Quinte Fishing

Any one of you boys know anything about Crotch Lake?

Have heard it's basically unpopulated, so my question is.......

Like to take my two young boys camping in the summer, no resorts, no campgrounds, just throw everything you need into the boat and find a spot to camp. Rough it, so to speak.

Anyone have any info on Crotch Lake. Mucho Appreciado.

Oh, and as for the opener, generally get our orcas in the Hay Bay area, failing that, it's off to the Cee-Ment plant.

Although with a late ice-out and a late spawn (??), Mohawk Bay sounds like it just might be the ticket.

The bite was on thru the ice about two weeks ago, some guys I heard about got 13 walleyes, then had some trouble with open water at midnight.

There's a book out, "Fishing Onatrio" (I think) South-Eastern Ontariol edition has a bunch of lakes in Eastern Ont. with charts.

Saw it at Chapters and Indigio in Kingston, Have a look and read about Crotch Lake before you go.

_________________
David Delcloo aka Superdad
(Retired)

Kingston

Thanks, have seen the book (been there, done that).

Was looking for first-hand info. Got some stuff off the web at Fish-Hawk-Net.

Could be a go. Any other input appreciated.

I ahve fished Crotch Lake a number of times over the last 4 years. There is 2 resorts at the south end of the lake and then basically nothing else except Crown campgrounds on the islands. Tumblehome Lodge is a great place to stay and issues the permits to camp on the islands - around $10.

There is walleye, pike, bass, fallfish, perch.

It is not an easy lake to fish but if you stick with the structure there are consisitent catches. Fawn lake which is attached to Crotch is shallow and in the spring a good spot especially for perch and pike - my son has a great time.

Ward at Tumblehome can provide some maps and good lake info.

I have styed in there lodge, one bedroom units, and then shorelunched on the islands to get some roughing it and some comfort.

**

You should try Mellon Lake. Its between Tamworth and Kaladar. There is a creek that you can launch a boat but anything bigger than 14 foot cartopper is a bit tricky. There is a spot to get a trailer down so far but you need a 4x4 for safety. I usually unload everything and use the winch on my trailer to let it down to the water.The creek is OK but be careful when you hit the opening to the lake and best paddle through the opening until you are familar with it. Its a beautiful lake with spots to camp on islands and some mainland spots but be careful there are some wicked rocks around. Make sure you pick up everything you brought before you leave the locals are very protective of the lake.Fishing wise its very good with largemouth, smallies, walleye, pike and if you are very ambitous lakers in the southern part. The camping spots are in the east end of the lake. Water is very clear and clean and a great place to get away for a couple of days. I go in for day trips often.

Hey Dennis, you are right about the rocks in Mellon Lake, I'm still looking for the bottom end of my 90HP evinrude.

Sounds like the craft is a little big for the crick/Mellon deal.

We're gonna do the Crotch thing. If for nothing else but I want the kids to stand up in front of the class in September, and give their little talk on "What I did this Summer", holding their cojones.

The visual is comedic.

Crotch Lake would be an excellent choice for the camping/fishing trip. It is a real treat to be on a realatively large lake with no jet skiis, ski boats and little fishing pressure. The fine folks at Tumblehome will get you off to your camping spot on the lake. It is even more rustic at the north end with a 13 km forest access road which puts you at the water's edge right where the Mississipi River empties into the lake. Gorgeous spot. Fishing is pretty good in the lake, with predictable walleye patterns in summer. ****Remember the slot limit in play up there. No walleye can be kept between 18 and 24 inches**** seem to have benefitted the walleye.
We're actually heading up ourselves with our two kids this summer. I agree with the previous poster to stay with areas with structure. Let me know which end of the lake you're gonna access and I can recommend some hotspots.