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1,108-acre lake in Thunder Bay District, Ontario. The lake tops out around 46 ft. The depth data here comes from the Ontario MNRF survey of 1979, a decades-old survey (a transect sounding survey). Every species below gets its seasonal read from the same numbers driving the chart.
On the chart, North Whalen Lake draws 1,113 acres inside 19.3 miles of shoreline — 19 islands included. With a shoreline index of 4.1, this water is all arms and coves — edge habitat well beyond its acreage. Roughly 76% of the water is 15 ft or less, the band where the food chain lives. Call it 3.4 mi long by 1.3 mi wide at the broadest reach. You'll find it in Thunder Bay District. For a second option, Vivid Lake lies 4 mi west.
The spring pattern is a shallow one: lake trout in 10 to 40 ft. Midsummer fish sit out in 14 to 46 ft before dropping to 12 to 46 ft for winter. The spot to know is Deep basin, a deep basin in about 43 ft of water that rates prime for lake trout in summer. Plan around early morning in the warm months. Summer baits: a white tube jig (deep) or a magnum spoon on downrigger gets it done.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 10 to 40 ft | dawn & dusk | Break off the point (12 ft) | Casting spoon over shoals, Jerkbait (shallow) |
| Summer | 14 to 46 ft | dawn | Deep basin (43 ft) | White tube jig (deep), Magnum spoon on downrigger |
| Fall | 9 to 46 ft | dusk & dawn | Break off the point (12 ft) | Heavy casting spoon, Jigging rap over reefs |
| Winter | 12 to 46 ft | dawn | Deep basin (43 ft) | White tube jig, Airplane jig |
The spring pattern is a shallow one: burbot in 14 to 46 ft. The depth story barely changes: 14 to 46 ft through summer, 12 to 46 ft in winter. The spot to know is Deep basin, a deep basin in about 43 ft of water that rates prime for burbot in spring. Plan around after dark and midday in the warm months. Summer baits: a heavy jig + cut bait gets it done.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 14 to 46 ft | night & dusk | Deep basin (43 ft) | Glow jigging spoon + cut bait, Rattle bait (dark) |
| Summer | 14 to 46 ft | night & midday | Deep basin (43 ft) | Heavy jig + cut bait |
| Fall | 14 to 46 ft | night & dusk | Deep basin (43 ft) | Glow spoon + minnow head, Blade bait (slow) |
| Winter | 12 to 46 ft | night & dusk | Deep basin (43 ft) | Glow tungsten + cut bait, Rattle spoon + minnow head |
North Whalen Lake carries 8 mapped structure features, topping out (or rather bottoming out) at Deep basin, about 43 ft down.
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 North Whalen Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Ontario fishing regulations →
North Whalen Lake is about 46 ft (14 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, burbot on North Whalen Lake.
Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 43 ft of water that rates prime for lake trout in summer. Every other rated spot, per species and season, is on the map above.
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 North Whalen 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.
Vivid Lake 4 mi · Sandison Lake 4 mi · Maggotte Lake 7 mi · Kopka River 7 mi · Awkward Lake 8 mi · Kenakskaniss Lake 8 mi · Beagle Lake 11 mi · Uneven Lake 12 mi · Shawanabis Lake 14 mi · Surprise Lake 14 mi · Collins Lake 15 mi · Cooney Lake 16 mi
See how North Whalen Lake stacks up: best lake trout lakes in Ontario · best burbot lakes in Ontario
More water nearby: Thunder Bay District fishing maps (662 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.