Couchville Lake

[TNtransplant08]

Today I was fishing out of West Fork on JPP. While I was at the ramp, a fella noticed that I have a small boat with just a trolling motor on it. He came up to me and recommended that I try Couchville Lake in Long Hunter State Park since its a trolling motor only lake. He claims the place is loaded with fish and that he has caught 6-7 lb LM bass out of there, as well as nice crappie.

Anyone have any info or opinions on this lake, since its not far from my place?

Thanks!

[Mnfishingbum]

Never caught any size there nice area

[hogdawg]

There is also no ramp to launch your boat. Everything has to be carried to the water by hand.

[TNtransplant08]

The fella mentioned that there was no ramp. But he made it sound like you can park pretty close to the bank and just pull the boat a small distance. My boat is pretty light since its just a rowboat, so I should be alright if I can get close.

Guess I'll drive over there and check the lake out. Good excuse to get out for a walk in this nice weather this weekend!

[TroutFiend]

Let us know how you come out. I used to fish that back in the 80's when I was a kid from the dock. I stopped by there last weekend to check it out. Would be a good spot for my canoe I think.

[MNfisher]

I also heard there are several larger than average bucketmouths in there. But never tried it.

[bd-]

I've heard it's a decent lake for crappie. All I ever caught there was small bluegill. It's pretty shallow.

bd

[j19bill]

Used to go there alot when I was in High School and rent a boat to fish. I caught a lot of LM in the 2-4lb range. But its been 10+ years ago. Might go check it out one weekend though.

[TNtransplant08]

Thanks for the response guys. The wife and I are gonna head over today to check it out and walk around the lake to take advantage of the warm weather.

BD, you mentioned that the lake is shallow. Do you think its worth fishing in the wintertime? How do the fish behave in shallow, cold water if they don't have deep water to retreat into as they would on a larger lake?

[jimj3561]

I wonder if that lake has ever been stocked? I walk the trail with the family a bunch - usually see people fishing from the pier, sometimes from the bridge. I always wanted to bring the canoe...

[hogdawg]

That lake is attached to Percy Priest by an underground cave. The water level corresponds to Percy. It is drawn down with the winter draw down.