Barton Pond Today

[swampbuckster]

A friend of mine and I went out to A2 to fish Barton Pond today. We were very disappointed to say the least! Fished near the dam then worked north down the shoreline. Fished everything from 5 to 20 FOW. All we found were dink perch. We walked about 2 miles and drilled about 30 holes each. Surprised to see only one other guy out there and not many holes drilled on the lake........I'm thinking now I know why! Tons of ice out there though. It averaged around 12" to 15". We did get to watch about 100 mallards drop in for the evening at the small carp pond to the side below the dam. That was pretty cool!

The Dam

How much do you think this retaining wall cost???



It was also interesting to see bubblers along the head of the dam to keep the water open.  We actually walked about 10 feet away from the open water and were still on 8" of ice! Fished there until dark but no luck with anything.

[Border Jumper]

Nice looking pictures.

[GoblinA2]

where do you get on the ice? Near bird road? Do you just walk across the railroad tracks? Any help I appreciate.

[pinckneyfish]

Fished it a few times in the winter. Caught some bass and pike one time in 15-20 FOW. Seems like it would be a great place to ice fish. Usually get skunked on the ice. Better warm water fishery in my opinion.

[swampbuckster]

We just parked on the side of Huron River drive and went over the rr tracks. You could park just about anywhere. The parking lot at the dam would work out just fine too.

[mr.nofishfox]

my buddie ice fishes there alot and seems to have good luck, although last weekend he was out and said they did  not get a thing

[swampbuckster]

The other guy out there caught 2 smallies and a 9 in perch and a rockbass. But for the location of the impoundment and the size, I was shocked to see the little amount of activity out there that I did.

[steve339]

When you were out there, did you guys try any spots near the bridges?

I see people out there from time to time, but not much.  Open water fishing is decent out there.  Lot of decent cats and large carp.  During open water you can catch some large crappie.  As a matter of fact, when there is front coming in, if you go closer to that building in the background (last picture), it should do well.

[Shakespeare]

Fished like crazy out there three times this winter with one 10in perch to show for it.

Fished 7 hours one time and drilled 50+ between us. Minnows, wax worms, jigging, dead stick, tip ups, didn't even mark a fish.

Had some fish on the vex at night a different time but nothing would bite.

Same thing last year, I love the area but I'm not ice fishing there until someone tells me how to do it.

[swampbuckster]

Well, as far as bridges, the maple rd bridge was open water. And we fished RIGHT in front of the dam for about 45 minutes. Slow. Didn't even mark fish. Had 6 tipups out and not one of them went off.

[aslongasitpullback]

went there a couple weeks ago and had the same results... but we drill 75 plus hole all in the same area you were at..... nothing but dink perch...

[motorcity]

I feel all your pain.   Man,  I have fished this place in the open water A LOT for years (from boat and from shore),  because I like the Ann Arbor area.  But darn if I dont get skunked 90% of the time out... bums me out.  

Never tried it through the ice, as I know the river flows through it,  but, based on the reports here, and my own personal experience from the summer.....I dont think I'll be fishing it on ice.

Nice pics though.