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Canada => Ice Fishing Saskatchewan => Topic started by: walleyekiller282 on Nov 28, 2019, 06:58 PM

Title: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: walleyekiller282 on Nov 28, 2019, 06:58 PM
Hi all,
What is the ice thickness? anyone been out there yet ??? ?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: golf560 on Nov 29, 2019, 12:30 PM
it is still open water on main lake, good shore fishing trout now.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Sparetimeangler on Dec 04, 2019, 04:37 AM
Any word on ice? I heard coteau was locked up and most small bays and coulees? Just wondering if its ready to walk on in places
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: infecticide on Dec 06, 2019, 08:25 AM
I made a map of hazards, locations and ice access locations for Buffalo Pound:

https://www.scribblemaps.com/maps/view/Buffalo_Pound_Ice_Fishing_Hazards/BuffaloPoundICEFishing



Would the folks here be interested in helping me make one for Diefenbaker?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: CookieCrumbler on Dec 07, 2019, 07:16 AM
One already exists actually.

Diefenbaker Lake Landmarks
https://goo.gl/maps/V6Sq9HpvrfLzZY8Q6
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: jgmerz on Dec 11, 2019, 08:54 AM
Does anyone have any ice reports, near Prairie Lake area?  Planning on giving a bay a try on Saturday, so just checking if its worth hauling the SxS or plan to walk on?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: sparksNfishing on Dec 12, 2019, 12:24 PM
Anyone know typically how the fishing is and if the ice is safe by the Eastside pump house? Can you drive on near by?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: ToonFisher on Dec 12, 2019, 02:57 PM
Anyone know typically how the fishing is and if the ice is safe by the Eastside pump house? Can you drive on near by?
There has been average fishing at the east pump house for me. The only way to drive on is from a boat launch ~1 km south of it when the big lake freeze solid somewhere in January. This time of the year, you have 50-50 chance of getting walkable ice in the pump house bay.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Majic_Fish on Dec 17, 2019, 03:47 PM
Has anyone been out to Coteau Bay yet? Wondering how thick the ice is out there.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Livinferfishin on Dec 17, 2019, 09:16 PM
I haven’t been there yet but I was told today Coteau is frozen over as is Hitchcock Bay.  Not enough for driving but definitely enough to walk on.  Supposedly catching trout.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: ToonFisher on Dec 18, 2019, 07:47 PM
10 plus inch of ice in pump house bay. The big lake has a layer of ice around Gardiner Dam. I suppose it's walkable almost every bay near the dam.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: BarryKidd on Dec 19, 2019, 06:02 PM
What the ice thickness, anyone test it with their truck yet?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Bjolverud77 on Dec 23, 2019, 09:05 AM
Has anyone been out to tufts bay just wondering ice thickness I am going to be walking on, thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: CookieCrumbler on Dec 23, 2019, 11:41 AM
4-5" around cactus bay entrance (fish farm)
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Trewlyfishing on Dec 23, 2019, 04:44 PM
I’m out at Elbow this week. In the harbour now. About 8-10 inches of ice. Hoping to hit tufts tomorrow. I’ve been told it’s thick enough to drive on.  But I’m not familiar with Diefenbaker in the winter so I’m walking as well. Did hear that a rainbow was caught there this past week
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Bjolverud77 on Dec 23, 2019, 04:57 PM
Was just at elbow drilled a few holes off the boat launch and only 4 inches where I drilled but there is a shack just to the left of launch must be alot thicker there
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: BarryKidd on Dec 30, 2019, 03:03 PM
Boys. Can't be trolling the shore lines with the pick ups!
(https://i.postimg.cc/sMCTkxzt/Screenshot-20191230-145942.png) (https://postimg.cc/sMCTkxzt)
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Bigdilly2929 on Jan 01, 2020, 08:16 PM
How is the ice at couteau bay?? Safe to walk on?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: saskbucks on Jan 02, 2020, 10:41 PM
Was out today on a East coulee. Ice was a black, hard 9 + inches. I walked about 30 yards one way and found myself in some slush.  BE CAREFUL as there are gas wells that create open water right in the middle of great ice.  The blowing snow will gather on these spots and make them hard to see.  I didn’t catch anything saw several walleye that weren’t interested and a lot of whitefish.   Still a good day on the ice.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: whitetip on Jan 03, 2020, 12:49 AM
How deep of water where you sitting at.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: saskbucks on Jan 03, 2020, 08:41 AM
How deep of water where you sitting at.
23 feet
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: EVAN NIM on Jan 04, 2020, 08:42 AM
Are most of the Coulee's affected by gas pockets etc. My son has his shack at Diefenbaker, Would you care to send me a pic of where you were.. I have zero interest in fishing your location, I am trying to warn him of the dangers of Dief but his buddy's insist its where they need to be.. The photo he showed me had quite a few doc's pulled up on shore, im going to try to get a map of where he's at.
thanks in advance,  hope this made sense.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Sparetimeangler on Jan 09, 2020, 07:23 PM
Has anyone been around danielson yet? Is it drivable to pull a shack on?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: oleike on Jan 13, 2020, 03:19 PM
for sure it would be by now...but GAS WELLS
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: ToonFisher on Jan 15, 2020, 10:56 AM
I have seen lots of bubbles in the ice. I haven't encountered gas well danger so far around Danielson Bay, but you never know for sure. The ice itself was close to 14" inside the bay, and 10" 100s of yards outside of the bay at the New Year. It would be around 20" of ice now.

At the new year, there were quite a few trucks off the west end of Gardiner Dam, or where the visitor centre is.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Sparetimeangler on Jan 19, 2020, 06:12 PM
Anyone been out, hows the bite?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Hard Waterman on Jan 20, 2020, 08:02 PM
Any drive out of the danielson park boat launch recently? Just curious if it’s blown in or not? Thanks
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Hard Waterman on Jan 22, 2020, 10:36 AM
I was out yesterday. Accessed the boat launch at Danielson, it was plowed and no issues getting on. 24 inches of ice in most spots. Then moved south to dog leg bay. Need 4x4 to make it down the trail thru the willows access and good again 24inches+ of ice. Drove out at both locations, had a buddy walking out in front checking ice and looking for gas wells. Fishing was very slow. Fished everything from 3 feet for rainbows to 28 feet for walleye.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: whitetip on Jan 22, 2020, 01:39 PM
Has anyone been driving onto the ice by fish farm.  How’s the fishing at fish farm
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: gman51 on Jan 23, 2020, 06:45 AM
first trip to the big lake yesterday started out at dogleg for the am then moved in the afternoon to a different area. as stated above 4x4 is needed in some areas getting to and onto the lake with all the drifts in the areas i was at. fishing was really slow in the early am lots of smaller marks coming through managed a big whitefish and a bunch of smaller perch. afternoon was better for marking bigger targets in a different area of the lake but not committing. did hook up on 1 walleye. great to be out on deif looking forward to more trips.
(https://i.postimg.cc/cKYpBzTs/4-E3515-E8-546-D-4821-A633-3-FA587-BBCE6-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cKYpBzTs)

(https://i.postimg.cc/34TPSZb2/F0-DD7-BA1-9464-4507-B25-E-747-B6-A9-A1732.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/34TPSZb2)
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Trewlyfishing on Jan 23, 2020, 12:25 PM
I am planning on being out at Diefenbaker this weekend.  How is the ice around Tufts Bay and Elbow Harbour?  And just as important, how's the bite been?  Also, what is the ice like out by Mistusinne and Douglas Park (around where the old rail tracks were).

thanks
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Burbot Master on Jan 23, 2020, 05:07 PM
There are some big heaves out on the main lake. Access is good at both Tufts and the Harbour. People have been fishing at the old railbed. Bite hasn't been great for me. Seeing loads of whitefish in 35 ' and I have caught a few burbs. You shouldn't have any problems. Good luck.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Lonestarsask on Jan 24, 2020, 08:21 AM
I was at Dief couple days ago. Set up early for rainbow. Only one little one that I killed. However first thing I caught a walleye on jaw jacker in 5 fow.  Mid day I scouted out deeper 20 to 30 feet. Marked fish on bottom bit not interested. Waited them out till dusk. Then they went crazy. Got a limit of nice walleye and 3 perch over 12 inch.
(https://i.postimg.cc/TKmXGCph/20200122-153525.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TKmXGCph)
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Rider85 on Jan 24, 2020, 09:46 AM
Anybody try getting to the stone dam? Or should a person even attempt to get out there?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Trewlyfishing on Jan 24, 2020, 01:16 PM
Thank you for the information.  I think I will be giving Tufts a try first at day break and then maybe even along the shore north of the harbour.  Is ice thickness looking good on main part of the lake around Elbow and Coteau (Danielson boat launch)?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: jhepting on Feb 05, 2020, 02:21 PM
Hey folks, just wondering if anyone had some info on the ice around elbow going north to the coulees?  Thinking about trying something new but have no knowledge of the ice in the area.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Wissel on Feb 05, 2020, 03:07 PM
There are some big heaves out on the main lake. Access is good at both Tufts and the Harbour. People have been fishing at the old railbed. Bite hasn't been great for me. Seeing loads of whitefish in 35 ' and I have caught a few burbs. You shouldn't have any problems. Good luck.

Is the ice thick enough to drive on at Elbow Harbour?  I'm collecting water samples there next week, aiming for a spot about 500m south of the mouth to the harbour (see attached picture.)  Last February the ice was 23 inches thick there so we had no problem driving on.  Hasn't been as cold this year though. 

Thanks!   
(https://i.postimg.cc/s1t6jcLm/Diefenbaker-winter-sampling-spot-from-2019.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/s1t6jcLm)
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Burbot Master on Feb 05, 2020, 07:17 PM
You'll have no problem. Probably the same amount of ice as last year.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: bigk on Feb 05, 2020, 09:01 PM
How about that brown on 39 hrs though.......
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Doeslayer on Feb 05, 2020, 09:44 PM
How about that brown on 39 hrs though.......
what a tank.... 37 inches..... That thing had fat rolls
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: jhepting on Feb 13, 2020, 08:14 PM
Did you collect your samples yet?  How was the ice?

Is the ice thick enough to drive on at Elbow Harbour?  I'm collecting water samples there next week, aiming for a spot about 500m south of the mouth to the harbour (see attached picture.)  Last February the ice was 23 inches thick there so we had no problem driving on.  Hasn't been as cold this year though. 

Thanks!   
(https://i.postimg.cc/s1t6jcLm/Diefenbaker-winter-sampling-spot-from-2019.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/s1t6jcLm)
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: dkruks on Feb 22, 2020, 10:16 PM
How’s this for honesty. I am going to riverhurst ferry area for the first time ice fishing on the lake. So instead of just asking for ice conditions in the dead of winter in hopes of someone slipping up and giving up some key info, I am just gonna be blunt. Does anyone want to share any tips or secrets for that area? You can feel free to pm me or just say the secrets out loud in the forum. 👍😁

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: ozzy1976 on Feb 23, 2020, 09:49 AM
We went out there last Monday and drove across the ice road to the west side of the lake and then headed north to the fish farm. Fished on the. South shore in 5-15’ and managed to catch a rainbow, pike , perch and 6 walleye so not at bad day. First time being there so I think we did pretty good. Ice was 30” thick
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Dlzfish on Feb 23, 2020, 12:56 PM
How’s this for honesty. I am going to riverhurst ferry area for the first time ice fishing on the lake. So instead of just asking for ice conditions in the dead of winter in hopes of someone slipping up and giving up some key info, I am just gonna be blunt. Does anyone want to share any tips or secrets for that area? You can feel free to pm me or just say the secrets out loud in the forum. 👍😁

Thanks in advance!

Id give you the secrets if i had them. Tbh i think most people are actually interested in ice conditions despite it being feb. Havent you seen how many people go through at dief and LML?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: dkruks on Feb 23, 2020, 02:17 PM
Id give you the secrets if i had them. Tbh i think most people are actually interested in ice conditions despite it being feb. Havent you seen how many people go through at dief and LML?

I do agree with you, I do hear nasty things about the ice conditions on those two lakes. It’s the main reason I have never fished them before. I apologize if I offended anyone.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Scrunt on Feb 24, 2020, 08:51 PM
Is a guy able to drive on the lake safely at Mistusinne? I have fished there only a couple once but he had walked on. We did very well and I’d like to return. Thanks a lot. And by some miracle is there not a bunch of sand on the top of the ice? I’d like to use my strikemaster but don’t want to kill my blades. I’ll bring my old jiffy if that’s the case. Thanks team.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Burbot Master on Feb 24, 2020, 08:56 PM
You will be able to drive on at the boat launch safely. About 30 inches of Ice. No problem with sand the last time I was there.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Scrunt on Feb 24, 2020, 09:02 PM
Hey thanks a lot.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: jpicks on Feb 29, 2020, 04:00 PM
Hit 2 different spots around coteau bay / dam today with Shawno.  The wind towards the end of the afternoon made fishing almost unbearable. Only had a handful of really light bites, one small perch and saw next to nothing on the flasher.

Fished from 8ft to 50ft and everything in between.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Sparetimeangler on Mar 04, 2020, 02:28 PM
Anyone been out much the last couple days? Hows the ice holding up? Still good to drive on? Havent been out in a long while and wondering what this warm weather has done
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: dkruks on Mar 04, 2020, 04:26 PM
Anyone been out much the last couple days? Hows the ice holding up? Still good to drive on? Havent been out in a long while and wondering what this warm weather has done

I was out on Wednesday last week, we were at riverhurst and coteau bay. At least 28” at riverhurst and more in coteau... the auger was just about bottoming out.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Sparetimeangler on Mar 04, 2020, 04:58 PM
Nice ya id think itd be fine to just cruise on so a guy doesnt have to walk half a mile up hill with all his gear the the bays lol
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: EVAN NIM on Mar 08, 2020, 10:02 AM
Heading out to dief for the first time,
Planning on getting on wither at tufts or elbow harbour possibly mistisinne

Can/do guys fish right in the bay or marina? Anything to be wary of in either of these bays?

I hear all sorts of stories of gas wells..

Im hoping for walleye or rainbows, any general direction would greatly be appreciated as ive never been on this lake, as importantly areas to avoid.. hoping for any feedback...  thanks!
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: farmboy on Mar 08, 2020, 11:28 AM
Not very familiar with deif but sounds like your aware of the hazards.

I’m not much help but I can pass on that I know a guy who broke through on foot by the fish farm a few days ago. 30 inches of ice everywhere and all of a sudden he broke through on a gas well that only had 1.5 inches of ice. He’s very familiar with the lake as well so pretty scary stuff
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: jpicks on Mar 14, 2020, 04:41 PM
Spent 7 hrs with Shawno at Douglas today.   Not sure what was with the depths but we worked our way out to 15 ft infront on the park,  and then it came back up to 2-3' deep for atleast 100 yards.  Navionics said we should have been in atleast 50.  Some weird ice collapse/ double layer thing? Ice looked good and dark.  Nonetheless, got it handed to us, without even a sniff.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: saskbucks on Mar 15, 2020, 12:04 AM
Spent 7 hrs with Shawno at Douglas today.   Not sure what was with the depths but we worked our way out to 15 ft infront on the park,  and then it came back up to 2-3' deep for atleast 100 yards.  Navionics said we should have been in atleast 50.  Some weird ice collapse/ double layer thing? Ice looked good and dark.  Nonetheless, got it handed to us, without even a sniff.

Sorry to hear you didn’t put any topside. The Navionics map is not accurate at all for the main Lake as it’s changed a lot over the years. 
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Sparetimeangler on Mar 17, 2020, 09:51 AM
Anyword on how the bite has been? Hiw ice conditions are holding up? Can u still drive on in most places?
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: Burbot Master on Mar 17, 2020, 09:47 PM
I went on at Elbow this evening. The access and the ice is still good. A good 24" of ice. The catching on the other hand was non existent. Tried various depths from 14' to 27' in numerous locations. Good luck.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: ToonFisher on Mar 20, 2020, 09:26 PM
Coteau Bay yesterday late pm.  A few aggressive walleyes from 15 to 25 feet of water at sunset.
30 inchish of ice. No need for extension. Little snow cover.
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: gman51 on Mar 30, 2020, 08:17 AM
last trip to Diefenbaker on Saturday met up with saskbucks, twistedhook, and another buddy put a full shift in couldn't ask for a better day on the weather. can't think of a better way for social distancing. fresh air. exercise, and good fun... oh yeah walleyes and perch were caught. BONUS..... nice work on those eyes saskbucks.
(https://i.postimg.cc/06Kqc9xJ/56-EFE57-A-538-F-48-EA-8456-8-C8882-DBC59-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/06Kqc9xJ)
Title: Re: Lake Diefenbaker 2019-2020
Post by: whitetip on Mar 30, 2020, 10:28 PM
Were did you guys end up fishing. I was at fish farm and my luck was crapty.