Marsh Creek has the reputation of being the finest largemouth fishery for its size in the Southeast Region, and this reputation is warranted. Not only does it have good numbers of bass, it also has quality fish to boot.

The way Marsh Creek is constructed, it actually “fishes big” -- meaning that 20 boats on the water at one time is no problem. If the boaters disperse across the lake, which consists of sizeable bays and long shorelines, there’s plenty of room for that kind of pressure. And in fact, Marsh Creek does get its share of pressure from club tournaments and non-affiliated anglers.

Last season, I fished the broad lake with Joe Spitz. And even with what I’d consider a below-average outing, we hefted a number of 3 1/2-pounders into his boat. That’s what “below average” means on Marsh Creek.

Hotspots include the wide bay below Conestoga Road, the bay in front of the state park office and the area by the dam. However, there are plenty of sites that will produce. As Marsh Creek’s weeds and pads grow thick throughout the season, largemouths gravitate to those zones, and any grassy area can be a hotspot.

To get there from Downingtown, take Route 100 north to the village of Eagle, and then Little Conestoga Road toward the back end of the park at Lyndell Road, where you’ll find launching facilities. Rental boats are available at the park office on Park Road.

For more information, call the park office at (610) 458-5119.

HOPEWELL LAKE
In the course of a pleasant spring afternoon, it’s possible to work around the shoreline of Hopewell Lake several times. The largemouths that inhabit this 68-acre impoundment in Chester County have a way of returning to the prime points and weedbeds in this lake.

If Hopewell Lake were larger, the impoundment would probably be the scene of numerous bass tournaments. But because you can see clearly from one end to the other without binoculars, Hopewell Lake doesn’t endure that level of pressure.

Even so, the lake produces plenty of big fish for its size. Spring is the time to be here because the impoundment’s heavy crop of milfoil and coontail is just spiking, and defoliants haven’t been added to the water to reduce the greenery.

Expect bass in this oval-shaped lake to be in the weedbeds. It’s tough to beat a black-blue jig-and-pig when the soup is thick.

Hopewell Lake is one of two lakes in French Creek State Park. The other impoundment is Scotts Run Lake. Though it holds the state record for smallmouth bass, it is not known as a bass fishery.

To reach the lake and park, take Route 100 to Route 23 west, turn right onto Route 345 and follow the curving road into the park.

From the Pottstown area, take Route 100 to Route 724 (the Coventry Mall exit). Proceed past the mall to the sign for the Blackwood Golf Course on Red Corner Road, and then turn left. Continue on Red Corner Road to a left at Shed Road and follow the signs to the park.

Only electric motors are permitted on this lake, but the ramp is large enough to handle a big bass boat. For more information, contact the park office at (610) 582-9680.