"Katchewanooka Lake is one of the region’s best places to target carp. These hard-fighting fish are very popular with overseas anglers, who travel to Canada specifically for this fishery. The sport is beginning to catch on with Canadian anglers as well, and Katchewanooka Lake is an excellent example of a thriving carp fishery. Mike Williams, owner of Lakeside Cottages on Katchewanooka Lake, says that the shallow water and good weed growth are what make the lake ideal for carp. Peter Fischer, from Lake Edge Cottages, adds that the health of the fishery is directly related to the health of the lake. “Katchewanooka Lake is a shallow, warm-water lake, and it’s got a fair current running through it, bringing lots of nutrients,” Fischer says. With both rocky and sandy areas, and several weedy spots, Katchewanooka Lake has everything that fish love and need. Sholeh Nowroozi, from Katchawanooka Resort, says that they typically see anglers targeting carp in September and into the fall months. While they prefer to be out of the main current of waterbodies, they can often be found in areas that offer both calmer waters and access to their main food source, which are crayfish and worms or small insects. That said, they are also quite adaptable, and will eat just about anything. At times, such as ice-off, carp feed. A lot. They eat like vacuums at times, and have a particular fondness for corn. At other times, such as in winter, they’ll barely move, and you’ll wonder if the tales of these fighting fish are simply fabricated. Try your luck in early spring and into September, though, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. Williams says that carp fishing is best from late spring into the fall. Anglers from the United Kingdom know that carp are heavy fighters. They’ve been compared to a block of cement with fins; once you hook one, you know it. Carp can be huge, and yes, they fight hard, making a dive for cover once they’re hooked. This can challenge anglers, who can often get twisted in the debris. As well, carp have very soft mouths and large hooks won’t necessarily stay in place. Serious carp anglers have serious carp-specific gear, but for those who are just trying out the sport, we suggest small hooks and strong line. Katchewanooka Lake also supports thriving populations of other fish species such as walleye, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass are popular mid-summer targets, both by boat, and right from fishing docks, Fischer says. He sees anglers using all sorts of lures, from casting topwater lures, crankbaits and spinnerbaits, to hand-tied flies. Katchewanooka Lake has several shoals and islands, and the areas around Second and Third Islands, or in the north end of the lake, can be other good starting points. Katchewanooka Lake is accessed through Lakefield, just north of Peterborough."

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