Sims Valley Lake

An abundance of submerged trees throughout this 41-acre lake, and patches of aquatic vegetation along the shoreline, provides both fish cover and anglers areas to target in 2026. The 2025 spring fish survey indicated decent numbers of largemouth bass within the protected slot limit of 12 inches to 15 inches, and a good number of quality sized bass over 15 inches to pursue. This protective regulation should provide good catch and release fishing for 2026. Anglers are encouraged to harvest bass under the slot limit. This will reduce the numbers of smaller, slow growing, bass allowing the remaining bass to grow faster and eventually grow out of the slot limit and reach quality sizes, over 15 inches. Fishing spinner baits and topwater lures along the weeded edges in the early morning or late evening will be a productive way to catch largemouth bass from this lake.

Anglers can expect a good number of redear sunfish to reach Master Angler Award size, or over 10 inches, in 2026. These fish can be found in shallow water in mid-April to early June. They can be found where there is plenty of standing timber and vegetation. Redear typically inhabit deeper water than bluegill and congregate around stumps, logs, and rootwads. Favorite baits for redear sunfish include worms, crickets, and grubs. The current bluegill population has been increasing in number with some reaching over 6 inches in length. Fish for bluegill along shoreline vegetation. Look for bluegill spawning in shallow water in May and June. The best live baits for nesting bluegill include crickets, worms or grasshoppers set 1 to 3 feet below a tiny bobber. Remember to think small when fishing for bluegill, since the fish have small mouths, a number 6 hook should be large enough for your bait. Catchable sized channel catfish are stocked annually in the fall. They can be caught in the evening using dead minnows or cut-bait in the latter part of the winter season and early spring. Use prepared cheese/stink baits in the summertime once the water temperature warms. 

Chain pickerel offer another great angling opportunity with quality fish and good numbers expected for 2026. Concentrate angling effort using topwater lures in and around the aquatic vegetation, especially in the spring. Sims Valley Lake offers a covered fishing dock, picnic area, privy, concrete boat ramp, courtesy dock, and includes disabled access. Anglers who want to boat fish are reminded that only electric trolling motors are allowed. There is a bulletin board located at the boat ramp with regulation signs.