Lakes 33/35

[Mike Duby]

I was thinking about taking a trip up to fish one of these 2 lakes. Can someone give me some information on how much the boat rentals are and how much it is rent an electric motor with it?

Also does anyone know how deep these lakes are or average depth? I do not have a portable depth finder to be able to bring with me. Thanks for any help.

[stlfisher]

Lake 33 is quite shallow...you won't find any real deep water. I am guessing the average depth is 5 feet or so. It is a great bass lake though and if you want to catch a big bass that is the lake to do it. There is not much cover in the lake so you will have to look for structure on the bottom or beat the banks. Load's of small crappie in that lake as well. Some big carp and catfish as well.

Lake 35 is a nice lake. There are some large muskie in the lake (I have never caught one), but they might be pretty tough this time of year. It is a much deeper lake than 33 and lot's of submerged cover...especially along the dam. It is a more scenic lake than 33 IMO. Some giant Catfish in the lake. Not a bad bass lake at all. I would target the dam and be prepared to loose some tackle...lot's of submerged brush especially the last 1/3 toward the spillway.

Busch get's a lot of pressure so fishing can be tough. If you can target it midweek that would be your best bet. I believe the boat's are $5 to rent. Not sure about the trolling motor...but I am pretty sure you can rent one and they won't break the bank. Lake 37 has loads of bass in it...all small though. 34 is the same way, some big Catfish as well. 38 has some nice size bass in it as well...not very scenic, but the dam is overgrown and you can't fish it with out a boat. Might be a diamond in the rough since I bet it doesn't get hit as hard as others.

If you get bored plenty of smaller lakes to hit from the banks. Some big bluegill in the C/R release lakes if that interest's you. Load's of small bass in these lake as well, but don't except to catch many if any over 15.

[Mike Duby]

stlfisher,

Thank you for the information. Very good stuff. I appreciate it. I hope to make it up there next month or hopefully sooner. You can only go to the same lakes over and over again and pretty soon you want some different scenery. Do you know why they dont let you bring in your own boat? maybe with something to do with bringing in non native vegatation?

[stlfisher]

I think they keep out personal boats etc...because of all the pressure it receives. There really isn't a boat ramp on the lakes either. I also think they want to keep out kayaks, float tubes and stuff. It can get really crowded so I think they try to limit the area to fishing only...that way it keeps the party people of the lakes etc. I spend a lot of time out there though and I grew up fishing the area so it has a little nostalgic feel to it for me. My father landed a 18lb channel cat on a plastic worm out of lake 34 years ago. Thought he had the mother of all bass for a second!

[T Hood]

Trolling motors are $30.00 for the day.

You can get around 33 well with the trolling motor due to the lack of weeds and cover. The southwest side of lake 35 is LOADED with weeds and cover. So much that you won't be able to use your trolling motor in it. It's all "people power" on that side of the lake.

I haven't been on 34, but looking forward to that when possible.

In this weather, I'd recommend 35 due to the depth and variety of fish. As for the muskie, I've seen one caught there. But, he must've been newly released in the lake.

Hope this helps.

Troy

[jackdizo]

Fished Lake 35 this weekend, just a heads up to anyone, my car was broken into and had a few things stolen out of it not too mention the hassle of a splashed window.

Talked to another guy out there and he said thats the 3rd time he has heard of this happening. Keep an eye on your car and leave no belongings behind.

Fishing was OK, some bass and crappie were caught. Fished for Musky for about 2 hours with no takers or followers.

[WHARFRAT]

That really sucks. Got my boat broke into a couple months ago. I know the feeling. Can't imagine what was so important that they had to smash your car window.

[Boobie]

which lake 33 or 35