Enquiry on Chain of Lakes

[Believer]

I am a fellow Muskies, Inc. member from Western Pennsylvania (Ch. 16). Some Mid-West friends and I are thinking about a trip to your Chain of Lakes: especially interested in Skegemog, Elk and Torch.

Elk and Torch look like big, deep waters; and Skegemog looks meso or eurotrophic. We are looking for both muskies and pike.

Could anyone give us some information or an opinion on these lakes? How would they be around June 1?

Thank you.

[Kingfisher]

Big fish ,low numbers, lots of water to cover. You will need good maps and lots of time. Elk and Torch are massive with very deep and clear waters. Skegamog has Cabbage and some wood structure. Musky numbers are low on these lakes due to natural reproduction and spearing. There are however some really big fish for the true hunter to seek out. This is a very tough system to score on. Kingfisher

[Believer]

Thank you, Kingfisher. What about the pike numbers? Do they provide action?

I don't like to criticize another state's way of doing things, but don't the Michigan anglers outnumber the spear throwers so as to lobby for banning it? Or do many folks do both line angling and spearing?

[Cyberlunge]

Believer-

Pike action is insignificant and not enough to warrant a trip to fish for them. As for the spearing I believe what we have been told is that it is a traditional method for harvesting fish that is both legal and enjoyable. Most of us are of the opinion that they probably kill less fish than the accidental catch and release weekend guy. I agree with Mike on the chain and would not recommend making a trip to fish it. It will kick you in the pants and laugh at you many days. Consider that you are talking about thirty + miles of connected water and you see the problem Plus the boat traffic is abominable.

Kevin

[Believer]

Forewarned. Thanks.