Atsion Lake

Last weekend I 'roughed it' in a log cabin at Atsion Lake. If you don't know, the lake is part of Wharton State Forest and is flanked by the villages of Atsion and Basto. It isn't known for bass fishing but does attract travelers from afar for the camping and other recreation. The many furnished cabins are available for rent 11 months in advance, and they book fast. My wife booked ours just so we could see what the fuss was about.
I was impressed.



The cabins were clean and well organized. All of the buildings have a kitchen, bathroom and indoor and outdoor fireplace. Not to mention they are all right on the water.



Ours had three bedrooms between the two stories and a screened in porch that looked out over the lake.

Anyway...I was really there to fish. I was told upfront, by more than one person, not to expect any bass but to bring some pliers for all the pickerel.

This looked liked prime bass country. Scattered bushes. Trees. Dozens of sunken tree trunks and green grass. But I found nothing. I got a few bites and thought it may be pan fish but later assumed it was very small pickerel. The bites on the laminate green and white senko, but not on the hard baits led me to that conclucion.



If any bass were here. They would be exaclty that... Here. But they weren't. I threw every bait I had with every retrieve I could, but got nothing from it.

I returned to the cabin for lunch. After a beer and some fire wood cutting I headed out again. This time not so far from home. I went directly across the lake to the opposite shore hidden from the gusty wind. At times it felt as if I were sailing rather than paddling. The wind pushes bait and surface foods across the water and the feeder fish typically follow. I caught a few very small pickerel. Picture a light green hot dog with teeth. Very tiny sharp teeth. I traded down to the ultra lite rod and a micro tube. I caught the only decent fish at atsion. A rather large crappie.






I really thought it was a bass. But seriously...look at the mouth on that thing.

So, in conclusion, for family fun and fishing, Atsion is not the place. But it is great for relaxing and getting away without going too far.
I stopped at Barton run for 15 minutes in the way home and caught 2 bass at 1.5lbs a piece. Oh well. Too bad the lake at home is so great for fishing. I had a great time at Atsion, and will probably return, but for some time away. Not for bass fishing.

Read on.
Thanks.

-- :el