anglers2be11 Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 I was wondering if anyone has had any luck fishing Shades Milles Conservation Area in Cambridge? If so, would you mind sharing any advice, tips, or general information regarding your catches or lack there of lol. Feel free to post a reply or PM me. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jediangler Posted September 11, 2009 Report Share Posted September 11, 2009 I've been there twice this year with the kayak and have caught hammer handle sized pike, small smallmouth bass, small largemouth bass and some decent sized crappie. I had luck with small 1/16oz jig & grub combos in white and yellow and 4" black sluggos. The lake is so small you can fish it all in a couple hours so finding the good spots is up to you. Good luck and have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jediangler Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 http://www.grandriver.ca/index/document.cf...=28&Sub1=12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oates Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 I have wading along the edges, only one part, quite a nice quiet place at times - only caught perch, planning to canoe it today and see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oates Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 well, tried it out. Was horrible, covered most of the area, tried dropshot, tubes, crankbaits nada - only a few other people fishing, only one boat (shows how crap the fishing is there on a sunny calm day even), hooked a rock bass, small mouth (really young), others fishing from shore (just a few) caught sunfish, third time there - last time there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbouck Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 well, tried it out. Was horrible, covered most of the area, tried dropshot, tubes, crankbaits nada - only a few other people fishing, only one boat (shows how crap the fishing is there on a sunny calm day even), hooked a rock bass, small mouth (really young), others fishing from shore (just a few) caught sunfish, third time there - last time there. Give it time! You gotta find them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mahman Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 I have tried Shades Mill only from shore and lost two lures snagging on logs. Its part of the Grand River so I'm sure there is some decent fish in there but I haven't had any luck. It would be nice to get a boat and trolling motor to cover some ground and see what its really like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jediangler Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 It's part of the Grand river conservation authority but not connected to the Grand river itself. Like Dan says you have to learn the lake before you give up on it. But if you don't have the patience, that's OK too, more fish for me . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oates Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 Really, you guys had success, that's good - I had a canoe out all over the place (4hrs) then waded the beach side later. Glad someone is catching there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landry Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 this lake is well past it's prime. it is very tough fishing to say the least. it used to be the best in the area. Having said that - I fished it last summer twice - got most of my fish in the shallow end near the launch with scum frogs and heavy flip'n jigs punched through surface slop. Dead sticking or slow fishing natural coloured senkos got me some too - BUT IT WAS TOUGH!!! I spotted a nice largemouth cruising a shallow flat and threw a 4 inch senko as far as I could to him. It landed 10 feet away and he bolted like a threw a two by four at him! My kids were at camp there so I toughed it out for a second day - same results. My friend, who wins some very big bass tourneys agrees with me on this. There are some really big bass in there still. Landry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Mojo Risin Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 fished it once (last summer_) and caught a pike *(no bigger then 2.5 lbs) on my 3rd cast right off the dock beside the launch..i was burning a green spinner..then nothing the rest of the day for me or my buddy..haven't been back.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waterwolf Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 a fantastic region to fish with many honey-holes even in smaller conservation areas such as shades. what can we foresee happening here in an area so close to a major population base without a sufficient enforcement to babysit a non-conservation minded society? lower numbers of smaller sportfish!! even as little as five years ago , i've seen these reservoirs producing great catches! poor valens is in a state of ill-management still too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADB Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 a fantastic region to fish with many honey-holes even in smaller conservation areas such as shades. what can we foresee happening here in an area so close to a major population base without a sufficient enforcement to babysit a non-conservation minded society? lower numbers of smaller sportfish!! even as little as five years ago , i've seen these reservoirs producing great catches! poor valens is in a state of ill-management still too. Agreed. I have a problem with a conservation area being treated like a grocery store. How is that conservation? Maybe these CAs should institute lower limits or stocking to rehabilitate their waters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jediangler Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Most CA's do have lower limits but little enforcement. I think they should stop ice-fishing on them, that would be a start. Then maybe don't open for fishing until after bass season opens and close after labour day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oates Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 In realty, shades is a swimming pool compared to most lakes so if they don't stock it, I can't see how it can be good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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