Lake Whitingham Rockies 7/5

[Brian]

Usually on an observed holiday Monday we'd go fish on the CT river. But with the heat and humidity forecast we opted to head for higher elevation. So we decided on Harriman. Put in ahead of most of the ski boats at 10:00. Stayed in the very north end until most of the other boats had gotten in and out to where ever they were all going. It was busy for sure, the busiest day we've ever been there, but all pretty civilized.

Started out trying for small mouth on a top water around some shade. I was startled when I not only hooked one, but actually landed it after a muscular aerial display. One of 12 smallmouths we caught (and released) but the only one on a top water. Of the 12 only 5 were "keepers", the second best a 14" job that ate a #3 Mepps.

Mostly the day was a Rock Bass adventure (hey they are "bass" right?), with a few perch and several dace (Fallfish) mixed in. It was fun to get out, kick back and catch a lot of fish. Not game fish, but there is still a kid in us when it come to panfishing. We caught 59 rockies, 7 yellow perch, 5 dace (best one 12.75") and 12 SM between us.


Another "whopper" comes in! Small Cut Tail worm w/ a bead. Deadly ;D.


Old school...1/8 oz. TX rigged Junebug Ringworm. Classic.


Long and lean 17" exploded on a Sammy.

[vtbassin]

A 10 inch rock bass qualifies for the master angler program

Sounds like fun. It looks like you two broke out the light weight spinning rods.

[UPS VT]

I have got to get out and try some different bodies of water. Is this a good place to fish out of a canoe, or does it get a lot of pleasure boater traffic?

[Brian]

Sorry for the late reply. I didn't see your post.

Harriman is a beautiful reservoir. Locals call it Lake Whitingham. It has undeveloped shore lines and two main feeder creeks, both coming in along Rt 9. As a fishing destination it isn't worth a long drive. It does get considerable ski boat/pleasure boat traffic in mid -summer. After Labor Day it's pretty quiet. After Columbus Day you'd have it to yourself. Best bass fishing is the first three weeks in May and again in mid Sept. to mid Oct. The trouble with Harriman as a fishery is seasonal draw downs. So extreme that very little aquatic weed survives. But after all, the reservoir was built for flood control and electrical generation....not fishing opportunity.

Look into the CT River above the Wilder dam for a canoe trip. I used to got there in my canoe days.