Fishing Charter + Guide Balsam Lake

About Balsam Lake 

Balsam lake is located in the Kawartha Lakes region of south-central Ontario near the town of Coboconk. Occupying the highest point of the Trent-Severn Waterway, water flows out of the lake at both connection points with the Waterway - at the north-west end near Kirkfield and the eastern end at Rosedale. The primary inflow to the lake is via the Gull River system which originates in Haliburton. Balsam lake is 16 km long and averages 3 km wide. The maximum depth on Balsam Lake is about 50 feet. Balsam Lake supports a great fishery for Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike and Walleye making it the perfect fishing destination for anglers. Follow along with our fishing guide of Balsam Lake where we’ll take you through how and where to find and catch these popular species of fish. 

Where to Find Different Species of Fish on Balsam Lake

When fishing for bass, the best times to fish are in the early morning and late evening. Smallmouth bass prefer water temperatures around 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) and can be often found in deeper water near rocks, sand or gravel areas. Largemouth bass however prefer water temperatures somewhat warmer around 21-30 degrees Celsius (70-86 degrees Fahrenheit) and inhabit shallow, warm bodies of water with vegetation, submerged wood, man-made cover and rocks. Largemouth bass usually prefer vegetated quiet back bays, while Smallmouth bass can be found roaming open water and areas with current. Muskie commonly referred to as the fish of 10,000 casts are species you hunt for rather than fish for. Often found in water up to 25.5 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit) they can live in a range of habitats, from small lakes to the great lakes, usually near cover or structure, but will suspend over deeper water. When searching for Northern Pike, Balsam lakes many rocky, weedy shoals offer the perfect ambush point for these sight feeders. Walleye for the most part, tend to be very weed oriented on Balsam lake. They tend to avoid bright sunny conditions so the best times to fish are in the morning or evening and on cloudy overcast days. On those bright, sunny days, Walleye will venture into deeper water or lurk in dense vegetation. 

How to Catch Different Species of Fish on Balsam Lake

There are literally a thousand different ways to fish for all the different species available to anglers on Balsam lake. Here are a few of our favorites.

Topwater lures like the Zara Spook and Chug Bug are great for both species of Bass here. Early morning can provide some of the hottest topwater fishing. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits are good producers for the Northern Pike and Muskie here as well as in-line bucktails. The Walleye here can be caught quite easily on small swimbaits and hairjigs worked around weed edges and deep rock shoals. Overcast, windy days also make casting jerkbaits very effective.

If you’re looking for great fishing, with a variety of species to fish from but are not familiar with the area, book one of our fishing charters with one of our experienced fishing guides! We offer a selection of fishing guides and fishing charters on balsam lake to suit your experience level and expectations. Our friendly and knowledgeable fishing guides will make your fishing charter of Balsam lake a fun, educational and memorable experience!