Toad Lake Fishing

Toad Lake is a secluded haven near the end of Limberlost Road, close to the border of Algonquin Park, north-east of Huntsville, Ontario. It's a small and shallow lake, rarely deeper than fifteen feet, with a sparse population of cabins and cottages along its shoreline. As with other similar sized bodies of water, it doesn't produce giant bass. But it's a great place to go if you're in a canoe or kayak. Because it's full of smallmouth, you should also consider it if you are new to the sport, or going with a novice who may value quantity over quality. 

A medium-light rod with a fast action and light braided line are sufficient for Toad Lake. If you are looking to fish top-water lures, you should also consider a medium-heavy rod. This will allow you to muscle feisty smallmouth away from weeds. There is some debate on which type of line is best for lures such as poppers. I prefer monofilament. It stretches, which helps prevent these treble-hooked baits from being ripped out of a fish's mouth on hook-set. 

For your medium-light rod, try a drop-shot or weighted wacky jig head. With a light enough weight, these can be fished comfortably in two to fifteen feet of water. Versatility is key here as you search for fish. Any number of baits will work for drop-shotting. If you're looking to simplify, take a couple bag of senkos with you. These will work on either rig. Try wacky rigging one on the drop-shot setup. 

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Pay attention to what the fish tell you. Early in the season, smallmouth will be chasing little bait fish at the top of the water column. If you hear one jumping or chasing its prey, don't be afraid to cast right to that spot. You'll be surprised at how often you'll catch one doing this: that is, if you're reaction time is quick enough and your casting accuracy is on point. Be ready to set the hook shortly after your lure hits the water. 

To get to Toad Lake, take Highway 60 and travel east of Huntsville towards Algonquin Park. Turn left on Limberlost Road. The boat launch is approximately here (though note the comment on my map). It'll take approximately 20 minutes of travel time on Limberlost Road, and you will pass Camp Olympia along the way. Dotty Lake and Oxbow Lake are other options in the area. And on you're way back through Huntsville, make sure to grab a beer with me and exchange fishing stories!

Greg Cholkan is a lawyer and fisherman. He works in Muskoka with Barriston LLP and his practice focuses on real estate, wills and estates, and business matters. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

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