Gairloch Lake

Ferguson, from the town of Westville, was a founding member, past president and director of the Pictou County Rivers Association who was dedicated to sport fishing and creating opportunities for young anglers and their families. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 80 but he would have been proud of his legacy and found joy in the hundreds of young, eager faces who showed up in 2020 for the first annual event in his honour.

Much of the excitement of the derby, and all year round, is that this lake is stocked with native species of Speckled and Rainbow Trout every spring and fall. “This lake is one of the sources that feeds the Middle River of Pictou and also provides year round angling. Easy access and not that far out of town, you will often see many families fishing from the banks as well as a few boats doing their best to see what’s out there before it freezes over,” says Alfred White, Jr., the Vice President of the Pictou County Rivers Association.“ He has enjoyed seeing the growing popularity of the Derby each year.

The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture (Inland Division) has been stocking the lake for many years both in the Spring and Autumn with Nova Scotia native species; Speckled Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout. The derby is offered for free for all children up to twelve years of age and only asks for a small entry fee from others. It is always held on the Free-Fishing weekend which includes February 13th through 15th for the holiday so fishing licenses are not required.

“The derby has been a huge success for the past 13 years drawing more and more folks out to give winter angling a hook. Over the years we have had plenty of ice on the lake, some years up to 22 inches and had to use the storm date to help keep everyone safe on the roads to get there. Due to COVID19 restrictions all fishing derbies had been cancelled back in June for the 2020 season which included the Winter of 2021. The PCRA group hopes that folks are able to enjoy this year out there staying safe (fishing) while everyone follows all the guidelines to get us on the other side and be able to continue showcasing Sportfishing right here in our back yard.”

The beauty of Gairloch Lake runs far beyond the depth of its waters; through stories and memories during every season as it continues to be a traditional spot to visit for many local families. Jennifer Haas has lots of happy memories of her childhood days spent at Gairloch Lake and was eager to share her thoughts on the lake off Highway 289. “My mom grew up in Gairloch, my parents were married in the Gairloch church and, as a child, I have many memories of fishing, walking around the lake and, of course, skipping stones. I often go to the lake for peace and quiet when I need to gather my thoughts… so yes, I’m a fan.”

Haas’ connection to the small community continues to be strong as she explains how her “mom and her sisters are often referred to as ‘the Murray girls’ by folks who live in the area, a reference passed down from the generation before. One of the old roads leading to the lake is named after her grandfather, William I Murray, who owned a sizable lot where the family homestead was situated.

Part of the reason the Pictou County Rivers Association has a storm date each year is to ensure roads to the lake, such as the William I Murray Road, are passable. “Over the years we have had plenty of ice on the lake, some years up to 22 inches and had to use the storm date to help keep everyone safe on the roads to get there,” Alfred White Jr states. Safety is their priority but ensuring everyone attending makes lasting memories is their pleasure. Gifting prizes to various participants, giving back to the community is gift enough.

Angela-Rose Samson says “We have (gone ice fishing on Gairloch Lake), we usually go at least a few times every winter. They normally have a family fishing derby there the second weekend in February that’s always really fun. But it’s a really nice spot for ice fishing. We usually go either there or down by Big Island ice fishing but since Big Island is tidal it takes longer to freeze so it gets thick enough a lot quicker on Gairloch and the kids always have lots of fun there.”

The winter fishing seasons runs from January 1 to March 31
There is a bag limit of two fish per person for speckled and rainbow trout.

In Pictou County, the two lakes approved for ice fishing for trout are Gairloch Lake and Dryden Lake

For up to date information please visit fishnovascotia.ca.

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