SCALES LAKE
"Scales is an excellent lake for panfish and smaller bass with a 12- to 15-inch slot limit on the largemouths," biologist Carnahan said. "In the spring of 2007, we surveyed the lake; we didn't find as many bass as we usually do, but it's still a good lake to catch a lot of bass in."

Bass over 15 inches are available for the savvy angler who knows how to fish for them. These bass will fall for the usual largemouth tactics but can be fussy, too. Trying something a little different may pick up a big largemouth when it passes up presentations it's used to seeing.

A 2006 fisheries survey of 66-acre Scales Lake showed a healthy population of bucketmouths that made up 17 percent of the lake's total fish population by weight. Even so, most anglers aren't looking for them.

According to Greg Ashley of Buck and Jake's Outdoor Outfitters, the locals aren't talking much about the bass. Bluegill and redear fishermen score big here, so bass are relatively overlooked.

Coontail, sago pondweed and curlyleaf pondweed are predominant in the lake and during summer. Curlyleaf pondweed can take over most of the lake. Every year, an herbicide is applied to reduce the amount of submerged vegetation.

The park has a campground and offers a chance for a relaxing weekend with some decent largemouth bass fishing as the main attraction. A handicapped accessible boat ramp and fishing pier are available on the north end of the lake, and shoreline fishing access is good. An entrance fee is charged to get into the park and an additional fee is charged to launch a boat. Boat rentals are available and the park should be contacted for availability. Outboard motors are prohibited.

Scales is part of the Warrick County Parks and Recreation Department. It's located just northeast of Boonville. The lake's bays generally run from 5 to 10 feet deep, while the main-lake basin reaches down to about 20 feet.

For more information, contact District 7 at (812) 789-2724 or the Scales Lake Park at (812) 897-6200. Also, visit the park Web site at www.scaleslakepark.com. For area information, contact the Buck and Jake's Outdoor Outfitters in Boonville at (812) 897-4285.

There you have it: three small lakes that offer big bass fishing. It does prove the old saying "good things come in small packages" after all!