Fish-Hawk.Net

Not sure what the water level is like this year, but it's usually high early on,
although water levels are really down everywhere this year!

Sanctuary is only the northernmost part of the northern half of the lake,
so you'll have LOTS of water to fish without worrying about that.

If you're staying at Tumblehome, Ward is usually very
willing to help get you on fish.

Water levels will be the highest or nearly the highest you'll see all season.

With the high water levels, rocks are less of a problem. But, all mid-lake rocks are marked with floating bottles. You do need to be careful when running near shore or around and between islands. The bigger worry is floating logs. With such high water levels, you need to be on the lookout for logs/fallen trees that have floated off of shorelines. This can be especially dangerous if you're running in the dark.

Skull Island marks the start of the sanctuary. As already noted, it is located nearly to the northernmost point of the lake. So, there is not much water that is unfishable.

Hope this helps.

I was at my cottage on Big Gull this weekend. Big Gull is upstream from Crotch and the outflow is controlled with a small dam. The water in Big Gull is still at winter levels (down 12-16" at my dock) even though they put logs back in the dam. I'm guessing Crotch is quite low for this time of the year too unless a lot of water comes in from somewhere other than Big Gull...

crotch islow be carefull or you'll need some work done on lower unit at low water in can be treacherous

SixStringHack wrote:I was at my cottage on Big Gull this weekend. Big Gull is upstream from Crotch and the outflow is controlled with a small dam. The water in Big Gull is still at winter levels (down 12-16" at my dock) even though they put logs back in the dam. I'm guessing Crotch is quite low for this time of the year too unless a lot of water comes in from somewhere other than Big Gull...

I believe that the main source of inflow to Crotch L. comes from the Mississippi River. However, I have no idea as to what the ratio of the Mississippi inflow is compared to that from Big Gull but I would guess it is much greater and more consistent.

very, very scenic lake, went there twice last year (June and August) water was low, but I did not notice too many really shallow spots, had a lake chart. I have heard and I would agree that it is an inconsistent lake, not alot of fish and a huge lake so many spots. We had a bit of luck (couple of eyes) in 20 feet of water right in the crotch. In august we we had again some luck for bass, but not a lot. Very pretty lake, not the best fishing lake. Let me know how you did as I will be going back this year.

i am heading up there on friday for 4 days, i will let you guys know whats up when i get back........

I have stayed at Tumblehome lodge in years past. Beautiful place and staff friendly. Fishing horrible. Besides limiting out on perch, our party of 8 managed one walleye trolling at night and one pike. Not sure if Tumblehome's website still posts the weekly and annual catches but walleye winners were only a pound or slightly more. Some co-workers of mine had similar experiences and fished different times of the year. Locals always blamed water levels for lack of fish. A lot better fishing at nearby lakes.

well, lets say it was interesting , the water is down probably 5 ft, we were at the dam at king lake, not a drop of water going down the mississippi....4 eyes for 10 guys in 4 days .....the worst weather we have had up there in 12 years.......still luv it up there thuo......


andy

Crotch Lake was the very first lake I fished in Ontario. We had limited luck, probably cause we didn't know what we were doing, but still had a great time.

Tumblehome Lodge is a beautiful place. I highly recommend you shoot Ward an e-mail or give him a call. He'll be more than happy to help you out.

You can find more information on Crotch Lake <a href="http://www.fish-hawk.net/hawktalk/viewt ... 9">HERE</a>.

You can also read our Fishhawk Show story <a href="http://www.fish-hawk.net/hawkshow/crotc ... HERE</a>if you haven't already.

Here's my take on Crotch Lake.

1. Best name ever!!

2. Not a lot of fish are caught. They're in there, but the sheer size of the lake and the finickiness of the bite makes for long un-eventful outings for many.

3. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the Kawarthas

4. Tumblehome is a fantastic lodge. The owner, Ward, is a great guy who will do everything he can to put you on to fish.

5. Bring lots of food as you may go hungry if your plan is to eat your bounty.

6. Bring your rain gear. It seems that everyone that writes a review about Crotch inevitably faces terrible weather. Seriously. Go back and read some of the previous reports. It is an underlining theme in almost all of them.

Have fun!!

Robert Goulet wrote:Here's my take on Crotch Lake.

3. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the Kawarthas

It's in the Land O'Lakes tourist region, not the Kawarthas.

to be honest, there are guys on here that now the lake better than i, we just take our time, the good thing about the low water is you get to see a lot of the lake that is normally just under the surface , we found a few rock piles ive been drivin over for years and never new they were there.
My advice, just take your time. good luck.