Sparrow lake, Walleye and pike opener

[krae]

Anyone ever fish this lake for opener? Is it worth trying or should I head to the Kawarthas? My game plan is to troll worm harnesses in the am and vert jig for eyes when I find them.... Then try top water and cranks for gators in the afternoon... Good plan? Suggestions?

[admin]

Hey Krae,
Yes sounds like a good game plan. Pike population in Sparrow is good, should have no problems finding them. Walleye numbers on the other hand are poor, there are still a few kicking around but mostly fished out years ago around the time the walleye guide service closed down. I haven't been there is years so maybe things have changed. Your best lakes for walleye in the area are the Kawarthas. They still have a strong walleye population throughout the system.

[krae]

Thanks for the heads up Admin! As for the pike, what are the sizes like? If they're mostly hammer handles, I'll be completely rethinking my plans.

[Longshank]

I agree with Admin.

there are some that still do ok to good on eyes there, but it's a tough fishery overall.

As for pike, must be me, but I only get them to a max of 4 pounds, with a lot of smaller guys most of the time.

I hit it once per year.

I would choose other lakes for the opener, most definatley.

GL

[krae]

Thanks guys, rethinking my options.

[Willhound]

I took a drive into Lauderdale Point Marina once last summer to check out the ramp and parking situation. Was thinking of it as a place to go on days Simcoe isn't cooperating, or as a change of pace.
Any thoughts on Lauderdale as the launch point, or is there someplace better I should check out?

[krae]

I launch at lauderdale when I hit sparrow... Good launch lots of parking... A bit pricy at $20 but a good alternative to simcoe when the wind blows. I find the bass fishing is great for buckets... Small mouth is okay but smaller fish... Haven't tried for pike or walleye but read what Longshank and admin write seems poor

[admin]

Yes, I have found the same as Longshank, no pike over 4-5lbs. with lots of smaller ones. The larger pike seem very rare.

[Willhound]

Thanks Guys, I'll make it a point to check it out this year. Not looking for trophies, more just a close by place to hit when Simcoe too windy.