MyFishFinder.com Just like iceshanty but warmer
It's no big secret, they show up late February and stack up good all thru the end of April and into May when the water temps get closer to 50F. They follow the other spawning species into the rivers and creeks and eat up the eggs...they do this ever year following crappie into the creek at Black Bridge, and on the Mississiqoui they follow the walleyes up to the dam in Swanton.They also follow the sunnies into Mill River and salmon into the creek at Eagle Mountain.I know because I've witnessed this firsthand at all these locations, so they must do this in others areas of the lake and it's tribs.That said, Steve mentioned to me Sunday morning that the ice had scared so many people away with the warm spell (including me), and it took a big hit in February when we normally start gathering to chase them around near the point.The whites stay in that bay year round and I've caught them 100 yards off the shoreline from the boat launch to the point trolling flathead lures or bottom bouncing walleye crawler harnesses. The larger breeders tend to spawn then move out to deeper water, which in the case of St. Albans bay, means out on the drop off at Ball Island into the Inland Sea and around Burton all the way to the Cowbanks...just ask the salmon trollers...I was fortunate enough to head out there ealry enough in February to get on them just as they started schooling up and got into a big bunch to setup for my annual fish fry I do at work to honor my fellow co-workers that work outside in the harsh conditions all winter. I managed to get 20# of boneless-skinless fillets and hit my goal, then boom, the ice turned to open water for 3 weeks and no one really bothered because of the unsafe ice, yet the whites were still there all along.As for access, park at the state park and walk onto the ice at the park anywhere in that general vicinity and head towards the green channel marker can (which by the way appears to have disappeared in the snowstorm).Can also get on at the boat launch and head towards Lazy Lady island but this is a much further walk than I care to do. It is a good option when ice conditions are favorable to driving on or using ATV's/sleds.I was out there Sunday from 8AM to 3PM 100 yards or so just off the rocky point at Hathaway's, the perch are in that general vicinity (as usual), and just need to pop a few holes, use live minnows, dead minnow heads, crawlers & spikes or whatever you fancy for a jighead or bibbet...these fish are by no means finicky!TIGHT LINES EVERYONE.I plan on being out there Saturday, hope to see you then!
I'll run a shuttle!
A few questions, if I may... Are white perch also been caught at other spots than Hathaway? How about from the State Park at the end of Hathaway Rd. - Is the ice safe there? - Can I park there and walk to the spot behind Mr. Hathaway's place?During the short run earlier this season, I was at Bayside bait shop and the phone was ringing off the hook from guys from NJ/MA/CT (all of who've been up for the run before) Just wondering where they all park when the run is in full swing?
We hit it early this morning out left straight from the boat launch. Got right into the big yellows same area as the other day.They were catching whites closer to kilkare.They're still there just need to move around.
I'm planning on being out there Saturday morning until 0 dark thirty...will report if I get on any.
Were done off the lake 2 buckets each of whites. Threw the little ones back. There's a lot of bigger ones fill up a bucket quick.Orange and red jigs seem to work well for us.Good way to end the season.