West Lake has two definite plusses. First, it is connected directly to Lake Ontario which insures a constant supply of game fish. Secondly, its western shore is the The Sandbanks, a unique and highly interesting attraction. West Lake is warm water shallow lake with a shoreline of many long stony/rocky points, which in most case are really islands separated from the mainland by marshy areas. These shorelines are sandy (The Sandbanks Provincial Park area) in the west and marshy in the east, with rocky/gravel sections in the northern shores, away from the cottages/resorts area. There is a old barrage/boat that sunk many years ago in the Wellington harbour, so be advised to stay away from the area where the seagulls and other water fowl flock. There are many weedbeds and lily pads lining the shores. Most shoals in West Lake, though not all, extend from the long points,
Fish Tip
Keep your fish alive as long as possible for better eating. Hook your stringer pin through both its lips or you’ll drown it by draggin the fish open-mouthed through the water. Its one of the first things you learn when you start to fish. Much like learning to tie your shoes or riding a bike.
Fishing West Lake
Northern Pikes, the bigs ones at that, are the main game fish of West Lake. Walleyes, largemouth and smallmouth Bass and some muskies are the other game fish found in the lake. Pike fishing is particularily good in June and again in September. In July and August, often there are runs of shad, a small fish, into the lake. At these times the pike gorge on the shad and they become difficult to fish. To illustrate this, 4 anglers I knew had to fish for 5 days before they got any results, which were minimum to say the least. On the 6th day the shad had moved out and the fishing picked upto the extend that they caught their limit of pike, the smallest being at least 8 pounds.
The best method of taking the big pike in West Lake is by trolling the deeper waters adjacent to the weed beds which run parallel to the Sandbanks. Along the shoals extending from the points are other real good areas. Smaller pike, and of course, the odd big one are in all the weed beds. Daredevils, Canadian Wigglers and Mepps are the local pike favorites.
Walleyes are a consistant fish in the evening and provide lots of action all season long. The most popular baits for these fish are the Rapala. #3 Mepps and worm, and the worm harness. Live minnows are suggested for all locations and seasons.
Here are a couple of particularly good walleye hotspots and tips. Try a slow circular troll just off the eastern end of Sheba’s Island. Use a #3 Mepps and worm, or a jig and worm. Both are great. Slow troll a silver Rapala from the opening into Lake Ontario to just past the old Cheese factory (Ceramet today) on the north shore of West Lake. Keep your lure deep and just off the weeds.
Both smallmouth and largemouth bass are taken off the points and around the rocky shoals, particularily if these structures are located near a weed bed. Try minnows, frogs or a Mepps and worm for the smallmouth bass. For largemouth bass, cast among the lily pads with a weedless bait, such as pork rind frog or a surface lure. The jitterbug is good. Late evening is the time for the big ones, the south side of Garrett Island is a good spot.
The occassional muskie is caught by trolling or casting the shoal at the western end of Sheba’s Island. Most of the pike lures are quite effective. Finally, there are some speckled trout in the feeder streams. There are two main feeder streams/rivers, the that offers the most excitement is the Bloomfield River, which originates in the village of Bloomfield. It is also a abundant area for both largemoutb and smallmouth bass, as well as some northern varities of catfish. Yes, we have catfish up here.
