IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Canada => Ice Fishing Saskatchewan => Topic started by: gman51 on Nov 05, 2017, 05:42 PM
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:icefish: :tipup:
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Drove across the causeway and seen open water to the south and to the north. There is some shoreline ice forming in places but still lots of open water. Went through the park and right about where the ski hill is and and south from there the whole lake is locked up as far as I could see.went down the boat launches and walked out 10-15 feet and spudded a hole to find 1-2 “ of ice. So it could be fishable 3-5 “ by next weekend in that area if the weather holds. Did not bother checking out the north end but I would suspect still open with the wind direction the way it’s been. Someone else might chime in on that. Anyway I’m hopeful for next weekend.
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Hi Rip:
Thanks for the first report on the ice. I am off Mule Deer hunting this coming weekend and then was going out to check the ice around the 14th or 15th. Sounds like we might be able to walk out.
I hope all people posting on here had a good summer and are ready for the winter season.
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All my gears were passed the test late afternoon today. I found 4" of black ice at the south end of Blackstrap, and 1" of fluffy snow cover. Ice was slightly thinner by the shore (~3.5"). Have fun and safe weekend :)
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Fishing was fair.
(https://s2.postimg.cc/i60xqdntx/20171109_164622.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/i60xqdntx/)
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good job T.F. nice way to start off the hard water season. had plans for today myself but the crazy wind says otherwise. geared up for tomorrow. unless of course the wind dies down for a late afternoon fish..lol
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Is that a Chubby Darter ToonFisher?
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A five year old Lindy darter, cheaper than chubby darter. Walleye likes it, especially during sunset ambush.
Wind was bad, but my bib is great.
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Thanks for that. I'll tuck that bit of good info away for later.
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Met a buddy out today. Had a good 41/2-5 inches of hard black ice. Fished in 10-23 FOW. Was seeing some good marks in the 12’ range. We guessed they were whitefish. Managed to “break the ice” sorry, and connected on a eater walleye in 22 FOW. Great to be out there. We were only 50 yards of shore.
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got out yesterday for a few hours mostly in safe ice search mode checking different areas. was finding safe 5-6" in most places on the south end of the lake . there is some bad/weak ice around in places so take your time. lack of snow on the lake helps. going for an evening fish tonight.
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Northend was open until last Wednesday in front of the golf course!
Careful out there folks.
I hope the ice fishing will be better than the 2017 open water fishing. Water level is really low and the lake was really green.
Good to see familiar names on the forum. Hope everyone is well?
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5" of black ice plus some white ice on top at stretches. Fishing was slower this morning. Only 2 keeper walleye at 16-17".
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Nice going TF looking for the same outcome tonight.
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Got out for a few hours tonight on Evans road it was a beautiful evening to be out. Bite was slow or non existent for the first 1 1/2 hours then started showing up around 5. Ended the evening with 3 walleye 1 keeper 2 released missed 1or2 and to my amazement a burbot on the flag...lol it was also released. Great evening.
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Really amazing to see burbot once in a while at blackstrap.
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First one in probably 20 years for me out of the strap.
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Went out this afternoon on a whim. Met up with Rip. We were getting lots of marks on the flasher but nothing committed. Thanks to him and a couple others BAHDS who helped me out getting my van back up the hill to the main road on the parking lot.
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Went out this afternoon on a whim. Met up with Rip. We were getting lots of marks on the flasher but nothing committed. Thanks to him and a couple others BAHDS who helped me out getting my van back up the hill to the main road on the parking lot.
My van gave me a lot of scares over the years, and extra work for fellow fishermen.
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Fished by the park entrance yesterday 3-6 . Caught a couple keeper walleye , lost 1 at the hole , had 1 other bite. Ice was 6-7 inches.
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It was a breezy chilly Saturday morning but all was forgotten after settling in the flip and cranking on the heat. started fishing around 9 and some decent marks were showing up soon after. And continued on pretty well most of the day. Most were non commital Finished up the day around 4pm with a couple nice eyes to take home and 1 released and a few that were on but didn’t make the trip to the top of the ice. And a few pike also that were released. Had a great day.. looking forward to tomorrow morning.
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My first time this year.
Want to thank Rip for his guiding services and knowledge of the lake. Made the day trip with saskbucks ( always entertaining). Many thanks to both fishing dudes.
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welcome aboard T.H. glad you could make the trip.looking forward on hooking up again with you guys.
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Went out yesterday and fished 3 hours at the North end, then drove over to the boat launched for a hour. 15 perch and missed couple Walleye.
Driving to the strap all the flags were hanging straight down. Upon arrival someone turned on the fans, and as Rip mentioned it was breezy.
Does everyone agree with me that the ice is a good 9 to 10 inches in the areas that you were fishing???????
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Yes I agree 9-10” over at Blackrock also. Little rough with some sheet Ice heaved up just off the shore but nothing serious. Shouldn’t effect the drive on when it’s thick enough to do so.need snow to pack the approach up on the shoreline. On the fishing side of it this morning I was set up at 7 and was seeing marks coming in around 8. Hooked up on a nice 23” walleye early on and a couple smaller eyes all before 9. From then on 4 pike were caught and released and more of the same no commitment walleyes. Left at 11. 1/8 oz silver flutter spoon tipped with a minnow head has been working the best for me. Tried everything else on those tight lipped walleyes with same result. oh yeah I Did catch a small walleye on the bobber. Will definitely be going back again.
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Rip, are you saying we should be able to drive on the ice in that back bay were the heave was last year once the ice is safe?
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Yes I agree 9-10” over at Blackrock also. Little rough with some sheet Ice heaved up just off the shore but nothing serious. Shouldn’t effect the drive on when it’s thick enough to do so. On the fishing side of it this morning I was set up at 7 and was seeing marks coming in around 8. Hooked up on a nice 23” walleye early on and a couple smaller eyes all before 9. From then on 4 pike were caught and released and more of the same no commitment walleyes. Left at 11. 1/8 oz silver flutter spoon tipped with a minnow head has been working the best for me. Tried everything else on those tight lipped walleyes with same result. oh yeah I Did catch a small walleye on the bobber. Will definitely be going back again.
so 9-10" ice on Evan road? thanks
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I am sure there will be vehicles driving on the ice come this weekend. There should be a good 12 inches, which is safe for traffic.
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Rip, are you saying we should be able to drive on the ice in that back bay were the heave was last year once the ice is safe?
well right now there’s a pretty decent drop off where the access is on to the lake. And as mentioned about the layering sheet ice close to shore not right at shore and ice being 9-10” out towards the mouth of the bay I’m still walking on for awhile yet. Or with the snowmobile
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Thanks Rip. Sounds like it is the same as last year with the big drop off. I thought someone maybe someone did some dirt moving and made it level to the ice, so a person could drive on. Doesn't sound like we will be able to access the lake through the back bay. Will have to come on at the North end and drive over, which isn't a problem. It was nice though when a person started the morning on the South end (Evans road or boat launch), and then was easier to just drive to the back bay and get on there vs driving all the way to the North end and then back up the ice.
I didn't make a trip to the strap during the summer, was the water low? And did it come back up before freeze up? If so, I can understand the big drop off from the shoreline making it not accessible to drive on.
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Yeah it’s not a huge drop but enough to make a sketchy drive on especially towing a permy. Definitely need clearance on your vehicle Need more snow.
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so 9-10" ice on Evan road? thanks
You can park on top where a no-vehicle sign and chain is, and walk down 150 yards at Evans road. Same as last year.
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Was going to head out in front of the boat launches in the park either today or tomorrow, how is the ice in that area? Planning on walking out with my sleigh. I know there are reports of 10" across the lake from there but has anyone drilled out in there?
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Good to go...been out couple times in that area.
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Thanks Rip! On my way out there now.
Update: Ice was 12" or a bit more about 100 yrds in front of the fillet shack, didn't have a tape with me. Fishing was poor, no action except one snack size Jack.
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Got out for a few hours today 10am til 1 Evans road warm and windy knocked the crap out of what was there for snow. Glad I had the cleats along. Still 10”+ ice but warm temperatures forecasted Over the next few days. Couple small walleyes were caught 12-14” fishing 26-27 fow. 1/4 oz blue and silver little Cleo tipped with minnow head.
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Drove on to the ice at the North end and fished that area for the day. Pretty slow, perch hit in spurts. 3 of us ended up with 25 perch and one pike. Two or Three Walleye out smarted us.
Anyone going to drive on the North end watch out for the ice heavy straight in the middle of the entrance. I went on that way and it was a rough ride (didn't notice it coming on, thought it was just snow bank). Coming off I went on the North end of the entrance at a angle and you can miss the ice heavy(for some reason the ice heavy doesn't go right across the entrance). Ice is 12 inches, did notice it was only 10 inches if we drilled in snow covered ice. Like Rip said, ice cleats were the cats meow today.
It's not your typical good fishing as soon as ice is on as in past years. I hope it picks up over the next 2 or 3 weeks.
Anyone else other then Rip and ourselves doing any fishing.......let us know?
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Got out for a few hours late afternoon/evening today out in front of the hill for something different.Set up in 23fow flag in 15’ nothing going on at all. Walked a bunch of holes had 2 marks show up In that time. Will be checking more areas of the lake this week.
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The South end has about 12" of black ice today. I could see a few big Whitefish running away. Skunked 3 to 5 pm today between 3 and 15 fow. That area was good when ice was just thick enough to walk on.
Saturday morning at shields pumphouse 8 to 10 am. A burbot popped to a fresh hole. No other fish marked between 2 and 23 fow.
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looks like the 50-60 km gusty winds will be diminishing after today. should be a great very slick and slippery ice fishing weekend.
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Hows the ice holding up with the warmer temps?
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pretty decent. still 10-12'" solid the places i've been. there's going to be some surface layering on top that freezes at night then melting in the day with the warm temps but still good ice for walking or quads.
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So would you not recommend driving on with a half ton truck yet??
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Drivable safe ice is something I would not tell anyone at the beginning of the season. For me it’s an individual thing. Everyone has their own opinion.
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Thanks rip im thinking of heading out on Friday.
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Good luck.
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Yikes........went to the back bay area today and checked out if you can drive on. There is one spot we found that wasn't that bad a drop off, but we only had the one truck and didn't want to try it. The ice is a good 12 inches all over. We walked on and covered a good 1/2 mile stretch towards the Yacht Club. Drilled a good 70 holes from anywhere from 10 fow to 26 fow and only caught 11 between 10 and 4 between the 2 of us.
Caught the fish in the deeper water.
As from driving on, we drove on the North end last Thursday. It was 12 inches last Thursday and is still 12 inches. So a mild week didn't thicken the ice any. We are going back to the North end the next time out as the fishing was a little better there, but still not like it should be for this time of year.
All the perch we caught today were your 8 inch shore lunch fish (all were thrown back). No size so far this year compared to last year.
I wonder if this is going to be a off year for us on the hard water. Mind you it is still early as it wasn't until mid Dec into Jan last year that produced really good.
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Fished a few hundred yards South of the culvert on the North end yesterday from 10:00 - 5:00. 3 smaller Perch, several noncommital nibbles, lots of action on the flasher but not a lot of takers. Up side was I introduced a buddy to ice fishing who had never been out before.
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Had a fairly decent weekend Friday late afternoon/evening.was on a great bite out in front of the big bay 22 fow. Plenty of marks showing up in the 5 hours fished. most were tight lipped but ended the evening with 5 walleyes caught. Early Saturday morning was set up by 7. Same area little slower in the early am for marking fish but managed 2 walleyes and a pike. Left at 11am home for lunch and a rest and back out at 2:30 til 6:30 more of the same moving right in on it and taking a pass. Finally got hooked up at Prime time with a couple nice eaters. This morning saw more drivebys missed a couple bites and landed a small 3 lb pike. Had a great weekend.
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Thanks for the update rip. I’m itching to get out but life hasn’t made it possible yet this year. Next weekend!
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Two of us were out today from 9:30 to 4. Fished the North end out from the culvert. Caught 24 perch.....5 nice jumbos. They bit in spurts and a little better in the afternoon. But we had to move around, probably drilled close to 40 holes.
We drove on along with 1/2 a dozen other vehicles. People were driving all the way to the South end of Shields and across to the back bay. Still only 12 inches of ice.
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Good morning guys I am curious to know if there are any shacks our on the ice yet?
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seen a couple out from shields haven't been to the north end yet. from what i could see from the big bay there's getting to be more activity there. C.R said they were driving around on the weekend in that area on his earlier post. none south of the causeway. nobody on Evans road.
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Thanks rip appreciate the updates 👍👍
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Here is my mid week fishing report. Was out today from 12:30 to 4:30 at the North end. Ice is a good 13 to 14 inches. Not sure if it
was the weather change or what, as the fish weren't biting today. Only 8 perch caught, with 4 keepers. The only other excuse I can come up with, is that they bit in the morning before we got there.
Taking a couple shacks out on Saturday and give it another go.
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Anyone driving on at the north end yet? If so, how is the access on the west side of the dam?
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People have been driving on for over a week now at the North end, including ourselves. We were out yesterday and there is a good 13 to 14 inches.
There is a large ice heave blocking 3/4 of the entrance. There is a good trail to get on the ice at a angle (along the shoreline), that allows us to drive on. Don't try and make the turn as you approach the entrance from the road coming in. Go up towards the gravel pit and turn around. This we allow you to line up better for the angle approach.
If someone was to bring a chain saw, they could cut some of the ice heave at the one end, making it a larger entrance. But it is good right now with not much snow, etc.
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i wish stoon had good lakes to fish nearby. i always skip over blackstrap now adays to go to LML, Buffalo Pound, or even the Chain Lakes at Fort Quapelle.
I probably get skunked at blackstrap 50% of time, and when i do catch, lucky to get a handful.
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I certainly haven’t figured out Blackstrap. It’s nice that it’s close to the city on a good highway. I usually stay away from the crowds. I am in the same boat as you with being skunked about half the times out there.
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just kind of depressing to think of where to go this weekend, after buffalo pound last weekend, catching 100+ perch, i know that blackstrap will never produce even close to that. My best day ever in countless outing to blackstrap has been a 30-40 perch haul, and those come so few and far between. don't want to make the long drive back down to BP, LML, etc....sigh.
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We have to consider a few things regarding the Strap
1) It isn't as large as LML and others
2) Only 1/2 hour from Saskatoon and area, very accessible
3) It probably receives heavier fishing pressure then most lakes
4) In talking to the C.O.'s, the strap hasn't been stocked in a long time
We do fish the strap a lot and I can't remember a day that we got skunked. We will have slow days, like the start to this winter. We always
target Perch and always seem to catch 2 to 3 (somedays more), Walleye per day. But I can see for people that target Pike or Walleye only, they might end up getting skunked now and then.
Rip fishes the Strap probably more then most of us and he has a good knowledge of the lake, and I don't think he gets skunked to often. I can understand if a person only fishes 2 hours in the morning or 2 hours in the evening, two or three times
a month, they might get skunked. That would be like going into a bar for only 2 hours and not come out with the opposite sex on your arm. But if you put a full day in the bar (or lake), your changes are much better of not getting skunked. But, we are married so we go to the lake for the day vs the bar. Hence, never get skunked.
Don't give up.......a poor day of fishing is still better then the best day at work.....or maybe the bar
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a day in the bar just lowers your standards so you're happy no matter the outcome. if you only have a couple hours you gotta make it count, just like on the ice!
anyway, back in my "educational" years living in stink town i always caught really good pike at blackstrap out from the pumphouse about 85 paces. also did well walking out just before the park for pike. don't remember getting skunked very often, but times sure do change. also caught a ton of pike in the summer and fall with a quickstrike and smelt under a bobber at that same spot by the park, all the while sitting in a lawn chair listening to the rider game. good memories.
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You can remember when the Riders used to win :) :)
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sure wasn't those years. good thing the fishing was great!
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Don't fish it a bunch but in my experience you need to be mobile. Don't sit and wait for them unless you have spots that always produce that I am sure rip and C.R do. i work with a few of the lake locals and if you put your time in there are no shortage of walleye pike or perch.
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Drill lots of holes and be prepared to be on the move.
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Since people are talking about moving around, I thought I would mention what has worked for us in the past and this year. We always drill say 15 to 20 holes in a 30 to 40 yard circle. We usually don't spend more then 5 minutes in each hole, then move on. It seems we will catch one or two as soon as we get to a new hole and then nothing......or we will hit a honey hole and catch up to a dozen in that same hole in no time. If we make the circuit a couple times with not much success we will move another 150 yards or so and try again, or we will move to another part of the lake. We have 2 to 4 spots we know were to fish...it's no secret as we see lot's of you in the areas.
But to sit in one or two holes isn't our style......thus we never fish in our shack....just warm up and have very very good shore lunches in it.
We will move our shack to the area were the bite is on usually. Last year I think we left it in one spot and if we weren't fishing around it, would just drive back to it at noon for the shore lunch.
Remember they call it fishing...........not catching
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Looking to take some newbies out there. Only have a manual auger in town. Any decent places to start? What have they been biting on? Any other lakes close to the city that would be worth the drive?
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Welcome to the site thomdawg!
Blackstrap can be very fickle. I would start on the North End. It usually produces the best in the winter. If you are having little or no success there, I would move down to Evan's road on the south half of the lake. This is a good time of the year for a manual auger as there isn't too much ice yet. Personally, I wouldn't drive on just yet in a big 4x4 truck as the ice is only around 12inches thick ( last time I was out ), but if you have a van or small car, you should be okay. Just make sure to check the ice. Put down a few holes in that 15-20FOW range and see how things play out. If your not catching, try downsizing your bait and slow down your presentation.
Good luck...let us know how you make out!
shawno
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Broderick resevior isn't to far from Saskatoon. You might have a better chance of catching some fish there than the strap.
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Looking to take some newbies out there. Only have a manual auger in town. Any decent places to start? What have they been biting on? Any other lakes close to the city that would be worth the drive?
You could try the reservoirs SE of the city. Zelma between allan and young. Or a little farther east is Dellwood.
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just kind of depressing to think of where to go this weekend, after buffalo pound last weekend, catching 100+ perch, i know that blackstrap will never produce even close to that. My best day ever in countless outing to blackstrap has been a 30-40 perch haul, and those come so few and far between. don't want to make the long drive back down to BP, LML, etc....sigh.
Driving the extra mikes is worth it!
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Nothing much for the weekend report :)
Fished a little over 4 hours today, as we waisted most of the day hauling two shacks on, etc.
One nice 5 to 6 lb Walleye that went back, one smaller keeper Walleye and some nice Jumbo Perch. Still slow though.
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Pretty slow day today.got out early am south of Thode west side of the lake had a bunch of marks show up in the 5 hours fished. bounced around in a few areas on the sled ended the day with 1 walleye and 1 perch. Definitely very moody fish lately.
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I went out and did some exploring on the lake this afternoon. Drove on at the North end and punched a few holes, nothing. Went back by the bay, nothing. Found the access by the bay to drive off / on and climbed up off the lake and made my way around to the boat launches at the park. Again, drilled a few holes around, nothing. Went back on at the bay and drove back to the North end and tried once more and saw half a dozen checking out my lure but just floated off.
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was out yesterday for a few hours in the evening. seems to be the best bite window at this lake for me anyway. all be it very short. unless your targeting midday perch. much of the same lots of uncertainty on the walleyes behaviour. but did put a couple top side. downsizing will improve your odds. gotta keep moving, 1- 2 min at each hole. i try not to let them examine it to long. sometimes ill pull it away from them depending on their initial reactions reel up 7-10' let it flutter back down often will trigger the bite. but again its just been an off year so far on the aggressive bite. you can catch them just gotta work harder for them.
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Just want to confirm what Rip said in his last post. Very off year so far. We seem to be catching our share, and not getting skunked, but it should be better then what it is so far. Looks like we are going to have to wait until Jan for the bite to pick up.
We do move from hole to hole a lot as mentioned before, and they hit in spurts. Rip has the right idea about moving the lure up and then letting it go down.....eventually you will piss that Walleye off and he will hit. And sometimes when you go to a new hole you will get lucky and they will hit within 30 seconds, as that is how I caught the 5 lber last time out. Barley got the line down and set up off the bottom and he hit.
Probably not getting out this week until Friday or Saturday.....who said once you retire you can go fishing everyday.....always something coming up to keep a man off the lake.
Good luck guys.
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I heard today that the back end of a truck went through the ice near the north bay in the last couple of days,can anyone confirm that this is fact?
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I can not confirm that but I did have my drivers side rear wheel drop through about 10' from shore at the boat launch as I was going up on Sunday afternoon.
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Twisted, what are you calling the North Bay???? The far North end were we get on by the gravel pits?
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Churchill.....I wish I knew the answer. A guy at the Fishing Hole made mention of it and he referred to it as the north bay. Could very well be the gravel pit.
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There’s only 2 bays on the north end. North meaning north of the causeway. I don’t recall seeing any traffic driving off or on or near where the smaller bay is ever. So it must be the lake approach at blackrock or big bay. ?
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So, how does the warm weather as of late affect the ice? Does surface melting and freezing weaken the entire ice structure?
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Rip, you are right about no access to the little bay. So the guy in the Hole must of been talking about the far North end (although it isn't a bay per say), or he is talking about the back bay at Blackrock, as you mentioned. Is it still called Blackrock or is it Lakview now? Or just the golf venture called Lakeview and the housing called Blackrock?
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The back end of the truck broke thru at the rock pile at the mouth of the big bay across from Sheilds where the new cabins or houses have been going up. I believe this is called Blackrock. This happened on Tuesday afternoon. This is Second vehicle I have seen break thru the past 3 years in that exact spot. They won’t sink down as the rocks come up to about 2 feet from the surface. Use caution in that area.
Good Luck & Good Fishin’!
(https://s8.postimg.cc/nej4wij0h/4491_F03_A-0_BDA-4691-9_B21-36_BFC0514_C77.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/nej4wij0h/)
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thanks Diggs great info and pic. i know people have been driving on in a few places on the lake for at least a week or so now. and it was probably safe to do so at that time in some areas. but now when people are seeing older vehicle tracks on the ice that have been there for a week or so. they assume or think its safe. but with these warm temps over the last little while the major pressure cracks in the ice become weak.especially in that area that i have seen. pics like that or reading about it are surfacing up more and more on other lakes also. not hard to stop this from happening at all its called having patience. ;)
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Rip, you are right about no access to the little bay. So the guy in the Hole must of been talking about the far North end (although it isn't a bay per say), or he is talking about the back bay at Blackrock, as you mentioned. Is it still called Blackrock or is it Lakview now? Or just the golf venture called Lakeview and the housing called Blackrock?
before it was called anything and before there was any development anywhere people including myself referred the 2 bays as... big bay and small bay thats it. but now who knows. i guess im dating myself..lol
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Was out in the North end today from 10:30 - 5:30. Set up the camera and saw a few until noon then nothing until 3-3:30 then was seeing a 6 - 8 Perch cycling through every 15 mins or so. Ended up with 6, all went back to do a little more growing. Saw a few Walleye and Pike as well. Had a Walleye slam my hook on the run then spit it out before I even knew what was happening! There was lots of interest in the lure from the Perch but they just sat and stared mostly so I went to a smaller lure but didn't seem to matter. Some would would swim up and bump the bait but not bite, or so it seemed. Any nibbles I got that didn't result in a fish were very light, like they knew exactly what was going on and were just trying to steel the maggots!
I am glad I bought a camera this year, I learned more about fish today than ever. I found the Perch didn't like a quick jigging action today but were more interested in a slower, deliberate 1'-2' rise and fall of the lure. This seemed to gain more interest but not trigger more strikes. I also learned stopping the lure above them opposed to in front of them also seemed to get more of their attention and they would swim up to meet the falling lure. I thought this may entice them but no luck.
A few guys were driving on but we decided to walk out from the road, lots of newly formed cracks in the ice and some standing water a few feet out from the ice heaves at the shoreline near the culvert.
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Thanks Overunder for the detailed report on your day yesterday.
So now you have a flasher and a camera........once you master them the fish won't have a chance. Before my camera gave up the ghost a few years ago, it was nice to see how the fish reacted to the presentation of the lure. Like you said, it is nice to see if fast jigging or slow movement would make them hit. Some days the fast jigging would actually scare them off, as you could see them dart away. Other days they would slam fast jigging.
There are people reporting that they are seeing fish on their flashers/cameras. We are just going to have to wait for the bite to pick up.
We are going out tomorrow....not sure were we are going to start, maybe Safeway so we don't get skunked.
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Well we started at Evans road at 9:30 this morning. Within the first 1/2 hour caught a 13 inch Perch and a 17 inch Walleye. Then 40 minutes later caught a 12 inch Perch, then nothing after that. Stayed there until 2, tired the boat launch area for 45 minutes.....nothing... then drove to the back bay and drove on and tired a couple spots there for 45 minutes....nothing.... .then drove to North end and tried it there for hour.......nothing.
It seems to be getting worse instead of better. Maybe this cold spell coming up will smarten them up. Still thinking Jan is going to be better (hard to get worse).
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I agree it can’t get worse... I had the best ice fishing at strap last winter in prob 6 years of fishing there In winter. This year no so much 3 outings and 1 perch and 1 walleye. But I also have poor luck all summer the few times I went and I always managed some In the summer until this past summer...
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I never fish the Strap during the summer. Let me ask the people that fished it this past summer. Was there bad algae, which caused a summer kill of fish like it did years ago?
Just curious
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I typically only fish out there about 10 times per year in the summer and found the fishing to be fairly consistent as were always able to catch lots of fish. We target walleye and typically end up with a few perch as well.
The water seemed very shallow this year and I believe it turned green earlier than usual. But again, I didn’t notice that it affected fishing at all.
Hopefully things turn around out there as I’ll likely fish out there more this winter than usual.
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Was at Blackstrap (north end) from 12pm-5:30pm this afternoon. Drilled about 30 holes, marked lots of fish @22 feet of water. Couldnt get them to bite was using minnows and mealworms. Towards the end of the day I went to 5-8 feet of water but didn’t see anything on the flasher.
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So it sounds like everyone are seeing lot's of fish, but they just aren't biting. The perch we have been catching have their mouths full of the red blood worms. Last year we didn't notice the blood worms until closer to Feb/March. Going to be interesting to see how the bite is after this upcoming cold spell and early Jan.
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I never fish the Strap during the summer. Let me ask the people that fished it this past summer. Was there bad algae, which caused a summer kill of fish like it did years ago?
Just curious
We were out there 4 times this summer, Caught a pile of walleye every time except the third time. I only caught a 5lbs one back in the big coulee on a 5 of diamonds that time trying for pike, go figure. It was so windy that day we only stayed out for an hour or so. put a nice ding in the bumper on the boat trying to get back under the causeway. Buddy bagged a 17lbs pike our last day out, and I took home 2 nice eyes, and a fat perch, all on evans road, and threw back a couple hammer handles. The other two times we just trolled evans road and caught eyes on bottom bouncers. Lots of little ones, but a meals worth each time out. Summer there was productive for us.
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Thanks Doggy and T by T for your posts regarding summer fishing. I have always heard the Summer Walleye fishing is excellent on the strap. It is hard to catch Perch during the Summer as a rule on any lake.
I guess the fish are there and just not biting.......or we have lost all of our fishing skills :)
I was able to catch $40 worth of Salmon at Safeways yesterday, and putting them in the smoker today for some candy.
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I never fish the Strap during the summer. Let me ask the people that fished it this past summer. Was there bad algae, which caused a summer kill of fish like it did years ago?
Just curious
Last summer the water was really low and the lake was really green.
Walleye fishing was not as good as previous years for us anyway.
Oh well next year! Of course this winter.
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Perch fishing at Blackstrap i find is really easy but it takes one leech per fish, Walleye and pike fishing was normal up until the end of July when the bite got super tough. Went from were they should be to were they shouldn't and fishing went to fair. This will be year 2 for not ice fishing at the strap, kind of got tired of freezing and ending up eating a fillet o fish on the way home. Until i can fish in comfort im going to wait.
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Does any one try leaches in the winter here? I too have also had most my summer fish from the strap caught on leeches but never try them in winter. But I know coop on circle by travel lodge has leeches year round. Maybe them perch would go after the movement of em on the ground?
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I know in the summer if the leech balls up on the hook the fish don't really go after it. I would imagine dropping a leech into water that's about + 3-4, they would ball up or wouldn't be that active.
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For eyes, all I use in the summer is a bottom bouncer with a night crawler. The length of the line to the hook depends on the time of year. the earlier the year the shorter the line. I also run a stinger, and find that's what catches most of the fish. This only works with a trolling motor, set as slow as you can get it to go without going backwards. As for pike, any rotten old spoon will work, I'm sure they would go after a beer cap if given the chance.
Winter perch is a hali and a pink maggot for bait. Problem is its so easy it almost takes the sport out of it.
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For walleye i use bottom bouncers, but not how most everyone uses them and i cast shallow cranks. Did some snapping jiggin raps but only caught small walleye and only in a couple spots. I only buy live bait when i fish for perch or rigging up the bobber for the granddaughter.
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leaches will just ball up on your hook during the cold months, unfortunately. save your perch eyes!
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Always do, this year can’t catch a perch the only two I have were tiny tiny. Lol. Need one big enough to eat then I’ll keep em... last year I hammered the perch not so much this year.
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Good morning guys does any one have any reports on the ice thickness and condition with this cold weather. Thanks
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Will post shortly.... should be on north end in 15 min
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Always do, this year can’t catch a perch the only two I have were tiny tiny. Lol. Need one big enough to eat then I’ll keep em... last year I hammered the perch not so much this year.
5 or 6 years ago i caught a 15 1/4 inch perch out of Blackstrap. Measured it and was going to take some pics then it flopped over and the one side of its tail was covered in white lice ( not exactly sure what they were ) . They were falling off in my boat so i tossed the perch back, then realized no pics.
So big ones are in there.
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Thanks pollock 👍👍
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I’d say 15-16” at the north end
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So she is locked in good enough to drive on and haul out the shanty
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How did you make out today Pollack?
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I’d like to not talk about it... lol. Can’t belive my luck there this winter. There from 9-11, nothin landed, was cold and marked a fair a month for the first 49 min and no marks after that in 24’.. When I ran into u church by the boat launch in my white ford last year when u and ur friend came to assist me with my tent In The wind I was catching about 8-10 perch in that same two hour window like every morning... have tryd launch twice and north end twice this year and managed a perch and a walleye and that’s it.
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And jordybart there was a half dozen half tons on the lake including myself for the first time... north end... I’d say shacks scattered all the way to shields. Some larger shacks on out there too. I’d say you could follow suit but don’t take my word drill test holes as required...
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Well don't feel bad P......we have tried the boat launch area 3 times....don't think we even had a bite. We have caught 1/2 dozen jumbo perch and 3 walleye just off the road (Evans) on the South side out from the pump house. We have fished 3 or 4 spots in the back bay area and have a total of 5 perch there. We have had the best luck at the North end, maybe 30 perch in 4 days, which looks better on paper then it actually is.......As I said before, this is the slowest it has been for us ever.
I am heading out tomorrow and going to start at the North end.
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We’ll good luck out there. Hope it’s not to windy for ya tomorrow
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There was a day when I didn't need any luck....lol.......but now, I will take all I can get....thanks P
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I went out by myself today, but did fish with a guy that lives at Shields year round for a few hours.
It picked up a little today. Ended up catching 16 perch. A dozen at the North end and 4 almost to the back bay, as I tried 4 different spots. Went back to the North end were I started and had a good run from 3:30 to 4:30. Might of done better if I would of stayed the whole day at the North end were I started. As in past years, the rule of thumb is that they are smaller at the North end, and today followed that rule. 10 inch was the biggest with the rest around 7 to 8, with a couple smaller. Caught one 12 inch close to the back bay. Ended up taking 6 home for a fresh feed.
The wind was blowing most of the day, good thing the temp wasn't to bad.
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Rip, I hope your not to sick.....haven't seen a post from you for over a week........a week without fishing...lol.....
On the serious side, I hope everything is ok
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still topside...taking a break...was up north for a couple days. next week for sure maybe a run to deif. after the holidays...
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The walleye were hugging tight to the bottom this morning but were biting hard once you coaxed them up. A couple eaters so far and warming up now. Likely out for another hour or so.
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Wishing everyone that posts/reads on this site, a Very Merry Christmas.
And have fun bringing in the New Year.
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Thanks Churchill! Wish you a great holiday and looking forward to hearing how you season goes into the new year.
For what it’s worth, fished Broderick in the shack with the outlaws today. Caught several pike in the afternoon. Lots of perch on the finder but couldn’t get them to commit.
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wow warming up to only -30 c for a high the next couple days might have to go spend some time sitting in the flip and cranking the heat. wearing a hole in the recliner at home. lol
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LMAO Rip, your so right.......my wife keeps asking me...."When you going fishing". She can't believe a week going by without us going out. And it looks like it might be another 5 days. Unless like Rip, we might have to fish in our permy for a whole day. Hard to drill 30 holes and move around in the permy.
I bet a lot of you out there are dying to get out and try those new gadgets you got for Christmas. But not OverUnder.....I think he already had all the gadgets a guy could need. He made it hard for his wife/children to buy him any gadgets for ice fishing.....unless he got those special underwear for ice fishing :)
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Just have to choose a windless afternoon and give it a go.
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CR, you are right on the money! I tend to get a little on the "ooh, what's that? I better buy it just incase" side of things when I pick up a new hobby! I love being self sufficient! I am now looking at one of those Fish Hawk units that tell water temp and pressure every 5'. The only thing I don't like about them is that they have a non replaceable battery that is sealed inside the unit. If something goes wrong with it, its done for. So I likely won't end up with one.
No fishing underwear, haha! But my wife did get me a nice pair of waterproof gloves for fishing.
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Any updates on how thick the ice is at black strap. Thanks also have the fish been biting??
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Heading out tomorrow will post. The itch to get out has been there the last couple days but -40c reality sets in. 10 or so degree change tomorrow is doable. Maybe not a whole bunch of moving around.
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I got a phone call last night from a fellow that doesn't use this site. He fished yesterday in his shack and stayed nice and warm. He caught 12 perch and a nice walleye. 3 of the perch were jumbo's. He said there were fish on the camera all day long. He also fished the day before, and only caught 5, but saw lot's...they were more aggressive yesterday. He has his shack out front of shields (towards the North end of Shields by the sound of it).
He said he thought there was 20 to 24 inches of ice now.
That's all I know. I don't think we will be out until next Thursday when the weather breaks.
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Was out yesterday from 3:30 to 5:00 on the north end near the bay. Popped up the tent and stayed put. Drew 4 or 5 lookers in but couldn’t them to bite ???
Will be nice when the weather breaks.
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wishful thinking... :( ok looks like new years eve will be more tolerable. found a good inside project for today...
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Thinking of going out to the Strap tomorrow.. How's the fishing going? Looking for the eyes
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Pretty slow afternoon/evening north end.hunkered down in the flip couple small perch and 1- 15” walleye made it top side couple more did not. nice to get out of the house. Looks like we’re out of the deep freeze for awhile.
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Was out from about 1-5pm this afternoon in front of Shields. Marked lots of fish (constant) from about 1-3:30pm no bites no takers. Seemed to be most interested in the Pink Rip n Rap with a half minnow. Tried other lures on the fly but only seemed to come around when the Pink Rip n Rap was used. Was in about 24-26 feet of water. Slowed down after 3:30pm, had to get back into town so left by 5pm.
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I am excited, I get to hit the ice with a local from shields on Friday morning. I haven't been to the strap in many many years. He has a fancy new shanty with I large hole and they cut the ice block out instead of using regular 8" or 10" holes. Here's to hoping I stay topside!
Dkruks
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Two of us were out today, and tried 4 different places. Lot's of nibbles, just not biting. Ended up with 11 perch. It seems the fish are there, just not biting.
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Got out with a couple buddies today started out early am towards the north end we picked up 3 walleyes early walking holes 17 fow.nothing more after a couple hours in that area. Moved down to south end and we got into a nice little perch bite.. well they did I couldn’t land a fish today. Couldn’t stay for an evening fish. But I will be doing a solo trip same areas tomorrow. Great time spent with friends.
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did get out yesterday south of the boat launches. picked a few small perch early afternoon and a couple walleyes at primetime.1 at 17" and 1 released.and 2 pike. same areas as we caught the day before. definitely more aggressive the last couple days with the weather change. heading back out this afternoon to see if those bigger non committal marks that came through change their minds . then a full day at deifenbaker tomorrow.
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Let us know what the ice is like on deif, ive heard its at least a foot now but you know what they say about assuming. Lol
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buddy and i were south of Evans road yesterday afternoon and evening walking holes in deep water. from 1 till 630 and did well on the perch and walleyes finished up the day catching 4 pike 1 was 7 lbs 30 perch and 7 walleyes. 2 walleyes were 22". pretty decent day i would say.
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Good work Klein that’s a great day at strap I’d have to say.
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excellent work klem, you guys had a great day for sure. not to many people fish that area. i've had some good days over the years down towards the misfeldts camp ground area. sometimes getting away from the crowds pays off.
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Not too shabby at all. I have never tried in the winter, but we do have some of our best luck there in the soft water months. Perhaps worth a try.
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Nice catch Klem. We fished South of Evans this past Saturday and the perch were just starting to bite. We kept 7 perch, the smallest was 11 inches and the largest was 13 1/2 inches. We picked up one 18 inch Walleye also.
Then we went to Last Mountain Lake (Triple T and Etters) on Monday. And the fishing there made the Strap look like a hot spot. Only picked up 2 perch, 1 pike.
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can you access the lake from Evans road? how deep of water were you catching these big perch in?! just curious
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Evan, you can't get on the lake from Evans Road. You will have to come through the park, and get on at the boat launches. We have caught perch in that area in 22 to 26 fow.
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oh. so you are on the east side of the lake then?
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Yes, you will be on the East side when you get on the Lake. We have fished just South of the boat launches, on the East side all the way down to the sunken road. We also fish the West side close or to the South of the sunken road. It seems a person has to move around this year. But we usually always fish in 22 to 26 fow wherever we fish. The perch is this area have all been jumbos this year. The times we have fished the North end (that's North of the causeway), we find them smaller this year.
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Thanks allot for the info.. I typically only fished the North End in the winter.
Good luck, and thanks again.
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I tryd the north end yesterday and manage about 8-9 perch but all were tiny tiny little things. And was tons of them in the area. 23’ of water.
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for those of us that like to stay mobile and move around a lot its looks like the last day for the extreme cold temps. forecast looks great for awhile. time to get back at it... ;D ... sure been quite lately for posting. nobody hunkerd down in their permys catching over the last week. ?
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Most of my fishing has been at the north end in a permanent shack. The perch have been coming in but have been tight lipped. The bites have been few and far between.
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We haven't been out for 9 or 10 days now. Was thinking of going and sitting in the permy for the day, but since the fishing has been slow, and with the cold spell, decided to just wait for this Wed's trip to Dief.
I don't think any of us have missed much, other then it being nice to be out on the ice for a day.
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Went out today, started in the North end and didn't see much so went exploring with the camera. Went all the way down to the South end and poked a few holes along the East shore on my way back. I never saw any fish at all until I got 200 - 300 yards South of the sunken road. Caught one small perch that went back. Managed to get a cool video of a Northern sauntering by my camera and settling on the bottom. I will see if I can edit it a bit and post it.
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Is everyone driving on? Looking to head to the south end tomorrow.
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Ya I’ve been on all over, There 20” + all over and it’s hard.... seems to be shacks and vehicles everywhere
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Thank you sir!
Ya I’ve been on all over, There 20” + all over and it’s hard.... seems to be shacks and vehicles everywhere
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Me and a buddy went out yesterday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. . Probably had a hundred fish come in to check out with the baits lures Rattler's rubbers You Name It We presented it. Not a single bite not a single catch. I feel like we need a serious winter storm 2 kickstart the fish feed
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Me and a buddy went out yesterday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. . Probably had a hundred fish come in to check out with the baits lures Rattler's rubbers You Name It We presented it. Not a single bite not a single catch. I feel like we need a serious winter storm 2 kickstart the fish feed
That is frustrating. I bet the fish are feeling the effects of the massive pressure change. Hopefully things stabilize and the bite picks up soon.
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Same thing is happening now. All kinds of lookers But no takers. Managed to hook to tiny Perch but they went back.
Edit: As I was typing this I just iced this hog.
(https://s14.postimg.cc/rv1swl70t/A5_EC563_E-9522-4_E79-91_A3-1_D6_F93_A67643.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/rv1swl70t/)
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Keep typing :)
I usually just need to fall asleep in my chair or reach for a snack
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That's a dandy OverUnder...nice fish.
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Ok so today I had a few perch sitting in front of my bait (using the aquavu). Then a strange fish swam in. Appear similar to perch but no vertical strips but a clear horizontal strip from tail to head mid body .... So I referred to the HAL book. I think I seen a large mouth bass??? Is this possible???? I know it should not.
I also pulled my fish fish in several trips out.
(https://s10.postimg.cc/6u71iyfv9/20180117_170541.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/6u71iyfv9/)
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Pics or it didn’t happen! ;)
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Pics or it didn’t happen! ;)
I know. I wish i had pics. Basically like saying I seen big foot.haha
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Lightback, you aren't crazy (well i don't know you, so I will leave that up to you), or seeing things. Over the years of ice fishing on the Strap I have caught 2 perch with the strips running from head to tail instead of up and down. I caught one about 6 years ago and one last year. I told a guy about this that I met on the ice and asked him if he ever caught one as he lives in Shields year round and fishes a lot. He said no and looked at me funny....don't think he believed me. The next week we meet on the ice again and he starts laughing and tells me that the day before he caught one with the strips running from head to tail.
I even asked a Biologist about this and he said he has never seen or heard of this. I have a photo someplace of the 1st one I caught.
This was a perch you saw....there are no Bass in the Strap.
Hope this helps.
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So genetic annomaly is what I seen I can live with that. Glad I'm not"crazy".
But damn bass would have been interesting.
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Went out and fished the North end of Shields today. All kinds of perch down there but nothing biting until 3:00 and then it was like someone flipped a switch. Caught 12 - 15 in 1-1/2 hours and then off went the switch, nothing. Managed 6 keepers for supper tonight. All ranged in size from 6" - 10".
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anyone fishing by evan's road? Wondering if anyone having any luck there
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Can anyone comment on the safety of the ice on the north end of blackstrap? Was hoping to bring the family out on Sunday but have heard the ice isn't the greatest to drive on. Are people driving out and getting stuck?
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I was on the lake on Tuesday by the boat launches from 10-2 and myself and another half dozen trucks were out there. The ice was thicker than my ice scoop is so I’d say right around the 24” mark, and maybe a few inches of snow. it was solid as could be so I find it hard to believe it’s much softer or anything yet in 2-3 days. I know there is a heave at the north end when u drive on which will be the first spot to get soft, so use caution. I’d say your safe but don’t take my word and drill a hole or two before.
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anyone fishing by evan's road? Wondering if anyone having any luck there
Had a look around there with the camera earlier this week on both East and West side, did not see anything but there are some shacks on the West side so some may be having luck. Hard to say where they will be from day to day.
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A few jumbo perch being caught around Evans over the past few days. Today I had some light nibblers, and then a couple of keepers hit like trains in the late afternoon. No sustained bite however.
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First of all.....Darren, don't worry about the ice, it is a solid 24 to 28 inches, and it is hard ice. We have been driving all over the place (North end lot's, South boat launches, Evans Road.....no problem). I don't think you could get stuck even if you tried. Make sure you have ice cleats though, as it is 90% clear ice and 10% snow in small patches. The heave at the North end isn't a problem, there is lot's of room to the one side to get on. Just make sure when you come to the entrance, go up towards the gravel pit and turn around and then approach the entrance, as this will give you a better angle to get on.
Second of all.....We were out today and started at 8:30 a.m. at Evans road and fished there until 1 p.m. We caught 15 perch and 1 keeper walleye. We kept 8 jumbo perch (from 11 inches to 13 3/4 inches). Then we had to go to the North end to check our shack and fished in front of Shields and fished until 4 p.m. We ended up catching over 20 perch (no walleye), but they were a little smaller. We only kept 4 jumbos.
Not sure this is a sign of them starting to bite or not. They are still very shy according to the ones seen on the camera...they would just come and bump the bait and slowly swim away. We had better luck outside the shack fishing with no camera or flasher (old time fishing).
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Over under we’re u out Tuesday around noon by any chance did I run into u around Evans?
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Over under we’re u out Tuesday around noon by any chance did I run into u around Evans?
Could have, I fished a couple hundred yards south. I was in my white super duty.
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They are still very shy according to the ones seen on the camera...they would just come and bump the bait and slowly swim away.
I second that. I did notice that the larger Perch were more aggressive and would hit with much less debate. Seemed the smaller guys would gather around and just look, not sure what to do.
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Was out on Wednesday and Friday , bite was ok to good for perch , caught roughly 30 each day but only managed 12 keepers 10-13” combined both days . Bite was steady from 9-11 ish and then 2-3:30 ish when we left . If getting on and off the north end I agree with Churchill turn around and take it straight on and go off the same way unless you have 4wd , ice is good solid black ice at least 24” + , good luck and enjoy the finally nice weather! Side note : drill lots of holes and troll !!
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Forgot to mention where we were fishing. North end in between the little bay on the east side and shields almost right in the middle of the lake , 22-24’ of water. Hope this helps!
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do guys usually find better luck on the east or west side of the lake around Evans road..
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By the number of shacks/pop ups, I would say the West side. There are a few on the East side. We have tried both
over the years and find the West side better. But it seems this year a guy has to move around and drill lot's of holes, as
others have said on here......I prefer summer trolling to winter trolling, but a guy has to do what is he has to do.
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fish are all over the lake. just got to put in some time and move till you find them. i personally don't fish in crowds. i like to be on the move. i find the less activity top side the better. some might disagree.
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I have found over the years that there are many other places in that lake that hold more fish then that sunken road. I don't even bother with it.
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What rip said I like fishing with buddies but seems soon as people see ya catch them try and crowd ya.
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They don't even need to see you catch something ::). I like to try new spots and stay mobile but it seems like if I hunker down in one area for more than 2 hours. Someone will pull up 20 yards away and start slugging holes right at prime time scaring off any walleyes that were in the area. What really drives me up a wall is they pull up and start using one of your holes.
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People use your holes?? WOW! They must be from Ontario. Apparently that is common there.
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They don't even need to see you catch something ::). I like to try new spots and stay mobile but it seems like if I hunker down in one area for more than 2 hours. Someone will pull up 20 yards away and start slugging holes right at prime time scaring off any walleyes that were in the area. What really drives me up a wall is they pull up and start using one of your holes.
I believe it’s bad luck to fish out of a hole you didn’t drill yourself unless it’s with friends or was offered to you! ;)
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No matter summer or winter people want to fish 2 feet away from you. Guess they figure if your all alone you must be in a honey hole that took you years to find. And they just bought new fishing gear so why not camp out beside you. I havent been one the ice in 2 years but when i did i was the guy in the middle of no where. If someone said what the hell is that guy doing away over there ... that was me. One of these days ill get back on the ice.
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Oh god, tell me about it. I was fishing dief last summer, found a nice little honey hole, the eyes were deep. Every troll in my loop would bag one. Some asshole in a tub started following my exact circle. ****censored word****ing guy left when he couldn't catch a cold in in my spot. Its a big lake, no need for that garbage. Not sure what he was using but it wasn't my old faithful. Surprised he didn't have a pair of binocs to get a closer look at my rig when I was pulling up eyes. Should have started whipping crapties around his tub. Not sure but I think aluminum would stand up better than fiberglass in a battle.
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i was taught that spying and stealing spots is fishing 101, always got my binocs lol, i dont move right in on people though, wait til they leave.
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Or how about when someone thinks or hears your catching fish so they drill 4 holes right in front of the door of your shanty. That’s what happened to me last winter.
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For that lake you almost need to set a decoy tent up with a recording of a few guys catching fish every few minutes to attract the lazy fishermen. Then go set up another tent were you actually want to fish.
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To add to this discussion - today my buddy and I said let's just try the middle of the lake (North end). We have been to all the hot spots of last year with minimal results. Our gamble was rewarded with a decent bite of perch and a good fish story. With a larger walleye aggressively approaching his lure, a big perch flashed into camera view winning the race to the bait. No happy ending to this one though, the perch let go and the walleye swam away. Best perch of the keepers was 11.5 inches.
Today it paid to separate ourselves from the crowd.
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Just got back from a beautiful day on the Strap. Tried Evans road first thing in the morning for 2 hours and then moved to the North end as we were planning a shore lunch. Only caught one 11 1/2 and one 13 inch perch at Evans road.
Then caught a good dozen perch and a 4 lb walleye, at the North end before we had our shore lunch. Then we went to check out the back bay entrance at Blackrock. It is good, little drop, but I drove off and then back on with no problem. Tried a couple spots in that area for a hour with no luck.
Then went back to our shack and only fished for about a hour catching a few more perch and then cleaned the rest of our fish and headed home.
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nice work churchill, i'm looking to get on the ice this weekend. been busy with the home reno,s. great to see some snow cover.
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As I said before, we don't catch many at Evans road, but they are all those big jumbos (11 to 13 3/4 inches....is what we have been catching). Plus we usually pick up a walleye or 2 in the morning (not this time though, but caught the 4 pounder at the North end).
They are still hitting in spurts at the North end. But seem to be on people's flashers/cameras all the time. In the past Feb was always the slow month, maybe this year will be different and end up being a good month.
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You never hear people fishing the very south end, but all close to one area at the south end ive caught a 15 1/4 inch perch and a 28 inch walleye in the summer, my only 3 whitefish in winter and i pike so big the tip up line got tangles up and it pulled a quik strike rig apart - in the winter. Head had to be 6 inches across
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Is this still accessible by truck with all the snow??
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I just got back from the Strap. Had to fish myself today. Started at the North end close to Shields and only caught 1/2 dozen small throw backs from 8:30 to 1. So packed up and went to Evans Road. Both the North end access and the boat launches are doable by car still, so with a truck no problem. No problem driving around both ends. And I went off the back bay (Blackrock), to get to the park...no problem getting on and off there also.
There was a convention going on at Evans Road so I tried in front of the boat launches for a while with just a few bites. So moved to the West side to the North of Evans road a bit past the crowd around 2:30 and hit a honey hole....from 2:30 to 4:45 landed 16 jumbo perch.....1/2 of them are still in the lake as I only wanted 8 for supper tomorrow night as company is coming. Just can't understand the difference in size between that area and the North end. Didn't catch any small ones, all the jumbos I threw back were told that I would be back for them next week. We do catch some jumbos at the North end, but 80% of them are throw backs.
Maybe things are picking up. Hope everyone else had a good day.
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Thanks Churchill!! The strap is relatively new to me as I’m used to fishing northern lakes most deschambault but need to learn the winter walleye on blackstrap. I’ve heard it can be challenging
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Got out today for a afternoon/evening fish hit a few spots south of the causeway. Ended the day with a couple walleyes to bring home and 2 perch . And the smallest pike I’ve ever seen hit a lure. Buddy was over at Evans road and had walleyes on the ice also. Going to try an early, early morning trip see what’s moving around ?
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Ok, have to ask....your not Mike Modano?
I imagine you have been into Skeekiebuck (pretty sure I spelled it wrong), as we have caught lot's of Walleyes over the years.
We target perch, but the areas we fish hold walleye also. Never caught one today, but usually always catch a couple each time out. The perch are all over, but they are being tight lipped this winter. Cameras and flashers always show fish but hard to get them to bite this winter so far.
Just move around and drill lot's of holes. I only had to try 4 areas and drill 30 holes today.....lol
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Nice to meet you Churchill. I'm the fella that was setting up at evans road later in the afternoon when you came up and talked with me. After you took off, Damon came out of his shack next to me and told me who you were. lol
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Lol no mike mods no here just was a fan of his yes I’ve been into the “skeek” but actually prefer the big d as we normally do pretty good. Thanks for the info for the strap we don’t usually keep a lot of fish just love to be out
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Hi Gibsons: Nice to put a face to a name. We talked last year on the board and via pm's.
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Hey, fan of Mike's ....did you get the private message I sent you?
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Good morning Churchill actually I did not receive any pm but I’m trying to go into my shanty account I’m not sure if I have my sask tel email( which I canceled) or my Shaw account I’ll let you know
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it was a slow morning yesterday tried the early bite nothing going on for bites smaller marks were showing up. only fished till 10am. hopefully get out for some late afternoon/evenings this week. back to the reno's lol.
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No brave soles that went out yesterday or today? We might go Friday.
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Was out today south west side of the lake. Sat out in the basin and picked off a whole mess of perch wasn’t fishing for them at the start but started seeing enough marks to switch to the ultra lite rigging. Ended the night with a bunch of jumbos and more that were released and a couple smaller walleyes at the end also . Great day spent in the flip.
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Ripnflutter was that you in the flip up and white truck out from the boat launches? I was the guy in the blue sierra.
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yes, across the lake.nice to meet you. definitely wasn't a hole hoping day. hope you get your auger working,and its almost time for the extension.
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Everyone will be glad to know the fish didn't bite today.......so there is hope for tomorrow and Sunday. All over the camera, but very few takers.
Good luck all on the weekend. Taking tomorrow off and watching Super Bowl on Sunday. Leave a few for us for next week.
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hows driving around Evans road west side? Thinking of braving the weather in the am solo
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Both boat launches are clear sailing. Didn't get blown in at all. There are lot's of hard small snow drifts, but they are no problems. Just get's bumpy if you drive to fast. I was driving around in 2 wheel drive yesterday no problem.
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Same for me yesterday. Only managed to land a couple and lost a few part way up. Mostly lookers and when they did bite it was very very light. Only consolation was the ones that I did manage to catch were jumbos.
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The boys and I were out for the day hit a few areas that produced well in the last few outings. Ended the evening with our limit of walleyes to take home and some that we’re released. Some jumbo perch were also landed. Simple approach small jig and minnow with a stinger. Ran into a guy that was messing around with his transducer cable and he unplugged it from the head unit to clean the connection but forgot to pull the ducer out of the hole and down the hole it went. The look on his face was priceless. Lol
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The boys and I were out for the day hit a few areas that produced well in the last few outings. Ended the evening with our limit of walleyes to take home and some that we’re released. Some jumbo perch were also landed. Simple approach small jig and minnow with a stinger. Ran into a guy that was messing around with his transducer cable and he unplugged it from the head unit to clean the connection but forgot to pull the ducer out of the hole and down the hole it went. The look on his face was priceless. Lol
Ouch! ;(
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Well I stayed at home with the thermostat set at 72 F.......for you young folks that's 22.2222 C.
Talked to a few people that were out today, and it seems I caught as many sitting at home :)
Still slow out there guy's?
I got a nice long net if someone has a ice jigger.
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fished 4 hrs yesterday afternoon south west side of the lake again. same area as before. marked quite a few again starting around 330 but nothing committing. then from 430 til 6 picked up a handful of jumbos. but nothing compared to the last time out in that same area.
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I was out Saturday from 1-630. Saw a ton of fish on camera but couldn't get much commitment other than a few nibbles. Ended up with one small Walleye and a Jumbo perch that got off in the hole. Hopefully the bite picks up soon!!
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I was out myself from 12:45 to 5 today. Ended up with 4 jumbos. I tried 5 different places on both sides of Evans road, East side West side. Was just interested in trying different spots today. It was actually really nice out without any wind. Of the spots I tried I can't recommend any of them.....lol.
One thing I noticed when cleaning the fish, is that their stomaches were completely empty, and no blood worms in their mouth. So you would think they are going to have to feed soon. Going to give in another try Wed, but might start at the North end by our shack and move to the South side for the afternoon.
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fished Sunday between two shacks on the west side of Evans road.. between 9am and 1 pm..don't judge, it was -41 with the wind chill.. I didn't feel like searching too much..!
seen one tiny perch.. not sure what to think, wrong time of day??
also, is there another access on to the lake from the west side, I didn't realize they closed the road, so we were delayed a bit having to go back to the boat launch..
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There is no access on the south part of the lake from the west side unless you have friends in Skyview.
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There is no access on the south part of the lake from the west side unless you have friends in Skyview.
i see vehicles all the time driving around that first house on the south side of the road at the top of the hill then getting on going through the marina. never been myself and not to sure how its been lately with the snow and the wind drifts.
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Went out today and didn't get started until 10:15 a.m. Started in our shack on the North end and were going to wait until it warmed up before we drilled a bunch of holes outside and move around. Didn't happen....the wind was terrible and he just stayed in the shack until 2 p.m. We only caught 1 fish.....yes, you read right......1 fish. So we said to hell with it and came home. We were going to try the South side were the jumbos seem to be, but with the wind/cold, we again said to hell with it.
We have our shack at the North end of Shields out towards the middle of the lake. There are a number of shacks in the area, and a month ago to 6 weeks the fishing was decent, with only a few jumbos mixed in with the little ones. The South side has produced less fish, but they all seem to be jumbos at least.
Thinking of taking up a secondary winter hobby......anyone know of any tiddlywinks clubs or tournaments a guy can get into????
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i see vehicles all the time driving around that first house on the south side of the road at the top of the hill then getting on going through the marina. never been myself and not to sure how its been lately with the snow and the wind drifts.
I stand corrected!
Not sure the people that closed that access at Evans road would appreciate people using that access?
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Went out today and didn't get started until 10:15 a.m. Started in our shack on the North end and were going to wait until it warmed up before we drilled a bunch of holes outside and move around. Didn't happen....the wind was terrible and he just stayed in the shack until 2 p.m. We only caught 1 fish.....yes, you read right......1 fish. So we said to hell with it and came home. We were going to try the South side were the jumbos seem to be, but with the wind/cold, we again said to hell with it.
We have our shack at the North end of Shields out towards the middle of the lake. There are a number of shacks in the area, and a month ago to 6 weeks the fishing was decent, with only a few jumbos mixed in with the little ones. The South side has produced less fish, but they all seem to be jumbos at least.
Thinking of taking up a secondary winter hobby......anyone know of any tiddlywinks clubs or tournaments a guy can get into????
My wife tells me cleaning the oven is a lot of fun...
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It used to be fun, but my wife said we had to spend a lot of money and buy one with self cleaning oven....so she robbed me of that fun a long time ago. :-\
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Moved my shack yesterday afternoon on evans rd and gave it a try today with no luck. Seen a couple white fish around noon, and a few perch later on. Sounded the same from others I talked with, oh well, try again tomorrow.
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sounds like a dead zone out there.. its been a week for myself since any holes have been cut. going to head out for the afternoon/ evening today try a few areas.
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I stand corrected!
Not sure the people that closed that access at Evans road would appreciate people using that access?
i think the ones that are using that access really don't care if they appreciate it or not. after closing it off to the public.
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sounds like a dead zone out there.. its been a week for myself since any holes have been cut. going to head out for the afternoon/ evening today try a few areas.
it was confirmed yesterday for me... dead zone. tried a few areas yesterday not a whole bunch of lookers no takers.
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Both Saturday and Sunday only a couple white fish on the camera
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Well don't get disappointed guys and gals. Sounds like the fishing on Dief and LML is very very slow also. We all know Feb is the worst month for hard water fishing. This is making the slow Dec/Jan look like the fish were jumping out of the holes onto the ice. March is going to really have to produce to make us forget about Dec/Jan/Feb. Heres hoping.
Bought a $40 roast (on sale), for supper last night. My wife said..."at least it was cheaper then the one fish you caught last time out". With the very slow fishing and smart ass comments (by my wife....I should say, by THE wife...she hates people saying, The wife..just in case she reads this post), I am getting a little frustrated.
Let's all hope March is going to be our typical March fishing, so I don't have to buy any more...." cheap roasts".
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Only 82 days left.
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can you access the lake at the far south end off the highway? or must you use the boat launch and drive..?
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Boat launch
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From the look of it during the warmer seasons, one may be able to break a trail to the ice at the exact southern tip through the reeds. No one has done that yet.
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i think the ones that are using that access really don't care if they appreciate it or not. after closing it off to the public.
Agreed! Lol
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Both Saturday and Sunday only a couple white fish on the camera
Keep thinking I should come join you, then I remember that it's colder than a witches big toe and I am catching just as many fish as you in my heated shop! Lol
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Keep thinking I should come join you, then I remember that it's colder than a witches big toe and I am catching just as many fish as you in my heated shop! Lol
Either place we can still drink scotch.
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I am obviously really out of toon with the south end of blackstrap.. Fished yesterday all day.. mainly on or beside Evans road.. 12-15 ft of water, 20 + ft water, moved 6 times yesterday.. finally caught my first fish a 3 lb pike pretty well dead center of the lake out from the boat launch's.. only stayed there for maybe an hour then had to head home..
Didn't see a perch or walleye all day.. aside from fishing black strap, what am I doing wrong..?!
hearing lots of guys catching jumbo's in the south end.. all I want is 1 jumbo this year..!! is that too much to ask for a guy..!?
if I can bring myself back to trying it again, might try wayyyy in the south end near the highway, but I think I am done with evans road..
anyhow, any advice for someone wanting to talk another blackstrap fisherman off the ledge would be appreciated..
ice is at 33" almost need an extension
(if you guys are on this site)
I pulled a couple guys out of a snow bank who were out there at Evans road in a chevy.. I seen you leave in a hurry shortly after, everything alright??
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Keep plugging away.. do some research on whatever lake your fishing....what Lure,s to use, depth of active feeding fish, time of day, its all part of the game. Put your time in and pay attention each time out on weather patterns. building up some knowledge on any lake will catch you more fish. Whatever advise someone gives you today might not work tomorrow .good luck.
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Either place we can still drink scotch.
True that!
Maybe this weekend we can make our way down there.
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Fished from 9 to 2:30 today on and around Evans Road. Low pressure might of had the fish biting better today. Ended up with over a dozen nice jumbos and a 4 lb Walleye. Got to windy and blowing snow for us to stay for late afternoon bite. For people with a good back you still can get away without an extension. But with the extension on it sure makes it easier on my old back.
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Fished from 9 to 2:30 today on and around Evans Road. Low pressure might of had the fish biting better today. Ended up with over a dozen nice jumbos and a 4 lb Walleye. Got to windy and blowing snow for us to stay for late afternoon bite. For people with a good back you still can get away without an extension. But with the extension on it sure makes it easier on my old back.
Thanks for the update! Just need to decide if I wanna fish out of an 8” or 10” hole! Hehehe!
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/bluedevil98/Ice%20Fishing%202017-2018/4F43870D-66FF-4A35-88AA-82EF8614CE09_zpsrvouyvru.jpg) (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/bluedevil98/media/Ice%20Fishing%202017-2018/4F43870D-66FF-4A35-88AA-82EF8614CE09_zpsrvouyvru.jpg.html)
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Holly crap....how did you get them in the house. My wife....opps...the wife won't even let me up the stairs from the garage with my auger....lol
And it looks like you gave the flighting a new paint job.....looks good.
Once you fish in a 10 inch hole, those 8 inch holes look small.
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Holly crap....how did you get them in the house. My wife....opps...the wife won't even let me up the stairs from the garage with my auger....lol
And it looks like you gave the flighting a new paint job.....looks good.
They are practically brand new maybe less than 50 holes on each flight. Lol.
Once you fish in a 10 inch hole, those 8 inch holes look small.
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beautiful afternoon yesterday but really chilled down around 430 with the wind. not a lot of people fishing the free fishing weekend that i seen. fished north of the causeway from 3 till 7 moved around to a few areas marking not catching settled in an area and waited it out . finely landed 2 small eyes and a perch at the end.
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I was out last Friday and then again this Tuesday. Tuesday I was the only one on the ice on the South end.
Both days were good for jumbos off of Evans road. Have to drill a number of holes and move around. They are still not biting steady. Go for
a hour without a bite and then they move in and bite in spurts and then nothing, then wait for the next spurt. All in all can't complain the way the winer has been. Slower then most years, but the size in this area has been crazy. People are catching a few on the North end, but the size is pretty small so far.
Starting Saturday it looks like the next 10 days will be really nice weather. Should see more people posting on here.
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Any word on how badly the snow has drifted on the lake? Might head out tomorrow or Sunday (less wind according to Weather Network Sunday, but they’re not exactly accurate) and if I’m feeling lazy I’ll drive onto Evans road.
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Come in through the park and both boat launches are clear (no snow drifted in, etc). There are small snow drifts on the lake, but I have seen
cars on the ice the last 3 weeks. So it is still easy to drive around. Just have to drive slow. You can still snake your way around the drifts as there is lot's of clear spots. I have been driving around in 2 wheel drive with my truck, so no problem at all.
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got out fishing with a buddy late afternoon/evening on Friday in that brutal wind not the best of dissensions that's for sure. north of the causeway hit a few areas marking fish again nothing coming topside. then we were out yesterday on beautiful day and did a fair bit of moving around the lake north and south catching a few here and there. we ended the evening with some perch and a few walleyes to take home and earlier that day buddy landed a 7lb pike on his ultra... ultra lite perch rigging that took awhile lol was a great time out with a old friend.
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Managed some nice jumbos today biggest perch ive ever caught. 8 of me. Pk spoon with mealworms
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Managed some nice jumbos today biggest perch ive ever caught. 8 of me. Pk spoon with mealworms
nice work deringer, march and some steady warmer temps is a couple days away.. should be lots of those jumbo,s being caught over the next month.
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Does any one know if there is a fish derby at blackstrap this year.
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Anyone interested in the fishing derby at Blackstrap should contact Big Mur's Tavern in Dundurn. They put on the derby last year.
The number is 306 492 2369
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Not many people posting, so I thought I would just let the board know we were out from 2 to 5 this afternoon, and tried a couple spots off of Evans road, and ended up with a dozen nice jumbos.
I was out of town for 9 days, and this afternoon was the first chance I had to get out in awhile. Going to be a white out by the sounds of things for tomorrow. Should be good to go Sunday through next weekend.
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yes good to go on the temps for awhile..... but you can probably leave the cars and 2 wheel drives at home..... lol. the good news is that there doesn't seem to be any more snow in the forecast for the next couple weeks for those who have to get their permys off. but again that could change. we have more snow in the last couple days than we've had all year.
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yes good to go on the temps for awhile..... but you can probably leave the cars and 2 wheel drives at home..... lol. the good news is that there doesn't seem to be any more snow in the forecast for the next couple weeks for those who have to get their permys off. but again that could change. we have more snow in the last couple days than we've had all year.
How deep is the snow looking right now after this mini blizzard? mainly interested in the south boat launch areas.
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I am going out tomorrow morning and will let you all know how the boat launches area, if no one was out today.
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Both boat launches are good to go. I used the North one going on and used the South one going off. I believe the South one has less snow.
The snow if anywhere from 4 inches to 8 to 10 inches. Do not try to drive on the ice with a car/van/2 wheel truck. There were at least 10 spots were I was pushing snow with my undercarriage/spare tire. Had to keep speed up to 25 km in the deep parts. I did drive both ways off of Evans road. If the tracks are blown in, it might be better for a person to blaze a new trail, as it seems that is when I get stuck is trying to follow and old trail.
Now for the fishing report. Had to put in a hour overtime today...from 9 to 6 to catch my 10 jumbos. And they didn't bite in spurts today, it was all singles, some 2 hours apart I just finished cleaning the fish, and their mouths/stomachs/track to their bum were just full of blood worms. So that could be the reason the bite was slow. March might end up being a slow month like last year the way it is starting out.
Was out there myself, except for one truck that came and checked their shack out and only fished a hour or so.
Was anyone fishing the North end today or yesterday? How is the entrance?
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Was that you digging out the avalanche? If so that was me that came up on the sled.
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Was out at the North end today. Entrance onto the ice is excellent. It seemed the snow was a lot softer today to break trail. Just keep your speed up and you shouldn't have any problems. Drove off the ice at the back bay by Blackrock. Again getting on and off is no problem. Didn't get started until 10 and took a hour off for a good shore lunch and left early. Ended up with 1 keeper walleye and 4 jumbos.
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like my chances of getting to pump house at sheilds from north end in a tacoma (4x4 + winter tires)?
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like my chances of getting to pump house at sheilds from north end in a tacoma (4x4 + winter tires)?
GIV'ER...dont look back...lol
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Dooman.......there should be a trail to follow to the South end of Shields and maybe even the pump house. You shouldn't have a problem....Just follow advise given my Rip......lol
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got out for a full day yesterday of sledding and fishing, not so much on the fishing but did manage a few perch and a small pike 3lbs. was great weather for getting around the lake on the sled visiting friends and fishing different areas. going out for another tour today.
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another beautiful day sledding around the lake. fished more areas that were new to me for hard water fishing anyway and seen marks but they weren't interested . set up for the evening at a more familiar area and started catching some jumbos right away.got a little hectic for awhile as the screen was consistently active and the flag was popping.1/8 oz gold flutter spoon with red fleck with a minnow head was the lure of choice yesterday but it probably wont matter from here on in. packed up and headed home with a nice pile of perch. 2 smaller walleyes were also caught and released.looking forward to the last few weeks of the hard water season.
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I know the ice is solid,but is there lots of snow for the skidoo to get around for tip up friday ??
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There is lot's of snow on the ice. Very good for sledding.
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Anybody heading out today ??
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Two of us were out today and ended up with 14 jumbos. Could of probably caught a few more, but we went exploring some areas we never fished before, and now we know why.....lol. Went back to our regular spot that we started out in the morning and hit a late afternoon bite.
Only 15 days left......were did the winter go?
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Hey Churchill , it was nice meeting you 2 fellows today , thanks again for letting me explore with you guys ! 👍
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No problem Shark. I was nice meeting you. You should of come with us to our last stop, instead of going home. We picked up 9 jumbos. It was the area we told you about, should you get a chance to get out again.
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At sunken road and foggy with some sleet. Been 2 hours and not a bite or even a fish on the camera. Hoping for perch or walleye as been forever since caught any on the ice. Hope a school will swim this way as holding tight for the noon bite.
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Couple perch and 1 jack...very slow !!! But i did have to yank the co's and there ford out when they got stuck from the deep stuff from after checking me.nice guys those 2 were.....chevy to the rescue. Lol
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Another great day on the ice put some klicks on the sled marking and catching all through the day moving around in different areas.settled in on the same area that has produced the last few trips for the evening and picked up some nice perch and a couple of 13” walleyes
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Put in a full day today. Was out by myself and stayed in one spot, as Friday we explored and ended up back at one of our regular spots were we did pretty good. Ended up with a bunch of jumbos, no Walleye. Not that many people out for a Sunday. Down to 13 days, hope to get in another 6 trips before we have to shut it down.
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Pretty slow day today. Tried 6 different spots on the North end...nothing. Tried the South end....nothing to speak of.
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forecast is for gusty winds today at 55 k and another dump of snow for Friday. have to wait and see how much accumulation for a Saturday trip somewhere deif or the strap. from what i've been reading and hearing trips up north in certain areas of the province are probably a write off for getting around where you need to get to... but i can still remember those days when nothing would get in the way of a couple 20 year old hard core ice fisherman.. lol a little more of a relaxed approach these days.
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Pretty slow day today. Tried 6 different spots on the North end...nothing. Tried the South end....nothing to speak of.
Same amount of action for me as well on Tuesday when I was out. Definitely slower than expected for March considering the end of January and all of February were better than average for me and what I usually catch.
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so not a whole lot of snow around this area but some heavy winds likely harden up the snow that was there and made more drifts. will be getting out fishing today to check it out shouldn't be to bad.
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There wasn't much difference today then before the storm (snow). So it is good to go everyone. There was a little difference in the bite today VS before the storm (snow).......much better.
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like C.R. says conditions are good. pretty slow on the bites yesterday picked up a few perch myself but did have to work for them. going to head out and do a late afternoon/evening today. better in the evenings the places I've been.
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like C.R. says conditions are good. pretty slow on the bites yesterday picked up a few perch myself but did have to work for them. going to head out and do a late afternoon/evening today. better in the evenings the places I've been.
you say evening. by that do you mean few hours after sunset or like a midnight and later? what the status on ice conditions. drive on still reasonable?
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you say evening. by that do you mean few hours after sunset or like a midnight and later? what the status on ice conditions. drive on still reasonable?
before and after sunset......and driving is reasonable based on what your driving.. a car would not be reasonable.
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thanks for reply been over a month since i been out on the ice. was assuming ice was still safe but assumptions get people in trouble. ;D .
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I made yesterday my last day, and was the last one off the ice at 7:15 p.m. Was able to go home with my limit of jumbos and 1 walleye. They weren't hitting like Wed. I think the high pressure had them just nibbling and sucking the bait (eyeball). Had to really work to get them to commit. It was a little cool, but with not much wind it wasn't bad. Good luck to those out today for the last day.
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was able to get out yesterday for the last trip this hard water season started out late morning in a familiar spot fished for a couple hours and caught 2 perch. lots of marks showing up but no takers.moved to another area and caught a few more but more of the same non committing. packed it up early had enough of that wind anyway lol. the fishing's pretty well been like that most of the year for all the times iv'e been out especially the walleyes in this lake anyway. and from what iv'e been reading all year this isn't the only lake. all in all fish were caught. hopefully next season the fish will be more active at the strap. have a great summer and fall on the water....see you in November.
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So are we going to be open water fishing May 5th?
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Looks like a good half of the south side of the strap opened up since this am