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Map of Rough Rock Lake, Ontario, Canada |
Rough Rock Species
Rough Rock Lake provides an excellent opportunity for trophy muskie or northern pike fishing plus fast-paced action with fish in the 30-inch plus class. In 1998 a world"catch and release line class record" for muskie was set on the lake by Illinois angler Len Belpedio. Len was fishing for smallmouth bass and caught a 531/4 inch 45 to 47 pound muskie using ultra-light spinning gear, six pound test line, and a #3 Mepps spinner.
Although trophy muskie and northern pike fishing are the main attraction, walleye and smallmouth bass fishing are also exceptional. Both walleye and smallmouth are abundant with 100 fish days common, including plenty of fish in the five pounds plus class.
Rough Rock Lake is approximately 10,000 acres with a maximum depth of about 150 feet. It's actually a section of the Winnipeg River above the Whitedog Dam. Water flows from south to north on this section of the river. The dam was built to generate electrical power and is active.
Originally there were two channels draining the lake. The north channel was dynamited and closed in 1957 to increase the water flow through the south channel. Fishermen should stay out of the south channel (locally called the rapids) unless accompanied by an experienced guide familiar with the area.
Obviously current flow is an important consideration when fishing in or around the rapids, but it is typically overlooked when fishing in other sections of the lake. Current flow positions fish and there is always a current flow through the lake. Any place where there is a natural restriction such as in the narrows between the numerous islands, entrances to bays, and in the channel that connects Rough Rock to other lakes the current flow will be a little more pronounced. Not a swift current flow just a constant and definable movement of water.
A navigable channel called the narrows connects Rough Rock Lake to Sand Lake, Little Sand Lake, Pistol Lake, and Gunn Lake. Keep in mind that once you leave Rough Rock Lake through the narrows there is no place to get fuel or directions and you will be on a massive lake complex where you are unlikely to see any other fishermen. Before you venture out of Rough Rock Lake tell someone where you will be going, when you should be back, and make sure that you have adequate fuel for the round trip.
Typical of the Canadian shield lakes, and as its name implies, the most distinctive characteristic of Rough Rock Lake is its tremendous rock formations. Sheer rock walls above and below the water are typical. Gigantic boulders bulge out of the lake and form large uninhabited islands. Some of these islands are big enough to contain their own bays, lakes, and streams. Underwater rock piles and bays jut off the main lake body and are vast enough to easily consume an entire day of fishing.
On Rough Rock Lake bays can be divided into two general categories: shallow water bays with a mud bottom and deep water bays with a hard (rock) bottom. Weed beds are common in bays with a mud bottom and are also a good way to identify where the hard bottom changes to soft bottom. Piles of small rocks, boulders, and gravel bars are common to both types of bays as well as the main lake body.
Getting There
Rough Rock Lake is located on the Winnipeg River, south of the Whitedog Dam, approximately 45 miles north of Kenora in Northwest Ontario Canada.
To reach the lake by car from International Falls, Minnesota take Highway 71 north to Highway 17, take Highway 17 west about 14 miles to Highway 596, take highway 596 north about 31 miles to Minaki and Whitedog T. Turn left at the T onto the gravel road (525). Follow the gravel road to the Rough Rock Lodge sign and launch ramp.
To reach the lake by air, fly commercial airlines to International Falls or Winnipeg, Manitoba and charter a float plane to the lake or rent a car for the 31/2 hour drive to the lake. For private aircraft there is a 2800 ft. paved public runway at the Minaki airstrip. The airstrip is approximately 12 miles from the launch ramp.
Once there, Rough Rock Lodge is the only lodge on the Winnipeg River between the Whitedog Dam and the Minaki Lodge (about 17 miles). The lodge is located on a secluded bay approximately 1-= miles from the launch ramp and is accessible only by boat or floatplane.
Accommodations at the lodge include a variety of house keeping plans for fishing or hunting, boat rentals, gas, great food at the lodge and shore lunches that are second to none. About all you need to bring is your personal clothing, rain gear, camera, fishing gear and a hearty appetite (did I mention the great food?).
John and Gloria Hazelett have owned and operated the lodge for over twenty years and are just great folks to be with. If you are planning a fishing or hunting trip to the area and would like additional information about Rough Rock Lodge, contact John and Gloria at (319)359-9507 until April 25 (winter) or (807)224-3403 (summer).
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