Help on Hopatcong

[vikesdad]

first year I have a boat on Hopatcong and dont have the slightest clue on where to start fishing...Boat is near Dows and just looking to bend the rod with my little ones. I have a fair amount of experience in the brine but know little of Lake Hopatcong. Not afraid to troll, throw artificials, heck fish with a bobber and worm...just need someone to point me in the right direction.
Any decent spots for some panfish ? How can I try and catch walleyes and hybrids ? Any thoughts on bait, technique or location would be appreciated....Not looking for anyone to give up honey holes, just looking to get pushed in the right direction..

[GetANet]

Search the Forum There is a Ton of info and there is a very good article written by our own Catfish On The Lake about Lake Hopatcong in ON THE WATER Magazine this month!

[catfishonthelake]

LOL, thanks man. Actually, the article is a decent start. Keep in mind that herring are the main forage in that lake and everything eats them aside from the sunfish. Fish them under slip floats or live line them off the weed lines and on the points while anchored and you will catch fish.

[Delawareriver]

Fresh water fishing is no different then salt. You will find fish in certain areas for a reason. Could be food or structure. Could be docks or soft weed lines for panfish or points, hard weed lines, drop offs etc for bigger game fish. Match these areas with a forage and your in the right area. To start I would throw some small jigs and small plastics for panfish and you can start learning the lake. Plenty of sunfish, perch, crappies and small bass to keep you busy till you wanna try for something larger.

[vikesdad]

Thanks guys..going to read the article and spend some early mornings on the water...cant believe the amount of boat traffic, especially with some serious sized rockets on the water..

[waynedane]

Much better during the week, I don't even think about that place on weekends