MrSimon Posted February 12, 2015 Report Share Posted February 12, 2015 You guys seemed to like the pics from my last report, so I dug up some from a trip a few years back. We went to Crotch Lake, which isn't too far from where a lot of you guys live. It's widely considered to be "fished out". Well, it's not if you like smallmouth bass!! I do admit that the pike and walleye were few and far between. They certainly are still there in fishable numbers, but I wouldn't really recommend Crotch if you only want pike and walleye. With that said, it's a stunningly beautiful lake! Very few private cabins and only two lodges. It feels a lot more remote than it is. Also, there are lots of FANTASTIC campsites and shore lunch spots spread out around the lake. It's a decent size lake with great rocky structure and plenty of bays, nooks and crannies to explore. We enjoyed ourselves and would go back for the scenery and peacefulness alone. Especially since it's about half the distance of NWO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manitoubass2 Posted February 12, 2015 Report Share Posted February 12, 2015 Nice! Great pics!!! That last nature shot has my saying nature sure has a paintbrush? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beavertail Posted February 12, 2015 Report Share Posted February 12, 2015 I'm thoroughly enjoying this winter season with ice fishing and all, but seeing your report has got me a little bit more anxious for spring and boat season! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4x4bassin Posted February 12, 2015 Report Share Posted February 12, 2015 Great report . Can't wait for open water ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misfish Posted February 12, 2015 Report Share Posted February 12, 2015 Theres a lake I have not heard of in a long long time. My late aunt and uncle had a real nice rustic cabin on the Mississippi. They also had a boat docked up on that lake. The only time it was fished by them was at night. I can remember my pop and uncle leave at 9pm and not be back til 2-3 in the morn. Always a full stringer of pickerel. I remember the first time I got to go. It was dark but the full moon was full. Lite the lake like it was daylight. There were no rod holders, we all hung onto them for the next bite. Water like glass, and just the sound of the motor and the yelp of , GOT ONE. Some nights I would head out on the miss and get cat fish in the rice beds. That was a trick and a half grabbing them with no light on board, but you learned fast how to step on their heads and slide your hand along their backs. Thanks for the post and bringing back some great memories for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris.brock Posted February 12, 2015 Report Share Posted February 12, 2015 These sunshine and apple pie reports are making me "crotchety" in this cold weather. You take nice pictures, looks like a fun trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSimon Posted February 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2015 These sunshine and apple pie reports are making me "crotchety" in this cold weather. You take nice pictures, looks like a fun trip. LoL!!! I have plenty more sunshine and apple pie pics if you want to see them .... just say the word. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.M.05 Posted February 12, 2015 Report Share Posted February 12, 2015 Drove by the lake many times but never ventured in. Have also been told the same thing about the walleye and pike. Does look like a nice spot to wet a line. Thanks for the report and pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joeytier Posted February 13, 2015 Report Share Posted February 13, 2015 I grew up camping and fishing on Crotch. Thanks for the report! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nipfisher Posted February 13, 2015 Report Share Posted February 13, 2015 MrSimon, I have never been on Crotch Lake but found this map on the Land-o-Lakes page.http://www.land-o-lakes-lodge.com/lakemap.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamS Posted February 13, 2015 Report Share Posted February 13, 2015 These sunshine and apple pie reports are making me "crotchety" in this cold weather. You take nice pictures, looks like a fun trip. LOL agreed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moosebunk Posted February 13, 2015 Report Share Posted February 13, 2015 Enjoyed that. I've visited the area almost annually since I was 16. Beautiful country, Not easy walleye fishing for the most part, but smallies are plentiful. Keep 'em coming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Caster Posted February 13, 2015 Report Share Posted February 13, 2015 Great scenery indeed. Nice jon too haha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
can u fish Posted February 13, 2015 Report Share Posted February 13, 2015 I am sure a great time was had by all and love the photos thanks for sharing. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary2242 Posted May 2, 2016 Report Share Posted May 2, 2016 You need to know how to fish Crotch Lake. It actually has fantastic Walleye and Northern Pike fishing. Crotch Lake is totally inundated with Smallmouth Bass. In the last 10 years the Largemouth Bass population has grown by 100X, In early spring and fall the Walleyes are right close to shore. You just need to troll along the shore until you find them and then star casting or keep trolling. On Crotch Lake there are so many bass that are eating everything and pushing the Walleyes deeper so they can find food. By late spring the Walleyes move out to the rocky points, shoals and sunken reefs and then stay down 20 to 30 feet. They are in concentrated schools so once you find them you will catch a mess of them. At dusk all the big trophy Walleyes come to shore in the 3 to foot range and will feed all night but that first two hours after dark are the best. Just troll along the shore with Perch Coloured or silver-&-blue coloured J-9 or J-11 Jointed Rapalas. Thundersticks also work. With Northern Pike it's different. Crotch Lake has whitefish, which is a pike's favourite food. By late spring many of the big trophy pike will hand around sunken reefs and plateaus in the 15 to 20 foot range where they stage before going deep on Whitefish raids. You need to get them while they are on the reefs and still hungry. If you go to Land 0' Lakes Lodge's website; read their fishing pages and their fishing tips pages and you will get a really clear picture of how to fish that lake. www.land-0-lakes-lodge.com Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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