Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Will_CARP on March 21, 2010, 08:27:43 AM

Title: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: Will_CARP on March 21, 2010, 08:27:43 AM
  Was planning a trip to saltspring island and found cusheon lake.  Went to st.marys lake last june any got skunked for bass.  I was wondering since cusheon lake is smaller than st. marys would it be easier to fish?  If so then I will book a cabin there.  Any info/tips are appreciated. ;)
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: jimmywits on March 21, 2010, 10:15:48 AM
  Was planning a trip to saltspring island and found cusheon lake.  Went to st.marys lake last june any got skunked for bass.  I was wondering since cusheon lake is smaller than st. marys would it be easier to fish?  If so then I will book a cabin there.  Any info/tips are appreciated. ;)

Don't give up on St Mary's it can be awesome. The odd skunking is to be expected that's why it's called fishing and not catching. Tight lines.  :D
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: noxcape on March 21, 2010, 10:18:33 AM
saint marys is ten million times better then cushoen in july you want to try top water baits because the small mouth in there are more active at that time of yeah try poppers and smaller buzzbaits
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: gman on March 21, 2010, 01:02:38 PM
I fished Cusheon Lake once in May. I thought I might cacth a bass, but instead caught numerous trout. If you have your own boat you can easily fish both lakes as they're not far apart.
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: Fisherama on March 21, 2010, 01:10:14 PM
Agreed! Don't give up on St. Mary's!  If you need advice on technique, there's a wealth of knowledge already in this forum and some videos made by Rod in the subscribers section.  In my experience, St. Mary's can be an interesting lake... On certain days I've had pretty much have non-stop action, hooking up every few casts, and on other days, it's slowed right down where I'm only catching a few fish.  For very productive days, a boat is pretty much a necessity.  Either way, St. Mary's is the way to go.  The unfortunate thing is it seems that most resorts around the lake require a minimum stay of a week during peak season now.
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: Rantalot on March 21, 2010, 01:24:53 PM
Thats why i normally go in May and stay at Green acres.The boat comes with the cabin and the best fishing is right across the lake.
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: Rodney on March 21, 2010, 01:27:22 PM
saint marys is ten million times better then cushoen in july you want to try top water baits because the small mouth in there are more active at that time of yeah try poppers and smaller buzzbaits

I disagree, not whether St Mary produces better than Cusheon (as I have never fished Cusheon before), but the timing for St Mary. Topwater fishing, in my opinion, peaks in mid June (the timing varies slightly between years of course) and most of the good fishing is on the bottom by July. In July, we've done much better by tubebaiting while topwater lures only produce very small fish.

I thought I might cacth a bass, but instead caught numerous trout.

I think you're just cursed on that island for bass. ;) We plan to return in early June this year, the bass fishing should be better unlike last time. Interested?

In my experience, St. Mary's can be an interesting lake... On certain days I've had pretty much have non-stop action, hooking up every few casts, and on other days, it's slowed right down where I'm only catching a few fish.

I think it's just like any other fisheries. Fishing can be hot and cold, strategies need to change to adapt to the change in fish behaviours and sustain your success rate.

The unfortunate thing is it seems that most resorts around the lake require a minimum stay of a week during peak season now.

Lakeside Gardens Resort on our website still doesn't require minimum stay, not that I am aware of anyway (and mark the owner gives a discount to those who mention Fishing with Rod when booking). Especially May and June (which are what I consider as peak months for fishing). These resorts' peak months are usually July and August as they accommodate families during summer holidays. As I mentioned to Gman earlier in this post, we'll probably go back to Lakeside Gardens in early June. Maybe I should post up a firm date to see if anyone else would like to join us, turn it into a group trip.
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: Will_CARP on March 21, 2010, 07:11:53 PM
 Thanks for the feedback guys!  Last time I went I think was end of june the bass were in spawn mode so I was told.  I will definately try some new strategys this time around.
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: gman on March 21, 2010, 10:00:40 PM
I think you're just cursed on that island for bass. ;) We plan to return in early June this year, the bass fishing should be better unlike last time. Interested?

I woujld definitelty ineterested as the big rainbows more than made up for our bass jinx. Unfortunately other commitmeents will keep us from going this year. Have fun. I really like that spot and we will be back one day soon.   :)
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: Robert_G on March 22, 2010, 08:09:28 AM
How do you get skunked Bass fishing?
There is more challenge in getting a yard dog to eat a steak then enticing a Bass to bite a lure. ;D
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: bklem on March 22, 2010, 10:16:12 AM
ive got a cabin on saltspring and i cant wait for the warmer weather to be sitting on a boat alllllllllllllllllll day haha
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: roseph on February 23, 2011, 10:12:41 PM
wondering if anyone can shed any light about fishing either of these lakes in March?   
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on February 23, 2011, 10:19:32 PM
wondering if anyone can shed any light about fishing either of these lakes in March?   

Bass fishing in the cold is very tough. When I lived on the Island I fished smallmouth allot. I would start right after ice off and would get skunked very often. It wasnt until the water temps went above 50 degrees that I would start getting some regular action.
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: roseph on February 23, 2011, 10:28:53 PM
thanks for the info.  are the trout more active at these temps or is too cold for them as well?
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on February 23, 2011, 10:35:58 PM
thanks for the info.  are the trout more active at these temps or is too cold for them as well?

You would have more chance at the trout than the bass IMO. Still not easy with these current water temps. Any day fishing is a good day though
Title: Re: Cusheon Lake, saltspring island
Post by: Dogbreath on February 24, 2011, 10:59:15 AM
For March I'd head to St Mary over Cusheon-some guys do great on large Rainbows there in colder months but I've never tried it-Cutts are all over the lake most not as big as the Rainbows but as BB says it's all about water temps.

 I'd work around the water plant first something about that slow current creates action.