looking for largemouth water in and around Chester County PA

[MIKElautensack]

I just got back into bass fishing about a month ago after some years off due to college.  I am struggling to find quality bass water around me.  I have tried Hopewell, march creek, green lane, deep creek and some other water.  Hopewell had been the only lake which I usually catch fish and when I say "catch fish" I mean 1 small largemouth and that it.  Most of the time I go out I get skunked and I am getting very frustrated.  Should I be focusing more on small ponds more?  I am not sure why I struggle to catch fish like every time I go out.  It is probably worth mentioning that I do not have a boat so I am stuck on the banks.

[Gundog]

I'm not from that area but have fished most of the lakes you mentioned. Timing is everything. With pressured lakes, early mornings or later in the evening can be better. Most of the boats aren't on the water at those times. If your schedule doesn't allow it then I would recommend small ponds if you can find them. Unless you have a boat, fishing a lake is tough. Also if you run across a waterways conservation officer (guppy cop) talk to him. He may be able to point you in the right direction. Google earth has been very helpful for me finding small ponds in my area but, as always, get permission first. 

[YoTone]

go at night

 

[MIKElautensack]

15 hours ago, Gundog said:

I'm not from that area but have fished most of the lakes you mentioned. Timing is everything. With pressured lakes, early mornings or later in the evening can be better. Most of the boats aren't on the water at those times. If your schedule doesn't allow it then I would recommend small ponds if you can find them. Unless you have a boat, fishing a lake is tough. Also if you run across a waterways conservation officer (guppy cop) talk to him. He may be able to point you in the right direction. Google earth has been very helpful for me finding small ponds in my area but, as always, get permission first. 

 

I am currently on vacation on hilton head island and on the last day of my vacation (today) I went out try a golf course pond and after 3 weeks of vacation with most of the fishing being pretty crap I found a pond that was great.  I caught a 3lber and missed what felt like a big fish around 3 pm today.  Tonight around 8 pm I hooked up with the biggest bass of my life (probably around 7 lbs) only to have him break of when I tried to lift him out of the water.

 

I have really never been a pond fisherman but i think today taught me that from the banks its probably my best bet.  In the past I assumed that small ponds would not hold any quality fish and boy was i wrong.  

 

I have been using google earth to mark ponds in the Chester County aria for the last week or so and have marked around 70 ponds so hopefully this is the solution that I have been looking for.

[Treble Hooker]

Hey I fish the same exact places as you do but I got a small plastic boat and have a bit more luck. 

Hopewell is a tough lake that is heavily pressured so if you aren't out there at the crack of dawn or near nightfall you usually don't have much luck. I usually go after work and get on the water around 5ish and dont have any luck until the sun starts to fade, then I start to catch them. Last week I got out there a bit earlier and blanked all day until the same time then I caught 3 in a row and another one a few cast later. Problem there is the lake is so small that as soon as the other boats see you catch a few they all rush over and ruin your spot. Very frustrating too say the least. 

Marsh Creek isn't as pressured but the d**n boaters and kayakers out for fun will ruin a fishing spot just about every few minutes. I have caught a few good sized bass there but need to fish it more. 

Don't bother fishing Scott's Run, that place is ruined and I heard they are basically letting it go for now until they can drain it and rebuild it. It is so shallow anymore and is full of nothing but Pickerel anymore.