I tried to find access to Dempsey Lake just south of Calabogie. I have driven on most of the roads around the lake to no avail. However, I went onto MNR's landuse map and found that one side of the lake is Crown Land.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LUEPS/2ColumnSubPage/STDU_137972.html
To access that part you have to drive on a "private" road. I had not gone down the road befre because it had a no trespassing sign. However, it is no different than any road servicing cottages. There is no one owner but rather shared ownership. I drove past the sign, plus an gate that had not been used in years and past a couple of other no trespassing signs. After a kilometer down the road past the cabins and on Crown Land and not finding a launch, I decided to pack it in. Even if I did find a suitable spot to get into the water, I felt pretty uncomfortable on this road. It is totally unlike another private lake in the area where I fished last time. There, I had pleasant conversations with two owners and no signs. What makes "private" lakes so nice to fish, besides having more fish and larger ones, is that usually you are the only one on the lake. On this particular Thursday morning, I was only aware of one cabin being occupied out of about 15. If you don't abuse your presence and be courteous, even helpful in any conversation you might have, I don't believe any of the owners will mind you being there. Also make sure you treat the fish you catch well. They do notice that. Park your car out of the way and have a good day!
My first fish after 15 minutes was this 24 inch pike. Good fight. I had tiger leader on so I was able to save my fly. A couple of hours later I got this 18" SM. Both on the Mississippi Maiden on a #3 sink but you can see that the fly is getting beat up. I had let the fly sink to the bottom while I fiddled around with something else. When I picked up the rod, the SM was on. I switched over to a black WB with a red hackle at the eye. That fly caught several smaller SM. I don't think the fly really matters as long as it is presented well and at proper depth.
I thought I had figured out one of the hot spots on this lake and conditions (25-30ft water at the drop-off). Nothing. This time casting into water lillies in 10ft of water on the opposite side of the lake was the trick. So if one thing doesn't work, try something else.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LUEPS/2ColumnSubPage/STDU_137972.html
To access that part you have to drive on a "private" road. I had not gone down the road befre because it had a no trespassing sign. However, it is no different than any road servicing cottages. There is no one owner but rather shared ownership. I drove past the sign, plus an gate that had not been used in years and past a couple of other no trespassing signs. After a kilometer down the road past the cabins and on Crown Land and not finding a launch, I decided to pack it in. Even if I did find a suitable spot to get into the water, I felt pretty uncomfortable on this road. It is totally unlike another private lake in the area where I fished last time. There, I had pleasant conversations with two owners and no signs. What makes "private" lakes so nice to fish, besides having more fish and larger ones, is that usually you are the only one on the lake. On this particular Thursday morning, I was only aware of one cabin being occupied out of about 15. If you don't abuse your presence and be courteous, even helpful in any conversation you might have, I don't believe any of the owners will mind you being there. Also make sure you treat the fish you catch well. They do notice that. Park your car out of the way and have a good day!
My first fish after 15 minutes was this 24 inch pike. Good fight. I had tiger leader on so I was able to save my fly. A couple of hours later I got this 18" SM. Both on the Mississippi Maiden on a #3 sink but you can see that the fly is getting beat up. I had let the fly sink to the bottom while I fiddled around with something else. When I picked up the rod, the SM was on. I switched over to a black WB with a red hackle at the eye. That fly caught several smaller SM. I don't think the fly really matters as long as it is presented well and at proper depth.
I thought I had figured out one of the hot spots on this lake and conditions (25-30ft water at the drop-off). Nothing. This time casting into water lillies in 10ft of water on the opposite side of the lake was the trick. So if one thing doesn't work, try something else.
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