In an area known for its fishing, Charleston Lake stands out as one of Ontario's premier fishing lakes and draws hikers and canoeists, as well as fishermen, from all over the United States and Canada. The lake provides a wide range of fishing opportunities and the fish you catch are low in fat and high in protein, making a nutritious and tasty meal.
About the Lake
Charleston Lake is located in eastern Ontario, just north of the famed Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River. The 9-mile-long glacially-formed lake reaches depths of more than 450 feet and consists of many connected bays, islands and coves. There are many reefs and shoals which can provide excellent fishing spots; most are well-marked for boater safety.
Types of Fish
Lake trout draw many anglers to Charleston Lake. These fish tend to hold in deep areas. Shallower water offers bass fishing, especially in late spring and early summer. You can catch smallmouth bass on the lake's rocky points, shoals and drop-offs, while largemouths inhabit its weedy bays and backwaters. Northern pike live throughout Charleston Lake and can be caught around weedy and rocky cover. Crappie and bluegill are abundant; crappie move shallow in spring, while bluegill can be caught from shore throughout the warmer months.
Provincial Park
The southern half of Charleston Lake is surrounded by Charleston Lake Provincial Park. You can fish along the lake shore in the park, or launch a boat at the boat launch facilities. Hiking, swimming, hunting and canoeing are also available at the park, which offers electric and non-electric campsites, showers and flush toilets, laundry facilities and kayak or canoe rentals.
Seasons and Regulations
Seasons and regulations vary by year, but as of 2010 anglers with a Sport Fishing license can keep two lake trout, six bass (largemouth and smallmouth in any combination), six northern pike, 30 crappie and 300 sunfish in a day of fishing. Lake trout season opens on the fourth Saturday in May and closes September 8. Bass season lasts from the fourth Saturday in June to November 30, while pike season is open all year except from April 1 to the second Friday in May. You can fish for crappie and sunfish year-round.
Fishing Licenses
Be sure to pick up an Ontario fishing license before you wet a line in Charleston Lake or elsewhere in the Province. Licenses are available at bait shops and sporting goods stores all over Ontario, and you can also purchase them through the Ministry of Natural Resources website. You can choose between a Sport Fishing License and a Conservation License, the latter of which is cheaper but restricts you to keeping fewer fish.
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