Balsam Lake Fishing

[amateur_fisherman_25]

Hi folks - new member here and want to say there is great info on here so thanks for sharing. I am quite new to fishing with having only taken it seriously this past year. My friend and I are heading up to Balsam Lake this weekend and will be launching out of Rosedale Marina. The plan is to target Pike and Walleye. With weather not looking the greatest, I want to be as best prepared with regards to both my gear and potential locations to fish.

After having done a ton of research on fishing pike and walleye in the Kawarthas. For Pike I plan on fishing Shallow Jerkbaits (Firetiger and Whites), Daredevil/Silver Minnow Spoons (Chrome), Blue Fox #5 inline spinners and white and black/red spinner baits. I will be using 30lb braid with steel leader on medium heavy rod.

For walleye white 3" grubs/# paddle tails on 1/4 oz Moon Eye Jigs.I will be using 15lb braid with flouro leader on medium rod.

Would the above setup be ok? Also, do you have any suggestions as to what spots on Balsam Lake would be good to start with..with weed growth..drop offs etc.? I know members spots are often are kept secret but just looking to get us started.

Thanks

[Whynot]

Welcome to the addiction - the tug is the drug!

I don't fish Balsam but when on a lake I'm not familiar with trolling or drifting is a great method to cover ground and find structure and/or fish. Bottom bouncers and worm harnesses are worth considering (I prefer single hook spinners vs 2-3 hook harnesses, personally) as is drop-shotting on a drift.

Nasty forecast right now - as usual for May long weekend - good luck out there! I'm sure there will be quite a few boats out this weekend, despite the weather.

[crappeeeman]

Welcome to the Fishing Forum. Take a look at a chart of Balsam lake. There are rocks that pop out right at the surface in some spots. These rocks are marked on the chart. As far as where to fish, head towards the islands, there is some of those hidden rocks out there so be careful. After you launch at Rosedale head north and you will see the islands. I only fish Balsam and Sturgeon and the fishing has been great. Last night we were out in the boat and caught many walleye. I was just about to post my report, and saw your post. This weekend the rough weather is good walleye weather. Good luck.

[amateur_fisherman_25]

Thanks so much crappeeeman and Whynot. I have grabbed a trial of the Garmin Navionucs boating app but something tells me that a boat rental may not happen tomorrow with wind gusts now going up to 50/km and the amount of rain being called for. Its really too bad as we booked the accommodations, deposit down on boat rental. Does Balsam (or the area) have any shore spots that are any good? I'm looking now at some access points on North Bay on North Bay Dr as well as off of Portage rd. Anyone fished those spots?

Thanks once again for the tips guys..