IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Vermont => Ice Fishing Vermont => Topic started by: Profish169 on Mar 20, 2017, 11:27 AM
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Anybody know the ice conditions of St. Albans and if there getting any whites
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There hasn't been a soul out anywhere in the bay this weekend. It was scouted yesterday at 1230.
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There has been pictures from the Ice Fishing Shanty page on Facebook of people fishing off Hathaways. There were pictures of jet sleds full of whites, but they deleted them sometime last night. I think people are keeping quiet about it.
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Don't waste your time they're all gone.................. .....
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There has been pictures from the Ice Fishing Shanty page on Facebook of people fishing off Hathaways. There were pictures of jet sleds full of whites, but they deleted them sometime last night. I think people are keeping quiet about it.
Ahh that makes sense, I thought I had just dreamt about a sled full of whites. You actually catch a lot more with a group of people when you can keep the school under your holes. If the ice holds I'll be out there on Sunday, and maybe Saturday. Always glad to meet up with others and find the fish.
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I'm also thinking about maybe going up Saturday
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Just be careful guys! This sun is going to take it's toll on the ice and it was open water around Hathaways not too long ago. Good luck if you do find some safe ice though.
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I'm going to go up after work tomorrow until dark. I'll post an update on the ice conditions and bite. There's plenty of white perch to go around if they are there.
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They are an invasive...catch as many as you can. I am sure the State would like to see them all caught. Not going to happen.....those things are expert at reproduction. Really an amazing pan fish
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I'm taking Friday off work to make a perch run up St A. Any other of you Shanty fellas be there Friday?
If so, stop over to the clam flipova. I agree with Joe, groups help keep the fish under you, as well as being able to tell which way the schools are moving if they get out from under you.
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I was the "test pilot" that ventured out Sunday, then had a few others come out after I was popping holes.
Got the smally 1st hole 1st jig drop, then bounced around trying to fond whites but was only getting a sunburn and loads of very aggressive small yellows.
Got the 30" pike about noontime, then moved closer to where the pressure crack was earlier in the year and finally found the whites.
Took home 5 large ones, sold the rest of the catch to Steve.
I did call the baitshop and Steve was trying to send folks out, but most people were just stopping and glassing me.
Ice is good, 5-8" black, depending on if it was close to shore.
20FOW has 8" black ice under about 10" of dense snowpack now.
My pics ARE all over FB now, IS I've not had time to get them into photobucket and over here yet.
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I was the "test pilot" that ventured out Sunday, then had a few others come out after I was popping holes.
Got the smally 1st hole 1st jig drop, then bounced around trying to fond whites but was only getting a sunburn and loads of very aggressive small yellows.
Got the 30" pike about noontime, then moved closer to where the pressure crack was earlier in the year and finally found the whites.
Took home 5 large ones, sold the rest of the catch to Steve.
I did call the baitshop and Steve was trying to send folks out, but most people were just stopping and glassing me.
Ice is good, 5-8" black, depending on if it was close to shore.
20FOW has 8" black ice under about 10" of dense snowpack now.
My pics ARE all over FB now, IS I've not had time to get them into photobucket and over here yet.
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd505/mudchuck/IMG_0568.jpg) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0568.jpg.html)
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd505/mudchuck/IMG_0577.jpg) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0577.jpg.html)
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd505/mudchuck/IMG_0576.jpg) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0576.jpg.html)
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd505/mudchuck/IMG_0575.jpg) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0575.jpg.html)
(http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd505/mudchuck/IMG_0571.jpg) (http://s1223.photobucket.com/user/mudchuck/media/IMG_0571.jpg.html)
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Just be careful guys! This sun is going to take it's toll on the ice and it was open water around Hathaways not too long ago. Good luck if you do find some safe ice though.
I called you guys and left a voice message as soon as I got out there, the bite is on and the ice is good!
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We were out there Sunday. 2 of us filled 6 7 gallon buckets throwing back the dinks keeping the bigger ones.
The larger ones are on top of the school.
Blood line jig.
Good luck DON'T CROSS THE PRESSURE CRACK!!!!!!!
Walk around it.
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LOL!!! Mudchuck quote “I was the test pilot that ventured out Sunday, then had a few others come out after popping holes.” Mudchuck, you were the Shepard who leads first. We are the sheep, that follows in the path of you, the Shepard.” I'm usually a Shepard by nature and for work. But when it comes to ICE, I'm a sheep and follow the Shepard! Keep blazing new safe paths Shepard, for us sheep will follow. Thank you.
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What time was that? We were there from sunrise until 8/830. Didn't see anyone else out there?
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I went this afternoon. Didn't see any tracks at all so maybe I went I fished the wrong part of Hathaway. I went off to the right of the boat launch and walked out about 1,000 yards till I got straight off the point and moved South. Ice had a thin layer of crust than 5-6" of water for about 50 yards than it was easy walking in 4-5" of snow. There was 7-8" of good ice where I ended up and 11" of ice in some places. I only saw two guys out there North of the point that got on from the camps (didn't know you could do that). I didn't get a single white perch, but I did get a half a pale of big yellow perch in a couple of hours, so not completely disappointed. I'm guessing where the other two are was the spot since they didn't move the entire time.
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I went this afternoon. Didn't see any tracks at all so maybe I went I fished the wrong part of Hathaway. I went off to the right of the boat launch and walked out about 1,000 yards till I got straight off the point and moved South. Ice had a thin layer of crust than 5-6" of water for about 50 yards than it was easy walking in 4-5" of snow. There was 7-8" of good ice where I ended up and 11" of ice in some places. I only saw two guys out there North of the point that got on from the camps (didn't know you could do that). I didn't get a single white perch, but I did get a half a pale of big yellow perch in a couple of hours, so not completely disappointed. I'm guessing where the other two are was the spot since they didn't move the entire time.
Parking is by permission only, and only at a few camps. Please respect Mr Hathaway's land and ask before you park there.
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Surprising that the ice has recovered so well. Drove by there Friday and it looked too sketchy to try for me. This cold snap should hold the ice together into the weekend, so guess it's time for one last hurrah! I may head out there on Sat or Sunday if anyone wants to come say hello. Will have on a gray northface jacket and possibly a red shack if it's chilly enough.
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If anyone is going solo and wants someone else to fish with let me know ( more for saftey reasons) my old lady is in dispose this weekend so I'm solo but not gonna go solo..
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A few questions, if I may... Are white perch also been caught at other spots than Hathaway?
How about from the State Park at the end of Hathaway Rd.
- Is the ice safe there?
- Can I park there and walk to the spot behind Mr. Hathaway's place?
During the short run earlier this season, I was at Bayside bait shop and the phone was ringing off the hook from guys from NJ/MA/CT (all of who've been up for the run before) Just wondering where they all park when the run is in full swing?
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From what I've seen in the past, most drive all the way to the state park at the end and walk out to the point / green can from there (pretty much due East from state park). Not sure where Mudchuck and others got on recently, though. The green can is an awfully long walk from the boat launch half-way out Hathaway's point.
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Thank, Crayfish2 ! I'm still climbing the learning curve trying to figure this all out!
Best of luck to you & perch bait!
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my 15 passenger van is full of clients from nj, ma and ct for the weekend. where should we park for the perch-a-thon?
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Have 'em all chip in $50 each and I'll find you a primo parking spot 😆 🚐
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at your new home?
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I'll run a shuttle!
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I know it seems like the perch run is gaining widespread popularity (lots of it) and I have to believe this is a cause of the run being kept quiet this year.... But the parch are invasive, and its my understanding that folks want them eradicated from the lake... so with that said, Can anyone elaborate on why it seems to be kept quite this year? I know the bay was not safe to be on for a while, which could be another cause....
One of the things I appreciate most about the Vt board (and why I spend more of my time in the Vt board than the NH one) is that there is so Much more knowledge sharing here amongst one another. Most even generously share spots of success, lures, lakes, etc.... just my thoughts here, but I wouldn't think that keeping the run quiet woule be conducive to thinning them out?
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Aaron - I think you're right that it was the unsafe ice that has kept people off the whites this year. Plus, they seem to be just starting to turn on, which is about the right timing based on the past couple of years. Hopefully the ice holds up so we can get after them! Sounds like PB and I are going to shoot for Sunday.
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Aaron - I think you're right that it was the unsafe ice that has kept people off the whites this year. Plus, they seem to be just starting to turn on, which is about the right timing based on the past couple of years. Hopefully the ice holds up so we can get after them! Sounds like PB and I are going to shoot for Sunday.
It's no big secret, they show up late February and stack up good all thru the end of April and into May when the water temps get closer to 50F. They follow the other spawning species into the rivers and creeks and eat up the eggs...they do this ever year following crappie into the creek at Black Bridge, and on the Mississiqoui they follow the walleyes up to the dam in Swanton.
They also follow the sunnies into Mill River and salmon into the creek at Eagle Mountain.
I know because I've witnessed this firsthand at all these locations, so they must do this in others areas of the lake and it's tribs.
That said, Steve mentioned to me Sunday morning that the ice had scared so many people away with the warm spell (including me), and it took a big hit in February when we normally start gathering to chase them around near the point.
The whites stay in that bay year round and I've caught them 100 yards off the shoreline from the boat launch to the point trolling flathead lures or bottom bouncing walleye crawler harnesses. The larger breeders tend to spawn then move out to deeper water, which in the case of St. Albans bay, means out on the drop off at Ball Island into the Inland Sea and around Burton all the way to the Cowbanks...just ask the salmon trollers...
I was fortunate enough to head out there ealry enough in February to get on them just as they started schooling up and got into a big bunch to setup for my annual fish fry I do at work to honor my fellow co-workers that work outside in the harsh conditions all winter. I managed to get 20# of boneless-skinless fillets and hit my goal, then boom, the ice turned to open water for 3 weeks and no one really bothered because of the unsafe ice, yet the whites were still there all along.
As for access, park at the state park and walk onto the ice at the park anywhere in that general vicinity and head towards the green channel marker can (which by the way appears to have disappeared in the snowstorm).
Can also get on at the boat launch and head towards Lazy Lady island but this is a much further walk than I care to do. It is a good option when ice conditions are favorable to driving on or using ATV's/sleds.
I was out there Sunday from 8AM to 3PM 100 yards or so just off the rocky point at Hathaway's, the perch are in that general vicinity (as usual), and just need to pop a few holes, use live minnows, dead minnow heads, crawlers & spikes or whatever you fancy for a jighead or bibbet...these fish are by no means finicky!
TIGHT LINES EVERYONE.
I plan on being out there Saturday, hope to see you then!
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It's no big secret, they show up late February and stack up good all thru the end of April and into May when the water temps get closer to 50F. They follow the other spawning species into the rivers and creeks and eat up the eggs...they do this ever year following crappie into the creek at Black Bridge, and on the Mississiqoui they follow the walleyes up to the dam in Swanton.
They also follow the sunnies into Mill River and salmon into the creek at Eagle Mountain.
I know because I've witnessed this firsthand at all these locations, so they must do this in others areas of the lake and it's tribs.
That said, Steve mentioned to me Sunday morning that the ice had scared so many people away with the warm spell (including me), and it took a big hit in February when we normally start gathering to chase them around near the point.
The whites stay in that bay year round and I've caught them 100 yards off the shoreline from the boat launch to the point trolling flathead lures or bottom bouncing walleye crawler harnesses. The larger breeders tend to spawn then move out to deeper water, which in the case of St. Albans bay, means out on the drop off at Ball Island into the Inland Sea and around Burton all the way to the Cowbanks...just ask the salmon trollers...
I was fortunate enough to head out there ealry enough in February to get on them just as they started schooling up and got into a big bunch to setup for my annual fish fry I do at work to honor my fellow co-workers that work outside in the harsh conditions all winter. I managed to get 20# of boneless-skinless fillets and hit my goal, then boom, the ice turned to open water for 3 weeks and no one really bothered because of the unsafe ice, yet the whites were still there all along.
As for access, park at the state park and walk onto the ice at the park anywhere in that general vicinity and head towards the green channel marker can (which by the way appears to have disappeared in the snowstorm).
Can also get on at the boat launch and head towards Lazy Lady island but this is a much further walk than I care to do. It is a good option when ice conditions are favorable to driving on or using ATV's/sleds.
I was out there Sunday from 8AM to 3PM 100 yards or so just off the rocky point at Hathaway's, the perch are in that general vicinity (as usual), and just need to pop a few holes, use live minnows, dead minnow heads, crawlers & spikes or whatever you fancy for a jighead or bibbet...these fish are by no means finicky!
TIGHT LINES EVERYONE.
I plan on being out there Saturday, hope to see you then!
...Well there ya go... knowledge sharing at its best ;)2 Thanks MC! If you are out there Friday, look for the 2 big fellas (one grey suit, one red suit). same goes to all.
Cray & PB.... I was going to come out on Sunday with Joe, but I had "other" plans preset for me :) so I weaseled in a Friday off from work to get out while I still can.
I will post an ice report Friday
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Many thanks, mudchuck! One more 👍🏽 for this helpful forum.
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I'll run a shuttle!
did you find a house? they are "auctioning" one in isle lamotte on friday.
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Good Luck on Friday Aaron and Tight Lines to you Mudchuck for Saturday! Based on the extended forecast through the weekend it's certainly not going to be loosing any ice. Be sure to keep us posted. I can't wait to hear all about your trips! Leave some fish for CF2 and I! ;D Looking forward to the perfect way to close out the ice season. Last year I went Salmon fishing for my B-Day, but this year I'll be on ice (My favorite place to be!). TLTA, PB! :tipup:
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A few questions, if I may... Are white perch also been caught at other spots than Hathaway?
How about from the State Park at the end of Hathaway Rd.
- Is the ice safe there?
- Can I park there and walk to the spot behind Mr. Hathaway's place?
During the short run earlier this season, I was at Bayside bait shop and the phone was ringing off the hook from guys from NJ/MA/CT (all of who've been up for the run before) Just wondering where they all park when the run is in full swing?
Yesterday afternoon I parked at the state park and walked all the way to Hathaway Point. The first 50 yards is a wet walk so bring some good boots, but after that its all black ice as long as you stay away from the wet spots (you'll see them very easily). The walk wasn't bad for me, but hiking the California mountains 15-20 miles a week in the Marine Corps will do that to you. The last time I fished for whites out there was in 2011 and this was the first year I went back. When they were in there Id only have to punch one hole in the same area just off the point and would find them. The yellow perch are in there right now though, I caught plenty of them and will be going back this weekend.
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The big yellows are in there good right now. We Hammered them today. I spoke to a commercial guy I know today and that's the place to find them right now.
First few hours of the morning is busy after that most guys have moved on. I don't get too excited about white perch. 1 good day over those is all I want a year. There's no money in them, but good for the freezer.
Good luck out there. There are soft spots out there people have been getting wet.
Be safe.
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I went to Bayside Bait & Tackle to buy some bait today, with hopes of fishing off Hathaway Point. One of the guys from the store and his buddy were just heading out to fish Hathaway Point. The owner told them to wait and lead me out to the point to fish. These are the same two guys that were killing them earlier in the week (white perch). There were maybe a dozen (+) plus people on the ice when we set up. We were spread out 15 to 25 yards from each other. The other people on the ice were as close to 50 yards away and more to us. "VERY SLOW DAY" is putting it mildly. When I called it quits after 4:30pm, not one us had a single white perch. Even after many times of relocating.
The totals stood at under a dozen each from the guys at Bayside (YELLOW perch). And for myself, ZERO. A lot of action with people trying new locations. But that was the only action. By 4:00pm there were only six people still on the ice.
I'll write more in the morning. I just wanted to let people know ahead of time. In case anyone was planing on taking "sick" day to fish. Nobody was filling up jet sleds of white perch today.
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same result at a different location for me too. seems like the perch took the day off.
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The weather was too nice in this case I think. Warm with minimal wind, at least from what I can deduct from the St. A forecast for today. We've got a low pressure system rolling through tomorrow with winds, snow, and rain. Hopefully the bit resets for the weekend run. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good day of fishing.
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We hit it early this morning out left straight from the boat launch. Got right into the big yellows same area as the other day.
They were catching whites closer to kilkare.
They're still there just need to move around.
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We hit it early this morning out left straight from the boat launch. Got right into the big yellows same area as the other day.
They were catching whites closer to kilkare.
They're still there just need to move around.
How much ice were you working with Light Liner?
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It's no big secret, they show up late February and stack up good all thru the end of April and into May when the water temps get closer to 50F. They follow the other spawning species into the rivers and creeks and eat up the eggs...they do this ever year following crappie into the creek at Black Bridge, and on the Mississiqoui they follow the walleyes up to the dam in Swanton.
They also follow the sunnies into Mill River and salmon into the creek at Eagle Mountain.
I know because I've witnessed this firsthand at all these locations, so they must do this in others areas of the lake and it's tribs.
That said, Steve mentioned to me Sunday morning that the ice had scared so many people away with the warm spell (including me), and it took a big hit in February when we normally start gathering to chase them around near the point.
The whites stay in that bay year round and I've caught them 100 yards off the shoreline from the boat launch to the point trolling flathead lures or bottom bouncing walleye crawler harnesses. The larger breeders tend to spawn then move out to deeper water, which in the case of St. Albans bay, means out on the drop off at Ball Island into the Inland Sea and around Burton all the way to the Cowbanks...just ask the salmon trollers...
I was fortunate enough to head out there ealry enough in February to get on them just as they started schooling up and got into a big bunch to setup for my annual fish fry I do at work to honor my fellow co-workers that work outside in the harsh conditions all winter. I managed to get 20# of boneless-skinless fillets and hit my goal, then boom, the ice turned to open water for 3 weeks and no one really bothered because of the unsafe ice, yet the whites were still there all along.
As for access, park at the state park and walk onto the ice at the park anywhere in that general vicinity and head towards the green channel marker can (which by the way appears to have disappeared in the snowstorm).
Can also get on at the boat launch and head towards Lazy Lady island but this is a much further walk than I care to do. It is a good option when ice conditions are favorable to driving on or using ATV's/sleds.
I was out there Sunday from 8AM to 3PM 100 yards or so just off the rocky point at Hathaway's, the perch are in that general vicinity (as usual), and just need to pop a few holes, use live minnows, dead minnow heads, crawlers & spikes or whatever you fancy for a jighead or bibbet...these fish are by no means finicky!
TIGHT LINES EVERYONE.
I plan on being out there Saturday, hope to see you then!
Awesome info and good luck!
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I fished off Hathaway Point today from 3-7pm, caught 17 smallish yellow perch and some really dinky ones. About 5 or 6 other fisherman, the white perch were a no show. The ice was 7-12". Gave it a go from near shore to nearly halfway to the island.
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6-9" ice
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I'm planning on being out there Saturday morning until 0 dark thirty...will report if I get on any.
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I'm done for the year yesterday was my last day. Ice is getting unsafe imo.
Good luck hope you guys get into them.
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I'm planning on being out there Saturday morning until 0 dark thirty...will report if I get on any.
See you in the morning! There is a football field sized school of hungry fish somewhere in that bay...
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Checking in, I've been quiet this year only been out once with my niece. But it's on tomorrow!
Time to pound perch!
Hope I still got the touch
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Among all of us headed out tomorrow, someone will find that giant school; then the fun begins!
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Maybe you'll hook into another giant Whitefish Wes! ;D That was a beautiful fish. Again, Tight Lines to All.
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Did anybody get into the whites and yellows today? Might be checking it out tomorrow.
Tight lines!!!
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x2 on a white perch report!
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Still cleaning fish probably.
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They're here we are catching whites. Got right into them just after light.
Another hour that will be enough for my freezer.
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Were done off the lake 2 buckets each of whites. Threw the little ones back. There's a lot of bigger ones fill up a bucket quick.
Orange and red jigs seem to work well for us.
Good way to end the season.
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Were done off the lake 2 buckets each of whites. Threw the little ones back. There's a lot of bigger ones fill up a bucket quick.
Orange and red jigs seem to work well for us.
Good way to end the season.
Awesome! Heading there soon. Where'd you guys setup?
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Were done off the lake 2 buckets each of whites. Threw the little ones back. There's a lot of bigger ones fill up a bucket quick.
Orange and red jigs seem to work well for us.
Good way to end the season.
Pics, or it didn't happen. (At least for the rest of us.)
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Anyone out on the bay feel like sending a lunctime report?
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I'm sure they're getting into them I was texted earlier this morning from some buddies that fished out there early this morning and they did well.
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Pretty good bite for me today, but had a hard time keeping the school under my holes. Had better luck with smaller jigs. Gave a bunch of fish away and now I need to fillet a bucket of big ones. Lots of people out there including a group that drove up from Brooklyn this morning!
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That's good you got into them.
Hopefully the guys that drove up from NYC did well.
That's why I go early in the am, noise scares them away until quiets back up. We drill all our holes first thing then move around to them all day.
If there's no snow even sleds being dragged on the ice will spook them.
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Fish were being skittish early, around 11 there was a solid school but they were requiring a lot of effort to coax a bite. The NYC guys were having a blast, they are getting a hotel to fish again tomorrow.
That's good you got into them.
Hopefully the guys that drove up from NYC did well.
That's why I go early in the am, noise scares them away until quiets back up. We drill all our holes first thing then move around to them all day.
If there's no snow even sleds being dragged on the ice will spook them.
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My girlfriend and I got 3.5 buckets in 6 hours, with some big 12" plus fish in the mix. Like shiveringjoe said, were tough to pin down in the morning, but got more consistent in the PM. Pink hali chain jigs tipped with crawler was our hot jig today. My friend Kelly got about 4 buckets and dumped them onto the snow. I took my new drone for its first flight, and got video of her making a "fish angel" in the fish from above. Pretty entertaining.
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Thanks for the info guys. I'm sure I am not the only one who wondered about the white perch.
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That's good you got into them.
Hopefully the guys that drove up from NYC did well.
That's why I go early in the am, noise scares them away until quiets back up. We drill all our holes first thing then move around to them all day.
If there's no snow even sleds being dragged on the ice will spook them.
It is good that you mentioned that and since this site is a good place especially for newer fishermen to get info the subject of dragging a sled up to someone who is fishing needs to be talked about. I was always taught years ago by some really good fishermen that if you want to talk to someone who is fishing leave the sled or wheeler a little ways away and walk over. It is just plain rude to drag a sled right into the middle of people who are fishing. I am sure many who do that don't realize how easily fish like large perch will get spooked.
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It is good that you mentioned that and since this site is a good place especially for newer fishermen to get info the subject of dragging a sled up to someone who is fishing needs to be talked about. I was always taught years ago by some really good fishermen that if you want to talk to someone who is fishing leave the sled or wheeler a little ways away and walk over. It is just plain rude to drag a sled right into the middle of people who are fishing. I am sure many who do that don't realize how easily fish like large perch will get spooked.
I use to have that problem when I fished white perch and people would come right up and fish holes that I drilled just 10 feet away. If people just ask I wouldn't care since its a species that needs to be wiped out. Plus starting your power auger up in between 10 fisherman and drilling a bunch of holes isn't a very welcoming.
But other than that, it looks like I will be out there before sunrise hoping to fill my 55 gallon plastic drum!
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I seen so many buckets of fish today !!!
(https://s15.postimg.cc/ch7mk2a6j/0325171556a.jpg)
(https://s3.postimg.cc/6lrnojshf/0325171824b.jpg)
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Profish was practically a fish conveyor belt when I went home, I want to know what his total was. I just finished cleaning my fish, probably have 15 pounds for the freezer.
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110lbs today not bad bite slowed left around 2
First and last time to the big lake this ice season.
Great seeing my ice shanty friends today!
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I also just finished filleting 1 1/2 pails of white perch. People were leaving as my buddy & I arrived around 3:30pm. Fishing was what the ocean party boat skippers call a " steady pick". We had a fun time & an excellent supper.
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Got to St Albans bay around 7 and was surprised to be the only one out there with the exception of two others that walked on right after me. I was guessing Sunday was a sleep in day. The bite was crazy from the time I got set-up until around 10/1030 and it got really slow and soon died off at 11. When people starting coming out around 8 there had to be 30 fisherman out there, but I had more luck staying away from the group and managed to catch everything out of one hole. Ended up with a pail of fish which came out to 45lbs in the first 3 hours I was there and after 10 I only caught 4 or 5. After leaving at 12 I decided to measure a couple of big fish I caught during the sunrise and both happened to be Master Angler fish. So I'd say for my last time out due to the incoming rain it was a good end of the season trip.
(http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg574/vtcountrychamp/17498709_390260901354020_5372851420148776557_n_zpsrzss5but.jpg) (http://s1244.photobucket.com/user/vtcountrychamp/media/17498709_390260901354020_5372851420148776557_n_zpsrzss5but.jpg.html)
(http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg574/vtcountrychamp/17554485_390260911354019_2615559520863313351_n_zps1fpli7en.jpg) (http://s1244.photobucket.com/user/vtcountrychamp/media/17554485_390260911354019_2615559520863313351_n_zps1fpli7en.jpg.html)
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went to st albans on saturday got there around 9 ended up leaving around 1 i ended up with almost 3 pails full of whites
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That's good everyone got into them, good way to end the season.
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it's nice to see you guys and gals finally had some susses on the perch. Do you think ice will safe on Wednesday?
i am looking for enough for one good fish fry.
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catfish - I hope to be on the ice tomorrow morning. I'll be sure and post ice- & fishing conditions.
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thanks Lingcod hope you get in them BE Safe
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Hopefully going to give it a shot tomorrow, did anyone venture out there today?
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Vtcountrychamp .... Perchbait and I were out there most of the day on Sunday, as well. We did pretty good, but we definitely had to work for them at times. I did watch PB catch over 40 from 1 hole later in the day, though, after the bite had died off. I think I caught 15 in that time and was fishing 8' from him! We left around 3:30 or so, I think. Sold a bunch and took home 1 full bucket to clean. Had a good meal and 2 big bags of fillets are now in the freezer. Great way to end our ice fishing season! Hopefully PB will post a story.
We ran into the guys from Brooklyn at the bait shop in the morning before we hit the ice. They bought a Jet Sled and some other fishing paraphernalia. Hopefully they got into them again.
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There will definitley be a report coming soon! :)
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Any word on what is left for ice? Wondering if the rain and warmth has finally killed it, or if I can sneak out tomorrow.
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Any word on what is left for ice? Wondering if the rain and warmth has finally killed it, or if I can sneak out tomorrow.
It's gonna be sloppy out there for sure. Just be careful if you head towards shore north of Hathaways. There was only 4 or so inches of ice in that way. From the Kilcare Launch out to directly between the can and the point there was a healthy 6 to 8 inches of ice. Drill as you go and GOOD luck! A spud bar would be a helpful tool late ice like this.
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DiD you fish PB???
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DiD you fish PB???
Not today, but Sunday.
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Anyone have a report from today? Have a buddy who wants to take a crack at some whites, but he lives in the NEK, so it's a long drive. Want to be sure it's safe out there still! Thanks!
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They're in magog no reason to drive to Champlain.
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They're in magog no reason to drive to Champlain.
There are some Slab Whites in Lake Parker too, doesn't mean that you're going to catch 100+ pounds of them. ;) (In one day at least)
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I was out today. I wrote a report but I must've messed up in posting it early afternoon. Slow day, fished 8-noon & caught less than 1/2 bucket. Maybe 12 people fishing, all near each other. Ice was OK, 7 inches plus but prior snow turned to slush in most places, rubber boots advised as well as spikes if top freezes over tonight. Fish didn't stay put , those with electronics were always on the move. Good Luck & Be Safe.
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There will definitley be a report coming soon! :)
I was out there Sunday afternoon got on around 2:30, never saw you guys...
Glad you got on some!
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How'd they bite for you, Mudchuck? They had pretty much shut off for us around the time you got there. I think we left around 3:30 or so.
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We went out today, there's still about 6 inches of ice. The bite was steady from 7-11 then slowed a bit. Fish are still there tho, we got 3 buckets full and had to start filling the sleds. Was a great possible last outing. Sunday's fish were bigger than the ones today but definitely still fun. One of my buddies lost a real nice pike at the hole and another guy near us caught a nice one. Anyone going out just need to watch out for some of the old holes that are staying open but hopefully the cold nights coming will make the ice stay for a little longer. Good luck and tight lines.
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How'd they bite for you, Mudchuck? They had pretty much shut off for us around the time you got there. I think we left around 3:30 or so.
slow, but picked up around 3 and a bunch of us chased the school and it picked good, I left with 3/4 pail large, and half pail of small
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We went out today, there's still about 6 inches of ice. The bite was steady from 7-11 then slowed a bit. Fish are still there tho, we got 3 buckets full and had to start filling the sleds. Was a great possible last outing. Sunday's fish were bigger than the ones today but definitely still fun. One of my buddies lost a real nice pike at the hole and another guy near us caught a nice one. Anyone going out just need to watch out for some of the old holes that are staying open but hopefully the cold nights coming will make the ice stay for a little longer. Good luck and tight lines.
The last two times I've been out white perch fishing there, people have caught pike on there rods. And on Sunday someone caught a nice laker.
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The last two times I've been out white perch fishing there, people have caught pike on there rods. And on Sunday someone caught a nice laker.
WHOA!! :o An inland sea laker! Congrats to the angler who caught it. There certainly are a lot of different fish species that enter St. Albans Bay.
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We fished the bay today also and had a wonderful time. Met some nice guys out their and got a pail of fish each.
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WHOA!! :o An inland sea laker! Congrats to the angler who caught it. There certainly are a lot of different fish species that enter St. Albans Bay.
I caught a throwback wally at Hathaway point before the February thaw, caught a nice pike and smally there a two weeksends back, and have caught browns in the bay a few years back too.
Caught smelt there last year along the shoreline from the boat launch to the point too.
Very diverse to say the least.
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How's the ice holding up, Catfish? A guy from work was thinking of heading up there this weekend, but I didn't know what to tell him as far as ice goes.
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The ice was good where you could see it. But with a warm day it could get bad fast. some of the ice looks very un safe so if it gets snow on it i wood not even think of it.
We were the first out on Wednesday and i put on my life vest PFD intel i could see how thick and how hard the ice was but if it had snow on it NO WAY.
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Went out yesterday from 3:30-8:30. Ice was still good, but there was 3-4" of slush/water in spots. After moving around all afternoon and fishing with Yeti for a bit when his sonar died, got into a school of whites from about 7-8:30. Managed half a pail and a lot nice sized ones.
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I went after work yesterday and filled almost 3 buckets, BUT there is some VERY VERY sketchy ice and this snow is now hiding all.of the weak spots, so I'm not going back out to risk it. There is still 4" of water in many spots along with new pressure cracks opening up. Almost walked right into one on the way in last night.
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Wow surprised there was safe ice.
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I went after work yesterday and filled almost 3 buckets, BUT there is some VERY VERY sketchy ice and this snow is now hiding all.of the weak spots, so I'm not going back out to risk it. There is still 4" of water in many spots along with new pressure cracks opening up. Almost walked right into one on the way in last night.
YIKES!
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Anyone fish the bay today? If so how was the ice and the bite?
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Is there enough open water for canoe or yak yet?
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There should be plenty of open water by this weekend, I would think. The wind/rain all week should clear it out pretty good.
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They're getting into the bulhead, carp, catfish and white perch on otter creek right now. I think spring fishing is finally here.