Union Lake, 5/23/09, Fishing Report

[The Mechanic]

Hi All,

This is my first post, after lurking for a couple of years, so forgive me if I screw it up.

We fished the South West side of the lake, just south of the boat launch, from 0730 – 1030 hours. We managed 5 rockies on Silver (Black and Grey) Shad Raps, 5 –7 FOW, clear skies, very light NE wind changing to very light NW wind.

We fished the North side of the lake from 1830 – 2030 hours. We managed one 13 and a half inch largemouth on the same color Shad Rap, 7 FOW, clear skies, light SW wind.

We threw a lot of colors at them without so much as a bump. Silver seemed to be the color of choice, for us anyway.

[redear]

welcome to the site,
very nice report

[fishinthed]

Yes, very good report, and welcome! :fish:

The east wind probably made things a bit difficult.. but I've got a few tips based on what's worked for me around this time of year:

Try trolling lipless, rattling cranks and/or Rebel Crawfish about 1.8 to 2mph, similar depths, and you should get into some smallies, and maybe a pike or three. Might hit the shad raps, too. The key is to hit the right depth and speed, above all. Experiment until you find them out.

Largemouth bass are likely to be in shallower cover, and just might hit on top. If you have any topwaters (jitterbugs are my fave) or floating rapalas, or some such, toss them near weeds (lily pads, cabbage, etc.), and see if there's any action.

[deep6in]

Nice report. The smallies out there are great when you find them;) I've been out there a few times this year and the fishing is quite spotty compared to what it has been in the past. The rock bass are huge in that lake though-caught a few that had to be well over 2lbs (just as wide as they were long) on my last outing :yikes:. I have been told the pike on that lake get pretty big too, but have not managed to locate them yet.

[The Mechanic]

Thanks for the great tips and input!

I’ll have to put them in my back pocket until next Memorial Day, as we only get over to that area once a year for Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Polish Country Fair. While we are camping, we throw the boat in and try our hand at various lakes in the area.

We’ve tried Pontiac Lake and Cass Lake in the past. Union is our favorite so far (other than the ramp/parking arrangement).

Thanks again!

[deep6in]

Thanks for the great tips and input!
We’ve tried Pontiac Lake and Cass Lake in the past. Union is our favorite so far (other than the ramp/parking arrangement).

Thanks again!


Funny you mention that because next year you are probably looking at a new launch with same side parking.

[The Mechanic]

Are they putting it in another location? The reason I ask is because it looks as though the DNR does not have a lot of real-estate in that area.

If they don't move it, I'll have to pack my running shoes just to cross the road.

[Bigbass101]

That's certainly one of my favorite lakes in the area. The fishing can be fantastic on the right days. You may want to take a look at Sylvan lake not too far down the road. It also has a nice mixed fishery.

[deep6in]

Are they putting it in another location? The reason I ask is because it looks as though the DNR does not have a lot of real-estate in that area.

If they don't move it, I'll have to pack my running shoes just to cross the road.
Yes they are putting in a new location. It will be at the old Marina at Union lake road and Wise road(went by today and the property is fenced off so looks like they are well on their way too). It is supposed to have same side parking, but when this site is built they will more than likely discontinue the existing site and sell off the property. If you do a search on Union lake I posted a link in another thread to the actual news article. If all goes well you can leave the running shoes at home;)

[Ocho Cinco]

Do you guys know of any lures that seem do work espicially well out on Union? Mainly for Bass, Pike and Wallys.

[deep6in]

Do you guys know of any lures that seem do work espicially well out on Union? Mainly for Bass, Pike and Wallys.

I dont really target bass out there and I have yet to see any pike while out, but I have had some luck on a little bit of everything for the bass and walleye. X-raps, hot N tots, crawler harness, plastics, you pretty much name it and I have pretty much lucked into a fish on each of those, but nothing real consistant out there.