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Canada => Ice Fishing Saskatchewan => Topic started by: gman51 on Nov 10, 2018, 03:24 PM

Title: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 10, 2018, 03:24 PM
Checking ice conditions today south of the causeway boat launch area and Evans road and found 2-4” in most areas checked 30- 40 yards from shore.Some soft looking areas around tried to stay mostly on the safe black ice. Did not make it down to the north end or blackrock. lines will be wet tomorrow. Good luck everyone be safe.  ;D
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 10, 2018, 03:33 PM
Thanks Rip for starting the forum for this yer.  And for the report.

I think I will wet my line on Monday, if you don't fall through tomorrow :)

But 3 inches is enough to walk out on.

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: kyoboof on Nov 11, 2018, 12:09 PM
New to the forum here and fairly new to blackstrap fishing. Avid ice fishermen though :)

Checked out Blackstrap north on Saturday. Its frozen but very slushy and unsafe. Do not attempt this week! Glad to see there is some solid ice on the south end!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Nov 12, 2018, 12:12 PM
3 inch of ice at the south dam this morning.
(https://i.postimg.cc/yJSNQt0p/20181112-095552.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yJSNQt0p)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 12, 2018, 05:54 PM
Spent the day out in front of the boat launches 23 fow 4” ice lots of perch action in sperts throughout the day and 1- 2lb pike. Will be checking different areas this week.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 12, 2018, 06:58 PM
We got out today at 12:30 and fished until 3:30 just off the South side of Evans road in 22 to 24 fow.  Ended up catching 20 some
perch and one 4lb pike. Not bad for mid afternoon bite.  We kept 10 for supper (5 each).  I was home at 4:30, fish in the frying pan at 5:30.....mmmmmm, so good.

It was good to see a mixture of sizes, from 4 inches to 12 1/2 inches.  We had a good 3 inches to just under 4 inches of ice in most holes.
There is about 3/4 of snow cover on the lake, so cleats were needed for the other 1/4.

Noticed Rip in front of the boat launches, and sounds like he had a good day also.

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: kyoboof on Nov 13, 2018, 04:31 PM
South end was good on Monday. 14 FOW. Around 25 marks on the marcum, couple pike landed and quite a few hits. 4 inches of ice. Still a bit soft on shore.

Anyone have some good advice for perch on blackstrap? I would love to get into some. Really hoping to spend a lot of time on the lake this winter.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: kyoboof on Nov 13, 2018, 05:56 PM
I tried to PM you churchill to reply to your message. Your inbox is full!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 14, 2018, 07:03 PM
I was out by myself today, fishing in the same holes as we fished on Monday.  The morning bite
was terrible.  Only a few nibbles, and a couple of small perch, they weren't aggressive today.  It picked up in the afternoon and
I ended up catching 20 plus.  I only had 3 good sharp bites all day, the rest of the time they were
just mouthing and sucking on the eye.  Picked up a 3 lb pike. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: kyoboof on Nov 14, 2018, 08:25 PM
Nice!! good work out there. Excited to get out this weekend. 

How’s the ice looking with this warm spell?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 14, 2018, 08:30 PM
It was about the same today as Monday.  Good thing it was cloudy today.  There wasn't any snow melt to
speak of, and no water on top of the ice.  Thursday and especially Friday night will thicken it up a little more.

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 15, 2018, 07:05 AM
i also was out yesterday in the same area as my last trip. fished from 10- 530 and had non stop perch action all day. lost count on how many lots of 6-8" perch with jumbos in the mix. 2 of my biggest were on the flag hitting a full 3"minnow...nice.  no pike to speak of or walleye. but did have a few larger marks around 5 that came in for a look. it was a great day to be out weather wise also. nice temps very little wind. hard to leave an area that has action like that but will be checking a new area next trip hopefully get into some walleyes.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: kyoboof on Nov 15, 2018, 09:08 AM
Awesome! Sounds like an exciting day!

What area were you fishing?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 15, 2018, 09:20 AM
Scrollll up.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 15, 2018, 06:24 PM
Two of us fished today from 12:30 to 4.  It was a little slower then the past few days.  But still
ended up with 20.  They were hitting very lightly again today. 

So far this week, ourselves and Rip are the only brave (or stupid), ones out there.  The weekend should
have more people.  With a good freeze tonight and all day tomorrow and Friday night, it would be really safe
guys.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 17, 2018, 03:39 PM
Did a morning trip over to blackrock (big bay) and found a fairly consistent 5” of ice but some areas that had 3” mostly on the white cloudy areas. Did not do any hole hopping The wind and temps were brutal. Found 22 fow and locked down the flip cranked the heat and settled in from 8 til 12. Visibility in the water where i was fishing was around 2’. Started marking fish right away and was fairly steady til I left. They weren’t to overly aggressive went with noise and flash because of the dirty water maybe it was to much.? Finished the morning with 3 jumbo perch again hitting a full 3” minnow on the bobber/deadstick. 2 walleyes and I think 6 pike nothing over 3 lbs. missed some and some got off maxing out on the hook set hitting the top of the shelter  :%$#!:. Anyway decent morning. Have another one planned tomorrow somewhere.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: jigapoolza on Nov 17, 2018, 04:19 PM
So Ripnflutter or anyone else for that matter could you tell me if that black rock / big bay is across from shields . Thanks
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 17, 2018, 05:06 PM
Yes, that is the big bay across from the far South end of Shields.  You can drive around and come down to the shoreline and walk
on.  Some years we are able to drive on, once the ice is safe.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 17, 2018, 05:22 PM
Rip, does it look like we will be able to drive on this year from Blackrock?
Or is there to much of a drop?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 17, 2018, 06:03 PM
Yeah still a big drop off. Need snow to pack the shoreline.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 17, 2018, 06:25 PM
Thanks Rip
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: jigapoolza on Nov 17, 2018, 06:38 PM
Ok thanks for the reply
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: dbdusty on Nov 18, 2018, 02:34 PM
Fished in front of the south boat launch for a few hours this morning.  Found some perch and small jack.  Not hot action but still caught.  Perch were roaming, 16-25 fow.  Watch out for the small heave starting by shore, almost got a booter when I broke through.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 18, 2018, 03:54 PM
Made the decision for another trip to blackrock this morning fished from 730 til 1130. Hooked up on some walleyes early on and a few perch. most were taking on the bobber/deadstick. they did not want a lot of movement this morning.the pike started coming in around 930 and continued on til the end catching another 6 or 7 all in the 2 lb range. Lots of action in the deeper water 22’ in the trough. Ice conditions are good for walking for now.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: canada on Nov 18, 2018, 04:11 PM
is the bobber for perch or walleye?

I am interested in trying this method
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 18, 2018, 04:37 PM
is the bobber for perch or walleye?

I am interested in trying this method
works for both..
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Pollock fish on Nov 18, 2018, 06:54 PM
You guys are all giving me the itch.... I gotta get out.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: golf560 on Nov 18, 2018, 09:05 PM
I guess you will need warm tent to use bobber
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 19, 2018, 06:52 AM
I guess you will need warm tent to use bobber
  yes..it helps... i like using the bobber you can keep the bail open and let the fish take for awhile if you need or just happen to step outside for a bit .
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ran7ger on Nov 19, 2018, 05:01 PM
 kind of the same as using a bell on a deadstick...i think?  just a strike indicator, one way or another.  depends if you prefer audio or visual.  i like the bell but after a few, long days on the ice i'll be walking through the mall at christmas time then all of a sudden think i've got a bite  ;D

 anyone still fish out from the pumphouse northwest from the causeway?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 19, 2018, 06:41 PM
Kinda the same except the bail is kept open so they feel no tension when they swim away with the bait. But your right It all works. Still see people fishing by the pump house every year. Haven’t been there myself for a few. Might have to try again.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ran7ger on Nov 19, 2018, 07:12 PM
 gotta love seeing a bobber drop!  i picked up a okuma bait feeder to use on my deadstick this year, hopefully that works well no bells or bobbers.

 used to catch a ton of really nice pike 85 paces out from shore where you can park by that pump house.  out from just before the park gates was good too, caught a couple monsters there now that i think about it.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 19, 2018, 08:23 PM
Yeah seen those okuma bait feeders kinda cool. let us know how sensitive they are for fish taking bait. There’s been some big pike over the 35 + years I been fishing here. Seen and heard of more than a few 20,s being caught. Have a 30 lb myself out of there about 5 years ago.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 19, 2018, 08:48 PM
Two of fished from noon to 4:30 today out front of the boat launches, but this time we were a little further out, in about
24 1/2 fow.  We caught 30 perch, 8 were jumbos. Kept 17 to take hunting with me. They said the wind was going to gust to 25 today.  It was a steady 30
all afternoon, which was irritating as we fish out in the open.  Heading out for a week of hunting, so won't be back until
next Tuesday. We had some holes that had 6 inches of ice.  When I get back in 7 days I think a person might be
able to drive on.  I hope someone tries it before I get back......lol.   Good luck to everyone the rest of this week and on the weekend.
(https://i.postimg.cc/1nKZCDLv/IMG-3106.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1nKZCDLv)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 19, 2018, 09:03 PM
Here are a couple of better pictures from todays catch.  Watch out now, that I found out how
to send pictures.......lol


(https://i.postimg.cc/QFB92MNQ/IMG-1162.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QFB92MNQ)



(https://i.postimg.cc/sQzMG9Ym/IMG-1161-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sQzMG9Ym)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: jpicks on Nov 20, 2018, 10:18 AM
Yeah seen those okuma bait feeders kinda cool. let us know how sensitive they are for fish taking bait. There’s been some big pike over the 35 + years I been fishing here. Seen and heard of more than a few 20,s being caught. Have a 30 lb myself out of there about 5 years ago.


5 or 6 years ago I landed a 48" / 38lb pike out of there.   Landed with the help of ochocenko. 
(https://i.postimg.cc/qNwN3p8C/FB-IMG-1434308406921.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qNwN3p8C)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 20, 2018, 12:40 PM
Very nice. I apologize for the poor quality. Caught 5 years ago she weighed in at 29 1/2 lbs

(https://i.postimg.cc/2Lv1pRgm/3-B543-C24-5233-4102-B367-FD4-A57-A15-FA5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2Lv1pRgm)

(https://i.postimg.cc/bDZGT2TZ/44730979-8-C2-F-464-E-8-F00-733-A77-DC39-FE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bDZGT2TZ)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: corney on Nov 22, 2018, 05:41 AM
Be nice to see big pike like that again in this lake!

Maybe the water levels will rise again and we will see big fish.

About 3 years ago I was catching medium sized pike in the early summer but that seems to have fallen off?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 22, 2018, 03:28 PM
Be nice to see big pike like that again in this lake!

Maybe the water levels will rise again and we will see big fish.

About 3 years ago I was catching medium sized pike in the early summer but that seems to have fallen off?
    still big ones in there gotta fish for them. Big bait  10”-12” makeral or herring on the flats. Quick strikes Rigs. Then Go get em..
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 23, 2018, 06:37 AM
Was out for a few hours yesterday from 10-2 set up in deeper water again. still fairly stained where i was fishing. started marking soon after setting up. Caught a few 10”-12” walleyes and a few perch the first hour then those 1-2 pound pike started getting active and battled with them. But did end up with this nice 20” walleye towards the end.
(https://i.postimg.cc/gxVsVLTK/C66-F806-F-629-B-44-E7-B886-9-F78-D3-D27390.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gxVsVLTK)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: basdif on Nov 23, 2018, 03:06 PM
Is it just me or are you're guys' photos not loading? My biggest pike out of Blackstrap is on my avatar photo. 37.5" long and about 6 years ago now. I don't weigh fish I'm going to release.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 23, 2018, 03:29 PM
Is it just me or are you're guys' photos not loading? My biggest pike out of Blackstrap is on my avatar photo. 37.5" long and about 6 years ago now. I don't weigh fish I'm going to release.
must be you everyone’s else’s seem to be working. Weight it measure it however you do it make sure it’s done properly and quickly.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Whytie on Nov 23, 2018, 07:57 PM
Went out for a few hours today. Caught a few 6-8” perch. Another angler offered up his spot to meeting after he caught his limit and was done for the day. Landed two jumbos from his hole and gave them to another angler. My wife didn’t know I took the day off to fish. if I came home with fish I’d be sleeping outside in the dog house lol.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Nov 26, 2018, 09:30 AM
Out for a early morning fish yesterday ice conditions are looking good 8-10” where I was good solid ice in most places but still that cloudy soft white ice in places so be cautious of that if on the quads or sleds. Started out kinda slow lots more of those medium size perch showing up not all takers but enough to keep the interest up.and a Couple more smaller eyes were caught 10-12”. And this nice 21” walleye.  big ones around just not overly aggressive .
(https://i.postimg.cc/jDbnGrST/F926-D12-E-EAA6-4068-83-CD-AACB94-F6804-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jDbnGrST)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 28, 2018, 07:20 PM
Ok, deer hunting out of the way.  Was out today, and drilled our first hole at 12:30 and fished until 4:45.  Two of us caught 2 dozen perch, and kept a dozen for a fresh feed.  We were out front of the South boat launch in 24 fow.  For some reason that I can't understand there is open water 6ft off the shoreline at the south boat launch.  There was one stick sticking up in the ice/snow.  Found another one laying down, so I stuck it in. I stuck the stick into the water to check depth before I stuck it back in the snow, and there is over a foot of water, didn't want to get any closer to hit bottom. The sticks are visible, so watch out.  It is going to take a couple of weeks to freeze.  The ice is a good 9 to 10 inches, which is good enough for driving on, but please don't try it from the South boat launch.  I never checked the North boat launch, but there was a truck there today, maybe he can give a report on that entrance.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ochocenko on Nov 29, 2018, 02:23 PM


5 or 6 years ago I landed a 48" / 38lb pike out of there.   Landed with the help of ochocenko. 
(https://i.postimg.cc/qNwN3p8C/FB-IMG-1434308406921.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qNwN3p8C)

hahaha still telling people you landed it? it was only 47" and the 38lbs is only an estimate since it broke the scale we had. was released so she's still out there.

(https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/189560_10150420005750150_556720_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=f6ad9564e18ce2251775a2eeb1f5b51f&oe=5C9FB912)
(https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13321651_10156917770650150_3682275592182287423_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=3bf09e336fa8918bf7fedbe0785dc94b&oe=5C6BC18D)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 29, 2018, 04:27 PM
Come on guys.....arguing over 1 inch.  You would think you were two women talking about an inch making a big difference.....lol
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: jpicks on Nov 29, 2018, 07:07 PM
Ok.  We'll call it a team effort.  If I remember correctly, it was on my tip up, and you pulled it in since I had already had a few flags that day.  I also think it was my arm that got wet reaching up to the shoulder to pull it out. All in good fun though buddy.  We had a great day out there.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ochocenko on Nov 30, 2018, 10:17 AM
Ok.  We'll call it a team effort.  If I remember correctly, it was on my tip up, and you pulled it in since I had already had a few flags that day.  I also think it was my arm that got wet reaching up to the shoulder to pull it out. All in good fun though buddy.  We had a great day out there.

Nope it was my arm that got wet. I handed the line to you when the head wouldn't start in the hole. And yes you let me land it on your tipup but if you're gonna call it your fish cuz it bit your hook, then you'll have to explain why you were fishing with 3 lines... all good buddy, team effort ;D
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Whytie on Nov 30, 2018, 11:01 AM
Nope it was my arm that got wet. I handed the line to you when the head wouldn't start in the hole. And yes you let me land it on your tipup but if you're gonna call it your fish cuz it bit your hook, then you'll have to explain why you were fishing with 3 lines... all good buddy, team effort ;D

In our group whoever gets to the flag first, it's their fish.

with that being said, who got to the Flag first ;D.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: farmboy on Nov 30, 2018, 02:27 PM
Well if we’re going on credibility I’m gonna have to side with Ocho on this one.
He’s always stuck to the same info on that fish. Original post read the fish was 47” long and broke a 25lb scale, not a 35lb scale which was later claimed. Ocho has never attempted to change any of that info, he’s always been consistent on that
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: jpicks on Nov 30, 2018, 03:28 PM
It's fine.  It'd probably consider it to be more his than mine in the end anyways too.  Either way it was a fantastic fish, and likely once in a lifetime (especially from Blackstrap).
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Nov 30, 2018, 05:21 PM
I am to believe it is pretty straight forward who's fish it is.  Who ever paid the $600 to get a Replica mount is the owner.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: farmboy on Nov 30, 2018, 09:00 PM
You bet, fantastic fish for any lake. Not many guys can say they caught a legit 47 incher even on northern lakes. Awesome fish
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: lightbitecanuck on Dec 01, 2018, 11:03 AM
Anyone driving on yet.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 01, 2018, 06:52 PM
no one driving on via the boat launches yet.  We were out front of them today, and the perch were hot a heavy.

The ice is a good 9 to 10 inches which is good enough to drive on, but the open water in front of the South boat
launch on Wed is scary.  We parked at the North boat launch today, and it looked much better.  Didn't want to
try it as it isn't much of a walk right now. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Dec 02, 2018, 04:29 PM
8 inch of ice. Fished 11 till 3. Slowed after 1.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XBLg3FrB/20181202-132504.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XBLg3FrB)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 02, 2018, 06:18 PM
Had a few hours this morning to hit the ice. Fished from 7-10:30 tried some shallower water Not a whole bunch moving around in the 10-12’ range. perch were caught .... 0 walleyes or pike.  checking new areas this week.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: corney on Dec 03, 2018, 05:16 PM
You out fishing in front of the golf course today ripnflutter?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 03, 2018, 05:27 PM
No wasn’t me fishing but was helping a buddy at shields down by the lake getting his shack and sleds ready for the winter.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: corney on Dec 03, 2018, 07:24 PM
Looked like your rig there.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 04, 2018, 07:48 PM
We were out front of the boat launches today, and the perch are still active.  Drilled holes in front of the North boat launch and there is a good 9 inches, also walked out to the middle of the lake and there is over 9 inches out there.  I think we will be driving on next time out.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 04, 2018, 08:48 PM
Fished north of causeway this afternoon from 12 - 530 marking perch fairly steady all afternoon not many over 8” but kept busy on the hookups. some Pike were also caught and a couple walleyes.
(https://i.postimg.cc/LY7HgQbk/46-F45-D6-C-D1-D8-4-BF8-8-B7-D-40-A75-C050670.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LY7HgQbk)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Kleedahl on Dec 06, 2018, 07:14 AM
 Just wondering if there is truck access on the east side of the lake by the mouth of the north bay (close to where the truck fell through last year)?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 06, 2018, 07:37 AM
Just wondering if there is truck access on the east side of the lake by the mouth of the north bay (close to where the truck fell through last year)?
    still a decent drop off to deal with in the main area as you follow the road down. did not check to far to the north and south of that. might be a place that,s not so steep. if you have a decent truck with some Clearance ?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Kleedahl on Dec 06, 2018, 05:40 PM
Just a normal half ton. Hopefully this cold weather will allow me to just drive on the ice from the north end. Any reports on ice at the far  north end?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 08, 2018, 05:42 PM
Made it out for a morning fish today 7-11 non stop perch action again 20 + perch and 3 walleyes Not much strategy or skill needed... find some deep water and you’ll probably run into some. Great action for the the kids. Taking my daughter out tomorrow should be fun. Lots of portables out from the boat launch’s probably a good place to go if you’re not familiar with the lake I’m sure their catching.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 08, 2018, 09:01 PM
You are right Rip.  3 of us were over 60 perch today out front of the boat launches.  We still walked out, but next time I will be driving on.  A
good 12 inches of ice. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Pollock fish on Dec 09, 2018, 08:12 AM
I was on the north end the other day after trying the bait launches In the park a few times. I was measuring 12 ish. Seemed slightly thicker than the park launch area.

How ever there was heaves by the shoreline along the road from one side rite across that you wouldn’t wanna cross on foot yet.

Cheers and play safe
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Dec 09, 2018, 11:48 AM
11 inch of ice near the causeway on Saturday.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: wolfman17 on Dec 10, 2018, 09:19 AM
How has the vandalism on shacks been the last couple of years? Less or more?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 10, 2018, 09:48 AM
How has the vandalism on shacks been the last couple of years? Less or more?
. Same as any other year theifs don’t take a break. Roll the dice take your chances.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: wolfman17 on Dec 10, 2018, 10:45 AM
. Same as any other year theifs don’t take a break. Roll of the dice I would guess.

I guess it was a dumb question to ask. LOL
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 10, 2018, 07:31 PM
Two of us were out today, and drove on along with 5 other trucks.  From the North boat launch.  I would still stay
away from the South boat launch for another week or so.  No need to even try the South launch.

The two of us were a little over 50 perch, no walleye.  The bite was on from 3:45 to 5.  We left at 5 and they were
still biting left and right.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: corney on Dec 12, 2018, 08:01 PM
How has the vandalism on shacks been the last couple of years? Less or more?

If you lock it they will bust in.

Don't leave anything in there to steal that you are fond of.

Arseholes!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: BlueDevil on Dec 13, 2018, 08:39 AM
When I was leaving my Shack out on Blackstrap I’d leave the shack empty with the door latches closed but not locked.  Anyone could open it and look inside but had nothing to steal. 

I’m hoping to pop by the ‘Strap this afternoon and blast a few holes!  Stay safe everyone! :)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Dec 13, 2018, 12:31 PM
An early morning foray off the boat launch was unproductive this morning. Plenty of marks, and pecks, but the fish were either in hit and run mode, or they were just window shopping. Nothing in the tickle trunk made them want to commit. Nice to see that there are plenty of perch down there. Next time.....
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Dec 13, 2018, 02:01 PM
Ice measured a bit thinner yesterday than last weekend. It's still over 10 inch.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 13, 2018, 02:45 PM
mmmmmm...the ice can't be thinner......you sure it wasn't your wife doing the measuring the 2nd time :) :)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 13, 2018, 04:42 PM
Ice measured a bit thinner yesterday than last weekend. It's still over 10 inch.
.   This morning I’ve seen as little as 8” and as much as 14” in different areas south of the boat launches all depends where you drill.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Dec 13, 2018, 04:45 PM
I just count the spin of my Ion auger, then decide by 3. It was 24 two week ago, 33 last weekend, but varied between 28 and 30 yesterday. Be careful during this warm spell with vehicle.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 13, 2018, 04:56 PM
Had a very productive few hours this morning caught over 30 perch in a few different areas south of Evans road. No walleyes or pike. Kept these 10  appetizers for Christmas supper.
(https://i.postimg.cc/8sm3c4cT/1-E982545-C328-42-D9-A5-ED-3-F94-DBE6-FF75.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8sm3c4cT)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 13, 2018, 05:01 PM
I just count the spin of my Ion auger, then decide by 3. It was 24 two week ago, 33 last weekend, but varied between 28 and 30 yesterday. Be careful during this warm spell with vehicle.
.  Lol .. that’s hurting my head trying to read all that syfering  ;)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Dec 13, 2018, 05:02 PM
Plus Temps this weekend followed by cooler weather could have an impact on ice heaves? Likely more prominent at lakes like LML..
with 8"- 14"s of good solid ice I cant see this having that big of effect can it?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: farmboy on Dec 13, 2018, 07:05 PM
I don’t think it will, not in my experience anyways. Only times I’ve seen big pressure ridges form is when you have drastic changes in temps like we had 2 or 3 years ago in Dec. It was a day in late Dec the morning started out at -30 C and by the evening it had risen to +3 C. The temp rose 33 degrees C in 9 hours and all the lakes absolutely lit up that evening forming major pressure ridges in a few hours. It was crazy
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ran7ger on Dec 13, 2018, 11:07 PM
Yeah seen those okuma bait feeders kinda cool. let us know how sensitive they are for fish taking bait..

 some great perch there rip that big one must be pushing 13"? 

 to follow up on the baitfeeder - i'm sold.  you could set that thing to barely hold the lightest of jigs.  as a deadstick reel for walleyes it can't be beat, even a well balanced bobber (albeit cheaper) would have more resistance i reckon.  trying it on some trout in the n.h this weekend.  now i just have to remember to take the old bell out of the mesh pocket on my flip over...every time i move my damn elbow i think i've got a fish on.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Dec 13, 2018, 11:21 PM
I've been fishing shallow this season from 8 to 18 feet. I ran into walleye more often than pike and perch. These were keepers of last evening.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zyv6KZHF/20181212-171452.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zyv6KZHF)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 14, 2018, 06:03 AM
thanks for the follow up on that bait feeder ranger... and yes there are some real tubs in this lake.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: chezboy on Dec 14, 2018, 09:56 AM
I am going to take up ice fishing this year.   Blackstrap is my closest lake, but I haven't ice fished since I was 12.   I believe I have the equipment required to go ice fishing covered (auger, rods,) but I don't know the lake.    I have noticed on this site a lot of people are constantly asking for ice thickness and are always questioning every time someone drives a truck on the ice.    Since I am not sure how to sell safe ice from, unsafe I plan on parking my truck and dragging a plastic sled out onto the ice.    Can anyone help me with a good location to fish that is relatively close to a place where I can park my truck?   I have family showing up on Christmas that wants to try ice fishing as well so we will probably go out Dec 25 and Dec 26

Also if anyone has any suggestions for equipment that is a must have for ice fishing, or good etiquette rules that I should follow on the ice I would appreciate them.    I know setting up my tent right beside someone else is probably not a good idea but how far do I need to be from other people who are fishing.     I also have not purchased any lures or bait yet so if anyone has any suggestion that would be great.     Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Dec 14, 2018, 10:44 AM
The very north end has a dam and boat launch for your truck to get on ice or park on shore. You can walk down any part of the dam to fish.

The Blackstrap Park has two ramps in the south half of the lake. You can either park or walk down.

You will see lots of fishermen are at either of these two sites.

A third hot place is in front of Shields town. But you need to drive from the north end down there for about 2 km.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Nitros99 on Dec 14, 2018, 02:55 PM
So guys am i to assume that you guys are driving on right now. Want to head out tomorrow morning and would love to not have to walk on.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: farmboy on Dec 14, 2018, 05:21 PM
Hi Chezboy welcome to the forum!
I’m not familiar with blackstrap as I don’t fish it but I’ll be happy to share a few tips I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way...haha.

I’ll start with equipment. I always tune up and start my gas auger before I head out fishing. If I had a dollar for every time I watched people pull onto the ice and then attempt to start their auger to no avail I’d be a very wealthy man. Make sure the auger is running smoothly before you head out and be sure to add some gas line antifreeze to very tank and always use fresh fuel. Often times that’s all that’s needed to avoid major headaches.
Always make sure you have at least one ice scoop as well. Emptying out slush from holes with bare hands isn’t ideal. I’ve done it more than a few times but it’s never been an enjoyable experience...haha.
As for fishing, always, always always carry hook removal pliers and cutters with you. Bring hook removal tools, cameras and tape measures with you to the hole every time if you plan on releasing the fish. You stand a much better chance of releasing a healthy fish if you can remove the hooks in a timely manner. In cold weather it only takes seconds for their eyes to freeze over and when that happens the fish will not survive. If you have a fish you want to release that’s swallowed hooks deeply then keep the fish’s entire body in the hole while you work on removing the hooks. Dunk the fish’s gills and eyes every few seconds into the water while working on removing hooks.  I also pinch all my barbs on my lures for better releasing fish.

Once the hooks are out, get the cameras ready while the fish is still in the ice holeabd in the water and when everything is ready to go, bring the fish out of the hole and hold it for a quick pic then get it back into the water ASAP. One large female can carry up to 30,000 eggs so releasing the big fish is very important to keeping our lakes healthy. Get a quick measurement and photo and release the big females.

As for fishing etiquette, I never set up beside someone if they are away from the crowds. They are out there for a reason, they obviously want a peaceful day on the lake away from others so I always respect that and give them their space. Lots of water to fish out there on any lake. No need to set up on top of guys.

Keep your hooks sharp, double check all your gear especially your auger, and most of all have fun! It’s a great way to spend a winter day outside! Good luck!

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: shawno on Dec 14, 2018, 06:24 PM
Welcome Chezboy,

Everything farmboy and others have mentioned is on the money!  This forum is a wealth of information. Over the years, I have spent countless hours reading and learning. If you have a buddy that ice fishes, they too can be a great mentor and also help you out while your re-learning the ropes. The days of dropping one line and sitting all day are over. People these days run and gun, actively searching for fish. Don’t be afraid to move or pop more holes if they are not biting. If you find them and they still won’t bite, try downsizing your presentation.  You’ll find the sport to be addicting once you start catching...not to mention going back to catch the one that got away!  Don’t be afraid to ask questions, there are a lot of great fishermen and women here on the forum. Best of luck and tight lines  :tipup:
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 14, 2018, 07:42 PM
Well another great day on the Strap.  This was my 10 time out this year, and the two of us had the best day so far this year, number wise and size wise.  The ice is a good 14 inches, we drove all over today.  Using the North boat launch to get on.  I would still avoid the South boat launch.

We fished South of Evans road and North of the road.  Tried 2 or 3 new areas with not much action, but our 2 honey spots were steady action.


(https://i.postimg.cc/zbvnPCWm/IMG-1229.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zbvnPCWm)



(https://i.postimg.cc/QKWcjj00/IMG-1234.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QKWcjj00)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Dec 15, 2018, 09:59 AM
Churchill.. Those perch are awesome..!! I gotta as what the longest measurement was..!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Dec 15, 2018, 01:55 PM
The perch gods smiled this morning. We rolled the dice and drilled into the middle of the lake hoping to find a few like Churchill River got into. After a slow start the bite picked up around mid morning. Plenty caught and released, but the highlight was a half dozen between 12 and 13 inches.
(https://i.postimg.cc/K4rp5B68/IMG-2666.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K4rp5B68)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 15, 2018, 02:25 PM
Nice job Speck.  Evan, we had 2 that were 13 1/2 and 5 that were over 12.

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 15, 2018, 02:31 PM
Now for the sad part.....there is going to be pictures on here were the front end of a truck went through the ice.  No, not on the ice that is a good 14 inches.  This fellow drove by the rock pile in front of the back bay at Blackrock.  I thought everyone knew to stay away from that area.  Same thing happened last year, and years before that.

I guess I will post the picture.  The front end is probably sitting on the rocks


(https://i.postimg.cc/TpWHzFSC/IMG-5220.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TpWHzFSC)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Dec 15, 2018, 02:43 PM
Where is this on the lake? I have no idea where blackrock is or the rock pile..
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Dec 15, 2018, 02:47 PM
also Churchill ive tried to reply to your pm a few times not sure if theres an issue there with your messenger or mine.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 15, 2018, 02:54 PM
Now you went and done it Churchill... lol
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Dec 15, 2018, 03:14 PM
ha..! I don't want to track down where he was catching those jumbo's..! I just wanted to ask where Black rock is..
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 15, 2018, 03:34 PM
Evan, mine is working.  I will send you one shortly to see if you get yours.

We are talking about the big bay across from the very South end of Shields on the East Shoreline.  There is a housing development and golf course going up, and it is called Blackrock.  Some people just call it the big bay.  The yacht club is down the East shoreline a good mile, if you know were that is.  And then from the yacht club is the big lodge building (not sure what it is called now).........And Now Evan....you know.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Dec 15, 2018, 03:47 PM
Thank you.. my questions are complete...
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 15, 2018, 04:53 PM
Come on Evan.....I know your dying to know were I caught them...........85% through the top lip, and 15% on the side of their mouths :) :)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Dec 15, 2018, 05:28 PM
Hahaha nice one.. ! Thats funny
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: bullwinkle97 on Dec 16, 2018, 01:16 PM
Just curious what guys have been using. I have been jigging rattle spoons and jiggin raps of all sizes and have had some good luck, but also have alot of fish marking on the flasher but not committing to it. I've tried to change sizes and colours and presentation. Any suggestions? Mostly been targeting perch.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: deringer on Dec 16, 2018, 03:34 PM
Typically if fish are not committing then go to smaller hooks. Had a good morning with Rip and afriend of his. Beautiful day on the lake.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Dec 16, 2018, 04:08 PM
So far this year, our best producers have been silver and green spoons like the Deadly Dick, and the Slab Grabber spoon in silver. As for bait, perch eyes, and small minnows have worked as well as maggots. That being said, one of the biggest perch so far bit on an artificial red grub. I don't know about a magic bullet. It seems that finding aggressive fish is the key.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 16, 2018, 08:09 PM
A great day today......and not much wind was a bonus.  4 of us fished 3 different areas and did real good in all of them.

Speck, I was going to ask you about the jumbos you caught the other day.  Did they have my brand on them (CR).  You now rustling
is still a offence.  But I did notice my gate was open for awhile so some off them might of gotten out.  So I won't call the fish cops.

I didn't take any pictures today, maybe one of my fishing partners today might post a pic as they did take some pic's. 

Again, not one walleye.  And we fished areas were we always caught a few walleye along with the perch.



Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Dec 16, 2018, 09:39 PM
Hey CR,

Cut a guy some slack! Do you know how cold I got hiding up in the hills under camouflage with my spotting scope? You move around the ice so much I could barely keep you in focus. I need to invest in a drone.

I swear I didn't open the gate, but I may have been fishing just on the other side of the fence. There must be a break somewhere because 85% of the ones we caught had hook wounds in the upper lip.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NyKTLjJ1/fullsizeoutput-f94.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NyKTLjJ1)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Phunkmasta429 on Dec 16, 2018, 09:51 PM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 16, 2018, 09:56 PM
LOL....good reply Speck. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 17, 2018, 09:56 AM
Speck......I did decide to talk to the fish cops, and they said I wouldn't have much of a case, as they wouldn't go through your sewage system to collect the evidence. 

But, all kidding aside, yourself and any fellow followers on this site are welcome to fish on either side of the fence with me.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Piggyperch on Dec 17, 2018, 02:57 PM
Hey everybody. I’ve been following you conversations and have picked up a few tips but I can’t seem to find the steady perch bite on blackstrap. Last year we stayed mostly on the north end. This year I’ve only been out once and found in about 24 fow it’s fairly slow, once I got out to about 30 fow the bite picked up but still wasn’t what dreams are made of. We were just south of Evans road. I don’t want anybody to just give me your honey hole but I do want to bring my little guy out this year and make sure he catches fish so he gets hooked at young age. I just want him to want come back and learn how to respect our great sask fisheries. Any help would be great, I do not have a camera or sonar or even know the lake that well so I’m already at a great disadvantage. Thanks guys
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: deringer on Dec 17, 2018, 04:10 PM
Hi piggy. It is very tough without some sort of sonar as sometimes the bite is so light that you cant even feel it. Drill lots of holes and keep moving fish swim around and you need to move with them to stay on top of them. That being said the guy fishing 10 feet away from you may have found a hole and just because he is catching doesnt mean you will. You could have the same bait and presentation even. Thats why it is called fishing and not catching. Lol.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 17, 2018, 06:55 PM
I can't agree with owning a camera or flasher to be able to catch perch.  There are people on this site that will tell you I catch more fish then people
with sonar/camera.  I don't use any sonar/camera.  I guess it all depends if a fishermen needs an advantage over the fish.  I would say that 80% of
people fishing out on the Strap have sonar/cameras.

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Piggyperch on Dec 17, 2018, 08:49 PM
Ya deringer, I definitely need to be pounding more holes and that light bite is really light but with the right gear I’ll find em. I agree with Churchill on the sonar and that it’s not needed to get on a school but when you don’t know the lake a sonar can speed up the investigation especially if your bringing little kids. Good luck out there guys and I hope to be posting pics after the weekend
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 17, 2018, 10:05 PM
Piggy, check your messages.  Also, can you only fish on the weekends?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: deringer on Dec 18, 2018, 08:35 AM
Guys i didnt say it wasnt possible i said it was tougher lol.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 18, 2018, 08:59 AM
 perch at the strap are not very hard to catch with or without electronics. anyone who is having trouble are not trying very hard and or are not using the right bait or presentation. find deep water and move til you catch?  yet to see to many consistent walleye catches in the winter.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ran7ger on Dec 18, 2018, 09:43 AM
Old guys like Churchill  ;D might have the skills to catch nibbling perch without a flasher...i sure don't!  A cheap alternative to try would be a titanium spring bobber.   Guys down south use them for panfish all the time but it's rare to see one on the ice around here.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 18, 2018, 12:55 PM
Yeah he’s definitely got the touch. I suppose if you target perch you will fine tune your system. I’m usually after their bigger cousin. But lately been running into a lot more perch when fishing for walleyes. Their everywhere right now.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 18, 2018, 07:54 PM
Ranger and Rip you are both right.  Ranger on the fact that I am old.....lol.  And like Rip stated, people should be
catching perch as long as they are in 22 to 25 fow.  I don't think my lure (jig a whopper hawger spoon with a straight J hook), gives
me much advantage over other lures people are using.  I only use perch eyes for bait.  It's hard to believe I caught more fish today then some people are going
to catch all winter. 

Was out today for the 12th time, and had my best day.  Fished 2 areas and had steady perch action all day long.

Note to Piggy.......all though I don't use a flasher or camera you might want to invest in a camera for your boy.  If you want to keep him interested,
he will enjoy watching the fish on the camera.  I was lucky my dad starting taking me fishing when I was that age and I was hooked for life, and we
didn't have an flasher or camera back in those days.




Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Dec 18, 2018, 08:32 PM
NEWS FLASH:

Cabelas reports record sales of Jig a Whopper Hawger Spoons. Sales clerk trampled by crazed fishermen. Management mystified at sudden depletion of stock. Customers demand perch eyes be added to bait cooler.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 18, 2018, 09:23 PM
To funny Speck.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: dkruks on Dec 19, 2018, 06:09 AM

(https://i.postimg.cc/pytV38fn/C92-B8-FE5-F006-499-E-971-B-45-AD5931-D7-DC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pytV38fn)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 19, 2018, 09:45 AM
Well Speck, I went to Cabelas this morning just to check out your story.  They were still cleaning up the aisle were the jig a whoopers were hanging.
Talked to a clerk, and he said there was a older gentleman (little younger then me), that lives on a acreage out towards Blackstrap that fought of
a huge crowd and loaded his shopping cart with all the jig a whopper hawger spoons.........the clerk said something about the guy was going to open
a tackle shop in the fillet house by the boat launches in the park.

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 19, 2018, 09:53 AM
nice pic dkrunks......Of all of the hawger spoons I have seen (different colours), the orange one seems to peel off after 1,000 perch, and you end up with a silver hawger.  Let me know if this happens to you.

One thing I probably didn't mention, is the first thing I do is take off that little red J hook that comes with the hawger, and throw it in the garbage.  I put on a little bigger silver Mustad J hook.  When I first got my spoons, I lost 2 big Walleye as the red J hook broke both times right in the curved spot. 

Speck might of bought all the J hooks also from Cabelas, so a person might have to stop at the fillet house to get a package.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: dkruks on Dec 19, 2018, 10:04 AM
nice pic dkrunks......Of all of the hawger spoons I have seen (different colours), the orange one seems to peel off after 1,000 perch, and you end up with a silver hawger.  Let me know if this happens to you.

1000 perch... hmmm I guess it will be orange for a while yet!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Adam88 on Dec 19, 2018, 09:25 PM
Headed to the park tomorrow anyone else headed out first time fishing it cant wait to hunt down some jumbos
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 19, 2018, 09:58 PM
Adam, find 23 to 25 fow and drill 10 or so holes and move around....if nothing in 1/2 hour move to different spot.  Either side of Evans road, East or West side should work for you
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Adam88 on Dec 19, 2018, 10:16 PM
Thank you churchill have only ice fishes shields and north end gotta explore the lake a bit will post some pictures of I have luck I'll be in a red eskimo shack if u are around stop by
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 19, 2018, 10:28 PM
Will do
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Whytie on Dec 20, 2018, 08:35 AM
Any update on ice thickness? last time I was out it was 4-6" back in November.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 20, 2018, 08:52 AM
I have been driving all over the South end for over a week now, 14 inches plus.

I haven't tried the North end yet, but I am sure it is drivable also.  Just stay away from the rock pile in the big back bay.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Dec 20, 2018, 10:14 AM
and the causeway...! in case you are not familiar with the lake.. Monday with the strong south wind she was wide open for at least 100 yards to the north.. similar on the south side.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Dec 20, 2018, 06:19 PM
Good morning with the Grandsons. They were pretty excited - at least for the first half hour. The perch were hitting, but they just couldn't seal the deal. The six year old landed one, but the four year old will have to wait for his moment of ice fishing glory. Brought back a lot of memories of how frustrating it was to have my own kids get their first. More patience required on the part of the coach, than the players.
(https://i.postimg.cc/hJxNgVyG/IMG-2692.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hJxNgVyG)

(https://i.postimg.cc/PLmV0TJp/IMG-2712.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PLmV0TJp)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ran7ger on Dec 20, 2018, 07:08 PM
great job frame that last pic!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 20, 2018, 08:26 PM
Nice job Speck.....It's great to see kids out on the ice, and catching the odd fish.  That's all they need to keep them interested and getting them to say, dad let's go fishing, and get Gramps to come with us. 

Let's hope the perch keep cooperating well into the New Year.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Adam88 on Dec 21, 2018, 10:35 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/HjWBP77b/Snapchat-2053499451.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HjWBP77b)
Biggest perch of the day 1.2 lbs felt good to catch some perch again
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 23, 2018, 03:49 PM
got out for a morning fish today 730-12 north of the causeway. had a great morning landing 6 or 7 walleyes  in the 12-15” range and one around the 22” mark.  A few more were missed on the hookup. 1-3lb pike was landed  0 perch were caught but they were around Maybe not as aggressive with more walleyes and pike being active in the area.
(https://i.postimg.cc/n9xnvZbb/E802-D21-A-B603-445-E-8151-065-A17-DF37-E1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/n9xnvZbb)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Dec 23, 2018, 04:30 PM
..... and south of the causeway it was only perch for us. A little slower bite than three days ago, Some 12 - 13 plus inch fish certainly made the morning interesting. No single lure was the ticket, and switching things up seemed to get the interest levels up.

Today's successful lures included:

- Lindy Perch Talker in white with a small minnow on a bobber
- Tingler spoon in white and pink
- a red Buckshot spoon
- a perch pattern Buckshot spoon
- a tiny horizontal presentation pink jig with a perch eye

And yes Churchill River, there were even a few caught on the famous green Hawger.

Many others were tried to no effect.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 23, 2018, 08:55 PM
Nice to hear the Walley are starting to bite.  Or Rip finally found them  ;)

Well darn it Speck.....it took me 5 years to train the perch to the green Hawger with the perch eye.  Good thing you
weren't close to us today, as our group of 7 (4 only for 1/2 a day), caught and released a good 100.  And yes some of the guys snuck other lures on when my back was turned.....but only until they saw me still catching with the Hawger.

And the big news of the day.........NO WIND.... even with the cooler temperature it was very pleasant hole hoping vs siting in the pop up.

Didn't get a chance to explore the North end as planned today, but next time out that is my plan.

I would like to say Merry Christmas and have fun bringing in the New Year to all followers here on Ice Shanty.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Adam88 on Dec 23, 2018, 09:58 PM
Best day perch fishing I've had in my life today. Buddy and I caught over 150 today 4 being over 12 inches 2 over 13 the bite from 4 30 to 5 30 was nothing like I have ever seen before but a slip bobber with medium minnow caught best as a 2nd line
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Rider85 on Dec 24, 2018, 09:50 AM
Hey guys,
I’m new to the website, new to Blackstrap, and basically new to the sport.
I’ve been to Blackstrap twice this year for a total of 10 hours and am not seeing the kind of action you guys are.
I’m borrowing a flasher, so I can tell where the depth is, so how deep would you guys fish for perch? 15-20? 20-25? 25+? Also do you prefer fishing on the north or south side? I’m not looking for your honey hole, just looking for a friend lol!! Merry Christmas!!

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Cholo on Dec 24, 2018, 11:59 AM
Pretty much fish south of the causeway and for Perch 20-25' of water.Havent had much luck this year yet, but only been out twice totalling maybe 6 hours
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 24, 2018, 03:27 PM
Had to go back this morning for another go at those walleyes. had my brother in tow today set up in same spot as yesterday and had another great morning bite. Nothing over the 17” mark but we hooked up on another 9 or 10 and a 13” jumbo perch and another adolescent pike. Great morning for sure. Looking forward to a few more trips.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Thn0hwyt/E78-EC5-AF-0-ECC-4012-A604-0-C077-C4999-AF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Thn0hwyt)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Cholo on Dec 24, 2018, 03:39 PM
Nice haul Rip ! you and church plan on leaving any for the rest of us ,lol
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: JRock9 on Dec 26, 2018, 07:05 PM
Is there access to the lake from Shields driving on with a truck?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: corney on Dec 27, 2018, 05:37 AM
You have to go to the north end and access the lake by the pit. I haven't been up there but there is smaller vehicles on the lake so the access must be ok?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Dec 27, 2018, 07:53 AM
What is the latest ice conditions?
I noticed during the warm up last weel guys werent driving on
With what looked to be 10-12”
The ice looked but there were large white areas
What is that from? I assume avoid tjoighs areeas?
Any recent ice thickness reports?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: deringer on Dec 27, 2018, 08:56 AM
Hoping to head out here shortly.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Majic_Fish on Dec 28, 2018, 01:13 PM
Hi all. New to the site and just started fishing blackstrap again, after a few years of being absent. Followed alot of the posts on here and have gone out a few times in the past few weeks. Been having a blast slaying a ton of perch by the boat launches(hill), but have yet to hook onto any walleye. Do I need to find a different spot for walleye, or will they eventually show up around there?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 28, 2018, 03:59 PM
Move, punch hole, fish, repeat.  You will run into them sooner or later.  ;)  this morning met up with a buddy looking to get into some more walleye action. Got out to our spot set up and started marking not long after. Had another great morning catching and missing walleyes. a few pike and a couple perch. Fairly steady action for 6 hours. A lot more traffic on the ice people driving everywhere.
(https://i.postimg.cc/VSFwz6Cv/F356084-B-469-C-4-CFB-9-F45-2081-B3-B0-F1-C9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VSFwz6Cv)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Cholo on Dec 28, 2018, 04:22 PM
Finally had some luck , punched a few holes ,marked some perch the bite was good, kept some jumbos, all in all a great day at the strap!
(https://i.postimg.cc/G4vTmxML/20181228-140435.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G4vTmxML)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Majic_Fish on Dec 28, 2018, 05:22 PM
Hey Rip, are you fishing the north side or south side?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 28, 2018, 05:53 PM
Nice pictures guys.  Glad to see other people finally starting to catch.  Rip and I were getting to feel guilty.

The fish are out there, just have to move around.  But I think the advantage Rip and I have is that we can go out every 2nd day (or everyday like Rip.....lol), were as some people are stuck to just one day on the weekend (which makes it hard).  I have taken 5 days off without going out, for Xmas and company and it is driving me crazy.  And it's going to be another couple days before I can get out. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 28, 2018, 06:11 PM
I agree being semi retired I have or take the winters off. And of course the more your out there the more success you will have.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 28, 2018, 06:12 PM
Hey Rip, are you fishing the north side or south side?
. North
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Majic_Fish on Dec 28, 2018, 07:07 PM
Thanx. I love the feedback and appreciate the tips. I haven’t fished blackstrap for many years. There’s a lot of people that won’t tell you the time let alone share any info. I am fortunate to be able to go out a couple times a week now that the kids are grown. So thanx again!

Cheers
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Dec 28, 2018, 08:33 PM
I agree with Rip. I used to maintain that successful ice fishermen were either fully retired or had 90% of their professional ambition surgically removed. It is very nice just to have the time to try here and there using this and that. When I was working, I always thought Blackstrap had been fished out, or winter killed, or the fish wouldn't bite because they had been too pressured. These excuses seem to be little more than popular mythologies.

Today I thought, why not go see if the walleye were biting late afternoon on the NE side? As luck would have it, they were. 11 FOW.
(https://i.postimg.cc/cr3qBsdD/IMG-2778.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cr3qBsdD)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Dec 28, 2018, 08:47 PM
Very nice catch speckspotter.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Dec 28, 2018, 08:59 PM
This season so far, I found walleye at 10 to 15 feet of water, either in the morning till noon or around sunset. There is a few perch and pike in the mix.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: deringer on Dec 28, 2018, 09:10 PM
Was a great afternoon into evening steady action on the perch in pk bluegill and mealies.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Rider85 on Dec 29, 2018, 07:58 AM
How’s the ice thickness now with that recent cold spell??
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: wolfman17 on Dec 29, 2018, 09:48 AM
How’s the ice thickness now with that recent cold spell??

Not sure about north end but evans rd is about 16-17.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: jpicks on Dec 29, 2018, 10:20 PM
-26 with windchill tomorrow.  Shawno and I are gonna brave it.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Dec 30, 2018, 10:03 AM
Now I know this site gives license for a little bragging, and on occasion a touch of sentimentality. I'm going to push the envelope with a little of both.....

My wife responded to the question, "what do you want to do for New Year's eve?" with the answer, "why don't we go ice fishing in the evening?"

I really love that woman.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 30, 2018, 11:30 AM
Wow Speck.....you must of thought you died and went to heaven.  I couldn't even talk a trade with you, as I wouldn't be able to offer you a two for one deal, so that means it would have to be one for one, and I would have to thrown in more cash then I have to make it a viable trade for you.

Good luck out there.....and remember when the two of you are in the pop up........you are there to fish.

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Dec 30, 2018, 12:57 PM
Gonna give this afternoon a try
Hopin to get into some walleye
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Dec 30, 2018, 05:10 PM
Anyone fish today? Terrible for me
Not a fish..!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Dec 30, 2018, 05:39 PM
I haven't fished for 7 days now.....but my sources say they were biting pretty good on the North End.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: shawno on Dec 30, 2018, 08:07 PM
jpicks and I did really well today. Brutal cold day to be out and the shack was a real blessing. We pretty much had action non-stop all day. We caught a number of good sized football perch, including the largest Perch I think I have personally seen. I’m sure Jon will post a picture of it shortly. We also caught a couple of decent Pike, including one around 30”.  The Walleye’s were cruising around most of the day, but didn’t seem too interested in biting. All in all very decent day on the Strap.

Happy New Year Everyone!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: familyfisher on Dec 30, 2018, 08:40 PM
Took a father son team that were new to ice fishing out this am and braved the temps and the wind. Those two and my 7 year old son were able to ice 35 perch. Fairly steady action most of the morning and quit at 2. South end 24 fow. A couple pike cruising as well but weren’t  interested.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: jpicks on Dec 30, 2018, 09:12 PM
jpicks and I did really well today. Brutal cold day to be out and the shack was a real blessing. We pretty much had action non-stop all day. We caught a number of good sized football perch, including the largest Perch I think I have personally seen. I’m sure Jon will post a picture of it shortly. We also caught a couple of decent Pike, including one around 30”.  The Walleye’s were cruising around most of the day, but didn’t seem too interested in biting. All in all very decent day on the Strap.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Shawno was spot on. It was a miserable day out on the strap, and despite a few hiccups to start the day (auger that wasn't happy,  and a drill that broke for my anchor pilot holes),  we managed to put more than our fair share of fish topside.  Iced a couple dozen perch and 2 pike.  Had another pike stare down my hook for literally 15 minutes, and also saw a few decent walleye cruise by but weren't interested.   Kept 3 perch for the pan and snapped a nice picture of Shawno's quality fish.   
(https://i.postimg.cc/F7T54bNk/Resized-20181230-210440-4410.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F7T54bNk)

(https://i.postimg.cc/0zrg26yW/Snapseed.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zrg26yW)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Cholo on Dec 30, 2018, 11:55 PM
Nice pike!, I myself haven't seen any yet this year, maybe that's why the perch have been plentiful. jpicks were you fishing the north or south end?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Dec 31, 2018, 08:52 PM
New Year's Eve fishing was a little slow on the the south end. A half dozen perch were caught ranging in size from "wow" to "seriously?" A large pike made short work of my light perch gear, and what was probably a decent walleye broke my wife's heart halfway up to the surface.
Lots of lookers and hit and run artists.

Happy New Year to all.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Dec 31, 2018, 09:04 PM
Apparently  you two had great fun, speck. There is even one that got away.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: shawno on Jan 01, 2019, 02:00 PM
@ Cholo

We were fishing on the far north end.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: coldazice on Jan 01, 2019, 05:58 PM
Fishing on the 28th was excellent. Took my 7 year old daughter out and caught consistently all day. Perch ranged from 8 inches to my biggest at 13.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 01, 2019, 08:58 PM
Heading out tomorrow after a 11 day break.  I hope you all left some fish for me/us.  Sounds like
the North end is heating up, after the South end was very good in Dec.  The other guys got
our shack out over the holidays, so the plan is to catch enough in the morning for a good
shore lunch. 

Good luck to all in the New Year.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Whytie on Jan 02, 2019, 09:06 AM
Anyone else finding black pepper looking things in their perch fillets? 50% of my catches had them. Some had only one or 2, others were just loaded with them.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Twistedhook on Jan 02, 2019, 12:34 PM
Google "Neascuc" (Black spot disease). See if that's what you ran across.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Jan 02, 2019, 03:48 PM
Decided to get out today in the stiff breeze fished from 9-2 little slower today on the walleyes caught 3 lost a nice one at the bottom of the hole. 3 pike 2 were over 7 lbs. and a perch. nice to be out.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Majic_Fish on Jan 02, 2019, 05:05 PM
where can a person drive on to access the north end
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Jan 02, 2019, 05:13 PM
There’s an approach onto the lake at the very north end. All you or anyone needs to do is look at a satellite view of the lake and scope out some access roads very easy to do for any lake.(research) good luck.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 02, 2019, 10:56 PM
Yes Wyhtie, we started noticing that last year and again this year.  Haven't see to many that are loaded with the black spots.  I know one of the C.O.'s and the next time I see him out there, I was going to fillet some and give it to him to have it checked out.

We have assumed that frying them up would eliminate any problem.  I hope it's not a slow killing disease, as we have eaten a ton of them last year and this year. 

We fished today out front of the boat launches and it was a slower day for sure.  2 of us ended up catching 25.  We fished for about 5 hours.  Had a great shore lunch and took a few home.  You have your fish that bite sometimes, and nibble sometimes, and suck on the bait sometimes.  But today they were just nosing the bait.  Seemed to be lots of nosing hits, but very hard to hook them.  So I would say they were in the area, but just not
committing.  Let's hope in a day or so they at least suck or nibble the bait.


(https://i.postimg.cc/64209L8n/IMG-9403.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/64209L8n)



(https://i.postimg.cc/zy1jrh8H/IMG-3640.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zy1jrh8H)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: crush23 on Jan 03, 2019, 05:17 PM
Churchill, you're right about nosing it. I was out yesterday from 1-5 pm and had an unbelievable hour from 2-3. After that they came up to the bait and nosed it, as if they were smelling it. I did manage 25+ perch in that time. One was 14" and 1.8lbs.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: OD0814 on Jan 03, 2019, 05:35 PM
Churchill, you're right about nosing it. I was out yesterday from 1-5 pm and had an unbelievable hour from 2-3. After that they came up to the bait and nosed it, as if they were smelling it. I did manage 25+ perch in that time. One was 14" and 1.8lbs.

Congrats on the slob perch crush23!!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: walleyeking on Jan 04, 2019, 04:57 PM
sounds like some people are over there limits  of perch
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Jan 04, 2019, 05:14 PM
sounds like some people are over there limits  of perch
.  In catching yes.. I’m sure keeping their limits. The fines are hefty. It’s been an unusual early aggressive perch bite this year. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ran7ger on Jan 04, 2019, 05:25 PM
 quality first post  ::)

 i was wondering if anyone has night fished blackstrap?  curious because i've often head of how many burbot used to come out of there years ago.  now a days it seems like very few and far between but i know lots of lakes with burbot that pretty much only bite at night.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 04, 2019, 08:53 PM
Walleyeking.....You read on hear on the number of perch people catch.  I know a lot of the people out there that fish blackstrap, and some of them catch 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 perch a day.  I don't know of any people that take more then their 10 home.  A lot only take 5 or none.  Why would someone
take a chance taking more then 10 perch home, as like Rip said....the fines are heavy.  A few extra perch aren't worth the fine. And 99% of fishermen follow the limits.  Just like deer hunting, a person has one tag, so they fill their tag with one deer, or they get skunked and don't fill their tag.

Example:  I caught over 40 perch today, and didn't take a one home. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 04, 2019, 09:57 PM
Had a really good day by the boat launches today.  Except for one incident.

One of two things happened:  You guess which one.

A) caught a 30 lb pike and when I had her in the hole, I ended up with my thumb in her mouth and
she bite off a piece of my thumb off.

                                                   OR

B)  I was chopping up kindling with a hatchet and cut a piece of my thumb off.

Fished the last 3 hours with it bandaged up good and then stopped at the clinic when I got to town.  Nothing
to stitch up so they had to cauterize it.  Doc said it would heel up in 2 weeks.  I said it might take longer as that
is my cranking thumb.


(https://i.postimg.cc/fktwVKkp/IMG-6312.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fktwVKkp)



(https://i.postimg.cc/NL3QmHHM/IMG-5290.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NL3QmHHM)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Bushcrafter on Jan 04, 2019, 10:20 PM
I would have to go with “B”
Since there was nothing to stitch up?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: OverUnder725 on Jan 04, 2019, 11:04 PM
Glad to hear it wasn't more than a slice!  Shows the importance of having a good first aid kit, it allowed you to keep fishing!!  All kidding aside, hope it heals up quick.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: walleyeking on Jan 05, 2019, 12:15 AM
hey church,just a thought, if the limit for perch is 10 and you were reporting daily you caught 50 plus, most fisherman would think you were over your limit. The limit for walleye is 2 if i was reporting everyday i was catching 10  walleyes what would most fisherman think [OVER YOUR LIMIT] just saying. sluice falls or little devil rapids either one works for me
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: bigk on Jan 05, 2019, 05:48 AM
Not sure who most fisherman are that you know but your probably safe to assume most people on this site don’t assume “catching” or “caught” means that’s what was kept for limit.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 05, 2019, 10:14 AM
Walleyeking, I guess I would be waisting my time trying to explaining what catch and release is to you.

When you read  my future posts on here, you can just assume that I am over my limit.  I might even change my
handle name to "Over Limit"....has a nice ring to it.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: farmboy on Jan 05, 2019, 10:36 AM
And here we go again.....back to fishing reports fellas 👍🏼
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Jan 05, 2019, 11:31 AM
lol, I tried to dispute C.R by counting fillets of his shore lunch, but there were only 6 pairs.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: familyfisher on Jan 05, 2019, 11:50 AM
I am with bigk and Churchill on this one. If I take my kids out for an afternoon fish and we catch 20 perch and let them all go- then if anyone asks how many we caught the answer is 20, not zero.

I’ve got to say that guys like Churchill and Anglerbrian(who posts on last mountain lake) should be commended for the advice they give on this site. Just by reading their posts an average fisherman like myself who doesn’t get out much can gather enough info to be helpful when we do make it out. It seems they genuinely want to help other ice fisherman for the love of the sport. Churchill has posted what lure he uses, bait, location and FOW - this is more info than 99% of the guys out there would give up.  Thanks to his info I have gone from catching 0-2 fish at the strap 2-3 years ago to being able to consistently put 10-20 perch on the ice on an average outing now with my kids. The result is having 2 kids that are now hooked on ice fishing! 

I have ran into Churchill out on the ice and I can tell you he catches as many fish as he reports- and with no electronics.

Keep posting guys and good luck out there! 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: dkruks on Jan 05, 2019, 12:11 PM
I am with bigk and Churchill on this one. If I take my kids out for an afternoon fish and we catch 20 perch and let them all go- then if anyone asks how many we caught the answer is 20, not zero.

I’ve got to say that guys like Churchill and Anglerbrian(who posts on last mountain lake) should be commended for the advice they give on this site. Just by reading their posts an average fisherman like myself who doesn’t get out much can gather enough info to be helpful when we do make it out. It seems they genuinely want to help other ice fisherman for the love of the sport. Churchill has posted what lure he uses, bait, location and FOW - this is more info than 99% of the guys out there would give up.  Thanks to his info I have gone from catching 0-2 fish at the strap 2-3 years ago to being able to consistently put 10-20 perch on the ice on an average outing now with my kids. The result is having 2 kids that are now hooked on ice fishing! 

I have ran into Churchill out on the ice and I can tell you he catches as many fish as he reports- and with no electronics.

Keep posting guys and good luck out there!


Yes, well said.  I don’t fish Blackstrap, but I read this thread because of both Churchill and rip.  They are true lovers of the sport and want to pass on knowledge and experience to those willing to listen and learn.  Good job fellas and keep up the good work. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Jan 05, 2019, 12:14 PM
hit the bricks walleye man..!
Ive never met Anglerbrian, RIP or Churchill.. However if I do I assure you they will be putting on a clinic, and sharing every bit of it.

I now feel safe on a new lake to me (last mountain) , got my auger running without taking it to a technician and have reclaimed my believe that perch exist in blackstrap all thanks to these guys..!

With no reason at all but to share their knowledge and experience to solely benefit strangers like myself and others to enjoy a sport they love.., I would say those guys are top notch. And even without fishing with them, I would bet my last dollar they do it legally and within the limits. Suck an anchovy and quit trolling this thread... ;)

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: shawno on Jan 05, 2019, 01:48 PM
Only made it out from 8:30-12 but the bite was on. Landed 12 perch ( couple real big jumbo’s ) 2 pike and lost a nice walleye at the hole and missed a few in the process. I tried out beefheart today. Stayed on the hook well and the fish seemed to be okay with  it  ;D

How did everyone make out?

Lots of shacks on the lake and even more people rolling into the north entrance when I was leaving.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 05, 2019, 03:09 PM
Thanks for the support and kind words:  Overunder/bigk/dkrunks/famlyfisher/toonfisher/evan.

I know Rip has been on this forum way longer then me, and he has helped out lot's of people including myself,
when I first got on ice shanty.  With Rip's posts the fish don't stand a chance....he has told us that follow the forum, were, what and when.
Hard not to catch fish with his help. 

Evan......I still use dynamite (thus no reason for electronics), but haven't checked to see if it is legal or not.  Was fishing with a
C.O. one day, and I pulled a stick out and he said, I am pretty sure that isn't legal.  I lit the stick and handed it to him, and said....
are you going to fish or read regulations.

I have also thought about packaging perch eyes like they do minnows and wholesaling them to stores.  But I would have to go over my
limit to keep up with the short demand for them.  As most fishermen are pretty smart, and once they found out they could
get them for free, my sales would collapse.  And my second venture was going to be suppling kindling to shack owners.  But after
yesterday, that has gone by the way side also.

I know once in a while we get distracted from what this forum is about (we all remember the 6 pages dedicated to the closure of Evans Road).
I will try and stay focused on the fishing reports, etc.

Good luck out there everyone.



Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Jan 05, 2019, 09:19 PM
Oh the Humanity! This thread is a breath of fresh air from the hairy chested, self aggrandizing, and testosterone ridden offerings of far too many so called "sportsmen". I can't even recall the number of magazine subscriptions I have cancelled, or the organizations I no longer belong to due to their promotion of ideas that are the antithesis of good sportsmanship.

It is entirely refreshing to associate with individuals whose ethics are grounded by integrity. We should celebrate our good days. We should also admit that on occasion we lack the answers. We all have been blessed with the opportunity to learn from nature. If we are able to share some of that with others, we all become richer.

 I hope that Church and Rip and all the others who contribute here continue to do their thing. Probably those two individuals are most responsible for my taking the grandsons out for a brief fishing experience on Blackstrap when they were passing through before Christmas. I have learned enough over the past few years to be able to provide them a chance at a fish. A few days ago my son asked if I would come up to Fort Mac to take the oldest one to an ice fishing derby. Apparently, he thought catching a single perch with Grandpa was something pretty special. That means a whole lot more to me at least than a 100 fish day, or a 32 inch walleye.

Getting back to fishing, I was completely skunked two nights ago fishing the mouth of the East Arm that yielded walleye only a few days before. My other son caught two small perch in between telling me that he was going to propose to his girlfriend. I think that was a pretty good evening on the ice.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 05, 2019, 10:12 PM
Nice job Grandpa...I mean Speck.  It sure is nice to see a youngster with a big smile on his/her face when they
do catch a fish, or just enjoy a great day on the lake with his/her parents or in this
case Grandpa. I am guessing you got a sweat shirt for Xmas...... with, Greatest Grandpa In The World
written on it.

And congratulations on the addition to the family.....assuming she says "YES".
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Jan 05, 2019, 10:23 PM
I hope she does Church, she really likes fishing,.... and Labradors.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Mackereltoss on Jan 06, 2019, 12:53 AM
Hello everyone!

 I have been reading this post since it was created this year and I can’t thank everyone who has posted enough. I feel much more confident out on the ice and have somewhat of a sense for attempting black strap. I am just starting out ice fishing as this is my first season I have been down to blackstrap twice this year and came up skunked both times but I’m locked and loaded with some new hooks and new areas to try. Heading out tomorrow to try around Evans roads! Will post if anything shows up!

Cheers!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Water Wolf on Jan 06, 2019, 01:21 AM
Nice looking fish guys, good to see that Blackstrap is producing for you all. @)

Ouch, nasty bang to thumb there churchill.  :pinch:

Welcome Mackereltoss, and good luck this winter. ;D
It's a fun and addicting sport to get into. :icefish:

WW
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Cholo on Jan 06, 2019, 01:30 PM
Haven't gotten out as much as I would have liked this year , so looking to sell my ice shack located out at the Strap, anyone interested let me know. Used to be a classified section but cant  seem to locate it, not sure if posting this here is acceptable Church or RIP maybe you would know. Can get more pics of anyone is interested.
(https://i.postimg.cc/dkb2r2Mw/20190105-162847.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dkb2r2Mw)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 06, 2019, 01:42 PM
Sell your ice fishing equipment online at Iceshanty.com. To post items for sale you must be a registered member of Iceshanty Forums and a member of the Militia. Click here for more info.

If you click on Ice Shanty.com's Ice Fishing Community, it will take you to were I copied and pasted the above.  You will be able to click on were it says...Click here for more info.

I think then you would be able to post your ad that will show up more then just on this Blackstrap page.  But I am not 100% sure, as I have never tried to sell anything.  People that read this section will know you have it for sale.

Is it parked on top of fish??????  Might increase the value of it :) :)

What are shacks going for nowadays?

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Cholo on Jan 06, 2019, 01:50 PM
Yep, parked right over the perch, figured that would be a great selling feature, after all ya now what they say, Location Location Location!! lol🎣
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 06, 2019, 01:51 PM
LMAO, so correct
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Cholo on Jan 06, 2019, 02:05 PM
Howz the ol thumb doin 👍, slowin ya down at all?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 06, 2019, 03:16 PM
Had to take yesterday and today off.  And have to go out of town tomorrow.  Probably Thursday before I get back out to try it out.
Going to be a little cooler so I will have to find a big glove to go over the bandaged up thumb.  Might effect me reeling them up, but
after the first 30 or so, I should have it figured out.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Cholo on Jan 06, 2019, 03:38 PM
LMAO, no lack of confidence here! You'd think the fish would of caught to your methods already!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Jan 06, 2019, 08:33 PM
Cholo, you need to read back on this thread. Churchill River has TRAINED his perch to bite over the years. He admits it. I'm thinking he probably had a few hundred coming to that green hawger when he rings his bell. No wonder he puts so many back. Too many lunches on the ice and he will have to catch wild perch just like the rest of us.
I personally think those bait eyeballs are preserved in single malt scotch, or at least a good Irish whiskey. There HAS to be something that the rest of us just haven't quite figured out.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 06, 2019, 10:18 PM
Well I have been telling you all over the years that all I use is eye balls for bait.  I didn't think I would have to tell you how I preserve them.  Cholo, about 3 years ago I was worried about the perch catching on to my methods.  But know that there are more green hawgers bouncing off the bottom, the perch are confused and are not sure which is mine. 

I have talked and seen people using other baits (minnows, meal worms, etc.), and they are doing pretty good.  Not sure why the eye works so good for me (it's not preserved or anything, I think Speck just smelled Scotch around my fishing holes).  So I would say whatever bait is working for you, stick with it.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Mackereltoss on Jan 07, 2019, 09:19 PM
Sask wind is no joke!

Made it out Sunday from 1:30-5 and the temperature was not half bad haha with some friendly advice I fished south of Evans road and started plugging holes to the north. Slow bites untill 4ish when they started. I have never fished perch before so I missed a couple soft bites and yanked the hook out of a couple more but I ended up landing three fish with the biggest being around 9”. All in all it was a blast of a day and can’t wait to get back out!

(https://i.postimg.cc/qhh2QSjC/B84-A60-C0-F3-F4-40-A3-B69-B-DB8-E2559-D91-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhh2QSjC)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 09, 2019, 06:27 PM
Just making a post to get Blackstrap closer to the top of the page.  I got tired scrolling down trying to find Blackstrap.

With the cool temp's I don't imagine many people were out.  We are heading out Saturday.  With the warmer air moving in, it should
be a busy weekend on the ice. 

Good Luck All
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Trewlyfishing on Jan 10, 2019, 02:15 PM
I will be heading out hopefully on Saturday as well.  Tried last week and saw lots of perch on the screen, but none were too interested in biting.  Hopefully my kiddo will catch some.  She was having fun watching the perch on the screen and could feel the little nibbles, but none were biting near the hook!

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Jan 10, 2019, 07:16 PM
Fished the west shoreline across from the launches but further towards Thode. Hole hopping most of the day hooking up on perch here and there. Settled in on an area getting towards the evening bite. And landed 2 walleyes of the small 15” variety. And 3 pike on the flag. Jig and small minnows have been doing good on the walleyes last few trips for the jigging rod.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 12, 2019, 09:37 PM
Good day for flying the kite this morning. There were a lot of people across from the boat launches, so we went
South of Evans road (no one within 1/2 a mile of us).  Fished a couple of hours and we caught about a dozen.  Went back to
the shack to fry up shore lunch.  Then back to the same holes, and the wind started to die down.  By 3:30 hardly any wind
and the bite picked up.  Lot's of perch from 4 inches to just under 14.  It's good to see a wide range of sizes.  I hope everyone
else had a good day.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Jan 13, 2019, 07:52 AM
or flying a hub shelter... lol but with the daughters help we managed ok. after locking down and settling in we were fishing. perch were caught and a 7lb pike. no walleyes made it topside in this area but had some decent marks coming in with no commitment. action all day kept both of us interested. along with the hot chocolate and the wife's baking. were both looking forward to our next trip.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Ryanshirley24 on Jan 13, 2019, 05:42 PM
Caught my first two fish this season on the same tip up haha followed the catch with a Cuban cigar for celebrating. Ice was awesome today
(https://i.postimg.cc/949p9s6d/27-B90962-DA49-469-E-BF19-8-D805-D00-A140.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/949p9s6d)

(https://i.postimg.cc/sMqmv3Nf/4-F83-BE20-2434-4557-8996-85-D084-ED3-B78.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sMqmv3Nf)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: BlueDevil on Jan 13, 2019, 06:28 PM
Caught my first two fish this season on the same tip up haha followed the catch with a Cuban cigar for celebrating. Ice was awesome today
(https://i.postimg.cc/949p9s6d/27-B90962-DA49-469-E-BF19-8-D805-D00-A140.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/949p9s6d)

(https://i.postimg.cc/sMqmv3Nf/4-F83-BE20-2434-4557-8996-85-D084-ED3-B78.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sMqmv3Nf)

Congrats!  Btw, my nephew says he was an usher at your wedding?  (Ryan M). :)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: klem on Jan 14, 2019, 08:11 AM
first time out yesterday what a beautiful day on the ice took out my 2 boys for a day of perch fishing pretty crowded by the launches so went north from there. spent an hour trying to drill hole in the ice auger kept bogging down and out would not drill. auger had sat for a year or to with gas in tank so maybe plugged. after almost giving up and packing it in along came a truck so i flagged him down and asked if he could help me out and drill some holes for me cause my auger wont drill and i would pay him. he kindly offered to drill as many as i wanted and refused money not only that he offered to look at my auger then got a screwdriver out of his truck and started the auger turned some carberator screws and in no time had the auger running and cutting holes like it should. told me to get new gas and spray some carberator cleaner through the intake while running and new blades and should be good to go. after talking for awhile i found out who ripnflutter is nice to put a name with a face. so many thanks rip my boys also thank you we even caught perch bonus.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: OD0814 on Jan 14, 2019, 09:08 AM
Awesome to hear stories of Ice Shanty members helping each other out. Glad you were able to get a few perch on your first time out too, klem!

I've had a few battles with my gas auger and it sure makes those electronic ones tempting to buy when you're freezing your hands off trying to get the gas auger to run.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: shawno on Jan 14, 2019, 10:53 AM
first time out yesterday what a beautiful day on the ice took out my 2 boys for a day of perch fishing pretty crowded by the launches so went north from there. spent an hour trying to drill hole in the ice auger kept bogging down and out would not drill. auger had sat for a year or to with gas in tank so maybe plugged. after almost giving up and packing it in along came a truck so i flagged him down and asked if he could help me out and drill some holes for me cause my auger wont drill and i would pay him. he kindly offered to drill as many as i wanted and refused money not only that he offered to look at my auger then got a screwdriver out of his truck and started the auger turned some carberator screws and in no time had the auger running and cutting holes like it should. told me to get new gas and spray some carberator cleaner through the intake while running and new blades and should be good to go. after talking for awhile i found out who ripnflutter is nice to put a name with a face. so many thanks rip my boys also thank you we even caught perch bonus.

Good job Klem...glad you got out and found a few.

Way to go Rip  :thumbsup: that is great to see!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 14, 2019, 06:52 PM
Fished 1/2 day today (afternoon).  They were just tapping the lure today.  Steady action trying to get them to bite.  2 of us only
ended up catching couple dozen.  Only 2 jumbos today. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Mackereltoss on Jan 14, 2019, 10:55 PM
Hello everyone!

Got out Sunday afternoon 1-5. It was easily the best day I have ever had ice fishing. Fished south of Evans road and landed 25-30 fish from 3”-13” in size. I kept a couple for a fish fry last night. The weather was amazing so I didn’t set up the shack drilled about 7 holes in roughly 2 feet of ice and went to town. Hell of a day can’t wait to get back out there!

(https://i.postimg.cc/7bFy4Dcm/67535-C93-0345-4381-9-F80-5-AA35-F28-FBA9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7bFy4Dcm)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Bjc3NymN/0206924-C-1846-4-B3-E-A8-AF-017517-C58-C7-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Bjc3NymN)

(https://i.postimg.cc/py4PdK9Q/AAE11391-44-BB-4949-9-B95-E5-FE0-C082-E79.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/py4PdK9Q)

(https://i.postimg.cc/WdPjGjwh/C8014715-17-CF-4-D49-AEC8-2-D82-A21-B06-C6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WdPjGjwh)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: saskbucks on Jan 15, 2019, 12:24 PM
first time out yesterday what a beautiful day on the ice took out my 2 boys for a day of perch fishing pretty crowded by the launches so went north from there. spent an hour trying to drill hole in the ice auger kept bogging down and out would not drill. auger had sat for a year or to with gas in tank so maybe plugged. after almost giving up and packing it in along came a truck so i flagged him down and asked if he could help me out and drill some holes for me cause my auger wont drill and i would pay him. he kindly offered to drill as many as i wanted and refused money not only that he offered to look at my auger then got a screwdriver out of his truck and started the auger turned some carberator screws and in no time had the auger running and cutting holes like it should. told me to get new gas and spray some carberator cleaner through the intake while running and new blades and should be good to go. after talking for awhile i found out who ripnflutter is nice to put a name with a face. so many thanks rip my boys also thank you we even caught perch bonus.

This is great stuff.  Congrats to Rip.  He's a great dude!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 15, 2019, 02:42 PM
Yes, nice job Rip with the helping hand.

Now if you could drive by my house so I can flag you down.  I am having trouble with my 24 valve diesel engine :) :)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Jan 15, 2019, 04:21 PM
Thanks everyone for your kind words. I’m sure most of us on ice shanty or not on ice shanty would try and do the same. Anyway the jumbos were still in the same place I left them on the weekend. I Wonder if this aggressive perch bite will last the rest of the hard water season. And the walleyes seem to be laying low again? At least in the areas I frequent. The search must go on.....
(https://i.postimg.cc/McBdmdT8/D30-C1-FE0-8-CEA-45-F7-A744-19-B917540359.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/McBdmdT8)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: klem on Jan 16, 2019, 07:45 AM
Hey rip sent you a PM a couple questions on my auger if you wouldn’t mind. Thanks.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Jan 18, 2019, 07:47 AM
even in these -30c temps major difference with very minimal wind as was the case yesterday as a buddy and i sat it out in the hub as the perch were still fairly active coming through in packs. buddy brought out some night crawlers he still had in his fridge from the fall piecing them out on small spoons and the perch were eating them up. i told him its been like this right from from first ice and that there was a small town set up last weekend out from the boat launches everyone has been pounding the perch pretty well all over the lake.. he also agreed on the unusual early aggressive bite that's lasted this long. no need to wait for the march perch explosion.  looks like a temp swing after the weekend.....
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Majic_Fish on Jan 20, 2019, 10:44 PM
I battled the wind and cold temps but managed to spot a ton of perch and was able to catch some too. Took a few home for a fish fry. Turned out to be a good day despite the weather. Hope these pics upload
(https://i.postimg.cc/s17S3FZs/A4-C341-C9-C784-42-EA-9818-F3-CE586880-AB.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/s17S3FZs)

(https://i.postimg.cc/3yk46zTM/A6610-AD4-7-BB4-4133-B606-60-C6-C2-ACE0-FE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3yk46zTM)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Jan 20, 2019, 11:41 PM
Looked to be I was the last or one of the last off the lake tonight
Nothing but lookers until around 5 pm and I switched to Something ive nevee used before... thats when it all happened
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: saskbucks on Jan 21, 2019, 12:52 PM
Looked to be I was the last or one of the last off the lake tonight
Nothing but lookers until around 5 pm and I switched to Something ive nevee used before... thats when it all happened

What got their attention?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Jan 21, 2019, 01:47 PM
Of all things I decided to try a small glow in the dark jig head with a minnow tail.. The bight seemed very soft yesterday afternoon into the evening.. im not sure if it was the higher pressure, moon weather etc. but it was cloudy with low light so maybe that's the reason the glow was working.. They were picking them off near bottom, just tapping it.

I'm no perch whisperer, but it worked very well.. Last night I likely caught the biggest perch I ever have. I got 3 at 13" I rushed to get one back in the water that was over 13" but no photos as my phone was dead , the girth was unreal..! Very pumped.. Not often you get perch pulling drag..!
I released them all, hopefully some of these big ones full of eggs can make it until spring..
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 21, 2019, 09:37 PM
Didn't get out until 11:30 today and fished South of Evans Road until 5:15.  Lot's of action most of the day, with very
light hits.  Took home 7 for the pan.


(https://i.postimg.cc/dDpH65gn/IMG-0172-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dDpH65gn)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Jan 21, 2019, 09:47 PM
Glad to see you guys are still having success. Our new addition is unfortunately keeping me at home with new parent duties. Hopefully the baby will mature enough to allow me a little ice time before the season ends.
(https://i.postimg.cc/gxHyJJYC/IMG-3003.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gxHyJJYC)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 21, 2019, 09:53 PM
Hey Speck, what about the other addition you were talking about.....did she say "YES"?????

Very nice looking Lab, shouldn't be hard to find a babysitter, so you can hit the Strap.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Jan 22, 2019, 06:01 AM
Affirmative Church. Might need a bigger boat.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 22, 2019, 09:32 AM
Speck, you said she loves Lab's and fishing.  Didn't your son ask to see a picture of her boat, before their first date? 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Whytie on Jan 22, 2019, 10:00 AM
Of all things I decided to try a small glow in the dark jig head with a minnow tail.. The bight seemed very soft yesterday afternoon into the evening.. im not sure if it was the higher pressure, moon weather etc. but it was cloudy with low light so maybe that's the reason the glow was working.. They were picking them off near bottom, just tapping it.

I'm no perch whisperer, but it worked very well.. Last night I likely caught the biggest perch I ever have. I got 3 at 13" I rushed to get one back in the water that was over 13" but no photos as my phone was dead , the girth was unreal..! Very pumped.. Not often you get perch pulling drag..!
I released them all, hopefully some of these big ones full of eggs can make it until spring..

EVAN NIM Good job on releasing big perch not a lot of people do that.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Ryanshirley24 on Jan 22, 2019, 01:08 PM
How is the ice now that we had a decent snow? Should a guy bring shovels?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Jan 22, 2019, 03:41 PM
still very easy to get around, not much snow cover at all, in saying that there are a lot of hard drifter scattered around the lake.
couple photos leaving the lake Sunday night, a bit of a fog or light snow rolled in, kind of a cool photo.

(https://i.postimg.cc/VS4KMMhj/1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VS4KMMhj)

(https://i.postimg.cc/G85zgRdt/2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G85zgRdt)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 22, 2019, 03:48 PM
Some of the shacks got snow blown in around them.  You might have to shovel a bit to move your shack.

I think we had way more wind then snow, so it didn't have a chance in H of staying on the ice.

There probably is more clear ice, then snow covered ice.  The West side has a little more snow then the rest of the lake.  But
nothing you should get stuck in.  There is plenty of clear spots you can drive around the hard packed snow drifts if you don't
have a 4X4. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 22, 2019, 03:51 PM
Oh also, for the entrance at the North boat launch.  No snow build up at all.  Cars could still drive on as of yesterday, as we have seen
some cars on the lake.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Jan 22, 2019, 07:31 PM
Just back from one-hourish sunset perch fishing down the north launch of the park. Yes, the jumbos turn on around sunset. There is mostly uncovered ice as long as you stay away from shore and a few piles. There are quite a few trucks on ice.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Jan 26, 2019, 05:16 PM
Just chilled out yesterday Sat it out in the shelter no interest in moving around. perch were still active all day as were a few pike including this 34” fatty. 0 walleyes again although a couple bigger targets showing up ?
(https://i.postimg.cc/hQxW1wLG/19-A00-FC6-96-D0-4631-8422-D5-BE440-F7158.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hQxW1wLG)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: farmboy on Jan 26, 2019, 06:48 PM
Nice fish rip 👍
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: canada on Jan 27, 2019, 08:16 AM
beauty pike rip

Thats a perch stealer right there
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 27, 2019, 09:29 AM
That was a nice Pike Rip.... :clap:

We started out yesterday morning at the North end for the first time this year.  Fished the first 1 1/2 hours
in shallower water for Walleye.  No Walleye, caught 2 small Pike and couple small Perch.  Moved to deeper
water had had lot's of Perch action.  Went back to the South side to our shack to fry up shore lunch with the 6
Perch we kept.  Then finished off the day on the South side.  We talked to 3 or 4 groups and they said the morning
was good, but the afternoon shut down, as we found out also...only caught and released 6 perch.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Jan 27, 2019, 10:30 AM
I marked some lookers while fishing for perch warring 430ish. No bite.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Jan 28, 2019, 09:18 PM
Went out for a while monday.. brr
The heater stopped working so it ended our evening quick... managed 4 jumbos in our short time out


(https://i.postimg.cc/WdqDwN49/181-CE3-BC-F440-49-CF-9-FFB-7431-B0-DDF6-FD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WdqDwN49)


Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: jpicks on Jan 29, 2019, 02:36 PM
The fish are smarter than I am today.   The boss at work had been asking me for weeks to hit the ice so we booked today off a couple weeks ago.  -30, but the shack is toasty with the bug buddy heater.   Missed one jack, no flags and saw maybe 3 perch on camera all day.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 29, 2019, 04:28 PM
Well jpicks, they say fish is brain food.  So you would have to assume that fish are pretty smart.  And we have all been out smarted by them.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: klem on Jan 30, 2019, 03:30 PM
Made the trip yesterday with the -30 temperature but you go when you can go. Wasn’t to bad after setting up and heater going. Not much action for perch but the northerns were biting we caught 6 biggest was about 5 pounds.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 31, 2019, 09:14 PM
Beautiful day on the Strap today.  No wind until about 5.  I caught 20, but it seemed like the slowest day for me.  Very light bites,
and no size.  Wind moving in and then cold for a straight week, not looking good for getting out.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Jan 31, 2019, 10:40 PM
One bonus today for me was catching a Blue Perch.  I have caught a number of Blue Walleye up at camp over the years.  But this
was my first Blue Perch ever.  I have also been lucky enough to catch a Silver Pike up North.  Here are some interesting quotes:

State fisheries biologist Gerald Albert, who has netted and sampled thousands of yellow perch, says that “the odds of catching ["a blue one"] are really millions to 1.''

Here is a picture off of the web:

https://www.google.ca/search?q=picture+of+blue+perch&client=safari&channel=iphone_bm&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=8B0mIIElQTkXIM%253A%252ChbD0ndCwNLmUJM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTmAq9c1Qvg3jcH3VjuRck4_9df-Q&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiChqH42pngAhXJsVQKHbvYCAEQ9QEwCXoECAUQFg&biw=1280&bih=668#imgdii=aZQZ5C5XdB0rOM:&imgrc=8B0mIIElQTkXIM:


(https://i.postimg.cc/14F4GTmg/Full-Size-Render-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/14F4GTmg)

Has anyone ever catch a Blue Perch in Blackstrap or any other lake for that matter?



Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Twistedhook on Feb 01, 2019, 08:16 PM
Made it out yesterday....Lots of perch rushing in and that's it. With this cold streak on us get your extensions ready,ice took my Jiffy to the gear box.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: saskangler18 on Feb 04, 2019, 10:26 AM
I was on the lake at the south end on Saturday, it was cold and windy got one walleye about 3 lbs. Ice is very thick now
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Majic_Fish on Feb 04, 2019, 03:47 PM
Went out yesterday in the bitter cold. Spent the morning just south of Evans Rd with no luck. Moved in front of the boat launches in the afternoon. Slower day but still landed bout a dozen perch. Just need someone to turn off this deep freeze!!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Feb 04, 2019, 05:58 PM
How was getting around on the lake for snow and drifts?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Majic_Fish on Feb 04, 2019, 07:57 PM
Getting around was fine. Not too much snow on the ice at all. Considering the snowfall we got.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Wissel on Feb 05, 2019, 12:47 PM
Is this a good access to the lake? (51.769585, -106.457177) safe to drive on with truck I assume? thanks!


(https://i.postimg.cc/R3L5wghT/Screenshot-2019-02-05-at-12-45-41.png) (https://postimg.cc/R3L5wghT)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Whytie on Feb 05, 2019, 01:00 PM
Is this a good access to the lake? (51.769585, -106.457177) safe to drive on with truck I assume? thanks!


(https://i.postimg.cc/R3L5wghT/Screenshot-2019-02-05-at-12-45-41.png) (https://postimg.cc/R3L5wghT)

yep
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Feb 05, 2019, 02:11 PM
whytie -- do you mind changing your profile photo.. your giant walleye is starting to affect my physcy .. I feel like I will need counseling soon..
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Twistedhook on Feb 06, 2019, 07:23 AM
So what happened to the pictures of the "Blue Perch"?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Feb 06, 2019, 10:22 AM




(https://i.postimg.cc/BPPTTXxZ/IMG-0765-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BPPTTXxZ)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Feb 06, 2019, 12:57 PM
likely 30" plus of ice now? I assume will be needing an extension by the weekend?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Water Wolf on Feb 06, 2019, 10:28 PM
Glad to see you guys are still having success. Our new addition is unfortunately keeping me at home with new parent duties. Hopefully the baby will mature enough to allow me a little ice time before the season ends.
(https://i.postimg.cc/gxHyJJYC/IMG-3003.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gxHyJJYC)

Cute pup speckspotter. ;D
They will be a great buddy on all your outdoor adventures. ;)

Good to see you guys are still finding them at Blackstrap. @)

WW
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Feb 07, 2019, 05:10 PM
Thought I would take a pic of this and post it. was up at the post office bulletin board. ice fishing tournament supposedly to be held at the strap. For those who didn’t know.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3d36mQsy/ED6-D5-C29-4003-42-B5-A42-B-118-DEA0-A1-F84.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3d36mQsy)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Feb 08, 2019, 02:51 PM
Thanks Water Wolf. Clay was watching me work on a project in the garage, and chose to park in my otter sled full of ice fishing gear. I guess we are both anxious for the weather to improve.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZB2NpYh6/IMG-3099.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZB2NpYh6)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Feb 08, 2019, 05:09 PM
I notice your heavy rubber mat,
does that help at all keep the draft/cold air from the ice ? or just for walking around without a helmet
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Feb 08, 2019, 06:24 PM
The mat is mainly a safety thing. The Big Buddy heater can make the surface inside the pop up pretty slick after a few hours. I like to have my chair on the mat so I can get to the holes without worrying about a big whoopsie daisy. I helps keep gloves and other dropped gear dry as well.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Gregarius on Feb 10, 2019, 12:38 AM
Made the trip yesterday with the -30 temperature but you go when you can go. Wasn’t to bad after setting up and heater going. Not much action for perch but the northerns were biting we caught 6 biggest was about 5 pounds.

Any tips you can share on location and or lures for pike at Blackstrap? My partner and I have been skunked twice now.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: deringer on Feb 10, 2019, 09:39 AM
Right on rip i was gonna post it is well but see you did. The tourney is on the north side of the lake by shields to my knowledge. No shacks no sonar and cant drill your own hole so its all in how you wiggle your worm. Surprised perch are still pretty steady with this cold. Ya gotta drill a few more holes to look for em but omce you.find em your good to go.  Stay warm everyone.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Majic_Fish on Feb 10, 2019, 07:30 PM
Went out from noon-4:30 today. Slower day but still landed a few in front of the launches again. Tried out my new clam flip over shelter. Loved it. Easy to hole hop and stay warm. Haven’t fished the north end yet this winter. Am I missing anything good?? Hard to try different spots when this one keeps on producing lol. Although I would like to hit up on some walleye one of these days. Any hints on where the walleye are feeding??!!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Feb 11, 2019, 01:44 PM
Out for a few hours today 10-1:30
Got my 2 personal best perch- both releaded, the one must have been absolutly packed with eggs

Ice is 30”
The photos are bad

(https://i.postimg.cc/f3VJjZ0h/2-DECFA1-B-28-AC-4774-BFC8-6-C2-A7-E0789-B7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/f3VJjZ0h)

(https://i.postimg.cc/LYf5wTTC/A4-D177-B4-09-C6-40-FF-80-C7-8-B09-FE6-A34-F9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LYf5wTTC)

(https://i.postimg.cc/ctRKgmtg/CB6-F6-E53-62-F8-4-C40-9-EC3-A04-FB2489-BBF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ctRKgmtg)

(https://i.postimg.cc/1gb4vTpV/E52-E77-B7-7-B1-F-4-E85-AE8-B-751-E12-CCE3-B4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1gb4vTpV)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: walleyeking on Feb 11, 2019, 03:40 PM
did that monster perch roll up the rim, how did he do
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Feb 11, 2019, 03:51 PM
  ;D
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: saskbucks on Feb 12, 2019, 07:48 AM
The mat is mainly a safety thing. The Big Buddy heater can make the surface inside the pop up pretty slick after a few hours. I like to have my chair on the mat so I can get to the holes without worrying about a big whoopsie daisy. I helps keep gloves and other dropped gear dry as well.

Where did pick that mat up? Cost?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ryder29 on Feb 12, 2019, 07:54 AM
Great Perch!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Feb 12, 2019, 10:17 AM
Was out yesterday and the North boat launch entrance is still fine for driving on and off.  No need for cleats anymore.  The morning was
impossible to see the snow drifts (it was snowing and cloudy).  Later in the day when it cleared up a bit a person can still pick his way
around the big drifts, or just keep your speed up and you can drive over or through them (little rough though).

Stayed in one spot close to the shack by the boat launches and had steady action with very light bumps.  I only caught 8.  Had lunch in my friends trailer and
watched his camera for about 45 minutes.  Perch on the camera steady, up to 7 at a time sometimes.  They would just sit there and stare at the hook, nothing we did would make them take the bait.  The ones I did catch had lot's of the blood worms in their mouth, so maybe they are full or the pressure turned them off.  Talked to a guy that fished Sunday, and he said the same thing...lot's on his camera but not takers.  So they are still
in the area, just have to wait until they turn on.  Seems like more small ones then 4 to 6 weeks ago. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Feb 12, 2019, 04:54 PM
I wanted to try north of the causeway on the east side of the lake for walleye.. is there truck access there? it looks like a bit of a trail but its hard to say? I assume I can just drive on the very north end and head south then cross the lake, just wondering if theres anything in that area to avoid, or if you can drive on closer to the causeway
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Feb 12, 2019, 05:38 PM
Hey Saskbucks,

The mat came from Rona in Saskatoon. They were on sale for around $25.00. They last quite a while. I have about a half dozen uses around the place for the ones I buy.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Feb 15, 2019, 08:22 PM
Ahhhhh nice to Be out on the ice again today after those brutal temperatures. But did Catch up on some of those home projects. Set up in the basin 26’ Fished from 12-6 and caught perch perch and more perch with a whole mix of sizes. No walleyes or pike in the area today. Looking forward to some nicer weather and some march trips to deifenbaker.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XBXKwq4T/AB79673-E-1892-42-B2-A238-A0-E9-BF0-DF3-E4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XBXKwq4T)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Feb 16, 2019, 07:18 AM
Time for an extension yet??
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Feb 16, 2019, 08:10 AM
Time for an extension yet??
    yeah pretty well with this snow we got. i have 6" to 12"extension that i leave on from the get go slide down to 12" if needed.           
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Chuckie on Feb 16, 2019, 09:44 PM
Any idea what the launches are like after the snowfall today? assume they’re clear since there was hardly a wind.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Feb 16, 2019, 10:37 PM
I used the North boat launch today, and it has a pretty good trail on to the ice.  There were even and couple sun's that used it today.  The snow is pretty heavy with hard drifts across from the boat launches on the West side. We then went down the East shoreline past Evans road about 1/2 mile.  The East side has a lot less snow and then South of Evans road there are even a couple of bare patches of ice.  There didn't seem to be any drifts, and probably no more then 4 inches of snow.  Diving around was very easy.  Then went back to our shack across from the launches and got stuck in
a big drift that were very hard to see today with the cloud and light snow.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Feb 17, 2019, 08:43 AM
likely wont see many 2 wheel drive on the ice/snow for awhile. and by the amount of permy shacks across from the launch this year could be a very sloppy area come mid march. not to mention the boat launches. hopefully wont be to bad. shovels are your friend.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Chuckie on Feb 17, 2019, 09:39 AM
Thanks guys! Taking out a couple people who are brand new to the concept of ice fishing today. Wanted to hit the west side of Evans rd. but will play it safe of the east side instead.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Feb 22, 2019, 07:40 AM
more of the same perch action the last coupe days. not wanting the jigging rod as much as the bobber rod. and a few pike mixed in. looking forward to some sledding this weekend touring around fishing different areas and visiting some buddies on the lake.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Feb 24, 2019, 07:33 PM
Slow day today
Tried all depths, finally moved way in
18 fow managed my largest perch to date at 15”
(https://i.postimg.cc/TKHzGWDG/1425-D62-F-476-D-4720-A513-FB886-C64-ABB3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TKHzGWDG)

(https://i.postimg.cc/m1yxGXQ6/6-A1-E7236-CBF3-4-E36-AF09-9-D4-AC80743-BE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/m1yxGXQ6)

(https://i.postimg.cc/bZv7KRd3/EDAF9-D2-B-79-FA-43-A9-B86-C-340-A169772-D4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bZv7KRd3)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Feb 24, 2019, 07:50 PM
What did it weigh Evan?

What is the world record yellow perch?
The fish weighed in at 2.9 pounds (2 pounds, 14 ounces) and measured out at 15.75 inches. It topped the old record of a 2.75-pound, 14.5-inch yellow perch caught in 1984 by Charles Thomas.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Feb 24, 2019, 08:11 PM
The above post was from one website.

Then if you read Wikipedia you will find:

The world record yellow perch (18 in (46 cm); 4 lb 3 oz (1.9 kg)) was caught in 1865 in New Jersey, and is the longest-standing record for freshwater fish in North America.[1]
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Feb 24, 2019, 09:55 PM
I believe around 1.5, just over maybe
I wish i had a digital scale, i was trying to rush to get it back in the water which i did,

I was pretty pumped,i thought for sure it was a few pound walleye when it was pulling drag ( which was respectably set )

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Feb 24, 2019, 10:01 PM
I might try to have a closer
Look at the photos and the scale, tomorrow to see where it was. Im kicking my self a bit for not taking a bit more time,
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Feb 28, 2019, 10:10 PM
Quick update on yesterday and today for me fishing the North end around the Blackrock bay area.  The perch action was
good, with them biting a little harder then the last 3 weeks.  Caught 4 small pike each day along with the perch.  Access to the
lake at the far North end is excellent and driving around isn't much of a problem with 4X4.  I did see 2 or 3 trucks come on and go
off the back entrance of the Blackrock bay.

One month to go, looking forward to the nicer weather coming next week.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Mar 02, 2019, 05:34 PM
Slow going not a whole bunch of active fish yesterday afternoon still catching perch and pike but they slowed down as well in the places I’ve been. Warmer weather on the way. Along with some trips to different lakes should be fun. Did have these moose show up checking me out yesterday also. Kinda cool.
(https://i.postimg.cc/bdHPfxGJ/0-F6673-B7-FD66-4150-81-DB-D629-C06-B8-FE3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bdHPfxGJ)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Whytie on Mar 05, 2019, 08:13 AM
What's the lake travel conditions like? Deep snow? blown in accesses? Haven't been there since December so I'm not sure what conditions are like.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 05, 2019, 09:34 AM
if you are going to fish the North end.....no problem.  The entrance is wide open at the far North end, and you can drive both the East and West and middle of the lake with no problems.  If you are going to fish the South end the West side of the lake is a little tricky, with big drifts.  Especially right across from the boat launches.  The middle of the lake and East side is no problem.  The entrance at the boat launches is fine.  I have been using the North boat launch.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Whytie on Mar 05, 2019, 03:12 PM
Thanks for the heads up Churchill. That's the kind of response I was hoping for.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ran7ger on Mar 05, 2019, 06:36 PM
nice pic rip..  way more moose down your way than up here now a days it seems. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Mar 06, 2019, 08:02 AM
afternoon/evening fish yesterday from 3 til 730 marking fish fairly steady a lot of smaller marks showing up and some bigger non committing ones as well. in the end did manage to bring 3 perch 3 pike and 2 walleyes topside. nothing of the larger variety but always nice to be hooked up.  pretty slow on the posting out there i suppose everyone's starting to recover from the month from hell.. lol  it looks like were back in business for the next or last 3 weeks of fishing with nicer temps.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 06, 2019, 09:40 AM
You are so right Rip.....can't remember a cold spell that basically ran for just over a month.  Heading out today for the afternoon. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Mar 06, 2019, 08:39 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/2LWBYfCt/IMG-3171.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2LWBYfCt)
Finally got some good weather and a chance to take my new fishing partner to Blackstrap. Perhaps the puppy doesn't realize he is supposed to be a duck dog. It's a start anyhow. Thanks to Churchill River and Co. for providing the subject for the retrieve. By the way CR,
the bite picked up shortly after you left. 5:45 to 6:15 saw the perch get hungry. No monsters, but a few respectable dinner guests were invited home.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 06, 2019, 09:16 PM
Well S.S., with the perch that Clay retrieved from us back to your truck along with the ones you were able to catch after we left should of made a really good limit.  Was nice to see Clay (only 13 weeks old), retrieving  for you already (say's a lot about his trainer).  Looks like he is going to be a keeper.  Good to know there was
a evening bite.

Between the 2 of us, we ended up taking 17 home.  No jumbos this time, but like you said lot's around 10 inches with three 11 inchers.   

We will be back at it on Friday, if you need Clay to keep working on his retrieving. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Mar 06, 2019, 09:42 PM
Went back for another go this afternoon/evening in the same area. Had another decent day as the perch and pike were still around and a few more 15-16”eater walleyes were landed along with this 20”er.
(https://i.postimg.cc/xN5vQp5r/DE895227-0048-4-AA5-8100-3-D296-ECF8456.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xN5vQp5r)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 09, 2019, 09:28 AM
Not sure if the March bite has started.  It is getting better and better each day.  Two of us caught over 50 Perch yesterday.  The morning saw very light bites in the morning in every hole we
had drilled in a 50 yard stretch.  So they were there, just not taking it.  After 11 they started to hit in spurts.   After 5 to 6:30 bite was good, but the smaller ones seemed to moved in. 

Now with the weather levelling out and the pressure should stop going up and down like a yoyo, so we should be good for the final 22 days.

Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Majic_Fish on Mar 09, 2019, 02:31 PM
Nice walleye there Rip. I still haven't caught any walleye here this winter. Although I've been fishing mostly in front of the boat launches all season. Been landing a ton of perch and a few pike here and there, but no walleye yet. I guess I'm gonna have to wander away from the boat launches if I want to catch anything other than perch?

Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Mar 10, 2019, 09:06 AM
your half way there wander away from the boat launches. my suggestion would be get a hold of a lake contour map and go to work.  mostly an early and late bite on this lake.  good luck
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Mar 11, 2019, 09:07 PM
We tried for a couple of hours tonight, but the perch won this round. We had marks steady the whole time out, including some nice fat red ones. We threw the tickle trunks at them. Every new bait and lure combination elicited immediate interest - and then nada. Two bites total.
Next time......
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Whytie on Mar 12, 2019, 10:18 AM
We tried for a couple of hours tonight, but the perch won this round. We had marks steady the whole time out, including some nice fat red ones. We threw the tickle trunks at them. Every new bait and lure combination elicited immediate interest - and then nada. Two bites total.
Next time......

I was out there on Sunday and noticed the same thing. Had a bunch on the ice at 3pm then nothing, by 5pm they all came back but didn't want to bite.

Conditions weren't too bad everyone seemed to get around no problem. Gave one guys a pull to get him unstuck. We talked for a bit, and now I have some good advice on Diefenbaker trout for next year. Who says good deed goes unpunished lol ;D.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Mar 13, 2019, 09:07 AM
Was out from 2 till 730
Managed around 20 perch some nice jumbos too- and finally some walleye

I did notice zero big females full of eggs last 2 times out, usually release them anyhow
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 15, 2019, 10:05 PM
Was out today on the South side and had one of my better days this winter......so lot's of perch were caught. 1/2 a dozen jumbos with lot's of 10's.

Was out Tuesday and Wed on the North end, close to Blackrock bay and had lot's of perch there also. 

Good luck to all heading out this weekend.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Mar 16, 2019, 05:18 PM
anyone fish the south side today? how is the boat launch access?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 17, 2019, 10:18 PM
I used the North boat launch today and it is still a go.  Coming off at 6:30 there was a little water in the tracks.  Not sure it
will be usable next weekend as it is going to be melting pretty good Wed, plus 7, Thursday plus 11, Friday plus 15 and then plus 10
Sat and Sun. 

I am going out Tuesday and plan on still driving on, and will report Tuesday night.  Oh yea, lots of perch again today.  i hope everyone else
had a good day.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: EVAN NIM on Mar 18, 2019, 07:17 PM
Slow slow finish for me
Just a few perch

(https://i.postimg.cc/MvLsXd4X/535-D63-DE-9276-44-D0-8-F49-E507865-E1-B8-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MvLsXd4X)

(https://i.postimg.cc/zLZ0F3qr/907-B8266-B5-E9-440-E-9-E4-D-7-C7-BD124045-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zLZ0F3qr)


Getting messy, noticed larger cracks not filling and freezing
Ice was talking a bit today
I likely wont make it back out
Best of luck to everyone
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Cholo on Mar 18, 2019, 08:39 PM
First ever fish caught on a tip up, caught this Sunday in 9ft of water, woohoo!
(https://i.postimg.cc/zbhBTPjQ/20190317-132218.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zbhBTPjQ)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 19, 2019, 07:53 PM
The North boat launch was still good to drive on and off today.  Not sure if will last until the weekend though.  Fished the same spot were I had my best days this winter on Friday and Sunday.  Today was one of my worst, only caught 20 perch.  Only 2 all afternoon....go figure. 

North end Thursday
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Mar 19, 2019, 09:13 PM
Gorgeous day, if not much else. There was as brief flurry of bites at day's end, but the approaching full moon did not exactly have them jumping out of the holes today. In fact, my past experience has never seen fish fill the boat, ducks rain from the heavens, or B and C bucks parade around in the open on the so called "peak times" of the solunar calendar. I'm beginning to think this is all fake news perpetuated by the students of pig spleens and the writers of agrarian almanacs.
All that aside, when Mrs. M. declared today's fresh perch to be "Manna from Heaven", there is no question about getting back out there.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ran7ger on Mar 19, 2019, 09:21 PM
i for one, whole heartedly agree.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Mar 21, 2019, 08:11 AM
spent a few hours yesterday afternoon enjoying the weather catching perch 1 jumbo the rest were that 8-9" range kept 4 and caught this whitey that was in the crowd. ice is going fast but should get a few more walkable trips in. looking forward to Diefenbaker tomorrow.
(https://i.postimg.cc/MvqBpRmh/3-AB1-B6-C5-FB29-4111-B614-4195-B7124-A0-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MvqBpRmh)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 21, 2019, 08:23 PM
We were still able to drive on the North end this morning.  Tried a few spots and then headed to the South end and were still able to drive on and off
of the North boat launch.  Should still be ok for tomorrow, but that might be it.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: BlueDevil on Mar 22, 2019, 08:50 PM
Anyone going out tomorrow Saturday and just walking on? 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: timbertomjr on Mar 22, 2019, 09:07 PM
Drove by the strap today. not much snow cover south end. I personally would take a quad. tomorrow temp+9 and windy.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: BlueDevil on Mar 22, 2019, 09:14 PM
A buddy of mine wants to go I’d just be content going to the North end and walking on and pop a few holes.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 23, 2019, 07:40 PM
I haven't been out for  couple days, just wondering if there was any traffic out today, or just foot traffic???
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: BlueDevil on Mar 23, 2019, 08:06 PM
We drove on at the north end (dam) lots of trucks today.  Fishing was slow marked a lot of fish couldn’t get them to bite.  CO’s came around and checked us out and chit chatted for a bit.  Was a nice day to be out on the ice!
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 23, 2019, 08:14 PM
Thanks Blue.  That's why I gave them a couple days off.  They are there, but not biting.  Going to give it a try on the South
end, hoping we can drive on.  Anyone see any trucks on the South side????
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Cholo on Mar 24, 2019, 10:20 PM
Trucks were driving on today, marked a few but no takers.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vck2v5jk/20190324-161909.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vck2v5jk)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 24, 2019, 10:33 PM
Yes, driving on from the South boat launch today.  Just off to the South of the main track going on the ice (which had some water in it).  Just drove off to the South of the main track and it was solid, didn't even leave a tire mark on the ice.  Should be good for couple more days.

Fished from 1:30 to 4:30 and two of us brought our nice limit home of perch.  The bite was much better then the last 2 times out.  Full moon has passed and they were back on their day feeding program.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Mar 25, 2019, 12:07 AM
I fished Lake of the Prairies last Wednesday night under the full moon. Started and hour before sunset and held on until 10:00 pm. The small marks on the flasher were likely perch, or perhaps walleye, but none showed any serious inclination to bite my offerings. Would the magical bite have happened had I stayed until the moon was fully overhead? I have my doubts.
All I know is that some pretty good days were had during normal waking hours on Blackstrap this winter, well outside of the so - called peak periods of full moon and new moon.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: ToonFisher on Mar 25, 2019, 12:04 PM
I fished Lake of the Prairies last Wednesday night under the full moon. Started and hour before sunset and held on until 10:00 pm. The small marks on the flasher were likely perch, or perhaps walleye, but none showed any serious inclination to bite my offerings. Would the magical bite have happened had I stayed until the moon was fully overhead? I have my doubts.
All I know is that some pretty good days were had during normal waking hours on Blackstrap this winter, well outside of the so - called peak periods of full moon and new moon.
That's for predicting ocean tide which carry fish to shallow bays.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Wissel on Mar 25, 2019, 01:37 PM
Hi! I'm wondering if someone could tell me the approximate date when most of the ice has melted on Blackstrap.

I'm from the University of Regina and writing my thesis on winter conditions in lakes around SK, so that's why I'm hoping to catch the approx. ice-off date, which would be when 2/3 of the lake has melted or the first day when its completely melted to go with a boat. I'm grateful for any reply and update as soon as the ice melts! Thanks!  ;D
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Deruzy on Mar 26, 2019, 11:28 AM
Anyone have an update on ice thickness? Planning on heading out there on Friday.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: knezzer on Mar 26, 2019, 09:10 PM
North end on Sunday.... barely got through without extension. No water on top, no fish either
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 26, 2019, 09:55 PM
There were trucks driving on at the South end.  Both North and South boat launches are still good to go.  I was out today and you couldn't keep the perch off from 9:30 to 11:30.  Then it died for 4 hours, and then there was a 6 p.m. evening bite.

Ice is still good for driving around.  As mentioned, no waster on top of ice.  Just have to keep a eye on getting on to the ice for the remaining 5 days.
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 27, 2019, 05:10 PM
Was out again this morning and every perch had fresh minnows in their mouth.  The ones I cleaned had their stomaches full of them.  So anyone
going out might want to get some small minnows for bait.  I am still just using perch eyes for bait and slaying them.

Was still able to drive on this morning, and with the cool wind this morning, it isn't going to melt a lick today. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Cholo on Mar 27, 2019, 10:55 PM
Church you still  fishin on the far west side of lake ?
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 27, 2019, 11:13 PM
Yes, same spot you saw me last time
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: speckspotter on Mar 28, 2019, 12:59 PM
You know how they say the fishing usually gets better in March? Well, today that proved to be true. I met Churchill River on the ice at 7:00 a.m. and the perch were hungry and aggressive. I don't have CR's head for numbers, but I will not dispute his assertion that we caught in the neighbourhood of 80 fish in the first hour and a half. I caught around 30 out of the hole I started in.
We got everything from 13 inch fish down to ones that made you laugh. However, the number of fish in the 9 to 11 inch range that we released certainly bodes well for the future.
The access off the boat launches was good, and there is plenty of ice there to carry us through the weekend. The perch were still feeding on small minnows; one of which swam around in the hole after being disgorged by a released fish.
(https://i.postimg.cc/jwZpgpc1/IMG-3295.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jwZpgpc1)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Mar 30, 2019, 09:51 AM
was out for an evening fish last night north side of the causeway. searching for the other species but still couldn't get away from those perch there everywhere. marks were showing up in almost every area i drilled and did catch a bunch. along with 4 pike and a walleye. worth another trip in that area for my last trip of the hard water season as i did miss a couple hits of the larger variety.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Wd6PqHgj/30-AF727-D-4-C66-4503-8662-66-D42467-C8-D6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Wd6PqHgj)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Churchill River on Mar 31, 2019, 11:29 PM
Well finished off the hard water season with my best day of the winter.  It was a great winter, except for Feb. 

It was nice talking to all the regulars and newbies on Shanty and meeting some of you on the ice.  A good time was had.

Have a good summer everyone and looking forward to talking/meeting you all next Nov/Dec.

Here are a couple pictures of the last supper..........of fish for this winter.




(https://i.postimg.cc/2LxXJGds/IMG-0342-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2LxXJGds)

(https://i.postimg.cc/1fvyVrx7/IMG-0344.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1fvyVrx7)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Majic_Fish on Apr 01, 2019, 12:01 AM
Last day at blackstrap was a great day once again. Lots of action in the morning but slowed down later on. Managed to stay dry all winter till today. Walking back to the boat launch and fell through the ice at the end, in about 2 ft water.

Thought I did well today with my 30ish catch, till I ran into church and his 100+ haul for the day, loading up our trucks. Was good to meet you church. Nice to put a face to a name. Have a good summer
(https://i.postimg.cc/SY7Wjkvb/C59-E8485-C3-E1-4-CF7-982-D-372-D0489-B78-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SY7Wjkvb)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: gman51 on Apr 01, 2019, 08:51 AM
well it sounds like everyone did well on the perch explosion this year. it sure got a lot more people out fishing if anything got their confidence up on catching. it was nice to see and hear of more fisher kids taking part on the perch bonanza hopefully catching their interest in the sport on the hard water. had a great season myself and fishing with fellow shanty members...........next post...November  ;)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Wissel on Apr 03, 2019, 12:49 PM
Hi! I'm wondering if someone could tell me the approximate date when most of the ice has melted on Blackstrap.

I'm from the University of Regina and writing my thesis on winter conditions in lakes around SK, so that's why I'm hoping to catch the approx. ice-off date, which would be when 2/3 of the lake has melted or the first day when its completely melted to go with a boat. I'm grateful for any reply and update as soon as the ice melts! Thanks!  ;D

Hi! Just reposting this to see if anyone is planning to keep track of when the ice has completely melted on Blackstrap.  I'm hoping to sample the lake as soon as it's possible to get out with a boat, guessing that will be about mid to late April.  Thanks! 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Whytie on Apr 03, 2019, 04:43 PM
Wissel if you click on the dundurn camera you can see the south end of blackstrap. http://users.accesscomm.ca/saskweather/skhighwaycams.htm (http://users.accesscomm.ca/saskweather/skhighwaycams.htm)
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: saskbucks on Apr 04, 2019, 01:25 PM
Happy to report that another member and I took out my teenage son and his three buddies (two who had never ice fished) and had a great morning last Saturday.  The boys ice over 40 perch and we caught a couple pike on the flags as well.  They got to learn how to use sonar, and saw lots of fish on the camera as well.  The freshly fried perch tasted great for lunch.  Hopefully they will want to go again sometime.  It sure was wonderful hearing their whoops and seeing their smiles.  Best day of the season, and great memories shared. 
Title: Re: Blackstrap 2018/19
Post by: Wissel on Apr 05, 2019, 03:10 PM
Wissel if you click on the dundurn camera you can see the south end of blackstrap. http://users.accesscomm.ca/saskweather/skhighwaycams.htm (http://users.accesscomm.ca/saskweather/skhighwaycams.htm)

Great, thanks Whytie!