Madawaska River Claybank Launch

[jighead94]

Planing on heading out on the Madawaska River this weekend, launching from the Claybank Launch. First time on this part of the river was thinking of heading towards the Stewartville Dam. Was wondering if there is any dangerous areas I should watch out for, heard something about a shoal by some hydro lines? Also any good secret spots to get into some pickerel. Thanks for now and good fishing.

[Rider23]

I will be there saturday for opening day, you have to watch a few spots on the river. It can go from 15-20 feet to a stumpy 1 foot in no time. but most of it is easy to nav. play safe and have fun

[Rex Mundi]

From my best recolection if you are heading down the river toward Stewardville stay to the left. That side seems to be the main channel with some parts on the right a little shallow.

I have never had any luck down the river for eyes. I have had success at the other end of the lake. When you launch at Claybanks and make the turn to go towards Arnprior there is some spots right in that area on both sides of the lake. Look for holes close to shore. When you pass the island (Small but it really is the only one on the lake) There is a weed bed to the east of the island try in there. Down towards the generating station there is a big shoal, fish the edges of the shoal where it drops off. In the same area along the tracks (rocky edge of lake) fish along there.

Sorry for not being very specific but I do not have secret spots on the lake I jsut fish teh areas that every one else fishes.

Check the map on the FishHawk map project, it will give you good ideas to start with.

Good luck and let us know how you did.

[UGLYSTICK9]

Watch out for the old rail road comin out of a creek mouth by the dam. If you're fishing that shoreline you can get some amazing walleye action.
I have some other spots I'm not going to reveal but I will possibly be out Sunday.