Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2013 - 16

Find It: The 144-acre Justus Lake is located in Venango County’s Two Mile Run County Park. Take Route 417 north from Franklin for approximately 6 miles. Watch for a sign indicating a right turn for Two Mile Run County Park, and follow the road to the lake. Highlights: Justus Lake is unique among the many inland lakes of northwest Pennsylvania. This small impoundment sustains both coldwater and warmwater fish species. Trout are the primary wintertime focus at Justus Lake. The lake receives a fall stocking of trout in October to boost the summer carry-over trout population. However, ice anglers may connect with bluegills, yellow perch, walleyes, muskies and smallmouth bass. Access: Anglers generally access the ice at one of two sites. The boat launch at the north end of the lake puts anglers within reach of trout, which randomly swim about the shallower water. Although it’s a longer pull with a sled, walleye anglers generally set up their tip-ups in deeper water off the swim beach on the lower end of the lake. Fishing Tip: Mike Horrobin at Jigger Tackle in Franklin said trout anglers rely on live minnows on tip-ups, an ice ant tipped Kaitlyn Sellin proudly shows off a Justus Lake, Venango County, trout. with a wax worm or a colorful ice jig tipped with scented soft plastic. If you prefer a more Kahle Lake, Venango County hands-on approach for trout, try jigging a small Find It: Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission owned Kahle profile ultra-light spoon. If you are looking for Lake is located in the far southeast corner of Venango County, a trophy walleye, take into account that the approximately 6 miles north of Emlenton off Route 38. largest walleye recorded from Justus Lake was Highlights: “Without a doubt, Kahle Lake is my favorite ice taken on a 3/8-ounce jigging spoon in 25 feet of fishing lake in either Mercer or Venango County,” said Mike Kuna. water near the swim beach. “It’s a small body of water, making it easier to learn. And, it produces quality crappies and jumbo perch as well as decent bluegills. Walleyes and largemouth bass are also targeted by some anglers.” Access: There are two boat access areas with parking lots, one on the north side of the lake and one on the south side of the lake. These sites provide the best access to the ice, especially since the lake is currently under a long-term drawdown for repairs. Fishing Tip: “I have two reliable tips for Kahle Lake,” said Mike Kuna. “First, if interested in perch, fish near the dam. Perch tend to roam about deeper water rather than locking into a particular site or structure, so it’s a matter of jumping around and drilling a lot of holes until you find them. I would fish a glow spoon with a red micro plastic. For crappies, focus on the middle section of the lake, and During the winter, Venango County’s Kahle Lake holds big perch. seek out the deeper brush and stumps.”

Two Mile Run Reservoir (Justus Lake), Venango County

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • January/February 2013

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2013

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