 5 to 15 ft | midday | Shallow bay flat (1 ft) | Tip-ups, Large jigging spoon |
The chart marks 6 structure features on McPhail Lake; the deepest is Deep basin at about 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 McPhail Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Ontario fishing regulations →
McPhail Lake is about 40 ft (12 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Ontario MNRF survey of 1983 (an MNRF lake survey).
Anglers target yellow perch, northern pike on McPhail Lake.
Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 30 ft of water that rates prime for yellow perch in fall. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.
For yellow perch, 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 McPhail 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.
Byng Lake 1 mi · Michie Lake 2 mi · Coutts Lake 2 mi · Holster Lake 2 mi · Lavoie Lake 2 mi · Wolverton Lake 2 mi · James Lakes 3 mi · Beattie Lake 3 mi · Timmichie Lake 3 mi · Radisson Lake 3 mi · Elspeth Lake 4 mi · Little Dougherty Lake 4 mi
See how McPhail Lake stacks up: best northern pike lakes in Ontario · best yellow perch lakes in Ontario
More water nearby: Timiskaming District fishing maps (515 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.