Croton Pond

[shredder]

I have heard about the fishing on Croton Pond, have never been on that water, where should I start, where is the best launch, anything to look out for in the water - ie tree's?, whats the best thing to use? any help would be great.  thinking about this thursday for a day of fishing

[thedude]

launch is owned by consumers and is on the west side of the dam. it can be good this time of year, but can be incredibly tough in the summer. Safe running pretty much everywhere, look at a topo and be aware of where the sand flats are, stick to the outside bends and you'll be fine. This time of year there should be fish on stumps and wood all over, i'd start in the little pond.

[fasttrack]

If you do go into the 'little pond', which is straight across from the launch and under the bridge, be a little careful of the big flat that lies approximately in between the two little island in the central portion of the little pond. Best to stay a ways left of these islands if using the big motor.

Also, if you stay in the big pond and head upstream from the launch, watch the mouth of the back-water/bay which will be on your left. It's full of stumps (exposed and otherwise). There are usually a bunch of swans swimming around that area so you should see it easily. Just be aware that the stumpy flat extends out a little ways from the bay itself.

Soonest I have been there is third week of May, but I see no reason you couldn't find fish staging already. Try spinnerbaits and jerkbaits to cover water of slow down and try a jig, soft jerkbait, or senko. Good luck, and report back to all of us stuck in the office!

[Waterfoul]

As of late in the week the little pond was very murky.  I'm sure with all the rain we got in the last 24 hours it's not gotten much better.  So plan for low visibility on the small pond if you fish there.  On the small pond... the north shore stays deep right up to the shoreline.  Between the islands on the south/east side you should be very cautious of the stump field... which you may not be able to see very well with the murky water.