A-! site info needed

[e-sea-e]

I'm going to hit the A-1 site this weekend, weather permitting, and need a little info.

first, how hard is it to get around in the lake? I have a 12 foot john boat w/ a 7 horse that draws about 14 inches of water. will I be able to manuver around the stumps or will i have to paddle? this is my most pressing question.

second, how busy does the lake get? Looks like there is limited parking, so I'm wondering if I should get there early and wondering what type of fishing pressure the place sees.

third, has anyone been there and taken a recent water temp reading?

fourth, any areas in particular that hold pike after ice out?

finally, I'm wondering if anyone familiar with the place could PM Me with a few tips that will help me figure out a lake that is brand new to me, such as known spawning areas, pre-spawn staging areas, what lures have been productive in the past, and any other info that may help.

thanks guys. if anyone is there saturday and sees a tall guy in a little john boat that looks like its about to sink, thats me. feel free to say Hi.

e-sea-e

[metalhack]

I'm going to hit the A-1 site this weekend, weather permitting, and need a little info.

first, how hard is it to get around in the lake? I have a 12 foot john boat w/ a 7 horse that draws about 14 inches of water. will I be able to manuver around the stumps or will i have to paddle? this is my most pressing question.

second, how busy does the lake get? Looks like there is limited parking, so I'm wondering if I should get there early and wondering what type of fishing pressure the place sees.

third, has anyone been there and taken a recent water temp reading?

fourth, any areas in particular that hold pike after ice out?

finally, I'm wondering if anyone familiar with the place could PM Me with a few tips that will help me figure out a lake that is brand new to me, such as known spawning areas, pre-spawn staging areas, what lures have been productive in the past, and any other info that may help.

thanks guys. if anyone is there saturday and sees a tall guy in a little john boat that looks like its about to sink, thats me. feel free to say Hi.

e-sea-eA 12 Ft Jon Boat is perfect....I would suggest you leave the gas motor home, if you have an electric trolling motor just use that...or as you said use the paddle when you can. Even in the middle of the open water theres a few stumps. I guarantee you get caught a few times.

Navigating is difficult. There are hundreds of stumps about 6 inches under the water all over the place. Just take your time and you'll be ok.

It really does not get that busy since its such a tough place to fish. The underwater structures seem to magnetically snag your lures. Its just something you have to get used to.

I dont know the temp....sorry, I should know that too.


I am sure I'll see you there.

I'll shoot you a PM for the rest.

[Bob Parsons]

A1 is divided into two sections Mill pond and Stump pond,
Away from the edges and island and along the Earthen dam your motor will be ok in the mill pond section.

Once you get near the natural shore line there will be stumps visable and hidden. There is a channel to the left of the island the allows a boat with a motor to get about 1/2 into the stump pond section (if you are areful) Use the paddle to work your way aroung the structure. I liked to use surface plugs in the early morning and evening, rubber worms casted at the stumps all day long. Spinner baits and other snag proof baits work well. If you get a fish in the stumps, get control quick or you could have the trophy of a life time do a couple turns around a stump and be gone.
I've only caught pike there through the ice.

[metalhack]

One other thing that I learned the hard way....

If you have a hard mounted sensor for your fishfinder you may want to take it off. I drifted right into a stump that was submerged and it ripped it right off.

[fishingdan]

Lake Pearl in Wrentham is about 60 degrees this week. Whitehall has been a little warmer 62 - 64, but that was before the last few cold nights. I would expect A1 to be similar to Whitehall.