skootamatta, big gull, kennebec -where would you go?

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pickereye chaser
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skootamatta, big gull, kennebec -where would you go?

Post by pickereye chaser »

Hello, first time poster here. I am going to be up fishing the Ottawa and land o' lakes area over the thanksgiving weekend, and I am very much a newb as to where to start in this part of the province. My home waters are the Grand River (Caledonia to the mouth of Lake Erie).

I have been able to get out on the ice on Shirley's bay at first ice a couple of times while up visiting the inlaws and was surprised at the numbers of saugers and walleyes at dusk, although mostly small. Is it worth dumping the boat in at Shirley's this time of year? or am I better off trying closer to constance bay or further upstream towards Arnprior? My main target would be walleye but I would be happy with getting out and catching a few fish of any colour. I have a 14 foot, 15 hp v hull tinny for reference.

Heading back down south I was hoping to try one of the lakes in the title (skootamatta, big gull). Is there one anyone can recommend, given the size of the boat and no first hand of the area?

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Cyber
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Re: skootamatta, big gull, kennebec -where would you go?

Post by Cyber »

Kennebec is the smallest, only ever fished it once,
had a ball with the Bass, but didn't see any Wallys. :|

Skootamatta is mid size, only fished that once as well
with my Walleye Club, they were pretty scarce, but a
beauty of a lake. Caught Bass & Pike as well. :)

Big Gull is the biggest. Awesome lake with lots of fish.
Caught quite a few Wallys but the damn slot size makes
it tough to find a keeper. East end of the lake is where
I was catching them, off points and on shoals. Lake is
VERY big so you might want to prepare yourself with a
map, and be careful as there are lots of unmarked lower
unit widow makers in there. :shock: But it is worth the
effort in my opinion to fish this lake. Far superior to the
other 2 in your list. :D

You may also want to check out Mississagagon, a smaller
lake just up the road from Big Gull, it has produced some
of the biggest Wallys I've ever caught!! One at 8 lbs.!! :shock: :D
If you don't stand for something,
you'll fall for anything!!
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Re: skootamatta, big gull, kennebec -where would you go?

Post by 67ZL1 »

Skoot and Gull can kick out some decent waves depending on the wind. Another lake to throw in the mix would be Crotch. Guys say there's no walleye in there, but I've always had awesome success. Very beautiful lake that always reminds me of LOTW. Sand (Plevna) lake is decent too, there is a channel connecting it to McClintic (sp?) that has better walleye fishing. I usually fish by the dam and 5-7lber's are common.
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Cyber
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Re: skootamatta, big gull, kennebec -where would you go?

Post by Cyber »

67ZL1 wrote:Skoot and Gull can kick out some decent waves depending on the wind. Another lake to throw in the mix would be Crotch. Guys say there's no walleye in there, but I've always had awesome success. Very beautiful lake that always reminds me of LOTW. Sand (Plevna) lake is decent too, there is a channel connecting it to McClintic (sp?) that has better walleye fishing. I usually fish by the dam and 5-7lber's are common.
Absolutely true, they can kick up fast!! :shock:

I forgot about Crotch, another excellent choice for Wallys,
again, it can kick up fast as well. :wink:

I've never fished Sand, but I have been there in the evening
and watched the "armada" of locals heading out at dusk in
search of Waldo. :D On most maps you'll find McClintok
listed as Shawenegog (just to avoid confusion). :wink:

Land o' Lakes is truly beautiful with MULTIPLE choices
for chasing Wallys, enjoy the best of "God's Country" :D 8) 8) :lol: :lol:
If you don't stand for something,
you'll fall for anything!!
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Re: skootamatta, big gull, kennebec -where would you go?

Post by pickereye chaser »

Thank you very much. I may be able to only get out for a few hours on the Monday so I really appreciate the guidance. It sounds like a I have a few decent options and will be a lake based on the winds.

Now, I may have to visit the inlaws more!
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Re: skootamatta, big gull, kennebec -where would you go?

Post by pickereye chaser »

I tried to launch at crotch lake off of ardoch road but the water looked way too low to even try - looked like a dry swamp. is this normal?

So I ended up going to Big Gull lake and using the launch in the east end (winds were really low). Was on the water for about two hours but managed a PB pike at 33 inches trolling past one of the many shoals. Looks like a beauty lake and cant wait to try and put a full day in on it.

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Re: skootamatta, big gull, kennebec -where would you go?

Post by Cyber »

That's the problem with Crotch this time of year, it's a 'draw-down' lake
and they pretty much drain it in the fall. They call it the 'toilet tank'
of the Mississippi. :shock: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Glad you enjoyed Big Gull, if you only spent 2 hours there you've
only scratched the surface, you'll really enjoy that lake I'm sure. :wink: :mrgreen:
If you don't stand for something,
you'll fall for anything!!
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Re: skootamatta, big gull, kennebec -where would you go?

Post by trexellunge »

Always wanted to fish Skootamatta myself. I've had a few guys tell me there's some big pike in the lake if you can find them. Supposedly good Smallies and the chance of decent Walleye add to the temptation. It doesn't hurt that the lake has a reputation as being real eye candy as well. I might hit it in late spring.
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