I got the permit last year for the first time...easily the closest lakes near me, figured it would be a blast on the kayak in the early season.
My freshwater muscles are atrophied, it's true, but MAN these lakes are tough to fish. I focused mainly on Tiorati, and the water was gin clear...6lb floro jerkbaiting in the Spring yielded a few decent fish, but many more turned off/spooked. Welch had a couple days of nice smallie action, but nothing over 14".
I heard these lakes are heavily pressured by the bucket brigade, which I didn't witness but I tend to fish weekdays.
Now I'm wondering if I should renew my permits this year...or suck it up and travel farther to get my sweetwater kicks in!
Harriman Lakes
2,336 views·11 replies·by buddha162
biggest largemouth I ever caught was in TIORATI...the channel between the two islands on a deep fished live minnow...light tackle...Welch has the smallies...also get large bluegills...yellow perch and pickerel....have not fished it in years
CommodoreOriginal Crew12,530 postsSince 2018
You should check out some of the Westchester lakes and reservoirs.View attachment 1245
George, that is a PIG of a smallie! Prespawn fish?
I know the westchester reservoirs hold giants...too bad they're row boat only (correct?)...Some of the better smallie reservoirs in NJ allow boats, but no kayaks. Such an injustice lol, smallmouths are by far my favorite freshwater species to target!
First MateOriginal Crew258 postsSince 2018
biggest largemouth I ever caught was in TIORATI...the channel between the two islands on a deep fished live minnow...light tackle...Welch has the smallies...also get large bluegills...yellow perch and pickerel....have not fished it in years
I've heard from a couple of people that there were giants in T...I guess I'll have to roll the dice to see if there still are any left!
Thanks for the tip!
First MateOriginal Crew258 postsSince 2018
You should check out some of the Westchester lakes and reservoirs.View attachment 1245👍
MateOriginal Crew68 postsSince 2018
George, that is a PIG of a smallie! Prespawn fish?Yes row boat only. Luckily Steve loves to row ?
I know the westchester reservoirs hold giants...too bad they're row boat only (correct?)...Some of the better smallie reservoirs in NJ allow boats, but no kayaks. Such an injustice lol, smallmouths are by far my favorite freshwater species to target!
CommodoreOriginal Crew5,158 postsSince 2018
You should check out some of the Westchester lakes and reservoirs.View attachment 1245
Nice Smallie Mr President last smallie I caught was on Shelter Island years ago
AdmiralOriginal Crew40,955 postsSince 2018
I've fish sebago often. Only real luck I've had there is for some decent crappie, perch and pickerel.
The main lakes do get a lot of pressure... If you want to take a hike in and find some of the secluded ponds there's some good ones in the park.
The main lakes do get a lot of pressure... If you want to take a hike in and find some of the secluded ponds there's some good ones in the park.
DeckhandOriginal Crew38 postsSince 2019
Going to head up and fish some of the Res, next month...Have a pretty good understanding....If someone is up there or wants to take the ride to join a friend and I, let me know....Bring the waders an prepare to do some walking....😉 Well worth it if the "plan" comes together...😉
DeckhandOriginal Crew19 postsSince 2019
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