Foote pond Cooke pond

[bass-finaddict]

I was wondering if someone could give me some directions to the public access on these lakes. Are they decent ramps? Got a couple of days open next week and might try these lakes.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

thanks
Steve

[GVSUKUSH]

There is a decent ramp right above Cooke Dam, I don't have directions with me at work you might want to pick up a Michigan Atlas. I do know you take Wilbur road outta Tawas to Monument road, I've driven it so many times I don't really remember the names of other streets, I go by feel :lol:

[boots741]

I fished both last week, both have good ramps, the one is right next to the Old Orchard park campground off River Rd. ( Foote Dam Pond). Cooke Dam has a ramp off Cooke Dam Rd, all the way until it ends, where the edison property is. That also runs off River Rd.

[bass-finaddict]

Thanks guys! I should be able to find them. No problems with a 20' bass boat? Is the Foote ramp at the campground or is it a public ramp (dnr)?

Just out of curiosity, which lake is better for smallies this time of year?

[drwink]

Is out of the county park campground

[boots741]

Well, not sure i can tell you which one is better, cuz I wasnt fishing for smallmouth. But I can tell you that we caught alot of smallmouth at Cooke Dam, while drifting with crawler harnesses.
you also might want to do a search on both, I know there are other older posts about both, and they discuss smallmouth fishing.

[Noonan]

I am heading up to stay at Old Orchard campground this weekend with my dad and brother in law. We are bringing up my dads new 19.5 boat, but not sure what to fish for up there. Can anybody give me a heads up on what fish to fish for and any other lakes to fish in the area. Thanks in advance.

[GONE FISHIN(LARRY)]

NOONAN,
what kind of fish are you after? In Foote pond right at Old Orchard,plenty of smallies mostly under sized but still fun to catch,lots of hammerd handlle pike,I've never caught any but have seen some huge walleye come out of foote pond.I done well in a few spots on perch in the fall on foote pond,and of course theres rock bass,blue gills.COOKE Pond can be great for slab gills.VAN ETTAN LAKE,is known for it's perch fishery also has a pretty good walleye fishery.Ceder LAKE can be good for pan fish.SALMON are still staging at the mouth of the AU SABLE. Plenty of fishing options the Oscoda area all depends what your after.