I've been visiting a bunch of different lakes to see what the fishing is like. First time at Lake Stickney. Didn't have much time. It was really crowded at first... everyone using power bait so my worm and bobber set up didn't fair well because I instantly started to float towards another line since so many were out. I had brought my 2 poles but there were too many people and another man came up right next to me and instantly threw a pole in- right in front of where I was about to throw my 2nd one (which I had in hand about to cast) so I just set it down and didn't use it. A young girl was wading out part way to throw her pole and was making a bit of a disturbance where the boats launch out. I realized my comfortable worm/bobber wouldn't work in this situation so I set up for power bait (like everyone else- to which I got no bites- like everyone else). I was a touch surprised. No one was very friendly as it has been at the other lakes I've visited. I got the feel of competitive territorial nature instead and I was beginning to think this really was not the place for me to visit... unless I was in a boat away from everyone. Out of all of them, one guy caught one fish. (this was all in the course of one hour). The sun began to set, it sprinkled a tiny bit and everyone cleared out all at the same time and I was last man standing. At which that point, a sigh of relief escaped me and happily... I set back up for worm & bobber to fish from the top. I got my 2 poles out, got a comfortable spot to sit, and a fella arrived to power bait some from the bottom. With plenty of room, it was comfortable. He was friendly and we chatted a bit. Right away, he caught a 10" rainbow trout and just gave it to me. How nice! :) Shortly thereafter, I caught one as well and by then it was dark. Both ways (fishing from the top and the bottom) worked well. I was there for a couple of hours... but really only fished for about an hour considering the circumstances. Once the sun began to set, the water settled down, the people cleared out, the tadpoles showed up, the bats began to catch bugs, and a friendly fisherman arrived- it was much better. I'd say the fishing is good there but my first impression of the environment wasn't anything to write home about. I reserve my judgment though and will try at least one more time from the shore... if it is not crowded.

Gonefishing

5/31/2013 1:23:00 PM

Fished this lake a few times. It is far better (for me) to be on a boat on Lake Stickney than to be fishing from the shore. I've found many of the locals to be territorial, thankfully not confrontational/territorial. The lake in past years has had some nice sized fish but you (or I) had to get my cast out quiet a long way to be effective.

amandapanda

5/31/2013 2:50:00 PM

Thanks Gonefishing. EXACTLY!!! Yeah, no one came up to me and attacked me or anything. (haha) But I was definitely an "outsider" and didn't get a warm fuzzy welcomed feeling like I have at other places (even if they were a touch crowded). The fellow that showed up later wasn't a regular there and had fished there just 5 times. He seemed very happy to have just us there and told me stories of locals bringing their radios & beer there to have a loud party-like atmosphere. I agree completely... it'd be MUCH better fishing from a boat in the middle. I don't mind a good gathering of friends and having a beer & music but for fishing... personally, a big part of it is going to where it is peaceful and friendly. I will make sure to let my boyfriend know this would be a good one to try out that way since he has a little inflatable one we both fit in nicely. I think the only reason why I caught that one was because I filled the bobber with a good amount of water to chuck it out there really far. I wasn't comfortable to throw well when I was elbow to elbow with the locals packed in.

fshnjon

5/31/2013 7:06:00 PM

I have been fishing that lake for years , and I rarely fish it from shore anymore due to what you have described ! Usually go out in the canoe and leave the people on shore to fight it out among themselves ....

gnunes

5/31/2013 11:44:00 PM

I was there earlier this morning for the first time around 7:00 and there was only one other gentleman that I've talked to at Martha once before. I left around 8:30 with no fish and he had one in. Good thing people don't like to party first thing in the morning! At least that's what I hope...

amandapanda

6/6/2013 6:33:00 PM

So, I've given it a few more shots. The "real" locals are VERY friendly and have been very nice to me. Giving me fish, offering tips and advice, bringing me my keys when I misplaced them. Glad I gave it another shot. There's been good days there and a couple of slow ones.

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