IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Canada => Ice Fishing Saskatchewan => Topic started by: corney on Oct 02, 2016, 09:05 AM
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Was out fishing on Friday night and helped my buddy pull in his dock and boat in on Saturday.
Fall is here and it won't be long and we will be back on hard water.
Caught pile of little Walters this summer so there is fish in Blackstrap!
Post your stories here this winter.
Good fishing!
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ah yes finely fall is here... its a beautiful site watching all those wake boarding boats being put away. ;D ;D ;D now its time to get to some fall walleyes hopefully for another month and a half. no disrespect to all you boarders/DJ,s.
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How long do they keep the launch docks in? I want to do a little mapping with my lowance before I have to slip on some waders to launch my boat.
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There was one at the provincial park last Saturday. Not sure how long they leave it in?
They have been letting water out big time because they are doing some work on the canals by Bradwell so the lake is down a fair bit.
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ah yes finely fall is here... its a beautiful site watching all those huge wake boarding boats being put away. ;D ;D ;D now its time to get to some fall walleyes hopefully for another month and a half. no disrespect to all you skiers.
This weather gets me jacked for hard water fishing. Rip, I'll be contacting you about getting out before the new year to hook onto to some Walters!
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There was one at the provincial park last Saturday. Not sure how long they leave it in?
They have been letting water out big time because they are doing some work on the canals by Bradwell so the lake is down a fair bit.
How much is a fair bit? 2 feet or a few inches lol. Hopefully is doesn't mess the fish up. I fish turtle on a regular basis, it see similar pressure like blackstrap. When the water levels were low it moved a lot of fish off there usual locations.
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I don't have any hard measurements but I would guess 8-12"?
They may fill up from Broderick as well? It is a reservoir so it's going to vary. I find that BS does not usually vary much.
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yes its down a bit maybe 6",nothing really to affect the lake or fish habitat.happens every year. on another note it does not appear there will be access at Evans road anymore.. walk on only.. as they have put some of those big cement barricades up top of the hill..and on the bottom. parking should be very congested lol. looks like park access and down the boat launches if your using a permy...kinda figured it was coming with all the garbage people leave behind. and i guess all the new housing....north end access will be next with all the crap left up on shore and on the lake every ice season.hopefully just a few weeks away now. ;D :tipup:
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I wonder how that get's decided? Putting the concrete barriers up so people cannot drive on the ice. Is it the community association? Or the provincial park? SERM? I'm not out there much in the early spring to see how much garbage is out on the ice.
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It is a terrible mess with all those shacks at the North End.
Most of those shacks haven't moved for years, nothing a good fire wouldn't fix! Lol
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If any of you left your shack at the north end they appear to all wrecked and ransacked!
Terrible mess up there. My neighbour was suggesting we should assemble a clean up party when it snows with the fire department. The garbage around there is terrible all the way along the dam as well. The garbage in the pit where people shoot is adding up.
They are going to put up gates people!
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when could we have safe ice to walk on this season? maybe late December?
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I'd be up for a cleaning that mess at the north end .
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that's awful, a few idiots ruining it for the masses. burn em all!
...the shacks/garbage, not the idiots.
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Wondering if it would be ok if a person was to go out and collect some of the salvageable material from some of these ice shack that are destroyed.
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ones mans trash is another mans treasure, I'd say go for it. Even bradwell has broken old shacks that have been sitting there for god knows how many years.
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Is there any ice started at all on the lake? I like to kinda use blackstrap as a guage for other lakes, and i wanna get out early to try the new propane jiffy! I am way to excited for ice fishing for a 31 year old lol
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drove by blackstrap coming back from Regina and it was still open on monday.
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I think I might go out and scrounge up some extra material also can't wait for the lake to freeze over bought a new Eskimo ice auger can't wait to try her out.
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This weekend is possible, but next weekend is almost certain.
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:o so cryptic... Does that mean maybe some walk on ice by next monday? Dont tease me lol
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Anyone knows blackstrap ice covered or not？
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Drove by Blackstrap today. Not even a hint of ice.
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The key to fishing is optimism toonfisher!
I look out my window and that lake ain't going to be froze over this weekend, next weekend and possibly the last weekend of December. Lol
Keep on dreaming though!
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I'll try per-ice fishing for pike and whitefish. Maybe I should use two ice rods as they go for different bait.
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drove by yesterday morning and from what i could see most of the lake was froze over. all be it very thin in most places.should be fishing somewhere on the lake for sure next weekend. with the colder temps starting on Monday.
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I saw a picture this morning on one of the facebook fishing groups that somebody was fishing on BS today. It was just a picture from somebody i didn't know, so take it for what its worth. But we are getting close! I'm hoping to get out myself next saturday, depending on ice conditions. :D
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I check the ice an hour ago at a few locations along the south dam. The thickness varies between 1 and 2 inches. It's so close. I guess the smaller bradwell reservoir should be good for walking on already.
The last 50 yards of Evans road is chained off with signage. From that vintage point, that section of lake is frozen over.
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I check the ice an hour ago at a few locations along the south dam. The thickness varies between 1 and 2 inches. It's so close. I guess the smaller bradwell reservoir should be good for walking on already.
The last 50 yards of Evans road is chained off with signage. From that vintage point, that section of lake is frozen over.
Is Evans road not a road allowance? And if so, it is public access so why can it be blocked?
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I'm almost sure it's the community there now that had something to do with it. They might have had to go through some other channels to get the signage and those cement barricades in place to stop all the traffic. As I said before all the activity and garbage laying around on the ice and on shore every spring probably not a hard decision to make for them. Whoever them are.
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I just took a drive into the park. Open water from just north of the boat launches to the ski hill.
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Is Evans road not a road allowance? And if so, it is public access so why can it be blocked?
It's a public road, unless it's chained off by some government entity bring some cutters the next time you visit...
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There you go..north end access will be next.there not gonna put up with the mess that's being left there year after year. Crapy situation for those with permys that use Evans and north end access.and that respect the environment.
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Its always a select few that ruins things for many. I know it's kind of a "not my problem" situation when you see a mess laying around. But if just a few responsible and respectful people pitch in and clean up messes when we see that stuff we would all be better off. I wish some people would just learn to be respectful and do it themselves but apparently that is too much to ask for. Some lakes are worse for this than others, but lets all do our part to keep all the fisheries in the province a clean place to enjoy.
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Might not be the worst thing to make the lake a little tougher to access with the pressure it sees. Be a little cleaner and maybe a few more fish for ripnflutter and Corney to catch.
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that's it now were talking...LOL was wondering if there was a way to catch more fish out of the strap. ;)
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...so that corney doesn't just look out of him window. More fish will hopefully convince him to get down there wetting a line or two. ;D
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now the issue arises when the huge drifts hit the middle of the lake that side of Evans will not be accessible. Can't say how many times if seen trucks hung up on those 3 foot high drifts when they break through driving over them and there's no way around.
The RM handled it poorly, instead of chaining it off proper signage and a garbage disposal should be put in place.
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I agree, but Fishing must go on. the good news is I took a quick spin by the lake and spudded my way to 22' of water where I like to fish. The wind was a killer or I would be out there now. It's on for me... ;D
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ripnflutter - what kind of ice thickness were you finding out at 22' (or along the way, for that matter)?
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4" clear solid in areas that I checked.Also seen open water and some cloudy ice in different areas of the lake. One still needs to exercise caution if not familiar with walking out first ice. There's absolutely no snow so that helps with the visual on ice conditions.. Good luck!
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...so that corney doesn't just look out of him window. More fish will hopefully convince him to get down there wetting a line or two. ;D
My shack is ready to go as soon as the geese stop flying over my house landing in open water I will be out!
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Might not be the worst thing to make the lake a little tougher to access with the pressure it sees. Be a little cleaner and maybe a few more fish for ripnflutter and Corney to catch.
I don't mind sharing our lake with others.
I don't blame those folks at the other end for trying to keep the drunken fools, litters and thieving bustards away. Do have some concerns that come spring it may not be a good idea to make it harder for some of these fools with the ice mansions to get them off the lake by limiting access.
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Noticed the road chained off a while ago, Likely people complained about it so they closed it off now the question is can they actually do it ? If you see a grader blading the road then its still likely a road allowance and its chained off illegally.
I took a drive to the north end in the spring and seen all the shacks , why would you leave your shack there ? Take it home or there is storage for $20 a month, If you can haul it to the lake haul it away from it.
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Darren this fall all those shacks have been vandalized and smashed apart. You thought it was a mess before!
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got out for a couple hours last night burned the cobwebs off the SUNFLOWER....nothing going on. no marks at all didn't move around to much. stayed put with the temps as they are.12-13 fow. might try different area today. looks like the temps are locked in for awhile so no sense waiting for that to change.
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How much ice was on the lake last night when you were out. Much be getting pretty good out there now.
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6" good ice. where i was cant say for the whole lake.
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Shacks destroyed over the summer, shacks broken into during the winter, i have to wonder if people were going to leave their campers at the campground all winter ? Lots were still there pretty late into the fall not sure if they took them out or not.
Nice to hear the ice getting thick , was wondering there for awhile if guys would be on before xmas.
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The weather looks bad for the weekend. I'm glad I already iced perch last Sunday at Bradwell.
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Weather looks perfect for the weekend. Let's get some good ice before we get a foot of snow.
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jordybart.....u got the itch ??...lol i left margo this morning...things looking good out there too...couple days after xmas it will be prime for drilling
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The North End locked up last Wednesday.
Geese are gone!
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8-9" of ice yesterday in most areas i checked.fishing was slow,lots of cracking with the cold temps.
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You bet coltcurtis totally revamped the shack and itching to try it out. 8 inch of ice getting closer to the right mark guys thanks can't wait.
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looks like that cold vortex is slowly leaving us, sure helped to make some quick ice. Wednesday,Thursday looks to be good days to get out if your able. last few trips were kinda slow going for catching. to cold to move around. cant wait to get back out there tomorrow.
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got out yesterday for a few hours. mostly hunkered down in the flip.managed to hook up on a few walleyes and a pike. 27' of water,middle of the lake.weather wasn't to bad still cold if your sitting out in the elements. going out again today give it another go.
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How much ice did you have out there? Hoping to get out Sunday.
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A good 14-15 " most areas.
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Anyone see any vehicles driving on the strap yet?????????????
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there were some tracks that looked to be from a smaller vehicle from the boat launch out toward Evans road yesterday while i was there.
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Drove the quarter ton on the lake yesterday amd the day before. 14" everywhere i drilled
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Well 14 inches is safe enough for sure. And last night was very cold. Heading out Tuesday so that will be another 4 nights of freezing. Bet there will
be lot's of people driving this weekend. Will check with you all Monday to see if anyone fell threw.. :)
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Outdoorsman, what end of the Lake were you driving around?
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I had planned to haul the shack out today.
It says -27 on the thermometer right now without windchill! I am not as tough as I used to be?
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Churchill, I was on the north side of the lake. Lots of trucks out today. Walleyes and pike have been biting very well over the last week, several 20-24" fish and pike up to 6lbs
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Hey guys a little off topic but I am having a heck of a time finding a place to dispose of my 1lb propane cylinders. I don't want I be that guy that leaves two bottles on the ice when I'm done. I probably picked up 10-15 cylinders off the ice last year and now I have a nice collection of empties sitting around. Talked to Cabelas, Canadian Tire, enviro Tec and Loraas and no one seems to know. Any info would be great
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Thanks Outdoorsman. Do you know if they are driving across the lake to the East side across from Shields were my honey holes are ;) Or should I come in the back way and come on in the bay?
Will be bringing the shack out and that is were we usually set up. The last 3 winters have been unreal for Walleye for us. Both number wise and size wise.
We always seem to do really well for perch, so can't complain. With all the pressure the strap get's, I can't believe anyone would complain about the fishing.
The way the weather was late Nov./early Dec., I thought I was going to have to eat turkey for Xmas..............now will be able to have fresh fish :)
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Fishonboys............ ......There are places were you can get those small propane tanks refilled, if you have use for them. Just phone around.
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Ok thanks Churchill I will check in to it
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How many inches of ice on blackstrap guys. Is it good to go for bringing the shack out on the ice yet.
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I put my shack on today, 15inches where I was. Very slow fishing
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Did you put it on the north end. Thanks for the update.
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Weather looks really good for this week, ice is nice and thick , time to fire up the auger and get ready.
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Anyone driving on at the north end?
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Lots of trucks on North end Saturday when I was there
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Lots of trucks Sunday too, a few pulling shacks out. 15" solid ice at 22' deep at the north end. Fishing was slow. Landed a few nice perch. Break out the skates - it's smooth as glass with hardly any snow.
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Is there a spot to drive on right at shields? Or just the very north end and the park boat launch? Thanks. I always jus chill around the park boat launch but was out the other day drilled a tons of holes and didn't see much at all on camera or sonar
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Pollock, your the one I see fishing in that area.............there aren't any fish usually there. If you go across in front of the pump house (the sunken road),
there is always action over there. I myself usually fish in the North end around Shields or across from Shields. If I do fish the South end, it is always around the sunken road.
Did you have 15 inches of ice when you were drilling?
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I urge everyone to call the RM of Dundurn and voice your complaint in regards to the RM blocking a public road/access to the lake. The RM told me that they got complaints by the home owners living there. I think if enough of us complain they may have to come up with another idea to keep everyone happy. I think the biggest issue was the mess being left behind by inconsiderate people. I was also told that we can park up top and walk down the road.
Also anyone got an update on ice thickness? Any stress cracks or danger areas that anyone has noticed? I am hoping to get the new shack out on the ice before the new year. Got the itch to get fishing! Good luck to everyone!!
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Walking down will be easy it's the getting back up pulling all your gear is the killer. Lol it's a long ways up to the top. Besides there is not enough room to park up there.
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A guy who was just about to walk down with his gear was wondering how they will like 20 vehicles parked up top. Said need a couple guys with some old 5.9 Cummins to park up top and let them idle all day... Earlier the better lol!
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Well I won't be parking on top........I always fish with my bolt cutters :)
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Churchill.... I like your style! lol Good luck out fishing. Also saw on a facebook page a big ice heave happened on the north end of the lake. From the pictures looks to be on the east side.
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I have emailed my nephew who works for the dept. of hwy's. I told him to check Evans road and see if the R.M. can actually block the road. I am sure people that have to check or work on the pump house would have access down to it. Will let everyone know what my nephew finds out.
I really haven't noticed any mess left in that area, so I don't think the home owners can be complaining about that issue. I do know from past experience with the R.M., that they are A holes............and they don't know their ass from a hole in the ground.
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I seen pictures last night on facebook of a massive ice heave on the northend east side .Said the heave was 5-6 feet high. I think the bay across from shields is now blocked off
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(http://i1311.photobucket.com/albums/s667/thomaskaras/Mobile%20Uploads/20161219_122735_zpsclehmf88.jpg) (http://s1311.photobucket.com/user/thomaskaras/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161219_122735_zpsclehmf88.jpg.html) that was me that posted that, no more access at the bay across from shields, unless you really dont respect your truck
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Outdoorsman, are you saying a person can't get on the ice via the back bay through that field as the ice break is right on the shoreline? I was going to go out Wed and take our shack out via that way, as we have it stored close to the back bay across from Shields. We don't have a trailer to load the shack and drive it around to the other side. We just drag it from the storage to the lake.
Just wondering if I should take my truck................o r make sure we take my friends truck instead :)
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Outdoorsman, are you saying a person can't get on the ice via the back bay through that field as the ice break is right on the shoreline? I was going to go out Wed and take our shack out via that way, as we have it stored close to the back bay across from Shields. We don't have a trailer to load the shack and drive it around to the other side. We just drag it from the storage to the lake.
Just wondering if I should take my truck................o r make sure we take my friends truck instead :)
Yep, the earth right at shore is heaved pretty high. Its about 4 1/2 feet almost vertical drop onto the lake now. My dads shack is the blue one and we're trying to figure out how to get it on...thinking tannerite inside the heave lol
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Thanks Outdoorsman. We are going to drive on the North end and fish our way to the back bay and take a look.
Everyone, I heard back from my nephew regarding the chain across the Evans Road. The R.M of Dundurn put it up. My nephen is in management with the Hwy Dept., and he phone the R.M., and thought it sounded kind of fishy why they put the chain up. And as for the pump house, he said they don't really care, as it is not their pump house. (private pump house owned by the local H. Colony.
He said as many people as possible should phone the R.M. and complain. The phone number is 306 492 2132. I phoned them and said it is going to get crowded on the top of the road with 15 to 20 vehicles parked there. Told them it would be much smarter for them to take the chain down and let the people park on the ice now that is safe to drive on. Nothing was mentioned to my nephew about garbage been left. Wonder how the homeowners would like it if they found it hard to get into the development with 20 vehicles parked on both sides of the road and blocking their entrance.
Originally I thought it was the R.M. of Corman Park. So I should apologize to them for the remarks I made about them, but if anyone knows or had any dealings with Corman Park, they will know what I am talking about. So sorry Corman Park, no apology.
Will report tomorrow night after we get back from the day on the Strap.
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Church hill I have usually managed to hit a few nice perch and few eyes have caught a few nice eyes there and just fish it for it easy access, lol. I'm willing to start moving a bit. I usually see a lot more on camera and sonar over the last few years by the launch. Even in the summer we caught a fair amount there. Good luck out there tomorrow. I'd.
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I usually fish the sunken road in front of the pump house about 120 to 150 yards out in 20 to 25ft of water as soon as ice is on and we can walk out. This is one of the first years we didn't get out early. Always catch 40 to 50 perch per day and 4 to 6 walleye when we do fish the sunken road. The last 2 years the 10 perch we keep are always between 10 to 12 inches. We had a couple of 13 inchers last year. Last year we used to fish the mornings at the sunken road, and then drive the back way to the bay were we have the shack, and fry up shore lunch, and then fish the afternoon in the bay area, or in front of Shields and then home off the North end. But now with the chain across Evans road and the Ice Heavy in the back bay, we are going to have to come on at the boat launch to fish the sunken road, and then it will be a long drive all the way to the North end to get to the bay across from Shields. I have never fished the Strap during the summer as I had a commercial fishing camp on the Churchill River. But people tell me they do really well fishing for perch, as well as catching lot's of walleye. I don't bother fishing for pike. After 35 years up on the Churchill I have been spoiled catching Walleye and Pike.
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Outdoorsman, I was out today and went on the North end and drove to the back bay in question with the Heavy. As you see there is no way a person can drive on. But I walked down about 100 to 130 yards to the North and found a spot were a person can haul the shack over (or our's anyway). We are going back and going to come around and pull the shack close to the spot, and then drive around and come on the ice at the North end and with a long rope pull the shack over the small part of the Heavy that we found. We might have to do a little shoveling of snow to build up the lake side so there wouldn't be a sharp drop off. Once we do this you will be able to see were we dragged it over. But with Xmas and everything we aren't sure when we will get this done. But will let you know when we do.
As for the fishing, we just fished at the North end for 4 hours and between the 2 of us we caught 27 fish.............One 3lb Pike, Three Walleye which one was a 18 inch keeper, and 23 perch. We keep 13 perch...........2 were 12 inches....2 were 11 1/2....3 were 11....and the other 6 were 9 1/2 to 10 1/2. We were using a green Hauger (Jig A Whopper). We were in 20 to 23 ft of water.
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Glad u had a good go out there church. Hopefully my next putting I can track some down this time. Guessing u were out early am or for the supper time fish?
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we fished 10 a.m. to noon and then went to check out the Heavy etc. Tried the bay area for 45 minutes....nothing there. Went back to the North end for a couple hours 2 to 4....probably caught 70% of our fish in the morning.....we always just use perch eyes.
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got out yesterday fishing different parts of the lake south of the causeway great day to be hole hopping. not a whole bunch of marks on the flasher all day the ones that came in were small, did manage a keeper walleye and a 3lb pike to end things off south of Evans road by the campground. 24 fow.
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Outdoorsman, and anyone else that is looking at bringing their shack on via the back bay across from Shields. We are also bringing a quad with a snow blade on it, so we will be able to push snow from the top side onto the lake to build up the area I mentioned in my previous post. So we will have a good area to pull the shack over. Again, a person is going to have to drag the shack to the area and then go around and pull it on from the ice.
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Has anyone made the venture from the boat launch across to Evans road? Hoping to get the shack out soon but am a little wary being the first one(no shacks the other day). Any info would be greatly appreciated. Also make sure to get as many people as you can to call the RM of Dundurn.
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The administrator for the RM of Dundurn can only pass on your concerns. Here are the contacts that can actually do something, the latter being the one who talked with the "concerned local land owners".
Reeve: Trevor Reid (306) 292-8022
Councillor-Division 1: David Aldred (306) 221-9510
I'm sure they will appreciate all your calls.
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Outdoorsman.........I would gladly pull your shack over the snow bridge we are going to make on the 28th if you like. We are going to pull our's over and would gladly pull yours over so it is sitting on the lake for you to come get. Also, someone else has a shack there. We could pull it over for you also.
Just let me know before the 28th.
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Has anyone made the venture from the boat launch across to Evans road? Hoping to get the shack out soon but am a little wary being the first one(no shacks the other day). Any info would be greatly appreciated. Also make sure to get as many people as you can to call the RM of Dundurn.
Alright Greenisthecolor, I'm about done reading the BS you are posting about the RM being the bad guys here. Time for a history lesson. Many years back people used to respect the lake and any use they had with the outdoors around that area. In recent time a lot of that respect has been lost! At the end of each weekend what is being left behind is disgusting!!! It seems that the CIDIOTS (City dwellers lacking respect) have decided that Blackstrap lake and shore is a garbage dump. I live on the North end of the lake and can tell you for a fact that respect for the environment and peoples property has gone out the window. Just before Christmas I went out to the ice for some rec time with my kids. As per usual I found garbage scattered about. One Subway wrapper and bag, one Timmies cup, one empty 1 pound propane tank and two hot pocket wrappers. That was one quick trip. Add that up over a season or multiple seasons. This is now the standard which is really too bad.
So you think you are put out because your lake access has been somewhat restricted? Put your self in others shoes. Imagine coming out every Monday morning and the roads are covered with beer boxes and cans, ice fishing gear, and food wrappers are left everywhere. I can pretty much guarantee it has nothing to do with the respectful outdoors men, women and children accessing the lake for fun winter rec time. I has to do with the absolute disrespect with the environment and peoples hard earned property around it. We are the ones who walk the shorelines and clean them up, we are the ones cleaning up the liquor containers left every where, and we are the ones picking up other peoples crap left on the ice every time we try to have some rec time too.
The message you need to spread is to have everyone respect the lake, shore, roads, and pack out what you pack in. There is not a single person out there that doesn't want people on the lake having fun, I promise you that!...but we are not maids. Take a drive to the north end and have a look at the abandoned shacks and garbage around there.
Please note that this in not aimed solely at Greenisthecolor, I believe he is just a fisherman wanting to have some fun. It is a reply to the posts by him and his followers. Have fun out there everyone, be safe and pack out what you pack in.
Respectfully,
Ry-guy
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Yes litter is a huge problem but if that road is illegally blocked then the chain has to come down, don't matter if you live there or not. And i think some people are looking into if that road can be blocked or not. And everyone will just have to live with what ever outcome it is, unless someone buys the road and makes it private.
And those people are just going to go somewhere else on the lake. So you haven't fixed the problem you just moved the problem away from your home.
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Having served on RM council in a different RM, I can say that there is nothing illegal with the RM blocking the road. The roads belong to the RM they are in. It is the same as the city roads, if they choose to close one, they can such as 1st Ave N. in Saskatoon being an example.
I can always tell when big game season opens because the same idiots dump their garbage around the neighborhood. Blocking the road won't change much of anything because those that walk down will still throw away their cups and wrappers and those that drive around will be fishing in the same areas on the flooded road.(contrary to popular belief, it didn't sink. It's still in the same place it was 60+ years ago when we used to drive across it.)
I agree with Ry-Guy. Just hope he doesn't drive a black Tacoma.
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No I don't
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Well, I guess us CIDIOTS should know better...
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Ok am I missing something or have we become that spoiled as outdoorsman that we can't walk 200 yards to enjoy a day of fishing???
Put on your boots, get out of the truck and walk the 200 yards it might take to get to the lake to enjoy a beautiful day of fishing.
If you truly enjoy the outdoors then you might even enjoy the short walk it might take to get down to the lake.
It's very simple.....Park your truck. Throw on a pack. Load up a skimmer with your gear. Walk for 60 seconds down to the lake. Start fishing. Problem solved...
I think as outdoorsman we can't forget that accessing our beautiful lakes, rivers and waterways to enjoy the awesome wildlife we are so lucky to have is a privilege and NOT a right. Also with that said, just like everything else in life, privileges can and should be taken away if not respected or treated properly.
This sense of entitlement so many outdoorsman have these days is absolutely bizarre to me. We are extremely fortunate to be able to enjoy what we have in this province as outdoorsman. Let's not forget that fellas. Let's not let a simple road closure near a lake let us lose sight of that....
If a road closure near a lake is our biggest problem I'd say we're still doing pretty damn good!!
Merry Xmas, happy holidays and good luck to everyone over the holiday season! Stay safe out there fellas!!
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and pick up some garbage on your way out and this problem MIGHT get resolved...
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Why walk down, when you can drive on and have your truck and equipment with you. We can drive on via the boat launch and drive were ever we want. The point was why close off that short part of the road to try and keep people off. It won't help or keep one vehicle from coming on the ice, and thus not reduce the garbage left by people that don't respect the lake/others property. Very narrow minded by Ry-Guy and his followers. As a fisherman who probably get's out more then most people and always pick up a Tim's cup or bar wrapper if I see one on the ice.
Ry-Guy I have a job for you and your followers............. ......I live in Saskatoon and have a bus stop in front of my house. Every day I have to pick up a Tim's cup or bar wrapper, etc. I need you to start a petition and put pressure on our city to get rid of the over 3,000 bus stops we have, thus getting rid of public transportation, which would get rid of the garbage left at bus stops (probably the same people leaving garbage out on the lake are the ones leaving garbage at the bus stops). Over the course of one year, I am sure myself and the other 3,000 people with bus stops in font of their places have picked up more garbage then you and your followers will ever pick up in your lifetime.
There is nothing wrong with people phoning the R.M., and complain about a road closure (that might not be legal), or asking why they closed it, as everyone knows that Evans road is not a private road. Sounds like you think we don't have the right to phone and find out what is going on. So your remark about.....your tired of the BS posted about the R.M., was an uneducated remark. I find it pretty narrowed minded thinking by yourself and your followers and the R.M., by thinking a chain across a road was going to stop even one Tim's cup or one beer can from been left behind. It's not
like the chain is keeping 100's of people from driving on the lake. Even with your narrow minded thinking, I am sure you will agree that the chain isn't
going to stop not even one vehicle from coming on the lake.
Ry-Guy and followers, after you get rid of the bus stops in Saskatoon, you could start getting the gov't to start shutting down our highways..........just think, without highways, there would be no more garbage in our ditches, that people have to pick up.
Bottom line............fisher men, please pick up your garbage and feel free to phone the R.M. and complain about the chain and try and get an educated answer out of them why the road was closed.
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It sounds like Ry-guy is my neighbour in the north end so he is not part of the Chain at Evans Rd followers?
Northend access is not shut down yet! If it keeps going the way it is I believe that it is inevitable that it will be.
Spent the afternoon yesterday in the shack with family, was a bit slow but we did get a couple and had a great time. Beautiful day on the lake! Ice was about 19" where we were. I think it's time to change the blades on the auger. Anyone know if someone sharpens them?
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Outdoorsman.........I would gladly pull your shack over the snow bridge we are going to make on the 28th if you like. We are going to pull our's over and would gladly pull yours over so it is sitting on the lake for you to come get. Also, someone else has a shack there. We could pull it over for you also.
Just let me know before the 28th.
Thank you Churchill River. I would appreciate that, This is Outdoorsman's father. It's nice to see that the community spirit hasn't left yet. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and will have a safe and prosperous new year.
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Just one thought, if u guys are having this much trouble getting your shack onto the lake where u want them but how the heck do u plan on getting them off once we get perhaps 3-4 feet more snow which is always possible and truck traffic ends? Seems getting them on is one thing but getting them off is another story quite often. Wish u good fishing and luck with the shacks getting them on and off. Fish safe.
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The shack is 300 yards down from my friends house, once its time to get it off the lake it will live there. Weve both been working hard recently so havent had the chance to get down to the lake to do anything about it. Churchill river theres a case or beer or a big elk roast with your name on it for pulling the shack onto shore, PM me
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Engineman/Outdoorsman...........We are going out tomorrow and taking the shacks on. Will leave yours a little ways out from the shoreline in case we get a good dump of snow before you get a chance to get out. We usually have our shack in that back bay area. But I think we are going to bring it to the North end were we are catching. Once it picks up in the bay area, we will probably move it. As for getting it off, I will use the same reasoning as I do when hunting Elk/Moose back in the deep bush...............sho ot first then worry how to get the animal out.
Funny you mentioned a Elk roast. We got drawn this year for cow's only in 33A. Just before the October season opened, there was a Manitoba Band come in with a refer truck and took out 300 Elk/Moose/Deer out of the park. When I was talking to the C.O. the night before we started to hunt, he said good luck finding any. Well he was right. The Nov season was the same and with the cold spell for the Dec. season we didn't go out. We had permission from 2 or 3 farmers to hunt on their land, but they said they hadn't seen any Elk which was strange as they always had them before. I can always buy beer, hard to find a good Elk roast :)
Will report tomorrow night on our catch and to confirm the shack move.
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Well was sitting at home with nothing to do this afternoon and decided to drive out for a couple hours of the afternoon bite. I had to go myself as the guys were tied up with company or that hated word............work.
It was a little slow ;) ;)...............dropped my fist line at 1:30 and wheels were moving at 4:10 to come home. Caught 3 walleye, one was a 18 inch keeper. Caught 33 perch. The 10 perch I kept were all 10 1/2 to 12 inches (nice to see big ones this year).
Will do a little more fishing tomorrow and get the shacks moved on.
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It sounds like Ry-guy is my neighbour in the north end so he is not part of the Chain at Evans Rd followers?
Northend access is not shut down yet! If it keeps going the way it is I believe that it is inevitable that it will be.
Spent the afternoon yesterday in the shack with family, was a bit slow but we did get a couple and had a great time. Beautiful day on the lake! Ice was about 19" where we were. I think it's time to change the blades on the auger. Anyone know if someone sharpens them?
Hey corney,
My father inlaw does my blades for me and does a fantastic job. I'm sure he would do yours too. Pm me and we'll see if we can set something up
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Ry-guy
I absolutely agree, people can be pigs. I am disgusted every time I go to the north end fishing in the summer. I normally fill a small garbage bag/pick up whatever I see while loading/unloading my boat.
My problem with the road blockage is, that things could of been dealt with better. The chain will make zero difference in the amount of garbage being left. It will probably make things worse. It also poses problems for anyone who has a shack on the ice in that area. It basically forces everyone to use the boat launches and cross the lake. It could end up being very bad if we get a lot of snow or it gets warm very fast in the spring putting peoples lives in harm.
I wish things could of been thought about more/actually communicated with the fishing community before it ended up like this.
As a side note, anyone catching anything? Saw lots of action on the camera but nothing would bite today. Maybe next time I guess.
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What area were you fishing Green? I had a great afternoon, 36 fish caught in a little over 2 1/2 hours at the North end.
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I am fishing south end on Evans road. Some guys around us caught some. But didn't see anyone catching near as many as you.
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Are you fishing on the West side straight out from the pump house, or even a little south of the pump house. We usually do pretty good when we are a good 200 yards out from the pump house, in 20 to 23 ft of water. Don't be scared to move closer to the middle of the lake to find them. Unless you are after pike and are fishing closer to the shoreline. Last year we would catch 30 to 50 perch and 3 to 6 walleye between the 2 of us.
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Hey Churchill, I've learned I dont have to work today, so I'll be out. Shoot me a message when you're on the way and I'll come help and bring you that roast
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Anyone else have a slow day on the north end? Took the inlaws out for their first hardwater adventure and only ended up with a 30" pike on a tip up.
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Hey Churchill where is a decent spot to set up I'm on the north end but it's very slow I want to show my kids a great time fishing. Thanks talk to you soon.
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Jordy, I love to see kids catch fish, and glad you are taking them out. More and more kids are doing others things and probably won't fish as they get older. Here is what I know:
1) I fish the North end 90% of the time....we do try off of the sunken road a few times a year for a change. There we fish out front of the pump house, just south off the sunken road in about 20 to 25 feet of water. You have to go out 250 to 300 yards from the pump house. We only fish for perch and the walleye we catch are a bonus. I could care less if I ever catch another pike in my lifetime.
2) We have had real good luck this year at the North end, but not around shanty town. We are further out (South) again in 20 to 24 fow.
3) But the fishing hasn`t been steady. They seem to bite 2 or 3 times a day. We will catch 15 to 20 in no time, then we will sit in the same holes for half hour without a bite. We always catch 3 to 6 walleye a day as a bonus.
4) We have had good luck off the North end of Shields. About 250 to 350 yards North of the North end, towards the middle of the lake, in 20 to 24 fow. Haven`t tried that spot yet this year.
5) We have a couple of spots across from Shields towards the back bay, but towards spring is better. People fishing there are closer in towards the bay going after pike and walleye. I can honestly say we will catch walleye everywhere we fish for perch (in deeper water).
6) What are you using for hooks and bait. We only use hauger spoons made by jig a whopper. They are hard to find. They come in green, silver, blue, purple. Green has been the color so far. And we only use perch eyes........save your money on buying minnows, maggots, meal worms, etc.
Once we catch some perch, I save the eyes in a small pill bottle and just freeze them for the next time out.
7) When we try a area, or even after we find a area were we are catching, we always drill up to 15 holes 10 to 15 yards apart. And then move around. We do have a very nice shack were we can fry up shore lunch, but we never fish in it. Sometimes you catch one or two in one hole as soon as you get there, then nothing, so off to the next hole. Then you might hit a honey hole and catch 8 to 12 in 10 minutes. So when the bite is on, don`t waste time getting your hook back down the hole.
8) My fishing partner and myself have a bad reputation for catching fish. We have had people fish in the same area as us, and they usually get tired of watching us catch fish and they move. When getting checked by the C.O.s, they always say....how come you guys always have fish and 90% of the other people don`t. So there must be some truth to being a good fisherman. But remember we are both retired and usually fish 2 times a week. Funny though, we never fish the strap in the summer.
Well I hope this helps you, and you find a hot spot. Dont give up taking the kids out.
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Well as I said......I am not racist and I am old, and back in the day that saying was used a lot. Usually when people were talking about fixing something, nothing to do with bad mouthing people. I guess the younger generation might not be using that saying and I can understand them finding it offensive.
And yes, I didn't give it a second thought when I used the saying in my post.........if anything I meant it as a compliment. Don't mind correcting myself and apologizing.
We are getting off of the topic (what this site was meant for), of talking about the fishing, etc. So let's drop this issue and see if we can help each other out regarding the fishing, and conditions on the lake, etc.
So on that note, I will let everyone know that we are going out tomorrow for some fresh air and hopefully the perch are still biting in our area, as we are planning to fry up a bunch for shore lunch. I imagine it will be busy out there tomorrow with colder weather moving in next week, and the kids are back to school.
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Jordy, how old are your kids?
It might be hard for younger kids to sit at a hole and hold the rod still enough waiting for a bite, and then been able to set the hook. I remember when I was a kid, my dad set me up with a bobber, 6 inches off the bottom. I would lift it up and down about 6 inches, jigging it and then would let it sit, then when it went down I would set the hook and hand bomb the fish up (there were no slip bobbers back then I don't think....that's how old I am). I can see it very hard for kids to hold the rod 6 inches off the bottom and still enough waiting for a bite. And as you know, sometimes you only see the rod tip go down slightly and not actually feel the fish bite. I have even seen older people getting bites (their rod tip going down a bit and they don't see it, etc).
Maybe you are doing this already, but thought I would mention the option to try and help the kids out.
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Jeez i need to get out fishing, reading these posts are driving me crazy. Use to get out all the time but we decided to raise our granddaughter so that comes first before fishing. She is to young yet to go out, so ill just live through everyone's posts lol
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You could play eeny meeny miny moe for the last of the Brazil nuts. ;D ;D Sorry, I'm old like Churchill River. ;)
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haha what in the heck is a brazil nut? i always called em a...ahh everybody's too touchy now a days!
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Back on track here. Andbody been catching perch at all. Seems to be slower then usual.
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Hey Churchill thanks for all of the use full tips. I am for sure going to try out some new spots I'm set up in shanty town on the north end and it's soo slow there. My girls are 7 and 4 and really enjoy the out doors . Thinking I might move my shack more over towards shields but not so close to shore. Also some one stole my buddies shack that was on shore on the north end haven't had a chance to drive around and see if some one dragged it on the lake but my buddie had no idea. I was going to buy it from him and fix it up for putting on a different lake . Thanks again Churchill maybe see you on the strap one of these days.
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Back on track here. Andbody been catching perch at all. Seems to be slower then usual.
Saw lots on the flasher and even had a few bites from them, but nothing on the floor of the shack.
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Back in town after a good shore lunch. The two of us caught 18 perch and 1 walleye this morning. Two of our buddies drove out to meet us for shore lunch. We fried up some perch and had a good feed. No one wanted to take any fish home, so we all packed up after lunch and came back to town. You know we fish to much when people don't want to take fish home.
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You all have fun, bringing in the New Year tonight.
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So I was doing some reading on fish behaviour the other day and they mentioned ice heaves. They went on to say that what you see above the surface can be somewhat duplicated below the ice to and that can and will attack fish. Since there is now an ice heave going across the bay thought i might mention it.
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Busy place yeasterday for how cold it was!
Went out later afternoon and managed to catch a nice walleye.
Hard to keep the shack warm even with the wood stove, windchill was brutal!
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Corney, sounds like a typical day on the strap. I usually fish it 25 to 30 times a winter and the last 2 or 3 years there have only been a couple days that I can recall without wind. If it is warm out, the wind usually isn't a problem. But when it is cold out like the day you were out and it is windy, makes a guy think twice why he is out there.
We haven't been out since Dec. 31st, and are going out Thursday. Noticed there weren't many posts the last couple days...........thought there would of been more guys out New Years day working off their hangover.
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I did walk on for the first time this season at the causeway on New Year's day in late afternoon. A temperature of ~15 under seemed tolerable with my new bibs as long as I didn't face the wind. There were a few bites from small walleyes around 1 pound in 12 feet of water. Ice was close to 18".
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Hey Churchill thanks for all of the use full tips. I am for sure going to try out some new spots I'm set up in shanty town on the north end and it's soo slow there. My girls are 7 and 4 and really enjoy the out doors . Thinking I might move my shack more over towards shields but not so close to shore. Also some one stole my buddies shack that was on shore on the north end haven't had a chance to drive around and see if some one dragged it on the lake but my buddie had no idea. I was going to buy it from him and fix it up for putting on a different lake . Thanks again Churchill maybe see you on the strap one of these days.
Jordy - what did your buddy's shack look like?
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It was an 8x8 it was a greyish color with the inside all spray foamed and a rubber roofing on it. It was tipped on its side a few weeks back when I was out there. It was front row right by the lake and there was a plastic water tank shack behind it this was on the north end of black strap.
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Jordy- sent you a PM.
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Jordy, here is what might of happened to your buddy's shack.
If your friend didn't have his name/address/phone number on the shack the C.O.'s might of picked it up and taken it to their compound.
This happened a couple of years ago, when 2 guys brought their shack out and set up close to us. I told them they better put their contact info on the shack as I noticed there was no name, etc. Well a week or so later, we are fishing and their shack isn't beside ours. They show up and say..........hey, were is our shack. I told them to phone the C.O.'s, and sure enough they had it in their compound. $150 fine later they had their shack back and on the ice....this time with their contact info on it.
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Would be worth calling the cos but strap is bad year after year for vandalism and theft during ice fishing season. My advise is to not leave anything of much value in it. Ready a half dozen posts each winter on hear in regards to theft and such.
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Jordy, was it one of the shacks on the shore that have been vandalized? They all look abandoned there and when I wondered though I did not see any names on any of them. Most of those shacks have not moved for years.
I would think that some folks would assume they are fair game and take them and fix them up? Wish they would all get stolen and that area cleaned up!
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What happened was exactly as Corney described - we noticed all those shacks sitting there tipped over, broken etc so we ended up salvaging the one that belonged to Jordan's friend. Since it had no name or contact info on it, we had no way of contacting the owner to see if he wanted it or not. So we took it home and put a bunch of time into replacing rotten wood, broken things and cleaning all the rat, mouse and bird crap out of it, removing swallow nests and wasp nests etc.
Thanks to Jordy's post, he provided me with the contact information for the owner of the shack, so I contacted him directly and we resolved the situation amicably.
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Two of us were out today, and it wasn't that cold, little windy. Had a fire in the shack, but didn't fish in it. Did really good on the perch and caught 3 walleye that we released.
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spent the day on the lake,bounced around fished a handful of areas. did fairly well on the walleyes caught 6 and 2 came home. marked smaller targets (small perch) which is good, 0 pike which is good... on the hardware anyway lol. the walleyes seem to be more fired up lately which is good. had a great time.looking forward to the weekend.
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Got out for a late afternoon/evening fish today. after a good day of sledding. Set up out in front of the hill and marked fish pretty well as soon as I set up. Lots of smaller marks nothing biting early on but started catching at prime time. Finished up with 4 walleyes 2 keepers but released. and 1pike.
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Got out to the shack yesterday, and the perch were finally biting. Marked fish for a good portion of the day, and almost every one I marked on the flasher bit. Was chaos in the shack by myself for a while, couldn't get rods down the hole fast enough. Bit of a lull in action from noon to 1:30, ended up catching about 20 perch and 4 walleye. Kept 6 perch, all around 11"
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Got out to the shack yesterday, and the perch were finally biting. Marked fish for a good portion of the day, and almost every one I marked on the flasher bit. Was chaos in the shack by myself for a while, couldn't get rods down the hole fast enough. Bit of a lull in action from noon to 1:30, ended up catching about 20 perch and 4 walleye. Kept 6 perch, all around 11"
Sounds like a hell of a day! What does your shack look like? >:D
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Sounds like a hell of a day! What does your shack look like? >:D
It's square and no one else around, thats all the hint you get! Haha
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Went out yesterday and today caught a few walley a few perch each day. Good fishing little cold but worth every minute.
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Anyone hear of a 42 inch jack come through the ice at the north end of the lake on Sunday. I heard a few people at work talk about it, anyone see pictures online?
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A monster was caught a few years back at the north end and one last summer in front of the beech. Hopefully there are a few big girls in there and not 1 big fish swimming around.
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over many years I've heard of and seen some big pike I'm talking 20-30lbs being caught. i can say for sure that my buddy(a pike fisherman) that i fished with and still do occasionally has pulled out 4 or 5 over 20 and 1 at 44.5".back in the day that's all we fished for on blackstrap once we got a taste for the big girls. i myself in all the times fishing with him or by myself never i don't think caught one over 20lbs. up until 3 years ago.. it was in February and a very cold day something like the weather we've been having last couple weeks. fishing by myself set up the flip in 24 fow for walleyes and a big bait on a tip-up on the shelf in 15'. mid morning ...FLAG... :tipup: end result was a beautiful 47.5 inch 30 lb pike . since then and i really don't know why but i have little intrest in setting up for big pike anymore. anyway i guess i finely caught my pike over 20lbs. maybe its a bucket list thing after watching my buddy and hearing of others all those years.
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47" - broke a 25lb scale... They are in there (and so is this one) just need to be patient ;)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/189560_10150420005750150_556720_n.jpg?oh=7beb3753bc745a4bc3bcfa0c8b153be1&oe=59120E12)
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Ocho...............is that the one that chewed up your hand pretty good getting him out of the hole?
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Ocho...............is that the one that chewed up your hand pretty good getting him out of the hole?
not as bad as some I've had. I did have to go down to my shoulder to grab and pull her up the hole because the size of her head made it impossible to get her started.
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not as bad as some I've had. I did have to go down to my shoulder to grab and pull her up the hole because the size of her head made it impossible to get her started.
Who exactly had to go down to their shoulder? ;)
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47" - broke a 25lb scale... They are in there (and so is this one) just need to be patient ;)
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/189560_10150420005750150_556720_n.jpg?oh=7beb3753bc745a4bc3bcfa0c8b153be1&oe=59120E12)
Congrats on a once in a lifetime fish!!! (for most) Awesome stuff.
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A monster was caught a few years back at the north end and one last summer in front of the beech. Hopefully there are a few big girls in there and not 1 big fish swimming around.
My dad caught one 48" a few years back that weighed 28.6lbs on a commercial scale. I've personally caught several over 42" there. Point being there are many, many 20-30lb fish in that lake.
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10 odd years ago we had a monster up underneath the hole but was hooked in corner of the mouth. couldn't get her head turned up the hole and didn't want to exhaust her. reached down the hole as far as possible and nipped the line. one of the biggest i've ever seen and did shed a tear watching her slip away into the depths.
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Next week is looking like a great week for fishing. Might have to head out for a few days. That was one amazing pike you caught there Ochocenko.
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We were out today and caught our usual batch of perch................1 st time this year we didn't catch a Walleye though. The Walleye usually like a little chop on the water. I guess there was to much chop with the strong winds today.
Like Jordy said.............warm weather the next week or so coming up. So we will be out a couple days next week, see you all out there.
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I'm set up by Evans road and the fishing is poor. Been there since Dec22 and moved three times now. Caught 2 pike and seen a couple walleye. Going to move the shack this week since it's going to warm up and hopefully have better luck.
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out for another great day yesterday.set up early,early morning fished for a few hours caught 5 walleyes 2 keepers. went home for lunch had a nap got back at it around 2:30 fished til 6:30 and hooked up on 4 more eyes and a pike. walleyes are fairly active where i am.... no problems with waves though churchill.... gonna head out for round 2 today.
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Went out today from 9:00-4:30. Ended up catching 9 Walleye. The biters were very aggressive. Saw a large school of Whitefish on the camera probably 35-40 fish! That was cool to see. Overall a great day!
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How is the fishing by that sunken road or Evans road. Which ever one has the gate up top that won't allow you to drive down. There were probably 20 shacks in the tightest little area I've ever seen. Looked very slow today.
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Does a guy need an extension to the auger yet?
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We are putting our extension on. Will keep water from coming up on the motor. But the main reason................ ....it makes it much easier on the back :)
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Got skunked on the north end yesterday. Weren't out for too long, because shortly after we got into the shack my 6 year old was explaining to my 3 year old not to fall in the hole as he fell up to his knee into the hole and soaked his boot, so it was a short trip. Next time we will move around a bit I guess. No need for an extension yet.
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Got skunked on the north end yesterday. Weren't out for too long, because shortly after we got into the shack my 6 year old was explaining to my 3 year old not to fall in the hole as he fell up to his knee into the hole and soaked his boot, so it was a short trip. Next time we will move around a bit I guess. No need for an extension yet.
LoL... my 6 year was very proud that he didn't end up leg deep in a hole yesterday, he was 3 for 3 on the last few trips!
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Well, 4 of us went out today and we tried to catch our age in fish. Between the 4 of us, our age added up to 290................and we were only able to
catch 90 today. I told the older guys (then me), that we should of tried that when we were in our early 20's. We wouldn't of had a problem. We took out my 94 year old uncle, who ran up our age total :)
We had a great shore lunch, and the fishing was pretty steady from starting at 10, and finished up at 3.
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mmmmmmmmmmmmm.....no posts the last 3 days.............no one fishing...........or nobody catching.
Two of us were out today, and ended up catching 45 perch and 2 walleye. Morning was very slow, and then picked up in the afternoon.
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Are you fishing the north end or south end?
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We are in the North End, in 22 to 25 fow.
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I have hard time believing you are catching that many fish. Unless your on some sort of honey hole. Fished north end drilled all over didn't fish shallower then 18' saw one fish on flasher in 3 hrs left and went to a good lake. Lol. Very slow. Tried lots of hooks. Pks to small bugs to wire worms. Droppers, jiggs. Minnows, meallies,maggot.
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Big jump I have seen the proof from Churchill and yes he really does catch that many. It is very impressive.
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I don't believe you. Tell me where he is so I can come see for myself😜
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Need pics. Lol.
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Moved the shack again this afternoon. Seen 2 pike, one walleye and one perch. No bites.
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LOL.................I guess it's like the old T.V. show......... RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT. You younger people are going to have to google this show :)
As Jordy posted............he has seen it and believes it. There are a couple other people on here that believe it also. I can see were some of you skeptics might not believe it, as most fishermen lie a lot. But fishing is like a sport ............you have your star players, and then you have players that just warm the bench.
I have posted on here what we are using for hooks and baits. The Fishin' Hole, Cabala's, and Wholesale Sports owe me a commission for them selling out
of hauger spoons. And I have posted on here for people to save their money buying meal worms, maggots, minnows, etc. Perch eyes are free, that's all we use.
My fishing partner (also a star player), and myself have been out about 10-12 times this year. We are well over 1000 perch........ok, ok, that's a lie :), we are around 700, and over 30 walleye caught. We target perch, and could be catching a lot more walleye if we wanted, but we get all the walleye we want during the summer up North.
I can't tell you exactly were our holes are................... ...that would be like me telling you were my girlfriend lives................. ..you would be all moving in, to get in on the action :)
Good luck to you all.
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Ya I think church hill is trolling everyone .
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I bet he uses the new bait balls........ heard they are great.
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LOL.................I guess it's like the old T.V. show......... RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT. You younger people are going to have to google this show :)
As Jordy posted............he has seen it and believes it. There are a couple other people on here that believe it also. I can see were some of you skeptics might not believe it, as most fishermen lie a lot. But fishing is like a sport ............you have your star players, and then you have players that just warm the bench.
I have posted on here what we are using for hooks and baits. The Fishin' Hole, Cabala's, and Wholesale Sports owe me a commission for them selling out
of hauger spoons. And I have posted on here for people to save their money buying meal worms, maggots, minnows, etc. Perch eyes are free, that's all we use.
My fishing partner (also a star player), and myself have been out about 10-12 times this year. We are well over 1000 perch........ok, ok, that's a lie :), we are around 700, and over 30 walleye caught. We target perch, and could be catching a lot more walleye if we wanted, but we get all the walleye we want during the summer up North.
I can't tell you exactly were our holes are................... ...that would be like me telling you were my girlfriend lives................. ..you would be all moving in, to get in on the action :)
Good luck to you all.
I have no doubt that you and your fishing partner are as successful as you are. Years of putting in the time, learning from others and testing techniques gets you there. I assume that you, just like others who are as successful and as fortunate to fish often pay attention to catch and release mortality. Much research says at least 10% of the fish released do not survive. Im no biologist and may be wrong however I believe that kill % is likely higher and varies little between species. When anglers are catching big numbers i hope we all consider this in our limits. In your example, of 2 of you catching 700 perch in 12 outings, the motality number would be 70 fish or about 6 per outing. So consider a 2 person take home limit at blackstrap to be no more than 14. 20 less anticipated motality of 6. Assuming we have none at home.
I suspect you prefer fresh fish and seldom take more than the night's supper home so are no where near to killing a limit each time out. Your comments however offered an opportunity to share some thoughts on fish resourse management. When the bite is hot and you know you have the opportunity to fish more than a couple times a years consider the release kill #'s in your limit. To those who let life get in the way and only fish a couple times a year go hard. Take home a limit and enjoy. For the rest of us, theres no reason to.
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Jiffy22, you are correct with your posting. I had a fly in fishing camp on the Churchill River for 35 years. Were customers would catch over 100 walleye a day and would wear out their arms from catching pike. Had an outpost camp for Lake Trout. Over the years our outfitting industries had lot's of contact with gov't people regarding release mortality rate. As everyone knows, the Pike have the lowest rate. With the Lake Trout having the highest. Walleye and Perch if handled properly (and most were, as our customers had a guide), had a low rate also.
Remember, when ice fishing you don't have to reel up the fish like crazy.............just keep a tight line and reel them up slow, they aren't going anyplace, and so what if one or two get off while bringing them up.....this will allow you to release them unharmed. I like to think myself and my fishing partner (retired C.O), have a low mortality rate on the fish we release. We understand some fish are going to die...............just like some animals are going to end up road kill. You will always have your tree huggers, Peta, etc..........which is ok, everyone has beliefs and have the right to express it. Fishing/hunting is like every other cycle of life...that's why there are limits with the release mortality rate figured in.............that's why there is a need for forest fires................t he need to cull heards, etc. This topic is like talking about politics or religion, which I usually don't get involved with.
There are days when we only cook up a good shore lunch and don't take fish home. I did post awhile back ago when there were 4 of us out.............."You know we fish to much, when no one wants to take fish home".
I guess the lake will be ok, if only myself and my partner are releasing fish,( that a few might die). Seems we don't have to worry about other fisherman adding to the release mortality rate..............lol.
Just keep going out guy's and you will hit a day here and there when the bite will be on for you.
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Well put jiffy. Although I find Churchill's posts entertaining I will leave him with something to think about.
Arrogance is simply the act of trying to convince others that you are more successful and knowledgeable than you really are....
Keep the 200 fish per day posts coming though, it's good entertainment!
Tight lines fellas!
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I just got on this forum this year as I thought it was to help other people who wanted to know when the ice was thick enough, etc. And to let other people know how the fishing was, were approx. they are biting. So I was just reporting on how we were doing, what hooks and bait we are using and our Technics. Most of my post were in answers to other fishermen that were asking for my input.
Sorry if I offend anyone by being a better fisherman then most. And letting you know how our fishing as been. And sorry, some of you took the truth as being bragging. I did try to keep it comical if possible, as not to offend anyone.
Farmboy, sorry you took it as arrogance, instead of what the site was meant for............just trying to help other fisherman out.
So, to try and help you Farmboy............... ..Every time I am out on the strap, I will be putting a sign up................FISH ING LESSONS $100.....now you have something to take as arrogant, while others will take it as comical. And Farmboy, we haven`t had any 200 fish a day this year.............the 200 plus days were 3,4,5 years ago.
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I just got on this forum this year as I thought it was to help other people who wanted to know when the ice was thick enough, etc. And to let other people know how the fishing was, were approx. they are biting. So I was just reporting on how we were doing, what hooks and bait we are using and our Technics. Most of my post were in answers to other fishermen that were asking for my input.
Sorry if I offend anyone by being a better fisherman then most. And letting you know how our fishing as been. And sorry, some of you took the truth as being bragging. I did try to keep it comical if possible, as not to offend anyone.
Farmboy, sorry you took it as arrogance, instead of what the site was meant for............just trying to help other fisherman out.
So, to try and help you Farmboy............... ..Every time I am out on the strap, I will be putting a sign up................FISH ING LESSONS $100.....now you have something to take as arrogant, while others will take it as comical. And Farmboy, we haven`t had any 200 fish a day this year.............the 200 plus days were 3,4,5 years ago.
Haha!! Sorry Churchhill River, this was not my intention, i should have posted my comments more general than to refer to you. Not sure you,re worth $100, but a day spent with you guys watching and talking technique would be well worth a couple moose steaks or a case of beer 😉 Your sharing is apprecitaed by many. Please continue to do so.
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I'm all for it too Churchill, like I said it's good entertainment. You put whatever signs you feel you need to on your fishing shack, it makes absolutely no difference to me, fill your boots man. I don't even fish Blackstrap. For those that need fishing lessons though, I'm sure they would appreciate you helping them out for $100. After reading a few of your posts it sounds like we could all learn a great deal from you...
Keep the tips coming and good luck out there.
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I just got on this forum this year as I thought it was to help other people who wanted to know when the ice was thick enough, etc. And to let other people know how the fishing was, were approx. they are biting. So I was just reporting on how we were doing, what hooks and bait we are using and our Technics. Most of my post were in answers to other fishermen that were asking for my input.
Sorry if I offend anyone by being a better fisherman then most. And letting you know how our fishing as been. And sorry, some of you took the truth as being bragging. I did try to keep it comical if possible, as not to offend anyone.
Farmboy, sorry you took it as arrogance, instead of what the site was meant for............just trying to help other fisherman out.
So, to try and help you Farmboy............... ..Every time I am out on the strap, I will be putting a sign up................FISH ING LESSONS $100.....now you have something to take as arrogant, while others will take it as comical. And Farmboy, we haven`t had any 200 fish a day this year.............the 200 plus days were 3,4,5 years ago.
keep the post coming Churchill they're a good read. nice to know some guys are still catching perch. I went out yesterday and could only find walleyes when going for perch. I moved up and down the break line north of shields and tired a few areas away from the crowds. ended the day with 9 walleyes most were 12-15" and only kept 2 for the table. Didn't see a single school of perch out of the 40+ holes I drilled.
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that's really to bad whytie you must have been totally devastated with only those 9 walleye being caught. LOL.... :o
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going out today hopefully can run into the same problem....... ;)
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Good luck to yea :thumbsup:. if I'm lucky I may make it out for sunday again for a few hours. I fished Bradwell a couple times this year but I'm not a fan of fishing in the crowds or having guys pull up and start fishing holes just you cut, at least wait till I'm gone.
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Its very believable what churchill says, During the summer ive done 20+ perch in less then 10 minutes. On the strap finding the hotspots dont come easy and are sometimes in areas which make no sense. But when you find them fishing is really really good.
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My best fishing day on this lake was this day four years ago with perch, pike and 24" and 26" walleyes from a hand auger-drilled 6" hole in -20 temperature. They are deep in the basin somewhere not related to structure during the daytime.
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Well, haven't been out for 6 days. Went out today with my buddy. We fished hard, tried 4 different spots, drilled 100 holes...............di dn't get a bite.
What do you guy's think?...............true or false................. .....Again, I will refer you to the old T.V. show.... Ripley's Believe It Or Not.....:)
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I think you guys might need some lessons. Lol
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Perhaps starting a business to sale per-drilled holes as it seemed effortless to dig 100 in no time.
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I'm on Blackstrap right now in the north end, lots of people out. Haven't marked any fish yet may have to just go on a hole hopping expedition lol! :)
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great day for being on the ice yesterday. put a full shift in, moved around fishing different areas and visiting a couple buddies that were also out. nothing much going on during the day for hooking up on walleyes or perch but a few adolescent pike were had. ended the day with a nice little walleye bite towards evening. nothing of the larger variety 10-12" but an active bite none the less. might even try that spot again today.....
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I was kidding on my last post................ab out drilling 100 holes and not having a bite......just want to see how many of you thought it was, True or False. Some people pmed me, and said knowing you it was false....lol. We were in our usually area and only drilled 10 holes and ended up with 30 plus perch. They were slow in the morning and hit in spurts in the afternoon.
We have noticed over the years that late Jan and the first 2 weeks in Feb are always the slow time for the winter. But, as long as a guy can catch enough to fry up for shore lunch and take a few home, it's still a good day. As they say................a bad day of fishing is still better then a good day at work.
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9:30 to 13:30 today. One 15" walleye from the first hole. Then not a single mark in the next 20 holes.
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Went yesterday to North end in 22 fow, 18 perch, 4 walleye and 1 pike. Fish was slow but somewhat steady, hitting the lure quite hard which is nice for change.
Noticed lots of garbage on the ice, propane cylinders, bottles and even diapers, some people have no respect for the lake they fish in.
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Was on the ice Saturday and Sunday moved around quite a bit both days with minimal action. 3 walleye and a pike on Saturday and 2 walleye today. Might wait until later in the season before I put in a full shift again. Always great to be outside when it's this nice but a little more action is always nice!
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Well I have got to say that my hat goes off to a guy like Churchill River. Obviously after a lifetime of fishing and being in the fishing industry he has developed his fishing skills and good on him for being able to hammer the fish pretty much every time he is out. He has posted a lot of useful fishing tips, much more than most guys, that people are able to use. For a guy like myself, I have a five year old that absolutely loves ice fishing but I am only able to make it out to the strap a few times a winter because like other guys have said, life gets in the way. Any hints that seasoned veterans like this give out help put guys like me a little closer to getting on the fish the few days I get out.
Ripnflutter is another one that posts a lot of great information that helps a guy to know roughly where to start when you don't have a lot of time to hit the ice.
Churchill, I would say keep the posts coming and ignore any negative chirping. You will find that just like the hunting forums, you can run into a lot of jealousy in these forums. What they forget is how many hours you have put in to develop your fishing knowledge and techniques. I assure you there are many guys out there that are hammering fish year after year and do not say a word to anyone about what lures they are using, depth they are fishing, etc. Hope you keep hammering them and I look forward to the posts!
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Well I have got to say that my hat goes off to a guy like Churchill River. Obviously after a lifetime of fishing and being in the fishing industry he has developed his fishing skills and good on him for being able to hammer the fish pretty much every time he is out. He has posted a lot of useful fishing tips, much more than most guys, that people are able to use. For a guy like myself, I have a five year old that absolutely loves ice fishing but I am only able to make it out to the strap a few times a winter because like other guys have said, life gets in the way. Any hints that seasoned veterans like this give out help put guys like me a little closer to getting on the fish the few days I get out.
Ripnflutter is another one that posts a lot of great information that helps a guy to know roughly where to start when you don't have a lot of time to hit the ice.
Churchill, I would say keep the posts coming and ignore any negative chirping. You will find that just like the hunting forums, you can run into a lot of jealousy in these forums. What they forget is how many hours you have put in to develop your fishing knowledge and techniques. I assure you there are many guys out there that are hammering fish year after year and do not say a word to anyone about what lures they are using, depth they are fishing, etc. Hope you keep hammering them and I look forward to the posts!
Very well said!
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Well I have got to say that my hat goes off to a guy like Churchill River. Obviously after a lifetime of fishing and being in the fishing industry he has developed his fishing skills and good on him for being able to hammer the fish pretty much every time he is out. He has posted a lot of useful fishing tips, much more than most guys, that people are able to use. For a guy like myself, I have a five year old that absolutely loves ice fishing but I am only able to make it out to the strap a few times a winter because like other guys have said, life gets in the way. Any hints that seasoned veterans like this give out help put guys like me a little closer to getting on the fish the few days I get out.
Ripnflutter is another one that posts a lot of great information that helps a guy to know roughly where to start when you don't have a lot of time to hit the ice.
Churchill, I would say keep the posts coming and ignore any negative chirping. You will find that just like the hunting forums, you can run into a lot of jealousy in these forums. What they forget is how many hours you have put in to develop your fishing knowledge and techniques. I assure you there are many guys out there that are hammering fish year after year and do not say a word to anyone about what lures they are using, depth they are fishing, etc. Hope you keep hammering them and I look forward to the posts!
I would very much agree very well said.
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Thanks Familyfisher/Saskbucks/Jordy:
Appreciate the positive comments. I am aware of the pro's and con's of being on forum's. They always get carried away (off of the intent of what the forum was set up for), with people talking about................. .........well let's just say talking about unrelated stuff. We all got carried away (myself included), with the whole chain issue across Evans Road.
I know if someone kept posting on here that they were catching more fish then us, I would certainly not be criticizing him, but instead asking them what they were using, what spots they were fishing, etc. Although, if someone was catching more fish then us, I know what they would be using................. ...................... .....dynamite......... .....lol. Sorry guy's, couldn't resist that.
I am glad I was able to help out a few of you.
Familyfisher, if you only get a chance to get out a couple times a winter, I can see were it would be hard to find the fish, etc. I knew when I was 5, 6, 7 years old, my dad would take me out 4 or 5 times a month, as he was a big time fisherman. I like to think I learn't from the best. Probably wouldn't of gotten into the outfitting business had I not grown up fishing with my dad.
If you can get a chance to get out say the last 2 weeks of March, when the spring bite is on, people on the forum should be able to tell you were they are, etc.
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After reading these posts from Churchill all I can say is after fishing for close to 45 years I too have had many days of catching a lot of fish when others were struggling to catch enough for supper. That being said I can also tell you that I have never felt the need to try to convince people how great a fisherman I really was. You say you post to help out others but all you've really said is how great you and your buddies are and you're using perch eyes for bait. If you really feel the need to convince everyone how great you are maybe pick another forum. I know there are others out there like myself that think either it's a lot of B.S. or you're just guy that needs his ego stroked. Just my 2 cents worth
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Spook here we go again let's complain about how a gentleman is talking about catching fish woopy who cares let the guy talk about if he caught 100 perch or 23 perch if you don't like what the guy Churchill has to say skip his post and keep reading. I joined this forum to chat about fishing and to help people out and to even get help fishing and you know very dissapointed in how people have to continuously go on and on about such little things maybe guys and gals let's get back on track and just start posting about fishing.
For eg (oh went out to the strap on Saturday and caught a couple perch and a nice walley.)
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Hey Familyfisher.......... ....I guess there is one of those jealous guy's you mentioned.
Exactly like you said............never posts anything helpful (actually can't remember any posts from him).....just on the forum to criticize other posts. It's so sad people like him have to make those kind of posts................p retty childish. But I have seen a lot worse behavior from someone that is torn up with jealousy. Better not wink at his wife :)
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All I'm saying is if you really feel the need to let everyone know how great you are how exactly are your posts helpful? I have posted on here to let people know snow conditions how the bite was etc. I also like to read the posts about useful info and there are lots on here and I thank everyone who posts to pass on this info. Don't worry I will skip Churchills posts because they are basically all the same and if I think he needs a little ego boost I too will let him know how great a fisherman he really is.
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Alright kids... Lol just kidding. But on a serious note how has the bite been the last couple weeks, lookin to head out with the wife in the morning while the kids r at school. Any info is much appreciated.
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This is an example of what I was referring to rutherbefishin but I am not that computer savvy so I have just cut and pasted this below....prev posted by Churchill River....
#####Jordy, I love to see kids catch fish, and glad you are taking them out. More and more kids are doing others things and probably won't fish as they get older. Here is what I know:
1) I fish the North end 90% of the time....we do try off of the sunken road a few times a year for a change. There we fish out front of the pump house, just south off the sunken road in about 20 to 25 feet of water. You have to go out 250 to 300 yards from the pump house. We only fish for perch and the walleye we catch are a bonus. I could care less if I ever catch another pike in my lifetime.
2) We have had real good luck this year at the North end, but not around shanty town. We are further out (South) again in 20 to 24 fow.
3) But the fishing hasn`t been steady. They seem to bite 2 or 3 times a day. We will catch 15 to 20 in no time, then we will sit in the same holes for half hour without a bite. We always catch 3 to 6 walleye a day as a bonus.
4) We have had good luck off the North end of Shields. About 250 to 350 yards North of the North end, towards the middle of the lake, in 20 to 24 fow. Haven`t tried that spot yet this year.
5) We have a couple of spots across from Shields towards the back bay, but towards spring is better. People fishing there are closer in towards the bay going after pike and walleye. I can honestly say we will catch walleye everywhere we fish for perch (in deeper water).
6) What are you using for hooks and bait. We only use hauger spoons made by jig a whopper. They are hard to find. They come in green, silver, blue, purple. Green has been the color so far. And we only use perch eyes........save your money on buying minnows, maggots, meal worms, etc.
Once we catch some perch, I save the eyes in a small pill bottle and just freeze them for the next time out.
7) When we try a area, or even after we find a area were we are catching, we always drill up to 15 holes 10 to 15 yards apart. And then move around. We do have a very nice shack were we can fry up shore lunch, but we never fish in it. Sometimes you catch one or two in one hole as soon as you get there, then nothing, so off to the next hole. Then you might hit a honey hole and catch 8 to 12 in 10 minutes. So when the bite is on, don`t waste time getting your hook back down the hole.
8) My fishing partner and myself have a bad reputation for catching fish. We have had people fish in the same area as us, and they usually get tired of watching us catch fish and they move. When getting checked by the C.O.s, they always say....how come you guys always have fish and 90% of the other people don`t. So there must be some truth to being a good fisherman. But remember we are both retired and usually fish 2 times a week. Funny though, we never fish the strap in the summer.
Well I hope this helps you, and you find a hot spot. Dont give up taking the kids out.######
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I'll try and mediate this to try and stay on topic here so we don't all have to read internet bickering......
It's great to help other people on the forum, in my opinion that's what it's for. It's meant to share fishing stories, photos, and give a lending hand to others that are either struggling to catch fish or are new to the sport. Telling everyone you caught 100 fish in one day doesn't help anyone, can't see any tips to be learned in that info....
In my experience, the guys that are great at it don't feel the need to tell everyone how great they really are. When they are good, they know it and don't need validation form anyone, let alone strangers on an internet forum.
If you have a 100 fish day, that's an excellent day on the water, nobody will doubt that. If you've learned something new that day that will help other fisherman then by all means share that info, that's what this forum is for. If you must tell everyone just how many fish you've caught then fill your boots but after regularly doing so, just expect some backlash that's all. When you ask for attention from others, don't get hurt feelings or be upset when you get it.
There's definitely something to be said though for humble guys that are switched on fisherman and pass on tips and information to fellow fisherman, without feeling the need for validation from them in return....
I learned something a long time ago from a great coach I had. I got a little carried away with my celebration after a goal once. When I got back to bench he said to me "Next time you score maybe try acting like you've done it before."
Those words stuck with me since and can be applied to everything in life when we are successful at something. Including fishing.......
Tight lines fellas and keep the tips and photos coming!
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Just thought i'd pipe in for fun.
Can't remember the username, but there was another guy on here telling stories of how he hadn't been skunked in years, and catches 50+ fish every time out garunteed, etc.
I pmed him and after some discussion, went out fishing with him.
Guess what? Got skunked.
I agree with farmboy, real fisherman who are actually good at fishing are usually quite humble.
Those bragging about how much they catch are just childish, drunks, trolls, etc.
If you want to show off without coming off as bull****ing, and want to be respected for your fishing skill, post some pictures/videos of all these fish being caught, rather than just talk about it.
All the tips and info is great though. Keep it up. Just wanted to add my two cents about the fish stories.
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I look forward to reading Churchill River and ripnflutter posts they are good and helpful gentleman. I love that they post how many they caught, how deep they are fishing and with what they are using each time they are out. It inspires me to continue trying to catch at the strap even though I usually end up with less than my limit. My wife and I were fishing in early Dec. at the strap a few years back and catching nothing. We were next to two gentleman who were catching good perch on a regular basis that day. One of them came over to us knowing we were not catching. He gave us two perch eyes and two green Hauger Jig A Whooper spoons to keep and would not take anything for them. We put the perch eyes on these spoons and caught our limit in a couple of hours of nice perch. In thanking him and talking with him, he had informed me he owned a Fishing Lodge up north on the Churchill River system. He said him and his buddy love perch fishing Blackstrap in the winter as they catch all they walleye they need in the summer at his Lodge on the Churchill River system. So it turns out this helpful gentleman happens to be CHURCHILL RIVER who is posting on Blackstrap Lake 2016-2017. We thank you again for being so helpful to us. For those off you that cant handle his posts do to his experiences each time he is out fishing, then don't read his post. Churchill River and ripnflutter keep your post going and don't change a thing. To everyone who is on this site have a great winter of fishing.
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It must be the green hawger spoon! Made famous in the 80's but be careful using the hawger 2000, you wont be able to keep them off.
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Why do people get upset when someone says they catch alot of fish. We all fish at different levels, there are people who just go out there to get away and yet the next person reads on techniques every night. In the summer i haven't been skunked in several years and yet in the winter i get skunked well lets just say its alot.
Just be happy your able to get out and enjoy the sport. And if your not happy with your results then maybe its time to do something different.
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If one really wants to get lethargic perch during mid-ice season with fishing bait (ie perch eye, small piece of minnow), a dropper rig could help. Remove the hook from any of your favorite spoon, and add a few inches of 6# florocarbon or monofilament and a small J hook that fits the small bait. That was my best way to get Blackstrap perch in February during my first fishing season 6 years ago. That tip was learned from the internet. However, I also learned tipping with bait will slow the fisherman down and make his fingers cold and slimy during early or late ice season when perch and other fish aggressively bite bare lure.
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I would like to thank Familyfisher for copying my older post and posting it again. I guess he found my post helpful............and not bragging....boasting.. egotistic, etc.
As I said, I kept most of my posts comical about the number of fish we were catching as to not sound like I was bragging and not rub it in that some
people weren`t catching many.
I thought by letting people know how many fish we were catching would confirm that there are fish in Blackstrap, so that they would keep going out with the hope of catching. I would imagine if you all ( and myself included), would keep posting............was out today, and didn`t catch anything.....was out today and didn`t get a bite.........was out today and got skunked...........ther e are no fish in Blackstrap..........wa s out today didn`t catch a thing, stopped and talked to 100 other fishermen, and they didn`t catch a thing. With posts like this, I can see were people would get turned off and not bother going out anymore to the Strap.
So I thought by letting people know that we are catching fish (I don`t think the numbers should matter, unless you are the jealous, insecure, non believer, etc), would fire you up to get out to the Strap.
I believe there are more people out there posting that they support my posts, vs you non believers, critical people, etc. So I am not bothered by the negative remarks. As I try to keep my posts comical..............I sure do get a good laugh from the negative remarks..............k eep them coming....
If I post further posts, I will try not to show up, or offend you people that are touchy, can`t catch fish, are jealous, find my posts not helpful, find my posts bragging, like to disagree with people,......well I think you get the picture.
For those of you that want to know what a hawger spoon looks like, you can click on the below link. For those of you that I just described in the above paragraph.........don`t look.
http://www.cabelas.ca/product/14860/ht-jig-a-whopper-hawger-spoon-rattle
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Very nice day out there today................n o wind at all. Had to move around to different spots today. Fish only bite in 3 different spurts in 3 different areas, and then some places only had one or two fish. Still a good day overall. The first 2 hours I thought I was going to have to post.................. ...................NO FISH IN BLACKSTRAP.
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Good effort C.R. The deep area by the southern expansion of Shields never failed to produce perch previously. I've been there over twenty times but I haven't been there for at least two years.
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Toon, I tried the Northern expansion (housing) in the deep water as we have done good there in past years. That was one area were I did hit a honey hole. Since I was sort of scouting, I then moved to the back bay area, and hit a honey hole there as well. As for the new housing South of Shields, we have tried that a couple of times in past years (like you, not this year though). And we found that the perch were always on the small side there, so we stayed with our other areas. We do see people fishing the South new housing area, right down to the pump house, so they must to catching.
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C.R is accurate that the southern shields spot is steady but on the small side for perch. I did get odd 12-13" ones early or late season there. Walleye and pike are also small there. It did produce a burbot there. I think the best spot is 200 yards offshore along a deep trench. That pump house is my favorite walk-on point. I know of other spots you mentioned, but I'm no strong hiker.
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Hey Toon.............you caught a Burbot??????............funny you should mention that.
For all the fish we have caught on the Strap we have never caught a Burbot. Talked to a guy yesterday that fishes the Strap 2 or 3 times a week as he lives in Shields. And he said all the years he has fished the Strap, he has never caught a Burbot.
I heard they are in there, so this is living proof.
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The burbot was accidental at noon in late November 2012. I can only target them in Diefenbaker.
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Man, back in the 50's and 60's we literally left 1,000's of them on the ice along with all the other fishermen. One farmer would come pick them up, and said he fed them to his pigs. Later on in life (like everyone else), found out they are very very very good to eat. I still curse my dad to this day, for throwing away some of the best eating fish there is...............lol
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Burbot is my favorite to fry. They are as fat and tender as cheese. There must have been a disease or extreme hot summer to push them to the brink. Some one caught two in 2014 or 15. They will be back in blackstrap.
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I fished north end from 2 till 6 today in 23 fow. Saw fish on camera in spurts all day. Lots of walleyes and many school of perch and marked lots outside around tent with the sonar too. Drilled about 12 holes all over and hoped around a bit. Managed to land 3 jumbo perch and 3 dinky perch and 4 keepable eyes and 2 tiny ones. So I kept 2 eyes and 3 perch for supper. Found it hard to get em to bite, at one point saw prob 15+ perch on my camera and not one bit that time. Found a reallly aggressive but supper light like 1/2 inch jigging about 10" off the ground made them strike. Was using tiny tiny jig heads with tiny minnow chucks and perch eyes. About 50/50 on each...my best day out number wise this year. And I got to test out my new wood stove in my tent. A set up I've been working on for the last bit. Stove jack worked mint and it sure beats the tent good.
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Good day Pollock.............it should only get better the closer we get to spring.
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The below copied and pasted article is known by most fishermen but I thought it would be a good read.
There are always arguments about fish being able to distinguish color. Some are color blind, etc. I have read articles were Lake Trout and Bass are the only fish that can distinguish color. We all know it depends if it is sunny or cloudy, the depth of water you are fishing, the clarity of the Lake/River, etc., will help you decide which color to use.
I have found over the years the manufactures make lures (for the most part), to catch fishermen not fish. That is why manufactures make those suitcase size tackle boxes. It is well known that a person can catch most species with just a lead head with bait or colored plastic colored tails.
It all boils down to the old saying................ ........they call it fishing, not catching.
Angling Tips
Perch feed by sight and need light to find prey. They start foraging only after sunlight enters the water depths. They may feed off and on throughout the day, but usually eat once in the morning and once in the afternoon. As night approaches the schools scatter and the fish are lazy until the next morning. Perch are rarely caught at night.
The best time of day to catch perch can change suddenly on any day. Perch fishing is usually best in the early morning or evening hours during late spring and early summer and late afternoon or evening in late summer. In autumn, both morning and late afternoon-evening provide excellent fishing.
In the natural lakes, the best fishing is usually from late summer until late fall. Late spring and early summer rank as average; an angler that can consistently catch perch in mid-summer can catch fish at any time.
Perch are found mostly in deeper water during much of the year, so they are hard to find without a boat. A boat provides an easy way to seek out fish by trying different locations.
Shore or dock fishing is good at times, particularly during spring and early summer. Perch gather around bottom structures, such as rock piles, reefs, along the lee side of land points, beds of submergent aquatic plants and bottom drop-offs. In late spring and early summer they are often found in 10 to 20 feet deep water, still near the bottom. Drift or troll until you find a school, then anchor and still fish or cast.
No matter what type of lure, bait or gear you use, success is often dependent on how well the bait is presented to the fish. Perch orient toward the bottom, so your bait or lure must be fished on or near the bottom. When perch are found, fishing may be slow at first, but most often action is fast and furious as schools of perch move through while feeding. Land each fish as quickly as possible and put the bait back down, because the next perch is waiting to strike. A strike may occur as the bait drops, but most often it happens just as the bait is lifted off the bottom – so be ready.
When fishing is slow, vary your techniques before moving to another spot. If jigging produced good fishing then suddenly slows, cast in a circle around the boat. Let the bait hit bottom before reeling it in. If a strike occurs, land the fish slowly. The flashing action of the fighting fish seems to draw other perch back into the area. As action increases, land fish more quickly and get the bait back down.
Swishing a rod back and forth in shallow water will often attract perch and trigger some bites. Running the boat motor, even while anchored, also can have some positive results with the noise appearing to entice perch. Some anglers pound their anchor up and down in the lake bottom before anchoring to attract perch. If there's still no action after 15 or 20 minutes, move to a different spot and try again. Perch usually need no invitation to bite and once found they will provide lots of fast action like few other fish.
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had a couple of fairly productive days on the weekend, nothing over 15" on the walleyes no perch biting but see them on the electronics., and those small rig wrecking pike are always around lol. out in front of the hill and south of Evans road at and around misfeldts campground have been active areas lately. moved up shallower towards evening 12-15 fow and hooked up on a few but i normally have better luck staying deep off the ledges in 23-25 fow in the evening at this lake anyway. but everyone has their own methods on the evening walleye bite.
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R&F, I couldn't imagine any better way than yours to ambush evening walleye in Blackstrap.
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33" of ice at the north end. Glad I put the extension on this morning.
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Got out for 3-4 hours yesterday, marked perch and walleye constantly but was a tough bite with the fluctuating temperatures. Lots of lookers and inactive fish but managed to get 4 perch, all between 11-12 inches. They came in hot and bit hard, only had one bite that didnt result in a fish and I'm pretty sure it was a walleye, super soft bite on a deadsticked minnow. Lots of ice, almost need the extension drilling in the shack. 26 feet deep. Going to try deifenbaker tomorrow
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We were out yesterday and the morning produced nothing. Actually the last 3 times over 10 days the mornings have been slow. The late afternoon is when they have been biting.
Talked to one guy in his shack and he said the perch were all over his camera all morning, but wouldn't even look at his hook. I told him not to worry, that we were fishing outside and around his shack in different spots and they weren't hitting ours either. Between 3 and 6 is when the bite was on.
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Went out Friday more toward the north end near a ledge that goes from about 16-26 FOW. Was fishing the 26 part mostly. Caught a 19 1/2 inch walleye. Caught one other perch and marked a few other perch or small walleye. Did the Gord Pyzer age test https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaL7fXZTmIw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaL7fXZTmIw) on the walleye. He was almost 7 years old. Charts suggest it would weigh around 2.75 lb. Would like to compare that same size to a northern one.
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lots of activity on the lake with the warm weather, looks like another 5-6 days of + temperatures in our future. so the forecast says. got out with the sled on Saturday left the fishing gear at home. spent the whole day again touring and visiting buddies that were out fishing. there were fish on the ice at a few stops but not many and nothing big. stared at a camera for awhile and saw perch and a couple small walleyes but nothing committing. always nice to pop in and see how others are doing at different parts of the lake did get out early Sunday morning (dark) and landed a few walleyes 1 at 17" and 2 smaller ones and a pike. went home for lunch and a rest and was back out from 3-7 and ended up with 2 more small walleyes and a 3# pike. but the same story more that were noncommittal. but a great weekend!
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Took my girlfriend out yesterday from 630am to 2pm. We were out before the sun started to rise for the morning bite, and it paid off. My girlfriend caught a 5lb walleye her biggest walleye through the ice. We would have stayed longer but from 10am-2pm we didn't see a single fish so we packed it in. We fished anywhere from 15ft to 26ft drilling lots of holes and stayed away from the crowds. final fish count was 4 walleye (3 were less than a foot long) and 2 perch all released. I found the fish to be fairly aggressive in the morning but a lot of short bites only grabbing at the minnow and letting go half way up.
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also I lost my snow shield for my marcum LX5 down the hole >:(. If anyone has an extra they like to sell let me know. The fishing hole, wholesale sports and cabelas are all sold out.
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Saskbucks, for the age of a Walleye from the strap compared to Walleye up North. I have aged 100's of Walleye that were caught on the Churchill. A 3 lb Walleye always was 10 to 12 years old. Fish in general will grow faster down South then the North.
We were out today, but didn't get started until 10:30 and fished until 4:30. Did really well on the perch, with one small pike and one small walleye. They still are biting in spurts, so there was a lot of slow periods. Started just South of the North end and worked our way South of the back bay across from Shields, trying 5 different spots. Caught fish in all 5 spots. They seem to be all over, but not interested in biting all the time.
Over the years I have caught 2 perch were their black stripes were running long ways on their body vs up and down as 99.9% of them do. Last week I was talking to a guy on the lake that fishes the strap a lot and I mentioned this to him and asked him if he has ever caught one. He seemed surprised by this and said............no I have never seen one like that. Well, I met the guy on the lake today and he said, I caught one with the stripes running long ways yesterday. Just wondering if any other fishermen have caught perch like this.
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Saskbucks, for the age of a Walleye from the strap compared to Walleye up North. I have aged 100's of Walleye that were caught on the Churchill. A 3 lb Walleye always was 10 to 12 years old. Fish in general will grow faster down South then the North.
Thanks CR! My buddy caught a 7 pounder up there last spring and wondered how old it was. He released it, hoping to catch it again someday.
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If that 7 lber was caught on the River, that is a big Walleye for the River, and it would of been 20 or older.
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It was a lake fish. But from right around there.
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nice little walleye bite last night fished from 5-7, 4 walleyes 1 keeper at 16," on the flag 24 fow. 3 smaller ones jigging 12-14 fow. missed a few on the hook set, fairly steady action on the graph for the last hour .out in front of hill again.
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Rip, you catching any perch on the South side? Or marking any?
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I mainly target walleyes and have only caught a few perch so far this year. Been seeing lots of smaller targets on the graph but I also don't actively persue them. same for pike. I wait til March for the perch bonanza.and do great for perch south of the causeway.
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How is the slush situation after a few days of ice weather?
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was out last night for a couple hours and as to be expected with the warm temps and especially the wind lots of water on the east side and deep slush on west side of lake soon to be the same over the next few days.talking about the access driving down the boat launch. cant say for the north end. fished the west side last night from 5-730 caught a handful of walleyes literally all 6 that were caught were 8" lol. missed 1 decent mark and had a couple drive by,s. insulated rubber boots should be popular this weekend.
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Thanks for the update ripnflutter!
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Seen some pictures of the swimming pool from today. Anybody still driviving on ice today?
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Yes but the boat launch is getting sketchy. This is the worst I've seen the ice conditions for a long long time for mid February. I was fishing last couple days of march last year and wasn't anything like this. Crazy amount of water to trek through. Don't forget the ice cleats.
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Gonna be warm for awhile yet. Not good not good. How's access at north end? Assume rip was referring to park boat launch.
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I'm assuming it should not be an issue to walk on tomorrow? Was out before the warm weather and was 3' of ice... herd there's some spots getting pretty wet? Any one out on Friday north end that can report ice conditions?
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yes i was referring to the one in the park. and yes plenty of ice that's not the issue keeping everything dry and not wiping out breaking something and going for a bath could be an issue. i was driving all over yesterday out from the main boat launches....
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North end launch is good. Yesterday's water barely skimmed over last night.
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Good walleye bite this morning with a couple perch as well. Left at noon. Flasher was lit up all day but bite slowed down after around 8:30. Gonna try again tomorrow morning. Was fishing 25 feet of water in front of shields. Walleye were 12-15". One perch was small the other was a jumbo. My partner got skunked. Everything caught on a white flutterfish and lived to swim another day.
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walked out in front of the park entrance yesterday early am middle of lake 22 fow fished til 1pm. caught 1 walleye jigging (perch glow frostee spoon) seen few more on the graph, not committing, 2 flags triggered landed 1 walleye 12" and 1 that dropped the bait. no perch ,no pike. not much wind yesterday. ice didn't melt as much without the the strong winds. heading out somewhere today looks like the heavy S.E winds are back try and find somewhere less breezy.
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The bite is still very slow............one or two at a time every 2 hours or so..........did get a couple of 6 lb Walleye.
Probably another 10 days to 2 weeks before it picks up again.
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Didn't see a thing at 24 feet of water from 11-5 yesterday. Started to pick up in the evening a bit, but pretty slow overall.
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did the evening bite yesterday, wow sure feels like end of march weather. fished from 4-730 out in front of the boat launches 24-25 fow started out seeing marks small ones come and go then the last 1 1/2 there was a jumbo perch invasion.hooked up on around 15-20 of those tubs. with a handful of walleyes in the mix. 1 walleye at 15 " rest were smaller. 1/8 oz gold frostee spoon with a minnow head. but it probably didn't matter just nothing to big for lure,s.
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(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah124/Niceguy_rick/IMG_1065_zpsszkdvyeh.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/Niceguy_rick/media/IMG_1065_zpsszkdvyeh.jpg.html)
Today between 9:30 am and 11 am on the strap with my kiddo... threw prob 6 back too all around the same size. About my second good putting all year. Finally a fish fry, been a tough season. 24 fow...
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(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah124/Niceguy_rick/IMG_0940_zps6x1zu3g1.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/Niceguy_rick/media/IMG_0940_zps6x1zu3g1.jpg.html)
(http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah124/Niceguy_rick/IMG_0939_zpsxq7hyctj.jpg) (http://s1379.photobucket.com/user/Niceguy_rick/media/IMG_0939_zpsxq7hyctj.jpg.html)
Have got to enjoy my new set up in my pop up three four times this year after spending the first half the season making it.... took me forever to find a canvas stove jack... so much nicer than propane and twice as warm. And can cook a warm meal on the ice while fishing. Also love the smell of a good fire. Would never go back...
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That set-up looks like the perfect portable Saskatchewan ice shack and/or winter camping tent. :thumbsup:
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Nice job on the pop up looks very nice and easy enough to move around still.
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Thanks.Yup jus gotta let it cool off or toss a bit of water on it to cool it off if u wanna move...
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How was the ice looking when you were out should a person start thinking about pulling there shacks off.
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I was on north end sat and it's like 38 " still lil water ontop . People n trucks n shacks everywhere. And today was jus north of boat launches and was a lil soft right at the boat launch jus right at shore though. Where a few.vehicles out and still lots of shacks by Evans... ice is prob 4 " less on south half then very north end. But the forecast says below zero for the next few weeks. Nothing above zero day or night so I wouldn't be concerned about it unless we get another week or so above zero.
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great perch there pollock, nice job. love the popup/stove set up too. where did you find that canvas stove jack? did you sew it in yourself? been looking at outfitter tents but i already have a fat fish that never gets used would be great for winter camping.
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Ordered it from Montana canvas. In Montana n it was like 42 bucks to my door after exchange rate.... took a bit but I sewed it on by hand, lol. As long as u keep the pipe furthest down wind they work mint put a spark arrestor on top of pipe too. Used it 4 times all day n not a burn hole or anything. Cooked up some fish n sausage too...
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awesome setup pollock, i have also considered doing something like that with my popup too, neat to see that someone local has done it. props to you!
another idea i had for complimenting a setup like that would be to make a wooden floor similar to what you would build for a wooden ice shanty that has skis and hole cutouts and a setup for towing it on the ice. make it so that you can put on and attach the popup tent. This would allow you to easily move your ice shanty while leaving it setup and gear inside of it, if you needed/wanted to be on the move on colder days to locate and catch the fish.
It also would be nice for keeping your feet off the cold ice which can sometimes put a real chill into your feet (i find my feet can get pretty darn cold even when you have the heater going hard some days). I have on occasion used the floor mat from my truck under my feet to give a layer of seperation/insulation and help try to keep your feet warmer. I have also considered bringing out a little outside floor mat for this purpose but if i did actually build a wooden floor for my popup this would take care of the cold feet significantly better. Sadly my preferred boots that i own to wear ice fishing (kamik insulated rubber boots, the price was right for these and since they are not steel or composite safety toe i had to buy them myself as opposed to work covering the cost) which are not my overall warmest boots do eventually let my feet get cold. even with an additional insulated sole pad and wearing bama sokkets and merino wool socks.
I have a really intense pair of work (composite safety toe) winter boots which were paid for by work that i have worked outside while wearing for many 12-14 hour days where the temperature has often been as low or lower than -30C and they keep my feet pretty darn warm for at least the first 8 to 10 hours before the cold eventually penetrates into them. These boots however are large, cumbersome and can be a real pain in the ass if you have to walk on in deep snow. After doing a few walk out trips in them when there was deep snow, dragging a heavy sled i have decided that even though they are very warm the negatives often outweigh the positives.
At any rate i figure you could make the floor base for the popup shack in a two pieces and transport in the back of the truck and quickly assemble once you arrive at the lake. It would sure make changing spots on real cold days much less undesirable or daunting to just be able to tow around the popup like you can with a permy shack. My buddy built a shack last year that it completely modular and consists of 4 individual wall pieces, 2 floor and 2 roof pieces. It can be hauled out to the lake on a wide variety of trailer options when it is disassembled and we have even brought it out in truck box(es) before (i cant remember for sure if it was 2 trucks that time or one but i believe we did it with two...).
I imagine having the hard floor would also be helpful for using a woodstove inside the popup, i however would be more careful in regards to towing the setup with a woodstove. Likely would be best to still disassemble at least the stove pipe if towing on a windy day or over rougher ice surfaces.
I also like the idea of being able to use the popup shack with the woodstove as a winter tent. My buddy has a winter tenk (atuk kanguk old 2 man version http://www.atuktents.com/en_kanguk.php ) which we use as often as we can. Can't beat waking up right next to the lake and not having to pay for a rental cabin and cutting out the long drive to our preferred fishing locations up in the north for a few of the extra days on the trip. Going fishing 3 to 4 hours away from home and being able to spend multiple days/nights there and break up the driving over a few days as opposed to rushing it all in one really long day (or god forbid if you want to fish more than one day in a row but having to rent a cabin or do a major drive each day makes it way less realistic to do often.
FYI - in regards to winter tenting... for highly portable setups id reccomend Atuk (made in canada by a dude from quebec and the guy will customize it however you want if you wanna work with him for your specific needs, or you can just get the standard versions of the variety of models he offers too). My buddies 2 man kanguk packs up to roughly the size of a medium size backpack in a drysack bag. My buddy went with a 18 inch deep woodstove that is ultra lightweight that he spent around $200 for from basspro. With this setup you can easily solo hike into wherever you want. in regards to the wood stove size for going with a more portable and lightweight winter tent option, id reccomend a minimum depth of 18 inches vs the 12 inch depths for example. Cutting your wood to fit in the 12 inch stove would become a real pain in the ass really quick (we do our cutting by hand so not having to cut each piece of wood <12 inches is really nice and a lot less of a headache lol). This woodstove would also be suitable to heat a larger tent easily, no doubts it could easily handle the new version of the kanguk 5 man. it can be intense hot in the 2 man sometimes lol.
http://www.basspro.com/KniCo-Packer-Wood-Camp-Stove/product/13082007264115/
(https://basspro.scene7.com/is/image/BassPro/2054873_13082007264115?$Prod_Thumbnail$)
My buddy also made a special sled with super low friction material thats like puck board but i think its a significant amount less friction that puck board, i forget the material type but it cost a noticable amount more than puckboard would have, however the result is significantly better in regards to pulling heavier loads with less drag. He has a bunch of paracord weaved along the side (where you see the wooden pieces on the picture, there is paracord run along the sides of the seld and criss crossing over at points to allow for many points to strap things on to the sled. His is similar to this picture but nicer and more customized.
(http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p142/scott_killarney/Toboggan/Toboggan2.jpg)
Another brand of tent if your looking for something portable and lightweight that is also highly reccomended is the snow trekker series. these come with a frame set and are rather nice, but cost a little bit more. for my buddies kanguk tent it works just like a teepee and we cut a centre pole from a tree onsite when setting it up. with that in mind its one less thing you have to carry/drag out with you.
https://www.snowtrekkertents.com/wintertents.html
Here are some pics of my buddies tent set up from one of our trips earlier this winter. Also sorry for the long post but i love winter tenting and thought some of you might be interested.
(http://i.imgur.com/b5SJWeX.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/eWuzNpW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/7wqgZGk.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/FTM4gUE.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/YKsJFQi.jpg)
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Yes all good tips and suggestion and comments grrrr and ranger. It's funny other people out there do it, but I have had a few people come up to me and tell me how brace or crazy I am having a wood stove in a fabric tent.... I jus told em natives have been putting them in tipis there I tire life with no issue... and I've tryd mine a few times with no issue. As far as the cold feet go I also have to squares about 2' by 2' of 3/4" plywood wrapped in old carpet glued and stapled on the side for our feet... and turns out they work great for kneeling on when u running around hole hoping or even to keep my electronics off the ice too. Shoulda showed them in the picture. Thanks for the tips and chatting..
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Hit the strap up from 9am till 11am fished two lines, with two different hooks. Caught everything one one hook(same as my last outing, same hook)tiny jigs and nothin on the other. Hit about 12 perch and one walleye. Lost quit a few perch and a walleye rite at the ice too. cooked a few perch up. Took the littlest of my kids out and she had a blast.. fish are Def more active than the last month. South half of lake again.. plenty of ice and enough snow it's not slippery as of now to...
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Fished the back bay area across from Shields today. As Pollock mentioned, fish are way more active then last month. The morning produced 30 perch and 3 small walleye. Didn't fish much in the afternoon. Should be good fishing until the end of March now.
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Fished the back bay area across from Shields today. As Pollock mentioned, fish are way more active then last month. The morning produced 30 perch and 3 small walleye. Didn't fish much in the afternoon. Should be good fishing until the end of March now.
Any tips as to depth? Looking to take my wife out saturday one more time before the baby arrives! Not looking for spots i'll drill around but curious as to what depths the fish would be in. We had luck in 12-14 feet earlier this year. I know that bay is around that depth so i'm thinking i'm probably in the ball park anyway.
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Messaged ur in box jhunt8.
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The bite has seemed to pick up over most places on the lake n you will have better luck early am or evening last few hours.
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How's the bite been?
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Jhunt...........If you want Walleye you could try the 12 to 14 fow you had luck earlier in the year. We just target perch and always catch 3 or 4 Walleye a day fishing out a little further from the bay and South in 22 to 25 fow.
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Hey all, just stumbled on to this forum, looks good!
I had my first ice fishing experience a week and a half ago when a buddy took me to fish the flats at Tobin lake. Needless to say, I now own a full blown ice fishing set up!
Looking to take my my new gear out for a test run at Blackstrap tomorrow. I have fished there in the summer but only on the South end. My buddy said to try the north end. Any advice to get a beginner pointed in the right direction as far as location? Wouldn't mind being able to catch a few perch for lunch.
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Hey all, just stumbled on to this forum, looks good!
I had my first ice fishing experience a week and a half ago when a buddy took me to fish the flats at Tobin lake. Needless to say, I now own a full blown ice fishing set up!
Looking to take my my new gear out for a test run at Blackstrap tomorrow. I have fished there in the summer but only on the South end. My buddy said to try the north end. Any advice to get a beginner pointed in the right direction as far as location? Wouldn't mind being able to catch a few perch for lunch.
The north end is good because there is good access to drive on. The ice is good all over for driving. When you get there you will see the shacks. Anywhere amongst them (maybe not too close ;) is a good starting point). From there if you care to move straight down the lake the main basin. The perch are hanging out in anywhere from 22 FOW and below. I haven't been really lately but it sounds like the bite is picking up. I would start with a small spoon or jig tipped with a minnow head, or meal worms, or maggots. Good luck!
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Thanks Bucks. We are about 300 yards from the townsite on the west side. Figured it looked as good as any spot! So far 1 eleven inch perch and a small walleye. Maybe it will pick up thes afternoon. Wind sure is nasty!!
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Sent u a message overunder
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Thanks pollock. Can't post a pm to you. We will likely stick it out for a while and see what show up.
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Do you have a flasher overunder? It was critical today for perch. Small hook and minnow head as stated. If you have a flasher and you are seeing lookers, try doing odd stuff other than the regular jogging action. Won't say exactly what worked for me this morning but if I didn't see it for myself I may not believe it worked. It made the same sniffer on the flasher very aggressively bite the hook. Was gone by 11 again today with 5 perch over 10" and 3 small walleye that went back. 25' was where we found the perch and they were all caught within about 45 mins. You are right about the wind today, was a nasty morning out there.
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No flasher this yet, for sure next. Just did a measure with the line, 22 fow. We were running maggots and meal worms, just switched to minnow heads. Thanks for the advice!
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Won't say exactly what worked for me this morning but if I didn't see it for myself I may not believe it worked. It made the same sniffer on the flasher very aggressively bite the hook.
Ya big tease. ;D
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Is there a way on the lake at shields? I know I can get on at the north end launch but I wasnt sure about shields.
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the bite has picked up, usually does in march. anglers shouldn't have to many issues catching perch and even walleyes in the deep basin areas of this lake. soft bottom is what I look for. perch are roaming all over the basin parts of the lake. and will be feeding on the larvae, bloodworm's, and other crustaceans emerging from the mud bottoms from what I found over the years. as said in the other posts small jigs, spoons, tipped with a minnow head is what I've been using mostly all year and have good results. got out last night again finished up with a handful of tubs and a few walleyes. trying out a morning fish today. good luck everyone....
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Woke up this morning and it wasn't as windy as I thought it'd be. Fished for about 2.5 hours. One pike, one walleye, and one perch. Pike and perch will be on the table tonight. 20-28 feet of water. Perch were starting to get a little more active later in the morning but had to leave :)
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Fished by myself today. Started at 9:45 and caught 22 perch and 2 small walleye up to noon. Then from noon to 2 p.m. caught just a few. Then they started biting again after 2 to 4:30 when I packed it in. Ended up catching 45 perch and 4 walleye. Although the fish were caught 1/2 and 1/2 between morning and afternoon, there was more time spent fishing in the afternoon then the morning. So I guess the morning was the best. 1/2 of the fish hit pretty hard, the other 1/2 were just mouthing it (very light bite).
Back bay area across from the South end of Shields.
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Just curious on what the mortality rate would be on all the perch or walleyes people catch when they are pulled out of deeper water and released with their air/swim bladder filing their mouth. And if at all there is a concern.
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Rip, I think the more experienced fisherman knows when to keep a fish that has the air bladder up in his mouth. If brought up slowly....which is more fun anyways vs horsing them up, there shouldn't be a problem releasing most of the fish.
When I was in the outfitting industry,I sat on the fish advisory board with gov't official/biologists/etc for 5 years. When limits are determined on each body of water the mortality rate is figured in on fish released. We all know, that in the last 15 to 20 years the gov't has made a lot of changes to the limits, and have even closed down certain areas of lakes/rivers were there is no fishing at all, or no fishing allowed until end of May or in my case June 15th at Twin Falls on the Churchill River. The advisory board has helped the fishing come back strong on some lakes/rivers that were in bad shape. There are a lot of people that have cursed the gov't for some of the cut backs,closures,etc., but having a first hand working relationship with the board, changes had to be made.
So keeping 10 perch on the Strap and 25 perch on Last Mountain for example are fair assessments on what people can take home, and what die when released. I also sat on the hunting advisory board for a couple of years. Again, all the wildlife that get's killed by vehicles, trains, wolves, coyotes, poachers, hard winters, etc are all taken into account when the gov't arrives at the number of tags allowed in draws for each zone, etc. Most of us can remember when most of the Southern zones were allowed 2 whitetail tags. Cut backs had to be made, and the wildlife population is slowly coming back.
So with my experience, I would advise people not to worry to much about mortality rate (trust the gov't.....lol....hard to do sometimes I know). Just use common sense when reeling fish in and checking the bladder, bleeders, etc before releasing them. We all at some point have a perch that we have to end up keeping that doesn't go back down the hole, thus becoming a part of our limit vs becoming a mortality. I have never had a walleye or pike that stayed in the hole.
Enjoy the last 25 days of hard water fishing everyone.
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i suppose looking at it from that point of view its just going to happen. i personally have days where I'm not looking to be keeping fish and end up bringing some home because of that situation some cant even make it back down the hole. just play the percentages i guess and try to be more consciences of your catch and release methods.....thanks for the info C.R.
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If you are not planning on keeping any you should not fish deep.
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My solution to this problem is i dont catch small fish... Lol. Actually ive been same as rip i usually will end up just keeping those ones, its a shame keeping small fish like that but its the ethical thing to do, and i guess u end up with a small meal in the end anyways. But i do usually try to reel them in slow as possible for that specific reason.
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And real in real slow. Is the next biggest thing, who care if a few get off before u get them to the ice because of it.. expecially if u have no intentions on keeping any... rip is well aware of both these tips, he's been fishing longer than I've been around... lol.
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Your much better off to keep some smaller fish than the larger ones... not only are they better taste but for spawning especially.
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I don't think there is a concern with perch population. But I usually let the line loose for small tuggers to slip off, which would cut my catch numbers by half.
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Yeah toon, but sometimes them small tuggers turn into big buggers! 😝
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Hey does any one know what the snow situation is like on the lake right now after the wind and snow the last few days.
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Went for a drive today and the north end is good to go, and both boat launches in the park are snowed in with 2 or 3 feet of hard packed snow and would take a good 4x4 with some clearance so not to get hung up being hard packed. I know of a couple times the front end loader the park maintenance workers use have cleared a path onto the lake. But I don't think they do it all the time.although they might just so people can get their shacks off this weekend or the weekend after being they have to be off I believe ? . I'm sure by the weekend some trucks will plow there way on. Oh yeah looks like alot of hard packed drifting on the east side of the lake.
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Well, day after the storm and the pressure was sky high today. Two of us fished the back bay area again today from 11:30 to 3:30......30 perch and 1 small walleye. Like Rip mentioned............. ...no problem getting on the North end (both at the shore line, and the entrance road to the lake is clear) . Lot's of clear ice , the wind blew all of the new snow and old snow off, some hard packed drifts that you could drive through, but I drove around most of them (less bouncing).
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For anyone looking for a place to store their shack for the off season in a fenced compound, there is a small sign on a power pole coming out of the North end road. Fenced compound at Dundurn for $150 a season. I noticed the sign coming off the ice yesterday.
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Thnx for the info CH, I'll pass it on to my friend who has a shack out there
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Purchase one of these if you are fishing in deep water. Helps reduce mortality by getting the fish back down to the depth they were caught.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/ROKLEES-FISH-DESCENDER/1997977.uts
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went out last night from 5-730 south of the boat launches tried shallower 15 fow not much going on few decent marks showing up but just looking. then from about 645-730 they turned on, ended the night with 2 walleyes and 4 perch... perch and gold frostee spoon 1/8 oz with minnow head.
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Purchase one of these if you are fishing in deep water. Helps reduce mortality by getting the fish back down to the depth they were caught.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/ROKLEES-FISH-DESCENDER/1997977.uts
JUST BRING THE FISH UP SLOWLY AND BAROSTRESS IS GONE.....THEN EAT EM...HEHE
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JUST BRING THE FISH UP SLOWLY AND BAROSTRESS IS GONE.....THEN EAT EM...HEHE
Not quite that simple, for the most part the damage is done.
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Brrrrrrrr.....staying in the flip today. great day to kik back, set a flag,listen to some tunes watch the graph and wait em out.
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Keep us posted rip. I was out this morning and thought the pressure was going to drop a little quicker.
Lots of lookers but slow going. Will head back out for the evening or first thing in the morning.
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Well, bought some sonar yesterday. Set up near the bay on the East side to the south of shields. 22 fow and very little action.
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Agree with you on the pressure, late start this morning was fishing by 930. Lots of marks coming in but very tight lipped. Had a 4lb pike hang around for 5 min and finally decided to hit. Other than that slow. Even moved a couple times. Same results. Going out again tomorrow try to get out earlier, looks like the pressure is falling now try same area as there were some decent marks coming through.
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Yikes, very slow today, and I am blaming it on the high pressure also. Lot's of fish in the area, but they weren't interested.
The phone number for the fenced storage in Dundurn for $150 a season is 250 8155, in case anyone missed the sign and might be interested in storing their shack out there.
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got out again with saskbucks on early sunday morning set up in 25 fow out in front of the boat launches. both of us had lots of marks showing up some nicer ones but most were still not being very aggressive. we still managed to land some nice perch and a couple small walleyes. yesterday i was out for the evening 5-730 and did alot better on the bite they were definitely more aggressive. pressure was still falling from the day before. ended the evening with 6 perch and 5 walleyes that were caught and a few more missed or had got off. was a great breezy evening
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How is the access at the boat launches?
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Rip failed to mention that he put on a clinic that morning. I had trouble connecting with a couple bites. We had some good marks coming through. Definitely died down after 10:00 am. The pressure had fallen to 102.4. The launch by the hill was blown in a little but passable.
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Thanks for that info. Will likely give it a go tomorrow morning.
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For anyone looking for a place to store their shack for the off season in a fenced compound, there is a small sign on a power pole coming out of the North end road. Fenced compound at Dundurn for $150 a season. I noticed the sign coming off the ice yesterday.
This is probably a better option than parking it at the Northend for the thieves, vandals and firebugs?
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I think $150 for the season is a very reasonable price.
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This is probably a better option than parking it at the Northend for the thieves, vandals and firebugs?
Not only that but it looks like hell and some end up as garbage and an eye sore. Always thought if someone could build it and haul it out to the lake why cant they remove it instead of just dragging it up on land and dumping it there.
$150 is cheap.
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Went out last night for a couple hours after work as I won't be able to fish anywhere this weekend. We set up near the park and picked up a few nice perch and small walleye. The perch were hitting hard and the walleye needed some coaxing off the bottom.
Heading back up north next weekend and hoping there is still snow on the ground when we get up there.
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Fished the back bay area again today..........lot's of perch and one 2 lb keeper walleye.
All the perch were loaded with the red blood worms.
Rip, are the perch you are catching in front of the boat launch full of the blood worms?
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I was out in front of the boat launches today and yes, they were full of them. I ended up with 9 perch over 10" and one just over 12". I also put back two small walleye, nice to finally have some luck!
Noticed a car parked up on the boat launch and never paid much attention until about 1/2 hr later an older fellow and his dog come out for a walk to see what was going on. We were having a nice chat and then his dog decided my flasher was his and lifted his leg and give it a squirt! I don't the the old guy saw it so I didn't say anything, just finished washing the case, lol!
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that was the closest he could find to a fire hydrant lol
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Churchill - one of the two perch I kept from there yesterday had them. I usually don't fish there though. Typically fish just outside the bay north of the shacks. Do you ever fish inside the finger right in the bay? I've never drilled any holes in there but am always curious what the depth is in there. No worries if you don't want to share.
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Like you, we usually fish North or South of the bay in deeper water for perch and always catch 3 to 5 Walleye (like we did today). I have fished the trough that runs about 75 to 100 yards wide and runs back into the bay. It is about 20 fow and usually holds walleye along with some perch. You get to either side of the trough and it is 5 to 8 ft shallower. We know it is there and have only fished it a few times over the years.
There are lot's of people usually in that area that fish it heavy. So they will be more knowledgeable on the area then me. Maybe someone reading this can give you more info on this particular area.
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Thanks!
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Were are you heading up North Doggy????
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Going to fish a couple lakes along the west side of the National Park. Likely Nova and Tatham. Not too far up there but it'll be nice to get into the bush.
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Fished the back bay area again today..........Lot's of perch and one 2 lb keeper walleye.
All the perch were loaded with the red blood worms.
Rip, are the perch you are catching in front of the boat launch full of the blood worms?
yes they are feeding heavy on them now.
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I was out in front of the boat launches today and yes, they were full of them. I ended up with 9 perch over 10" and one just over 12". I also put back two small walleye, nice to finally have some luck!
Noticed a car parked up on the boat launch and never paid much attention until about 1/2 hr later an older fellow and his dog come out for a walk to see what was going on. We were having a nice chat and then his dog decided my flasher was his and lifted his leg and give it a squirt! I don't the the old guy saw it so I didn't say anything, just finished washing the case, lol!
the flasher was probably anything but a vexilar...right. It just wouldnt have happened if it was a vex. Go ahead and call vexilar ...they will tell you that too
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Lol, you are correct! It was my new Showdown, second time out! It sure works good, caught a few fish that were not in the depth zone that I would have been fishing the old fashioned way. It was also neat to watch how with different action, you could coax fish off the bottom. If I was just doing a slow jig just off the bottom, nothing. If I lifted the hood 5' and let it free fall, a few times I would get something to come off the bottom and have and have a look but not bite.
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My Marcum Showdown Troller survived half an hour of bath under 35 feet of water. Your case has pushed the durability challenge to a new height of using harsher chemicals.
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Yes, I like to be on the cutting edge of product research! Now, you must tell us the story of how your Troller end up in the deep and how you managed to retrieve it...
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It must have been a fish. You know, a showdown is mosquito light. Then I realized I just lost it. But I had the camera. I thought it would be easy since I've caught plenty of dead weeds before. Well it's nothing but. A 3/4 oz PK flutter fish spoon with treble was lowered. I just couldn't get the flutter right. And it stirred up the mud and blocked the view. I hooked it but lost it during the first twenty minutes. Then I resorted to just jigs without camera. Finally I got a hookset. But I still have one more problem. My heaviest line is 6#. The thing feels like a fat burbot. When it finally got iced, it was still making electric flashes on the screen. I got it opened up, rinsed with filtered water, dried at the vent , and it worked again the next day. But the moisture trapped in the scene would last until the next season.
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I haven't had a chance to get out in the last couple of weeks. I am wondering if people are still able to drive on at the north end and boat launches?
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I was out Wednesday and was able to drive on at the South boat launch. It was a bit slushy when I left at 6:00 pm. Not sure how it would be now with the warmer weather.
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going fishing this afternoon/evening will post how sloppy its getting tonight after a day of melting for those who cant make it out til the weekend. out from the boat launches only...ah +11 for tomorrow with 35 click south wind....... maybe i will scratch the report. lol
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I was on the north end yesterday and Wednesday. Lots of water on Wednesday at the access. Yesterday was better. Was cooler last night but +11 tomorrow. For me I will probably be walking next time out.
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Well gave the strap one last go day. Drove on(there was about 6-8 other truck on too)but the shore line at the boat launches is getting mushy... prob another day of driveable and then walk on for a few days in my option, for anyone who curious... windy as all hell but managed about 10 perch and lost about 6. One being a 13" hog... lots of 11"... and caught four walleyes as well. Kept one eye about 15" and 4 perch for a fish fry.... couldn't of ended my season on a better note. Was in 23 for right infront of the boat launches. Had to drill about 10-12 holes to get what I did and probably caught at least one from each hole. Saw too many marks to caunt on flasher.
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Pollock, were you out in the morning or afternoon?
Three of us fished the morning South of the back bay on the North side and caught over 30, with about 12 of them been jumbos, and 4 small walleye.
Two of us went to the boat launch around 2 and fished about 100 yards South of the South launch and only fished for a hour. We caught 8 and one small walleye, 6 of the perch were jumbos. Tried right in front of the South launch for 20 minutes on the way out around 3:30,not a bite.
The North boat launch entrance was really good............the South boat launch had some water/slush. The North entrance has a little water but still good. It is still going to be freezing pretty good at night in a couple of days. I think it will be good to drive on for another week anyway.
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I was out by the south launch at 3:00 till 7:30... never caught nothin till 5... where u the two fine gents that came to assist me with my tent in that wind storm by any chance? If so thank u.... missed a ton shoulda had more. nice way to finish up minus the wind...
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I've never seen so many marks so high Off the ground either... I've always fish that 22' and usually catch within a foot of the ground.... in 22' I seemed to catch a bunch at 16-18' range instead of the 20-22' instead of coming off the ground for my hook they were moving down from 16' to my hook in the 18' area.
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Yes, we are the ones that helped you set up. I heard they bite a little later in that area, but we had to head back to the city. Might try that area early in the morning Wed or Thurs.
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So I met the legend(Churchill) and didn't even know it... thanks for checkin in on me any ways and making sure I was ok. Always nice to see. And I fish the launch lots. From8 am till noon they bite.... or 5 till dark. Mid day is a waste of time there. Good luck, nice spot when it's time to walk on that's for sure.
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Legend Churchill...........Po llock, you were talking about Winston Churchill I hope ;)
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yes its walk on for me also, will be trying to get out that last few hours in the evenings til the 31st.now that the days are longer. i agree with pollock fish... out in front of the launches is good place easy walk on access. and the perch and walleyes are around. and out from the park entrance to is good. (out in the middle of the lake).
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How did it go today? With the cooler temps, is all the surface water frozen up? Thinking about heading out in front of the boat launches again tomorrow.
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was surprised, it was still pretty solid for driving last night no surface water with the cooler temps. its been a weird year weather wise for ice fishing. and fish behavior. was out from 4-630 landed a bunch of perch and 3 or 4 eyes.
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Went out South of the boat launch today and did ok. Drove on no problems. Bite was good until about 1:30 and then nothing. I ended up leaving about 4:00. Ice was a little soft when I left using the South launch, broke through the crusty top layer about 10' from shore.
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Fished all day in front of the boat launches and a little to the South (couple of spots). The morning was great up until about 2:30. After that it was very slow until I left at 6:45................no evening bite tonight, unless it was after 6:45.
Does everyone know about the fish derby on Sunday? It is put on by Big Murs Tavern in Dundurn. You can phone 306 281 5248 for info. It is $40 to enter, you drill your own 2 holes anywhere on the South end. It starts at the boat launches. It's from 1 to 5 with total weight taking the $1,000 prize. There will be some door prizes also.
I think I will support it and go out.
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C.R. beat me to it i was going to post the info this morning thanks C.R. i know its short notice but its supporting our local Establishments. and who knows it may grow into a great tournament every year.
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There you go, Rip and I challenge all you other fisherpersons to come out Sunday :)
Someone PM'd me and asked how great yesterday morning was. When I told him, he said I should post it on here. Well the bite was on and I caught close to 450................... ...................... ...................... ...........in total inches................ .had you there for a minute, didn't I ;)
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Well if u caught 450 inches total in perch that's still a pretty dam good day haha
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The 7 walleye helped bring up the inch count.............kept one 2 lber, the other small ones went back.
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Anyone drive on and off of the North end today? Wondering about tomorrow. Thanks
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We walked on at north end/dam at 8am this morning. No bites. Moved and drove on and went to pumphouse at shields @ 11am and caught 2 walleye, 1 pike. 8 feet of water. Jigging spoon, no bait. Left at 2pm. One of the walleye i caught was 7.6lbs. My largest ice walleye ever caught, and overall second largest walleye ever caught.
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Nice walleye Dooman!! Anyone know if they have minnows on the shelf at dundurn gas station?? Don't feel like leaving the house today to get some.
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Can a guy still drive on from the north end ? Thanks
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for me last ice is the same as first ice you shouldn't take anyone's word on ice conditions if your driving a truck... use your own discretion.
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Thanks 👍
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6 hours in front of the boat launch and South of there. Kept 10 perch that were all 11 to 12 1/2 inches. But it was slow, not your typical late March fishing, other then size wise. Going to finish the season with 2 or 3 more days on the North end.
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fished from 5-8 last night south of causeway bite was slow also the first hour lots of marks. started off with a small spoon and minnow head.in the end kept some nice perch and even a nice walleye on a different set up. was a great evening looking forward to the rest of the week.
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one last go of it. i always try and make it out somewhere on the last day of the hard water season. ice is going fast but still good for walking. perch and walleyes are still biting great time to be out. its been a good season little off on the bigger variety of the walleyes this year for me anyway....everyone have a great summer/fall.. good luck..see you in November.
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Went out this morning for the last day, saw two cow moose on the way to the Strap. Great day with no wind and moderate Sun. fished from 7:35 to 11:15 with only one bite and one walleye. Fished the North end, only 3 other people there in the morning. Its a little tricky walking on as the melt along the shore is happening quick. Quite slow otherwise, the one fellow next to me missed a jack on a tip up and the guys on my other side caught one perch while I was there.
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It was a nice day on the ice, despite the skunk. I was the guy beside you who missed the tipup. I had one more flag right before leaving at 3pm, which was just a hit and run. The ice was ok for walking on, but the shoreline quickly deteriorated after the sun started to shine at noon. Thanks to the guys who brought the pallets out and put them on shore, I'm sure I'd have had some cold wet feet getting off the ice otherwise.
I'm sure the evening bite would have picked up a bit, but that was an unusually slow day for the season close.
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Is the ice still on the strap? Would like to know when open.
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Drove by two days ago and it was still half ice...
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Thanx Pollock would appreciate a heads up when it is free of ice so we can do our water load training with the air tankers.
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Tee Tot, Blackstrap is open completely south of the causeway to the south end. Not sure about north but looks to be free to Shields. Have fun!!