habitat improvements chambers lake

[nocatchum1]

I am currently wintering in Phoenix Az. When I was last fishing chambers I was lucky to be able to get the Jon boat the water was so low. I understand that the habitat cribs were placed in the lake. Does anyone know were they were placed?
When the lake first opened the fishing was great and bass in the 5 lb class were common. For the past 4-5 years I have been lucky to pick up anything in the 16-19 inch class. You would think the bass I caught 4 years ago at 13 inches would finally be a keeper class if one were so inclined. I know that if someone has a honey hole with 5 pounders they will not reveal that but is there an area in the lake where one can find the larger fish.

[Tom]

Too many left the 90 acre lake on stringers is my guess for why you aren't finding the bigguns now. Like you, I fished with great success there for the first few years, but have notice a huge decline in the number and quality of bass and pickerel there. I don't think the habitat has a lot to do with it- there is a lot of structure in there! The lake is not big enough to handle the pressure it gets. There can only be so many decent sized fish per acre, and with the amount of pressure on such a small body of water, it is no surprise that the quality has dropped off. It is great that some cribs were put in there, but unless stricter regulations are put into place there or the pressure subsides, things won't improve.

[jigger3150]

Its still not a bad lake for crappies. Not real big though. Its a shame we cant get on the ice there. I guess the lake doesnt need more fishing pressure.

[old man river]

Read your post and just wanted to bring things up to date. When Brandywine Bassmasters entered the Pa. Adopt a Lake program, we first adopted Struble lake were we built a floating dock and built and installed about 80 cribs. This has had a great influence in the existing fish population, but it takes time. Such is the case with Chambers. After we built the floating dock we teamed up with a local boy scout as part of his eagle project and placed the first 10 cribs. We plan to do more. We are talking about cutting and placing trees along the banks to provide cover, this project will need approval and is in the works. There are a good population of bass in this lake and you have to work hard to get a real keeper, but that in itself is what fishing is all about, great expectations. There are more things planned to make this lake better, but it takes "TIME" We can all be part of the master plan by treating this place like it is our own, because it is. I will keep this site updated from time to time as to the progress.
Tight lines to all

[arizonaangler]

I have to agree with OMR on this one. Chambers, as Marsh Creek, gets a lot of pressure and time on the water is the one sure fire way to achieve results. I was lucky enough to be on the lake the day the divers were putting the cribs in, so I have some inside info on their location. If you graph the lake enough times, they are easily found. The fish are there, just not easily caught. I agree with Tom also on his catch 'em and keep 'em theory. If we were all to practice a little more "CPR" (catch, picture and release) I believe we would all see a better fishery. Just my thoughts. ;D

[rtherbe]

It doesnt make sense to me... If your a sportsman and enjoy fishing you should have some understanding (geneally speaking) of the current state of our target species, and realize that a catch and release philosophy is the only way to go. DONT WE WANT TO CATCH THESE FISH(and their ilk) AGAIN?? Will someone let me understand the reason for keeping a large mouth bass?

[Ol Man River]

I'm going to talk to the powers to be and see if we can't get this lake a "Catch and release" for bass only. If that can be imposed it should make a world of difference in a few years. There are loads of young bass in this lake that should be given the chance. If anyone has a better idea I'm open for suggestions.

[Midnitebasser]

I don't have any ideas on how to fix the problem, but if you were to make the lake catch & release only it might back fire and you might end up with a bunch of stunted fish in the lake. I hate to see people take the big ones home but I don't have a problem with somebody keeping a few legal size fish to eat. Part of the problem is that some people think they have to take their limit home every time they go fishing.

[Ol Man River]

I think your right Basser. The state should have somebody that is responsible for fish quality. I'm going to talk to the powers at Hibernia to see if we can get some answers from them as to who to turn to. As always I will keep you informed as to my progress.
Tight Lines

[mikes]

I lived in Maryland for 12 years and they have several catch and release lakes down there. I use to catch 5 & 6 lbers. several times a year. I think that would work up here and I would like to see it given a try for lakes like Chambers and possibly even Struble before they become fishless. MikeS

[rtherbe]

Here Here I like the sound of that.