Fishing Canada's Rideau Lake Chain

My first visit to the area, Newboro Lake to be precise, was back in 1981. Making the plans and preparing all the gear was a monumental task to say the least. Everything was checked over and over to ensure that there would be no hang-ups or problems.
We studied for weeks in advance and gathered whatever information we could from any source we could find. It was also necessary to plan our driving route as well. This was before the Internet so a good old Rand McNally was our best friend.

The plan was that we would be camping near Mosquito Lake, well named I might say, and sleep in the back of my truck which had a aluminum cap on for protection from the weather and insects. We would cook outside on a grill and even enjoy a good old "Shore Lunch". In those days we were much younger and this seemed to be a first class arrangement!

Fishing from this base camp we could explore six different lakes without going through any locks. Other than Newboro Lake you can navigate to Clear, Indian, Benson, Mosquito and Loon Lakes.

Our many trips to the area have made it easy for us to get around without any navigational aids. First timers, however, should have a good lake map and keep track of where you are because it is easy to get lost among the many islands and coves. If you do take time to go through the locks you will be exposed to many more beautiful lakes with diversified fishing opportunities.

Here is a link for the Rideau Canal Lock System:
http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/map-waterway.html


Now that all went well but as the years went by things changed. I have returned almost every year since then.  As time went on my overnight accommodations changed from truck bed to a friends rustic cabin then friends house etc. During our trips we noticed that there were a two fishing lodges right on the lake and eventually we stayed at one or the other a few times. I have found that booking at any lodge makes your stay more memorable. Situated side by side, but offering different decors are "The Poplars" and "The Stirling" Lodge. I had stayed at the Poplars 3 or 4 times and the Stirling once before. This year, for my 3 day visit, reservations were made to stay again at The Stirling Lodge.

The Stirling Lodge http://www.stirlinglodge.com/ has accommodations that will meet any need. We choose the lakeside rooms that are situated, well, at lakeside and close to the docks.

The rates vary depending on your choice of rooms but include three meals each day and maid service. This is very common at most fishing lodges and is referred to as "The American Plan".

Our stay was comfortable, the food was great.

The rooms feature A/C and cable TV to make your nights relaxing. The Victorian atmosphere in the main lodge is intriguing.

There is a beautiful bar area and spacious pool room for those that care for a little evening entertainment.


Anyway, getting back to the fishing...

The waters here are clear and Bass, Pike and Panfish are plentiful for anglers of all ages. The lodges have boats of many configurations for daily rental.

Normally there are no crowds especially when you get off the main canal route that the pleasure boats use as they traverse the deeper channels and go through the lock systems.


The fishing can, at times, be challenging but with a little effort you can have a great time.

I'm not writing this to brag about big fish but just to share some information so that you too might plan and enjoy some time on the wonderful Rideau Lakes!


Again, thanks for reading ...


One Cast ... One Fish !

Downsizing ...



This past month was a excellent time for downsizing my tackle box since many of the lures I already had proved to be useless.  I didn't get rid of the ineffectual ones just tossed them in a bag and put the bag in a cabinet for now. In order to do this there needed to be some guidelines that could be used to make the final selections.

This would be the only fair way to ensure that I would have only the lures that catch fish instead of the ones that instead snagged me as I prowled the aisles of sporting good stores. After careful thought I came up with the following ground rules that would decide the winners.

(A point system for each qualification would be the determining factor and a total of 10 points would be needed to gain a coveted spot in my tackle box. Possible top score is 24)

a. Has this lure ever actually caught a fish? Yes = 3 points
b. Has this lure caught more than one fish? Yes = 5 points
c. Has this lure ever enticed a fish to follow it for a few seconds? Yes = 1 point
d. Can this lure be used in heavy weeds/lily pads? Yes = 2 points
e. Has this lure caught more than one species? Yes = 2 points
f. Can this lure be fished at various depths? Yes = 2 points
g. Do I actually have any confidence in this lure? Yes = 5 points
h. Do other people laugh when I use this lure? No = 1 point
i. Have I used this lure in the last two years? Yes = 1 point
j. Have I used this lure more than once? Yes = 2 points

You would be surprised how many of my lures fall short of the mandatory requirement. I know that you may disagree with my experiences with certain lures listed here but let's just agree to disagree and continue on here ...

Starting out with the now wildly popular WopperPlopper (try saying that 5x's fast) . This lure is over-rated, over-packaged and over-priced. It is useless in or anywhere around weeds. It can be found taking up lots of space on the walls of many tackle stores. We (Anglers), in turn, cram it into our tackle boxes while Larry Dalburg laughs all the way to the bank!

On my fifth cast, while fishing Marsh Creek Lake, with my model 130 a nice two and one-half pound bass smashed it hard. This one fish made me a believer but now after tossing it at least one thousand more times I can only count that one bass. Let's just say the YouTube video created to sell the WP is a stroke of genius! Although this lure gets only 6 points (a, h, j) I will have it ready to go when I travel to Lake St. Clair later this summer and see if the Muskies like it.


Next will be the Bill Dance Excalibur Spit'n Image.
Here is a top water lure that has proved itself time after time.

Bill deserves every dollar he was paid to put his signature on this baby! It is exciting and easy to use and the hooks are extremely sharp. Although it works best at dusk or dawn many bass have been fooled at other times too. This lure gets a spot in the top row of my tackle box and 18 points. (a,b,c,g,h,i,j)


If you haven't noticed the "Live Target" brand of lures yet you must be blind .Arguably one of the most realistic looking line of lures ever to adorn the tackle shelves of Sporting Good stores.

Again I was sold by it's introduction video on YouTube. The Sunfish lure enticed big bass and tremendous strikes. I had to have one! I purchased five on my next trip to the tackle store. One for my buddy in Canada, one for another friend here at home and three for me! I couldn't wait to cast this lure into thick lily pads. So far ... nothing! Ok, so I have not used it alot but enough casts have been made for me to loose all my enthusiasm that I had when purchased. Somewhere, sometime I will try it again but for now it is destined for the shelf above my computer only because it looks soooooo good! A generous but undeserving 6 points (d,h,i,j) will keep this beauty out of my box for now.

Ok, let's look at Wacky Worms (a.k.a. "Senko) for a minute. Here is creature bait that will be in my box for a long time to come. Fished "Wacky" style is a sure-fire way to fool bass. A smooth soft flip in the weed bed holes is usually the best presentation. The worm will slowly wiggle it's way toward the bottom as it draws attention from nearby fish. Total score for this one is a most possible 24 points (a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j)

Single or Double blade Buzzbaits are one of my favorites. They produce heart pounding top water strikes, and can be effectively worked by novice and seasoned anglers alike. From early spring to late fall there is always one tied on and ready to cast whenever the conditions call for it. They get top priority in my tackle box and score 22 points (a,b,c,d,e,g,h,i,j).


Crankbaits take up a lot of space in my box but personally I don't catch many fish with them.

Some folks swear by them but me... nope!

I have a bunch of them for all different depths. I don't do any trolling which could make a difference. There are one or two that  are made for shallow retrieves. They look enticing and I will keep them around for casting submerged weed beds. Also, shallow running Squarebills are good to have in the spring. Other than that, well, I just don't use 'em much. My favorite, even though it has produced only a few fish is the Strike King® KVD Series Crankbait. It, alone gets a score of 18  (a,b,c,g,h,i,j) So with all that being said most of my Crankbaits score a measly 6 points and will be evicted from their ill earned spaces.

Jigs of various color and weight consistently produce fish. Flipping jigs in and around weed beds, drop-offs and submerged wood is a sure winner. A great cold water lure but will shine anytime when other lures fail. Tip them with a rubber creature of choice and toss it in. Bass, Muskies and Catfish will not ignore this lure.  A solid score of 24 earns these lures a special box in my main tackle box all for themselves.

Spinnerbaits rank right up close to my Buzzbaits and share the same area in my box. They are best in the spring but if used properly will produce jarring strikes at any time. In addition to the big three (Willow, Colorado and Indiana), there are a handful of other proven  Spinnerbait blade shapes that can adorn a Spinnerbait. I always like a big thumping Colorado blade with a slow retrieve. Consider using a stinger hook to get those fish that strike just a little short. Be ready for Bass, Muskies, Catfish and even Walleye to chase this lure. Here is another real winner with a score of 24.


I will finish with the Rubber Worm and include with them any Rubber Creature that you can name. I became hooked on rubber worm fishing back in the 70's after reading the Bill Dance book titled "THERE HE IS!"

So fish 'em Texas or Carolina rig style and follow a few basic tactics and the bass will follow. Look up all the details for yourself  and pick any brand you like. There will always be Rubber Worms and Creatures in my box. Score these softies a foolproof and deserving 24 points!


So for now my tackle box is lighter and less cluttered. All I need to do is stop watching sales pitches on YouTube that feature the newest "Magic Lure!"






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Fishing the Conowingo Reservior ...

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a complete guide to fishing the area nor does it cover all the danger areas that are mentioned. It is just a few facts from my brief fishing visits.

It had been more than three decades since I traveled to the Conowingo Reservoir and now it was time to return. Back in 1984 our goal then was to launch below Holtwood Dam and motor down to the Peach Bottom power plant to fish the warm water discharge. In the fall, when the main river is cold the power plant discharge makes a huge water temperature difference of ten to twenty degrees warmer. This attracts bait fish and in turn, of course, the larger fish in the food chain. Largemouth Bass, Crappies and Stripers congregate and present a unique opportunity.

Len with a vintage display!

On that day, back in 1984, the conditions were perfect and we had a terrific catch. I might add that at that time "Catch and Release" was not being practiced by many anglers and therefore we filled our stringer as the picture shows. Today, however, I would not even think of keeping those fish ... well unless they were tasty walleyes!

Consider yourself forewarned!

The Conowingo Reservoir is the lower part of the Susquehanna River as it flows through Pennsylvania and then crosses the Maryland border. The upper part, below Holtwood Dam is very treacherous to navigate due to huge boulders that are hidden just below the surface.

Strong currents, created by the release of water from the dam, can surprise boaters and cause loss of control. In addition to that there is also a water release from the Muddy Run Reservoir just a little south of Holtwood Dam that can also take control of watercraft and have tragic endings.

A bird's eye view from Google Maps

The point here is that if you are not familiar with your boat and the area just below the dam, you should stay away and fish further downstream.








Fishing downstream is more like a large lake. The current is there but not as noticeable. There are flats, drop-offs and shoreline structures that hold fish. The Peach Bottom power plant is on the western side and it is always worth checking that out if the main body of water is below 60 degrees. There is strong current there which is created by the discharge of warm water. Move up toward the discharge and let the flow carry you downstream while casting plugs for bass and stripers. As you distance yourself from the main flow but still in the warmer water you can also anchor and fish for catfish or other quarry.


So, getting back to current day, now here it is 2017 and I have been down there twice this spring. The Smallmouth bass are abundant as are the catfish, walleye and other species. The fishing this spring has been pretty good and we are slowly but surely learning more and more about the area. Smallmouth Bass have been our main target and they have cooperated to some degree. Typical rocky shorelines eddies created by exposed boulders seem to be the holding spots for bronzebacks this time of year. There seems to be abundant numbers of fish in the 1 to 2 pound range but there are also some that exceed 5 pounds.

Den displays his all time "PB"

Fishing with all the commonly used lures is a good choice but our best success has been with jig heads tipped with rubber creatures of some sort. Let the current flow and water depth dictate the weight of your jig head. I have found that 1/16 and 1/8 ounce is best but be prepared to lose a few as the rocky bottom will grab them if the fish do not.

Len with typical Smallie

Our most recent trip was May 24th. We ended up with 22 Smallmouth and 1 bonus Walleye. They were chasing small spinner baits and jig heads tipped with three inch white Mr. Twister tails. For the most part the fish were holding at the edges of current in three to eight feet of water.







This area is also home to many different forms of wildlife. Eagles, Heron and Osprey are very common as are many types of waterfowl. Keep your camera ready and scan the sky and shoreline for the unexpected photo opportunities.


If your interested in fishing this body of water I would encourage you to do some research on water levels, outflows from the dams and discharges etc. From Pottstown it will take you about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there. As far as I know there is a boat launch near the Peach Bottom power plant and a Pa. Fish Commission launch off River Road on the west side. I did a quick on-line search but here again you are tasked with digging up more information on your own. Here is a link to get you started: The Conowingo-Reservoir

If you like diversified fishing conditions and multi-species opportunities then maybe planning a visit to the Conowingo Reservior is in your future!

Farewell to Vincent Dam ... a.k.a. Yankee Dam

Do you remember the dam on the Schuylkill River near Linfield, Pa? We called it Yankee Dam but it's official name was Vincent Dam.  This picture is an old postcard that I purchased on EBay dated 1909.

Back then the Schuylkill River flowed over the entire dam breast with much gusto. During the 1960's a bunch of us Royersford boys would come there in the summer for a day of swimming and just general "messing around". A wall on the Montgomery County side had steps of various levels and provided platforms for jumping into the churning water.

No one ever told us of the dangers that the dam presented with the turbulence, rocks or other hazards that may be just under the surface. Chances are that none of our parents knew we were there. Anyway, Jumping in and swimming right to the waterfalls and then getting in the air space between the dam and the overflowing water was the triple-dog dare of the times. Coming face to face with a water snake was our only fear.

 Many years ago the dam started to deteriorate and slowly fall apart from the annual floods and ice jams. I often frequented the dam because the fishing was pretty good there. Water from the river had stopped flowing over the actual dam. The current carved a passage only on the Chester County side where a breach of about 20 feet let the mighty Schuylkill have it's way.

Walking out on the old dam structure was very  dangerous. These pictures show the state of demise around 2006 or so. You can also see the method of construction. Heavy timbers, then rotten and broken were embedded in large rocks and boulders. I' am sure it was an engineering wonder at the time it was built. When these pictures were taken O'l Yankee Dam was already scheduled for removal in the near future unless Mother Nature did it first. Each time I visited the dam to fish, I could recall the splashing and shouts of us boys on those summer days long ago. Swimming was the main event there when we were young but in later years it proved to be a great fishing spot for Musky, Walleye, Stripers, catfish and bass.

Here are two pictures of Yankee Dam as it was before it was taken out by the Army Corps of Engineers in 2009. Notice the massive timbers and large iron spikes. Let these pictures bid a farewell to not only the dam but some of my best summer memories.

 This first one is looking toward the Linfield (Montgomery County) side.

 This next one is looking toward the Chester County side. 

On November 9th, 2009 I took a walk back to Yankee Dam to view it's ghost.

The removal of the dam was completed just weeks prior to my visit. I expected that the change would have the flow of the river now smooth and with no sign of things that were. I was wrong. The dam abutments are still in place and the removal left signs of the old structure beneath the surface.




I can see now that it will still be a pretty good fishing area with lots of diverse current and underwater fish magnets. Still I miss the mighty structure that is no longer there. The remnants of the dam were piled in a nearby field at the time. Obviously taken apart with heavy machinery.

I took a few casts and sat on the wall in silence saying goodbye to this old friend. I really needed something more tangible to remember all of this. I decided to rummage through the piles of rubble that were left and dug out one of the rusty bent spikes used in the original construction. I thought for a moment, about the man that hammered this into the timbers many years ago. Also, I wondered, did the people that dismantle it take time to ponder the same? Well, I brought it home and cleaned it up with a wire brush to keep the memory with me for forever.

 Here is the huge eighteen inch spike.

At this time it sits on my workbench in the basement. It may just be the only thing saved from what was the beautiful Yankee Dam!

Thanks again for reading "One Cast ... One Fish !"

© 2016 LCFdesign

Spring Perch fishing at Marsh Creek Lake

March 29, 2017

The water level in Marsh Creek is rising now. It is up 2 feet from last week. Fishing from the rocks at the bridge on Little Conestoga Road today was pretty good. A quick stop at Gordon's Sport Supply for wax worms and I was ready to go. Arriving at the bridge about 9:45 am I was surprised to see no one else. There was a breeze blowing from the northeast but I was protected on the lake side by the raised roadway. Air temperature was in the upper 40's and water was right around 50 degrees.

I set my slip bobber at four feet, impaled a wax worm on a long shank hood and tossed it out. After testing a few different depths I hooked my first yellow perch. Although there is no size limit on perch it was bit to small to keep. I was hoping for a few in the ten inch range to filet for dinner.

Another angler arrived and started fishing on the opposite side of the cut. He also took a number of casts in different directions searching for active fish. He began catching small crappies directly in the outflow under the bridge. Unfortunately they were also to small to keep but he continued to get one on almost every cast.

The bite continued for me but consisted of perch and sunfish. A few other people arrived and began fishing in the same areas. As I was sitting on the rocks enjoying the sun I caught a movement right in front of me. To my surprise a beautiful mink bounced up on a rock, not three feet away, and then slipped into the water and was gone like a ghost. In all the hours that I have spent outdoors in my lifetime this was the first mink ever to cross my path. Sure was a sight to remember and one that will never be forgotten.

Anyway, I did change spots a few times but eventually came back to the rock and caught a few more fish. Ended the day with five nice Yellow Perch and about twenty Sunfish. All were released to get a little bigger. Headed for home at 1:45 pm glad to see that spring is upon us.

Thanks for following "One Cast ... One Fish !"

FINDING LOST GOLD IN LOCAL LAKES !

 In this neck of the woods, Southeastern Pa, we have many man made reservoirs that provide a source of water, recreation and flood control. Most are part of the State Park system. In the fall many of them are drawn-down to allow for the spring snow melt.

Usually they will drop around four to six feet which exposes a lot of the fishing structure.  Here is a good example of fish holding habitat that is normally three feet below the surface. I believe it is part of a old building foundation that was there before the lake was constructed.

I always visit one of the lakes in late winter, before the water rises, and walk the shoreline to make note of where these fish holding structures are located for future reference. This one, pictured to the right, is man made and will usually hold fish in the spring and summer. At normal pool level it would be three feet below the surface.



Ah, but there is also another reason that I walk the exposed shore lines.

 With the water low I can usually navigate the bank without worrying about bushes and other normal obstacles. My goal here is to look for hidden treasure in the form of lures that were snagged and lost by anglers during the previous fishing season.

It never fails that I come up with a few nice ones and some old crap too. Sometimes you have to look carefully and other times they just jump out at you. This picture, taken in 2013, shows one of the many man-made rock piles and posts. During normal water levels you would only see a foot or so of the top of the logs. A great fish attractor and one that could hold the riches that I'm looking for.

Finding these lost gems takes patience and concentration. I have learned to look high and low but especially in the prime target areas that I would be tossing my lures if fishing the shoreline from a boat. This picture was also taken in 2013 when the lake was dropped much lower than normal. Marsh Creek lake is full of old stumps like these that are hidden under the surface.

Last week, while on my little tour, my eye caught a bright glimmer coming from a old downed tree that would normally have been in three feet of water. The sun was at the right angle and it was obvious that this was a fairly new lure.  A beauty of a lure just waiting for me to free it from the snag.

 Turned out to be a Lucky Craft Pointer SP 128  in perfect condition.  I also found a few old rubber worms and various other old hooks and sinkers but no other keepers.


 Anyway, the Lucky Craft lure sure will get some new life now that I have it in my tackle box. Pure Gold for sure!

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Is it "Cabin Fever" or "Impatiens Captat ?"

 

"Cabin fever is an idiomatic term for a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group ends up in an isolated or solitary location, or stuck indoors in confined quarters for an extended period. Cabin fever describes the extreme irritability and restlessness a person may feel in these situations. When experiencing cabin fever, a person may tend to sleep, to have a distrust of anyone they are with or to have an urge to go outside even in the rain, snow, dark or hail."

(Definition from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

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 But now I wonder, could there be something else? From time to time, especially in the winter, people claim to have "Cabin Fever" because of the lack of outdoor activities. This no doubt effects anglers to such a degree that they will spend hours on the computer looking at pictures of fish, lures, rods, reels, boats and just about anything that pertains to fishing.

 For most people a temporary cure for this malady is simply going outdoors. Not so for a avid angler! Visits to the local tackle store just make it worse. Driving by the lake only intensifies the sickness. Opening our tackle boxes and fondling the lures will result in flashbacks of fish gone by but will make us even more anxious. The only cure for us is to actually go the lake, river, pond or stream and take a cast or drop a line down the hole in the ice. This usually results in immediate relief from the ailment.

 Once the weather improves normal people rarely complain of "Cabin Fever" due to the regular doses of outdoor exposure. However, anglers are not normal people and there is another syndrome that attacks us, and is even more debilitating than any form of "Cabin Fever". It is called "IMPATIENS CAPTAT" which is Latin for Impatient Angler. Strangely enough this disorder is initiated by actually curing "Cabin Fever!" The initial symptoms, although negligible, sneak into our subconscious minds long before the real dilemma hits us.

 It works something like this... You arrive at the lake just before dawn full of anticipation and a feeling of absolute joy. Everything is going fine, the fish are biting, the weather is comfortable and the sounds of nature abound. Then, without warning, you receive a little message in your head that tells you that all of this will end and you will have to return to reality. Early on, this scant reminder has a very minor affect and is dismissed without a second thought. Then as time goes on and you are engrossed with the adventures taking place it hits home again. A glance at your watch tells you that five, of the planned eight hours, have already passed. There are only three left before it is over! This is when your mind starts haunting you with the realization that the end is near. Thinking about the upcoming deadline begins to overwhelm your thoughts. The final hour is so despised that you may wish that it was here now just to get it over with. Once the closing minutes arrive you give in and commit to that final and last cast of the day.

The moment your line is retrieved and secured is when "IMPATIENS CAPTAT" hits you like a brick wall. You now become impatient and can not wait until the next scheduled fishing day.

 Although you continue with the normal everyday things like family, work, school or whatever, you are obsessed with figuring out when you can go fishing again. People around you might notice your restlessness as you interact with them. Visions of the lake keep distracting your daily activities. Planning your next fishing day is a priority and the thought of any other obligations quickly irritate you.

 These symptoms begin to ease up once you have finalized a plan to get out again. Everyday things become easier to focus on and accomplish. As the big day gets closer you become less annoyed by little setbacks around the house or at work. Still impatient but under control knowing that you will soon be out there again to enjoy the start of another day on the water.

 Many years ago a friend and I were struck with this sickness in the worst possible way while returning from a three day fishing trip to Canada. We had literally fished 22/7 (yea we needed two hours of sleep each night) and could not keep count of how many fish we caught. The fins and teeth of numerous Bass, Walleye and Pike had scarred our hands and fingers till they bleed. We were tired beyond belief. His boat and all our equipment was in need of some TLC. In the middle of the trip home on U.S. 81

we were hit with "Impatiens Captat". We could not face the fact that our trip was over and normal life awaited our return. Our solution or you might say antidote was simple. Right then and there, we decided to not go home but instead head right to Marsh Creek Lake, which was close to home, and continue fishing for the remainder of the day.  We forgot that deep down in the depths of our minds, lurked another round of "IMPATIENS CAPTAT!"


So therefore I give you the first definition for this wide spread ailment called ...


"Impatiens Captat is a term that is used to describe any angler that has finished a day or days of fishing and is somewhat distraught because it has come to an end. When experiencing "IMPATIENS CAPTAT", also known as Impatient Angler, the unfortunate victim initially goes through a period of deep depression. He or she also has a tendency to irritate others by a general disregard for what is going on around them. As time passes slow improvement can be expected but is governed by how soon the ailing person can see that there is a chance to go fishing again in the near future. It is best to stay clear of the sufferer until noticeable change is obvious. You may first detect a smile, be it so slight, or even a sliver of interest in a project that doesn't pertain to fishing. This will be a sign that things will be back to normal soon. As a word of caution it is best to remember that "Impatiens Captat" is bound to happen again and is unavoidable."

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© 2016 LCFdesign