Unicorn Lake In Fall

Two images were stitched together for a slightly wider view of Unicorn Lake In Fall, looking toward the spillway from the lake side. Nice Fall... more

by Brian Wallace

Title

Unicorn Lake In Fall

Artist

Brian Wallace

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Pano

Description

Two images were stitched together for a slightly wider view of Unicorn Lake In Fall, looking toward the spillway from the lake side. Nice Fall colors reflect across the lake which is surrounded by cut green grass. I replaced a blank white sky with a blue sky filled with clouds. Original capture 9-10-17 but processed 5-29-20.

Physical/Habitat Description - Unicorn Lake is a 43 acre impoundment that has a maximum depth of 8 feet, with a mean depth of roughly 4 feet. There are two small islands in the lake which are rather unique for a millpond. Unicorn Branch, the major tributary to the lake provides coolwater year round. The shoreline around the lake is about 70% forested lending to some woody debris in the lake which is a preferred fish habitat. Additionally, fish attractors made with discarded Christmas trees have been placed in the lower half of the lake near the dam breast to augment existing habitat. Aquatic vegetation proliferates during late spring and summer. A fish ladder was installed at the dam to allow the passage of migratory fish species to 14.5 miles of tributary upstream of the lake.

Fish Species - The lake is managed as a largemouth bass and bluegill fishery. Quality fishing for both of these species exists within the lake. Anglers may occasionally catch other species including: chain pickerel, pumpkinseed sunfish, green sunfish, channel catfish, brown bullhead catfish, black crappie, yellow perch, white perch, American eel and creek chubsucker. Other fish species that are found in the lake include: margined madtom, eastern mud minnow, pirate perch and blacknose dace. The Unicorn dam tailrace provides excellent spring fishing for bluegill, white perch, blueback herring, and yellow perch.

Restrictions - There is no horsepower limitations for the lake, however the maximum speed limit is 6 knots. Electric trolling motors are preferred. Swimming and camping are not permitted.

History - Unicorn Lake is located on the Unicorn Branch, a tributary to the Chester River in Queen Anne's County, Maryland, one mile south of the town of Millington. The lake has existed for more than 100 years, formed when a dam was constructed for a woolen mill some time around 1860. In 1961 the lake and surrounding grounds were purchased by the State of Maryland for the sum of one dollar.

Uploaded

May 29th, 2020