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3,051-acre lake in Kenora District, Ontario. The lake tops out around 66 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 1987 (a transect sounding survey). Species by species, here's what the data says the year looks like.
On the chart, McVicar Lake draws 3,065 acres inside 47.4 miles of shoreline, broken up by 27 islands. A development index of 6.1 means a maze of bays and points: far more casting targets than a round bowl of the same size. Roughly 68% of the water is 15 ft or less, the band where the food chain lives. The basin spans about 6 mi end to end and 3.1 mi across at its widest. The water lies in Kenora District. For a second option, Lang Lake lies 3 mi northwest.
When the water first warms, cisco (lake herring) slide up into 10 to 40 ft. By summer they slide out to 20 to 66 ft, and by winter most fish are in 20 to 60 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Deep basin: a deep basin around 57 ft that scores prime in summer. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning. Keep a vertical flutter spoon (small) or a drop-shot micro plastic rigged through the warm months.
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 | 10 to 40 ft | dawn & dusk | Sharp break (41 ft) | Small silver spoon, Tiny swim jig (white) |
| Summer | 20 to 66 ft chart-limited; documented 40 to 80 ft | dawn | Deep basin (57 ft) | Vertical flutter spoon (small), Drop-shot micro plastic |
| Fall | 5 to 25 ft | dusk & dawn | Sharp break (6 ft) | Small casting spoon, Inline spinner (silver) |
| Winter | 20 to 60 ft | dawn | Deep basin (57 ft) | Small jigging spoon (glow/silver), Tungsten jig + minnow head |
Spring yellow perch on McVicar Lake hold shallow, usually 3 to 12 ft. By summer they slide out to 10 to 30 ft, and by winter most fish are in 15 to 35 ft. The chart's best answer is Weed flat — weed flat, 8 ft, prime for spring. Prime time lands in early morning. The summer box starts with a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 3 to 12 ft | midday & dawn | Weed flat (8 ft) | Small jig + curly tail, Perch-pattern micro crank |
| Summer | 10 to 30 ft | dawn | Sharp break (6 ft) | Drop-shot micro plastics, Small spoon tipped with worm |
| Fall | 12 to 35 ft | midday | Sharp break (41 ft) | Jigging spoon (small), Perch rig / spreader |
| Winter | 15 to 35 ft | midday & dawn | Shallow feeding flat (16 ft) | Tungsten jig + spikes, Rattle spoon (small) |
Count 15 structure marks on this chart. The deepest, Deep basin, sits near 57 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 McVicar Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Ontario fishing regulations →
McVicar Lake is about 66 ft (20 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Ontario MNRF survey of 1987 (a transect sounding survey).
Anglers target cisco (lake herring), yellow perch on McVicar Lake.
Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 57 ft of water that rates prime for cisco (lake herring) in summer. The interactive chart above rates every spot for each species and season.
For cisco (lake herring), 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 McVicar 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.
Lang Lake 3 mi · Meen Lake 7 mi · Gitche Lake 11 mi · Maika Lake 13 mi · Morris Lake 14 mi · Nabemakoseka Lake 17 mi · Obaskaka Lake 20 mi · Redpath Lake 21 mi · Cat Lake 21 mi · Fawcett Lake 22 mi · Jackpine Lake 23 mi · Strachan Lake 26 mi
See how McVicar Lake stacks up: best yellow perch lakes in Ontario · best cisco (lake herring) lakes in Ontario
More water nearby: Kenora District fishing maps (1173 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.