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27-acre lake in Cochrane 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 1969, a decades-old survey (an MNRF lake survey). What the data behind the map says about each species, season by season:
Peterson Lake maps at 27 acres behind 1.6 miles of shoreline. A development index of 2.2 means a maze of bays and points: far more casting targets than a round bowl of the same size. The shallow band under 15 ft claims about 89% of the surface — that's where the groceries are. Call it 0.6 mi long by 0.2 mi wide at the broadest reach. Cochrane District claims this one. If the bite dies, Bradette Lake is 0 mi to the south.
In spring, yellow perch run shallow here, mostly 3 to 12 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 10 to 30 ft, and winter fish settle into 15 to 35 ft. Deep basin is the standout, a deep basin at roughly 34 ft, rated prime for fall yellow perch. Time it for early morning. You won't need more than a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm most summer days.
| 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 (34 ft) | Drop-shot micro plastics, Small spoon tipped with worm |
| Fall | 12 to 35 ft | midday | Deep basin (34 ft) | Jigging spoon (small), Perch rig / spreader |
| Winter | 15 to 35 ft | midday & dawn | Deep basin (34 ft) | Tungsten jig + spikes, Rattle spoon (small) |
Early season northern pike use the shallows, holding in 2 to 8 ft. Expect a summer slide to 8 to 20 ft, then a winter hold in 5 to 15 ft. Put Shallow bay flat first on the milk run — a weed flat near 1 ft that grades prime for spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. Tie on a bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage and you're in the game.
| 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 | Shallow bay flat (1 ft) | Bucktail, Weedless spoon over cabbage |
| Fall | 6 to 18 ft | midday & dawn | Shallow bay flat (1 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 |
Count 5 structure marks on this chart. The deepest, Deep basin, sits near 34 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 Peterson Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Ontario fishing regulations →
Peterson Lake is about 40 ft (12 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Ontario MNRF survey of 1969, a decades-old survey (an MNRF lake survey).
Anglers target yellow perch, northern pike on Peterson Lake.
Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 34 ft of water that rates prime for yellow perch in fall. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each 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 Peterson 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.
Bradette Lake 0 mi · Crickard Lake 1 mi · Palangio Lake 1 mi · O'Malley Lake 1 mi · Dunn Lake 2 mi · Tailleurs L. 2 mi · Else L. 2 mi · Lac Rancourt 3 mi · Sommerville Lake 3 mi · Beth Lake 4 mi · Carman Lake 5 mi · L. 12F-6 6 mi
See how Peterson Lake stacks up: best northern pike lakes in Ontario · best yellow perch lakes in Ontario
More water nearby: Cochrane District fishing maps (673 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.