DAR Goshen advice?

[lairdd123]

I’m new to the site and to ice fishing generally.  I’m planning a trip to the DAR and wondering if anyone would be willing to talk offline to answer some questions.  Thanks!

[KayakerB]

I've fished the place a hand full of times. I'm not sure I can give any ground breaking advice but I can say a few things.

It locks up early and the road in can be sketchy when not plowed.

Fishing is always slow for me there. On my best day I caught 2 trout in 4 hours. And a few days with no flags. Small mouths can be caught on occasion but I've only pulled out small ones under 10"

I've been carded by the EPO twice.

I once fishing across the pond from the access beach and almost lost my shelter due to crazy high winds.

Get to the parking lot early if you want a good spot. I was once there when we got 6" of snow over night. By 10 am every Yahoo from Northampton who got snowshoes for Christmas came out to get their first hike in. Parking lot was filled and area was a zoo.

Overall I'd much rather try fishing the lower pond. Access involves trudging through the woods trying to find a solid shoreline to get on. I've tried twice but boat launch was open due to stream feeding it and the remaining northern shoreline was melting as well.

[bogtrotter]

What Kayaker just wrote, now that's a useful response.

F/W/I/W - I've only fished it (the Upper Lake) once or twice, and my observations generally tally with his in terms of fishing action.  I went fairly far out from the beach and landed a bass and (I think) a perch or two.  I recall some folks fishing along the shore (and to the right) landed a few trout.

[lowaccord66]

Crushed it there a few times. Run trout worms on light leader for the trout.  Lots of flags. Jigs tipped with trout worms and a vex can be deadly too even in 7' of water. 

Your more likely to be checked by local cops than the EPO. 

[manitron2]

Worms under the ice have worked better than small shiners for me ,as well ,in that location. Fishing can be slow there. The smallies are hit and miss but I have caught a few. They were wormy so I always release there. The lower pond is hard to access due to the stream and the posted areas. However, the bite has always been better there than upper. No trout in the lower pond but it does hold largemouths.

[lairdd123]

Thanks to all who responded!  I picked DAR because I plan to combine some x country skiing with the ice fishing.  I’m all ears if anyone has some other recommendations on locations. 

[lowaccord66]

The DAR is perfect for it.  Ive always found a bunch of non ice fishing outdoor lovers there.

[REDGIANT]

DAR, both upper and lower, offer a decent spot to target a variety of species, but it can and does get very crowded with other people out and about enjoying all sorts of winter activities. 

[bogtrotter]

The DAR is perfect for it.  Ive always found a bunch of non ice fishing outdoor lovers there.

The time I was there the DCR also sent out a small plow to plow a circular "rink" for skating near the beach - - so you might want to bring your skates along too, just in case.