So, in an effort to expand the number of lakes and rivers that I regularly fish, I went out today in search of new bodies of water that I could easily launch my boat (19.5 ft Lund w/ 90HP Honda). I've always wanted to find a "trout" lake, and I know that they are well kept secrets to those in the know.
Combining the MNR Fish Consumption Guide, the Eastern Ontario Backroads Mapbook, and the Stocking lists, I make a list of lakes that I would like to try. I jumped in the truck this morning to scout my locations and see if they are accessible or if they have a suitable launch.
Here are some issues I encountered (any hints or pointers gratefully accepted):
1a-Mile Lake - Steep launch, very bad erosion, but do-able with my truck.
1b-K&P trail between Clyde Lake and Mile lake is washed out. There is 18-24" of water. No problem for the truck, but anyone else with less clearance may have issues.
2-Brook Lake - This was high on my wish list. I tried to find "Chipmunk lane" from the K&P trail, however every road leading East is marked with "Private - no trespassing". I tried from the other side by taking Luker Road, looked promising, but once again, the same damn sign: "Private - No tresspassing".
So, here is a question. Am I off base by assuming that the MNR stocks a lake that is unaccessible to the public?
3-Norway Lake - Tons of cottages, but no visible launch, and most roads around the lake have "Private - No tresspassing signs". Dissapointing.
4-Anyone know what is in Balmer lake? It looks promising, but has no visible launch unless you have a canoe or yak.
Finding new lakes to fish
Getting the boat in is one thing - getting it out is the real challenge!! 
Serious answer -
Some of the lakes are stocked with the intent of snowmobile access. So if there is a snowmobile trail to a lake, even across water, it may be surrounded by private land and yet still be stocked.
I would recommend that you have a look at the Crown Land atlas. There are people that put "No Trespassing" signs on Crown land - for real. They typically do this if they own land adjacent or have a hunt camp on Crown land and want to keep riff-raff out.
Be prepared for a show-down - bring the printed maps and your GPS... then hit the lake. Also, if you have a friend who looks like a 300lb gorilla and mean as a pitbull - bring him too...
Serious answer -
Some of the lakes are stocked with the intent of snowmobile access. So if there is a snowmobile trail to a lake, even across water, it may be surrounded by private land and yet still be stocked.
I would recommend that you have a look at the Crown Land atlas. There are people that put "No Trespassing" signs on Crown land - for real. They typically do this if they own land adjacent or have a hunt camp on Crown land and want to keep riff-raff out.
Be prepared for a show-down - bring the printed maps and your GPS... then hit the lake. Also, if you have a friend who looks like a 300lb gorilla and mean as a pitbull - bring him too...
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DropShotr
- Gold Participant
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- Joined: Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:06 am
- Location: At home....waiting for bass season.
I'm with RJ on this one. A 19 1/2ft boat would be a real challenge of anyone's driving abilities after you left two lane blacktop.RJ wrote:I'd be shocked if you could get your boat in very many of the stocked trout lakes in that area....
The obvious larger ones in our area would be more likely what will work for you and that ride....
If your intrested in lakers, there are a good selection of lake trout lakes in the area that have sutible launches for your boat.
DropShot'r
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basshunter1
- Participant
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- Joined: Sun May 31, 2009 1:13 pm
- Location: Mad River
A case in point would be your last choice,on your list. Lake Norway,still has some crown land,but is virtually privately surrounded.the atlas and maps still show crown land on the east access road,and many years ago we had a cottage on the west side of the lake,but a hill on the property,made it impossible to launch anything other than a canoe or tinny,so we would launch on the crown land launch,on the east side and dock the 19' er back at our dock. well,I went up there 2 weeks ago,and they have the road posted as pvt.,and when you get near the end,they have blocked the access off with concrete pilings. a local guy ,with a cottage near the end challenged my presence,but after he realized my knowledge,he backed off,but I still couldn't get onto the lake from the east road. too bad,norway is one of the best LMB lakes,in the province,I've released many 5lb. and bigger fish on it.,it is also a good walleye lake,which I was looking to fish a couple weeks ago. My fault though,even though I checked the land registry,I still should have taken a smaller atv and done a scouting mission,but I really thought I would be ok,and yep,I had to back my full sized dodge and 19 footer down a nasty little trail,to get back out. 
I understand that launching my boat in many places is difficult, however, I do have access to both a 14ft Lund, and a canoe, hence why I was willing to hike it in via Chipmunk lane which I assumed would be an overgrown trail.
ON a positive note, I did find 5 lakes that I could launch my boat at, 2 that would need the smaller lund, and 2 that I could use the canoe due to a lack of a polished launch, so it was a successful day. I'll check the crown land atlas and possibly attempt a return trip.
Anyone who has met me will agree that I am the 300lb Gorilla.Also, if you have a friend who looks like a 300lb gorilla and mean as a pitbull - bring him too
ON a positive note, I did find 5 lakes that I could launch my boat at, 2 that would need the smaller lund, and 2 that I could use the canoe due to a lack of a polished launch, so it was a successful day. I'll check the crown land atlas and possibly attempt a return trip.
norway lake
you should be able to get on that lake at the back off of the kp trail but you cant drive a truck on it any more small boat and atv and yes it is the best lake for bass also picks !!!