Big Rideau Hoggs Bay??

[jona38]

This year I'm planning to spend a little more time on Big Rideau so I've been looking at the Navionics web app quite a bit and found that in Hoggs Bay it states " Prohibited area, power driven vessels are prohibited in Hoggs bay". So does this mean you can't even go in there with your electric trolling motor? Is it 100% reserved for paddlers? I can't seem to find any other info on this a all. Any help is welcome. Thanks Jon

[burns]

The bay is for paddlers only, I have checked with the park staff at Murphys Point. On the bright side, the lake right there is great for smallmouths. Work your way out from the shore line and you'll find them suspended somewhere. I don't fish for them but lots of people out there for lakers too. Keep in mind though if the wind starts to pick up that part of the lake gets bad, really big waves that could take out a smaller boat. hope this helps

[jona38]

The bay is for paddlers only, I have checked with the park staff at Murphys Point. On the bright side, the lake right there is great for smallmouths. Work your way out from the shore line and you'll find them suspended somewhere. I don't fish for them but lots of people out there for lakers too. Keep in mind though if the wind starts to pick up that part of the lake gets bad, really big waves that could take out a smaller boat. hope this helps

Thanks Burns. Big help for sure!!

[Mike586]

If you're not fishing for lake trout, it might be worth checking out the boat launch just before Portland. I've never launched from there myself, so I can't say anything about it other than that I've seen decent sized trailers parked as I drove by to get to Bayview marina where I have a slip, but it would put you way closer to some of the better bass/pike fishing.

I've had decent success leaving the launch at Murphy's point and following the shore line along the bays in either direction, but the shallower south east section near Portland I've had way more consistent results...

...I guess where you decide to launch from depends on what kind of boat you've got and what kind of species you're after. But I'd have to say Murphy's Point puts you close to the good laker action, Porland will put you near the better bass/pike, the odd walleye, etc. fishing.

[jona38]

Thanks Mike586, I'll check out the Portland end for sure. I'm just looking for bass. Jon