My in-laws have a cabin on Boy/ Swift. With its diversity of scenery, species, and opportunities, this ancient body of water seems to have it all. Email Howard Meyerson at howardmeyerson@gmail.com; follow him on his blog: The Outdoor Journal at howardmeyerson.com and on Twitter at twitter.com/hmeyerson. "We are going into a new era with these muskies.". Of course, its always good to have a guide by your side to help you with choosing the right spots to cast your line. Nothing beats the tranquility of being alone on the water, surrounded by nature and the sound of your screaming reel. Several of the islands had large weed flats that extended toward deep water and when we fished them we found multiple muskies. The West Arm area is shallow with lots of smaller islands. For more information on these launches including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Otsego County page. From its origin in Otsego County down to where it first enters Pennsylvania at Broome County, near Great Bend, the fishery is dominated primarily by smallmouth bass and walleye along with rock bass. Eastern Seaboard angling isnt just about incredible saltwater adventures, its freshwater world is just as rich and exciting. The idea is to fish stained water with 3-4 feet of visibility, not muddy water with less than 2 feet of visibility or super clear water with visibility in excess of 6 feet. Many of the sites have a water view, ours (111) even had a stairway of about 20 steps that went right into the shallow water. One thing to bear in mind is your fishing license. Thumb Lake (Lake Louise) Thumb Lake Rd. Local fishermen love going to Shikellamy State Park, as well as Milton State Park, where you can admire the wildlife and scenic views when youre not fighting your catch. "Their status across the state is pretty darn good," Kovacs said. Must-wear items for staying warmso you can enjoy your day on the ice! Please be considerate and clean up after your pets. One of your best tools to locate muskies on LOW is simply your eyes. There are a variety of clear and stained lakes that provide you with multiple options regardless of the conditions. Under the cover of darkness, youll find big Cats hiding around rock ledges and drop-offs, waiting to ambush. The Indian Lake Chain has a lot of obvious-looking spots such as rocky points, weedy bays and humps. Lake Nipissing is a musky gem that's well worth the time and effort, as the musky rewards can be as great as any musky water throughout Ontario. Below is a summary of sampling results for the five years of effort at this site. You may recall that the DNR switched to raising Great Lake muskies exclusively in 2010 when the state launched its Great Lakes muskellunge program after decades of stocking northern muskies, a strain native to parts of Michigans Upper Peninsula. Big Chub Lake. We fish for musky, lake trout, land locks, brown trout, rainbows, walleyes, bass, pike, and all pan fish. Thats why []. Anglers can register their harvests atMichigan.gov/RegisterFish or (906) 287-0816. What kind of fish are in Otsego Lake? The lake is suitable for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. stream DNR staff have discussed and requested a coolwater rearing facility, one that would be geared towards species like muskie, walleye, lake sturgeon and northern pike. / 44.93278N 84.68889W / 44.93278; -84.68889. It had been stocked with northern muskies in the past. Most of the West Branchs angling action is well-suited to solo anglers looking for a great Trout catch. Otsego Lake may refer to: Bodies of water : Otsego Lake (Michigan) Otsego Lake (New York) Other : Otsego Lake Township, Michigan. Sign Up, FaceBook And its not just your regular Trout: some impressive-sized fish call these waters home. The lake is stocked annually with approximately 5,000 brown trout 8-10" in length. Review My Product Once you catch a musky, the key is looking for similar areas. Dozens of quality sized rock bass were captured during the 1993 survey, but only a handful have been captured since. The Musky Hunter shares 3 favourite musky hot spots across Ontario. It is about nine miles long and is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the state. On the Road RSS Feeds, ShortURL: ofmn.co If you are used to fishing lakes, this is a unique and musky fishing experience, as the Ottawa is a large river. Largemouth Bass with a worm, Details: 20 in. Naturally colored lures that resemble crayfish or minnows are good choices, but bright colors like chartreuse and fire tiger can also work well at times. The fish was was 38 inches long and weighed in at an amazing 14 lbs. <> This area boasts secluded locations, some stunning nature as a backdrop, clear waters, and beautiful fish. What is the name of the lake in Cooperstown New York? Those waters include Lake Besser and Lake Winyah, two impoundments on the Thunder Bay River upstream from Alpena. Whether youre just starting your fishing career or youre a seasoned angler, fishing the Susquehanna River will surprise you in all the right ways. Add the fact that there are several mid-lake humps that are either rock or have weeds in the center, and you'll understand whythis lake a musky anglers paradise. Big Lake is located in central Otsego County in the northern Lower Peninsula, five miles east of the town of Gaylord. The fishing action is solid throughout the year, there are plenty of species to choose from, and to top it all off, this spot is picture-perfect. YOY abundance in a July 2009 sampling event also revealed low abundance of YOY bass as did similar sampling conducted by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat biologists. This has really enhanced the overall musky fishing experience on Eagle Lake. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Your email address will not be published. Not only is the Susquehanna among the 20 longest rivers in the US, but its one of the oldest rivers on the planet. Otsego Lake, in Otsego County, got 2,978 fall fingerlings. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". Once you find a pack of muskies making long drifts through an area is an exciting and effective way to catch muskies on Lake St. Clair. Open year-round. Duncannon and Harrisburg are among the most productive fishing spots. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". / 44.93278N 84.68889W / 44.93278; -84.68889. Due to the low responses, the DNR revamped the system a few years ago. Fishing: The lake is popular during all seasons for its panfish and walleye. Posts: 403. Lake Nipissing is a musky gem thats well worth the time and effort, as the musky rewards can be as great as any musky water throughout Ontario. If fishing the Susquehanna is new to you and you dont really know where to begin, an experienced fishing guide is a life-saver. Your ability to catch a trophy musky in excess of 50 inches is greatly enhanced throughout Ontario. Your best shot is Brunners Island, where a nearby power plant regularly discharges warm water. After the river passes Great Bend in Pennsylvania, more species enter the scene, including Catfish, Musky, and Perch. It got 3,046 in 2011. Headed to Otsego lake state park next week, can't wait! % It will be three or four years before sub-legal fish are caught and six to eight years before we see 42-inch muskies, the legal size. He was using an artificial lure for bait. It does not store any personal data. Cherry Valley Fisherman Catches 40-Inch Muskie | Leave a Reply Cancel reply. The lake generally freezes over sometime in January although some years as early as December and some years as late as February. Product Description. Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Species include bluegill, perch, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and sturgeon. Today fishing looks to be not very active with peak fishing times around 10 am - 12 pm. The Susquehanna River has ample fishing opportunities, and its up to you to pick your turf and enjoy the rivers potential to the max. It eventually empties into the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. How do you catch big brown trout at night? More were shipped out in the fall of 2013, including to several western Michigan waters for the first time. Suggest edits to improve what we show. But getting there is likely to cost $3.5 million. In spring, Bronzebacks are voracious and will blindly jump on anything that resembles food. Channel Catfish are another popular catch, and theyre also native to the Susquehanna. The plan now is to stock them consistently. There's fish on there for sure. We offer full and half day charters and supply all that is needed to spend a fun day of fishing. Hot Spots for Tiger Muskies in NY include Chenango River, Susquehanna River, Chemung River, Mohawk River, Tioughnioga River, New Croton Reservoir, Rockland Lake, Conesus Lake, Otisco Lake, Cossayuna Lake, Lake Durant, Lake Lauderdale, Lincoln Pond, Round Lake, and Canadarago Lake. Most species tend to be average to above average sizes. Walleye with a mister twister, Anyone ever fish Otsego in late September? Raising muskies can be a challenge, according to Wesley. During the summer there are multiple bass tournaments on the lake targeting the impressive sized largemouth and smallmouth bass. Support stories like these. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Around this period, theyre preparing for winter and will gulp down just about anything that comes their way. Reporting is now required within 24 hours of the catch and isno longer voluntary. Very few anglers used the voluntary reporting system to register their catches. Its been stocked (with Great Lakes muskies) for two or three years now and we hope in 10 years to be able to go into it for eggs for the program rather than down to the Detroit River, Cwalinski said. Credit: Jim Saric. Bucktails, minnow baits and topwater get the nod on the Indian Lake Chain. As it makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean, the depth and width of the river fluctuate but you can count on a steady stream of fish throughout! Plus, you don't have to fish giant lures on the Indian chain, and most of the bucktails we fished were with size 8 and 9 blades and the minnow baits were seven inches in length. The fishery downstream of Great Bend, PA is more diverse and muskellunge, tiger muskellunge, and channel catfish, along with the other species mentioned above, are much more common, particularly downstream of the junction with the Chenango River. Colder water can draw out hogs, and while you can catch a trophy here year-round, the fall seems most promising. The hatchery took delivery of 1.2 million muskie eggs, collected from spawning fish on the Detroit River and Lake St, Clair where Great Lakes muskies thrive. Seeing as the Susquehanna flows through three states (New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland), license requirements change from state to state. Whether you decide to head into the unknown on your own or book a trip with a knowledgeable local captain who knows his way around, chances are, youre going to have a good time. A Fish Community Survey was conducted on Otisco Lake during the summer and fall of 2014. Its not a giant lake, but its loaded with muskies and there are plenty of spots for them to hide. There are plenty of access points to fish from shore, and if youre driving, fishing from bridges is always good. Your not going to see numbers of fish, the population of them is not that high. It comes as no surprise then, that theres an abundance of freshwater you can explore. There areseveral other smaller waters located across Ontario, so never underestimate how good these fisheries can be. Improve this listing Full view All photos (131) Top ways to experience nearby attractions You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. Both theentrance and exit of the Moira River haveshallow weed-filled areas that were musky magnets. Cooke Pond on the AuSable River got 2,913 fall fingerlings. Being a late-maturing species, the DNR wants to avoid seeing them fished out of the water before they have a chance to reproduce. Otsego Lake Trip Ideas Amazing Michigan Trails for Hiking, Biking and More Trip Idea 10 Michigan Trails to Experience This Winter Trip Idea Fresh Air: The Beginner's Guide to Pure Michigan Winter Adventures Trip Idea Discover Art and History Along Mason County's Cultural Trails Trip Idea Discover Alpena: A Pure Michigan Itinerary Itinerary Do you have any advice youd like to share? For traditional fishermen, this section of the river offers an excellent bite, especially if you use mealworms or earthworms as bait. This is done for rehabilitation and to provide opportunities for anglers. Otsego Lakes Geology Glacial scouring exposed limestone which has protected the lake by neutralizing the effects of acid rain. Big muskies exist throughout the entire lake. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The only thing more diverse than the fish species here, are the places you can cast for them. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Its accessible through the Shikellamy State Park, both by boat and on foot. "If there's a lot of harvest on muskie, that might be telling us we need to look at regulations differently," Kovacs said as an example. vZT[%(q2;D E#xRbx/>|p3RX0d?tA7bAq]ZIowq+|4 xFuq0s8;o\<2)H1Q}!X:FW&dx972@yo%AsH(4A(4E?A c{8Nw{ M#{LnKQ%?O`0pms=DBlaK2\Kr#O!=cn`FZ6c:~`=.LaAR 5;8B$jxuY+jy![%CAN^. One of the most productive methods is to fish the deeper holes with jigs tipped with either a worm or minnow. When are the best fishing times for Otsego Lake? Nolan Sprengeler's 55-pound, 14-ounce muskie, caught on a frigid night Nov. 22 on Lake Mille Lacs, has been officially certified as the state record, the Department of Natural Resources. OTSEGO LAKE - The County's largest lake, Otsego, has recently emerged as one of the Midwest's top producers of tiger muskellunge, thanks to an ambitious . The Indian Lake Chain does produce a couple of 50 inchers every year, but its most well-known for action. I've caught some big slabs in there before. "It may tell us that we need to increase minimum size, maybe reduce the opportunity for harvest all together,". Fishing is permitted as long as its outside of the buoyed swim area. Weve had to convert an old laboratory into a rearing facility there and have had some challenges with disease and other stuff, Wesley said. 68x-Hu\p[3 ncV& ; Big Lake. Last year was our best year so far. When going after Muskies, remember to prepare a strong wire leader, because these toothy critters boast a super strong bite. The Susquehanna River is not currently being stocked; tiger musky were stocked in the river until 2007. Fishing on Lake St. Clair is all about locating schools of bait and the packs of muskies following the bait. Trout anglers will also have success fishing Rapid Run and Halfway Lake in the R.B. Please see our, Jim Saric and guide John Anderson with a Ottawa River trophy. Gaylord, MI 49735. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Brent grew up spending his summers out on the water, exploring the many rivers, streams, and lakes of the region. Bear in mind that, in Pennsylvania, you should have your license visibly displayed at all times while fishing. Anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye in Otsego Lake. After that,. Cooke Pond on the AuSable River got 2,913 fall fingerlings. Although its unusual name means Oyster River in the language of Lenape, these vast waters are a true fishing oasis. 10/08/2015 Post navigation. Harrisburg and Dunncannon are by far the most popular launching spots. Fishing: Lake trout are the most sought after species. The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. Given the large size of Lake St. Clair trolling is a great way to locate muskies, as you can cover large areas quickly. For more information on these launches including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Chenango County page. Smallies are the superstars of the Susquehanna River, both because theyre abundant and because you can easily hook a lunker. Ontario, Canada is known for its many large and popular musky waters, however, there are many hidden gems adjacent to these famous waters that are overlooked musky hot spots. Night catfishing is very popular in this area, so much so that there are charter captains offering specialized night trips. Mona Lake got 1,043 fall fingerlings and will continue to get the same in future years. Crankbaits and swimbaits work like a charm, and you can often see fly anglers going after their next big catch. Wherever you decide to fish for Trout on the West Branch, remember to get a Trout stamp before you head out. if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. Sign up now to get stories, news, and travel tips, We will never spam you and will never share your e-mail. While most anglers come to the Susquehanna to target Bass, the rivers superb Trout fishing is all the rage, too. Some had been stocked with northern muskies previously. [4] The lake supports a underfished exceptional smallmouth bass fishery. OTTAWA RIVER. All rights reserved. Natural Resources with tiger muskies. What are your experiences? After Smallmouth Bass spawn in mid-June, drift fishing around big rocks can land you a fish pushing 18 inches long. Garret Petit shows off his 40-inch tiger muskie. The resort is right on the water, has multiple cabins, is clean and well-maintained and is a quiet escape. Throughout Ontario, you can locate muskies suspended adjacent to many of the rivers on the southern shore such as the Detroit, Pike, Puce, Belle, and Thames Rivers. You can buy the license online or in a tackle shop. This Trout fishery has flourished in the past few years thanks to the extensive government cleanup projects. Most anglers frequent this area to fish the famed Lake Nipissing, but although overlooked Lake Nosbonsing offers some great musky fishing. This lake is 120 acres in size. Get ready for ice fishing with these tips for landing panfish. Make Short Casts. From Stoco Lake to Lake Nosbonsing, there are loads of amazing waters to fish for muskies in Ontario. Lake Nipissing is known as the Land of Giants. Therefore, the wind can have a big impact on fish location, as well as fishable areas. Otsego Lake With the Village of Cooperstown located at the lakes southern tip, it is a great place to enjoy a beautiful day outside or a sunset on the water after grabbing dinner in town. It doesnt matter if youre looking for your next fish dinner or a new personal trophy these whiskery devils come in all shapes and sizes, and they love to eat. Located in the foothills of the Catskills Mountains, Cooperstown is proud to be a one-stoplight town, with quiet streets and charming old homes, sitting amidst the natural beauty of Otsego County. However, it should be noted that the number of other fish within this sampling site, particularly rock bass, has been noticeably lower. "hTwE6}YR] }T*6wJU&I0k{o4OG_7B~Y+nFodM J.Z 7]C$ %;Ehw60^Q9A3Y&61}>7[bzqG_v IH'=@$a-h uJP/K]ZGZk01e.#. The Ottawa is divided by a series of dams, and each individual reservoir has its own character. Vanderbilt, MI 49795. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The river has two parts which join together in Northumberland, PA. From there, it flows in unison to the Chesapeake Bay. Read more about this fish: https://trib.al/ACllY3p Brent Pollock is a passionate angler and the founder of the popular fishing blog "Safe Harbor Fishing". Otsego Lake 4.5 405 reviews #2 of 27 things to do in Cooperstown Bodies of Water Call Write a review About This picturesque nine-mile-long lake is the centerpiece of Cooperstown. Whether you have a smaller boat, want more manageable water, or simply crave a secluded musky experience with much less boating traffic, check out one of the above-mentioned hidden gems. %PDF-1.3 "Being able to raise Great Lakes muskies opened up the opportunity to stock drowned river mouths and lower river systems in western Michigan," said Jay Wesley, the DNR's southern Lake Michigan management supervisor. I know anglers that catch a couple of hundred muskies from the lake every year! A Visitors and locals can enjoy a myriad of recreation activities on Otsego Lake including swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and more. Find our subscription offers here. It seems every point has nice weeds extending into deep water, also many of the bays have deep weeds to 11 feet. Every year, the Ottawa River produces some of the largest muskies caught in North America every year. The Ottawa has been the subject of much musky research, and the Ontario Ministry knows much about muskies due to studies. The DNR used to track lake sturgeon and muskie harvests using tags associated with an angler's . Dress well, bring plenty of food and drinks, and youre ready for action. If you want to catch several muskies in a day in the 35-45 inch range and have lots of follows, this is the place to fish. The best time to ice fish for crappies and panfish is when the predator activity is low.