Lake depth chart
Today's read
Recent public catches load as you reach this section.
117-acre lake in Parry Sound District, Ontario. The lake tops out around 70 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 1968, a decades-old survey (a transect sounding survey). The season-by-season read for each species follows, from the map's own numbers.
The drawn water covers 117 acres wrapped in 2.8 miles of bank, with a single island in the mix. With a 1.8 development index there's bank structure worth casting at, in moderation. Roughly 16% of the water is 15 ft or less, the band where the food chain lives. End to end it runs roughly 1.1 mi, about 0.3 mi across. It sits in Parry Sound District. Ten Mile Lake sits 2 mi northeast — the closest neighbouring chart.
These fish are listed in an exact-water agency record as forage or ecological context. They are not target-species profiles and do not affect DepthScout's Prime, Good, or Fair spot ratings.
Official Ontario MNRF Fish ON-Line record. The listing documents source-recorded presence, not present abundance or guaranteed catchability.
Come spring, look for smallmouth bass tight to the bank in 3 to 12 ft. They move out to 10 to 30 ft in summer and finish the year down in 20 to 45 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Secondary point: a point around 20 ft that scores prime in fall. Best bite is early morning and the evening. A drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig is the honest summer answer here.
| Season | Depth | Best window | Start at | Go-to baits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 3 to 12 ft | dawn & dusk | Main-lake point (1 ft) | Ned rig, Tube jig |
| Summer | 10 to 30 ft | dawn & dusk | Secondary point (20 ft) | Drop shot (goby/minnow), Ned rig |
| Fall | 8 to 25 ft | midday & dawn | Secondary point (20 ft) | Jerkbait, Blade bait |
| Winter | 20 to 45 ft | midday | open water | Blade bait, Hair jig |
The chart marks 6 structure features on Ponsford Lake; the deepest is Deep basin at about 70 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 Ponsford Lake specifically, so confirm the current rules before you fish.
Check the official Ontario fishing regulations →
Ponsford Lake is about 70 ft (21 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth data here comes from the Ontario MNRF survey of 1968, a decades-old survey (a transect sounding survey).
Anglers target smallmouth bass on Ponsford Lake.
Secondary point is the top-rated area: a point in about 20 ft of water that rates prime for smallmouth bass in fall. Scroll up to the map for the complete spot list by species and season.
For smallmouth bass, 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 Ponsford 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.
Ten Mile Lake 2 mi · Petty Lake 3 mi · Day Lake 3 mi · Fume Lake 3 mi · Manitouwaba Lake 3 mi · Sugar Lake 4 mi · Storm Lake 4 mi · Lower Fry Lake 4 mi · Star Lake 4 mi · Little Manitouwaba Lake 4 mi · Mutton Lake 4 mi · Turtle Lake 4 mi
See how Ponsford Lake stacks up: best smallmouth bass lakes in Ontario
More water nearby: Parry Sound District fishing maps (441 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.