Jack Lake
A big, deep Canadian Shield lake minutes from Apsley — famous for muskie fishing, two marinas, and one of the area's strongest waterfront markets.
Quick answer: Jack Lake is a roughly 3,000-acre Canadian Shield lake about 5 km from Apsley and 30 minutes south of Bancroft. Famous for muskie and walleye fishing, two marinas, and an active cottagers' community, it's one of North Kawartha's most prestigious waterfront markets. Wade Kovacic, Sales Representative with CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc., Brokerage, helps buyers and sellers on Jack Lake.
About Jack Lake
Jack Lake sits about 5 km from the village of Apsley and roughly 30 minutes south of Bancroft, in the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen and reached through North Kawartha. It's a large, deep, very scenic Canadian Shield lake — highly developed, with property values supported by steady demand for what many consider one of the area's prestige lakes.
The lake's irregular shape creates several distinct basins and bays, so there's almost always a sheltered stretch of water regardless of wind direction.
Fishing
Jack Lake has a long tradition of welcoming anglers, with several fishing tournaments held each year. Muskie are the headline species — the lake is known for both numbers and trophy-size fish — backed by strong walleye, bass, and a growing black crappie fishery that draws summer and winter anglers alike.
Fish Species
Access & Amenities
Two marinas in Brooks Bay plus a public boat launch beside Forest Glen Marina make launching easy. The lake has an active cottagers' association, a long-running film festival each August, and family-run Jack's Lake Lodge operating since 1973.
Nearby
Apsley — five minutes away — covers day-to-day shopping and services, with Silent Lake and Petroglyphs Provincial Parks about 20 minutes out. Bancroft is roughly 30 minutes north for full services.
Jack Lake FAQs
How big is Jack Lake?
Jack Lake covers roughly 3,000 acres with a maximum depth of about 140 feet. Its irregular shape divides it into several basins, so there's almost always sheltered water no matter which way the wind blows.
Where is Jack Lake, Ontario?
About 5 km from the village of Apsley and roughly 30 minutes south of Bancroft, in the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen — reached via North Kawartha in Peterborough County.
What fish are in Jack Lake?
Muskie, walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, black crappie, perch, and rock bass. The lake hosts several fishing tournaments a year and has a long-standing reputation among travelling anglers.
Are there marinas on Jack Lake?
Yes — two marinas in Brooks Bay, plus a public boat launch beside Forest Glen Marina. Launching and servicing a boat on the lake is straightforward.
Is Jack Lake good for boating?
Very. It's a large, deep, scenic Canadian Shield lake with islands, points, and multiple basins — big enough to explore but manageable for most boaters — and demand for its waterfront keeps property values strong.
Thinking of Selling on Jack Lake?
Waterfront on Jack Lake is always in demand. Get a free, no-obligation home valuation from Wade Kovacic, Sales Representative with CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc., Brokerage — based on recent comparable waterfront sales, not an automated guess.