When you get to Clear Lake take exit 193 on I-35. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp, when you get to the second stop sign turn left onto South Shore Drive and just keep following the lake around to the south side. When you get to Bayside Ave. turn right and it will take you to the island.
Frank, I'm not going to make it until Sat. now, I forgot I have a chiropractor app. tomorrow and need to go, screwed up left shoulder, so I'm going Sat. since my wife is working!!!
Ed
Good luck Kraig, maybe I'll see you before I leave.
Ed
Limited out again tonight thats 3 nights in a row. Had to clean my buddys limit too because he was to hammered to weild a knife :-\. If you see one oddly placed shack out there thats me. :laugh:Save some of those fish for the rest of us lol
We were between the point west of the island and farmers. This was my first trip there on the ice and I need to go there more. We started just east of the island and only had one guy catch a keeper walleye, 21". It was a blast and those yellows really put up a fight. I don't know how many I lost at the bottom of the hole trying to get them turned up it.
Ed
Limited out again tonight thats 3 nights in a row. Had to clean my buddys limit too because he was to hammered to weild a knife :-\. If you see one oddly placed shack out there thats me. :laugh:
??? May be a dumb ? What does a yellow look like? Can anyone post a pic?
??? May be a dumb ? What does a yellow look like? Can anyone post a pic?
Thanks Icey Tom. Kinda shaped like a crappie. Do they eat as good as a crappie?
Thanks Icey Tom. Kinda shaped like a crappie. Do they eat as good as a crappie?Just as good I'd say....
??? May be a dumb ? What does a yellow look like? Can anyone post a pic?
Shawn,
Just wondering if the water in the bottle is froooozen ;D
Hiya Frank! ;D
No Kemosabee, Firewater not freeze. Keep coldfisherman warm! :icefish:
Hope to see ya out there
Peace Man!
CESAR
hey Cesar. So that's whats happen to all the fish I been lookin for. Nice to see somebody catchin em. I caught 3 13" and one yellow last night. Next time I get over I'll look for the green shack. I'm not real sure where bayside is though.. tight lines Tom
I am out about where you are, off bayside. Ive been staying out there the last few nights, and picking up lots of small walleyes through out the night and a few yellows. I think its a little to cold to stay out tonight but i will be back out tomorrow. Good luck.
Can you still get out on the lake after the snow and wind?
i plowed out the west side of the island, where the ritz used to be.
any chance a guy could get a 3000 lb wheel house out on the lake? I went to Mille Lacs last weekend and the fishing was way slow Don't want to drive 6 hours for that again. It would be great if we could out a little closer to home.
FD
Well i said the hell with fishing here for the weekend. I think i got about 15 to 18 guys to go up to winnie this weekend. You guys dont catch them all while im gone.
Yep the lake is getting the Holy Hell beat out of it this year. Hopefully she can sustain it. :-\
Hopefully theres still some walleyes left come spring in that pond! :-\
Where is the best spot to drive onto the ice with my 1/2 ton truck? Also, is there a map anywhere outlining where the aerators and trouble spots may be? Thanks a ton...
Where is the best spot to drive onto the ice with my 1/2 ton truck? Also, is there a map anywhere outlining where the aerators and trouble spots may be? Thanks a ton...
Where is the best spot to drive onto the ice with my 1/2 ton truck? Also, is there a map anywhere outlining where the aerators and trouble spots may be? Thanks a ton...
What's the specifications for keeping fish on Clear lake? Specifically, walleye... We're taking the first trip to the lake on sat nite/ sun. Is there a hotel close by? I here everyone talking about those yellows.. never seen one before or ate one. are they good eating?
KrappieSlayer - take a look at page 10 of this posting and look at the picture that CrappieBuster posted there... there are several yellow bass in that picture. That will show you what they look like and yes they are good eats too... some people I know prefer them to the walleye... but as for myself I am still a walleye guy. Yeah there are lot's of hotels just west of interstate 35 on highway 122 (old highway 18). Plus if you want there are plenty of hotels in Mason City which is about 8 miles east of Clear Lake on the same highway 122. Plus plenty of resturants in Mason City too.Actually Highway 122 ends at I-35 and Highway 18 begins.
How about any live music in the area? haha gotta have a well rounded trip ya know.
What he said!!!
Hopefully you can fit them thru the door. :o Note to self enlarge shanty door for next year! :tipup:
Theres gonna be a road out from south bay after today I think we're gonna go over and open her up. Other than that I dont think we'd be able to make it out to the shack after these super windy/snowy days. I'd imagine theres some naughty drifts over there. We'll see :laugh:
Had my limit by 6 didnt even get to see the eclipse...... :laugh:
Yep theres a good plowed road out from south bay ramp. Just park off to one side of the road so others can get by.
CB AND I HAD 16 TO 20 TONS OF WIEGHT ON THE ICE TONIGHT ;D SHE HELD IN THERE GOOD :laugh: 8 FULL SIZES, 3 ICE HOUSES, ANS 10 GUYS :tipup:
Yep theres a good plowed road out from south bay ramp. Just park off to one side of the road so others can get by.
THERE IS ALSO A TOLL FEE FOR USING THE ROAD! PLEASE PAY THE TRAILER AT THE END OF THE ROAD... A BEER OR DRINK WILL DO 8)
Glad to hear ya got her off in "one" piece :laugh:
Once all this snow melts and refreezes we'll be good to get back out there for all-nighters.
Havent made her out yet. Dunno if ill make her out tonight either. Gonna be looking at an ice castle to purchase perhaps. So we'll see. :-\
What's an ice-castle? Never heard of that here in Indiana! C-ya, Crappie Rob.
What part of the lakeb did you fish? We are headed up tomorrow afternoon, The last few times I was up there I didn't pick up a fish till after 6, I've had the best luck on tip ups......
Just got back from Clear lake. The fishing was lousey for us! We fished N.E of the island from 4:30 til dark and we only caught one little walleye, drilled about 25 holes and tried to stay on the move??? No yellows. At dark we moved to the north side of the lake to try for some eyes and only managed one more small one. Fished til 9:15 and packed up for home.
Just got back from Clear lake. The fishing was lousey for us! We fished N.E of the island from 4:30 til dark and we only caught one little walleye, drilled about 25 holes and tried to stay on the move??? No yellows. At dark we moved to the north side of the lake to try for some eyes and only managed one more small one. Fished til 9:15 and packed up for home.
You guys think the ice will holdout for Saturday?Without any first hand knowledge, I would say yes at Clear Lake. There was 30 inches last week, and it hasnt been real warm today or for the rest of this week. Im going to try to make a trip this week, Ill let you know if I get there.
--Whitey
For some reason my last post with the quote didn't go through. I have found out it's best to find a spot and wait them out instead of moving around for the yellows. They move around in schools and with anytime you go you either hit or miss the bite as I have found out many times also on Clear Lake.
where are the dangerous spots to drive on the lake and where exactly are the aerators? (I dont know how to spell aerator)
Frank if we happen to meet on the ice at Clear Lake you are welcome to use my gas auger.
The water clarity the past few days has been terrible. Usually this time of year its way clearer. Also the lake level is way down. I caught one 20 incher tonight but I wasnt marking many and I was in a prime spot ???. Gonna maybe try and make it out on the main lake tommorow morning.
Yeh the extended forecast is looking terrible for ice making. Gonna be till after christmas for drive out. Glad I got a 4 wheeler this year. :laugh:
I concour with bullgill on that one. How long do lcds last? The lowrance in my boat lasted around 5 yrs then just one day the screen came on all jacked up and they wanted 200 bucks to fix it! Lcds do have their place in certain applications. But ive seen 15+ yr old vexilars still going at it all dinged and knicked up and working in -20 degree temps. Heck I dropped my FL18 off the tailgate onto concrete and that barely phased her. Another thing is too flashers are INSTANT. We could argue this all day long but to me lcd finders for ice fishing are just very very expensive paperweights.
How about 4 wheelers this weekend C.B.?isnt the rule 4 or 5 inches of black ice per ton? im not sure, something like that.
With the talk of vex's a buddy told me today Polk City Bait and Tackle had fl-18 for 335. Might call 1st 515-984-6711 hope the info was correct.
How bad did this storm mess things up?
--Whitey
i was watching in your backyard iowa the other day and rob was using a marcum or vex on top of the ice without drilling a hole. he cleared the snow from a spot on the ice, put a little water down, and set the transducer on the wet spot. any one done this?
i was watching in your backyard iowa the other day and rob was using a marcum or vex on top of the ice without drilling a hole. he cleared the snow from a spot on the ice, put a little water down, and set the transducer on the wet spot. any one done this?every time i go dont drill less i want to fish there find depth fish and cover first
As long as the ice isnt milky it works well.
Hey I have never fished clear before, thinking about coming up on the 20th. Where are the good spots for the eyes, and how do I get there. Also gonna be walking, is there good spots within walking distance. Thanks for the info.Your best bet is to stop at the Crazy Minnow in Clear lake, he has maps and he will show you exactly where to go to find the eyes. Just Google Crazy Minnow Clear Lake, Iowa
Hey I have never fished clear before, thinking about coming up on the 20th. Where are the good spots for the eyes, and how do I get there. Also gonna be walking, is there good spots within walking distance. Thanks for the info.Google has the wrong address for the Crazy Minnow, it's: 504 Highway 18 West Clear lake, Iowa
If the shantys a rockin dont come a knockin. :laugh:Amen to that! :D
Hey all you Ice finatics of nothern IA!There's a group of us going on Jan. 24-25 that are staying here.
Glad to see the season is being good to you all.
I am hoping to make a voyage up to the great Clear lake the weekend after christmas and was hoping that someone might be able to suggest some lodging that is close and hopefully cheap ??? If there is a super 8 or motel 6 nearby cuz we would like to make a weekend out of it. Any suggustions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Cris ;D
Hey all you Ice finatics of nothern IA!
Glad to see the season is being good to you all.
I am hoping to make a voyage up to the great Clear lake the weekend after christmas and was hoping that someone might be able to suggest some lodging that is close and hopefully cheap ??? If there is a super 8 or motel 6 nearby cuz we would like to make a weekend out of it. Any suggustions would be appreciated.
There is A Super 8 just off exit 193 on I-35 in Clear Lake.
Hey all you Ice finatics of nothern IA!
Glad to see the season is being good to you all.
I am hoping to make a voyage up to the great Clear lake the weekend after christmas and was hoping that someone might be able to suggest some lodging that is close and hopefully cheap ??? If there is a super 8 or motel 6 nearby cuz we would like to make a weekend out of it. Any suggustions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Cris ;D
Whats the ice thickness on the lake? Thinking of coming up there Friday or Saturday and was woundering if it would be safe to drive my Ford F150 on the ice.
Can a guy still drive out from Famers Beach with the melting or is it too slushy?
Thanks
whip2
This as to be the longest running thread in the Iowa fourm. Wish there was a lake over this way with a following like you guy's have over there at Clear Lake,no, you dont. not if you want there to be any fish left in that lake.
I fished by the west aerator until after dark yesterday and could only manage 1 dink walleye and 1 yellow. The DNR estimated that 12,000 eyes were harvested last year.I believe that is the DNR's estimate of eyes harvested but I also believe that they have WAY underestimated that quantity... just my opinion...
Are the yellow bass worth eating or just fun catching. Have drained a couple of lakes down around creston and other places because they had to many yellow's in their. Was wondering why they are such a popular fish around that area.
Pulled our shack off today. the ice has gone to he//. Reflections off of houses on N. shore has opened up some huge holes. We used the quad today to pull the shack off. Not enough sack to take the truck out.
Last night the water from on top of the ice was running in our holes so fast they looked like a toilet flushing. The holes were 5" across last night and 16" across today. Perm shacks have made a mass exedous.
Be careful out there everybody.
CESAR
There is water on the top of the ice. We were walking in 1 to 3 inches of it.
CESAR
So are you thinking the fishing is over at Clear Lake, or just the driving out?
There is water on the top of the ice. We were walking in 1 to 3 inches of it.Your right Cesar there is water on top of the ice. I must have had a brain fart when I put "no" in my sentence.
CESAR
Your right Cesar there is water on top of the ice. I must have had a brain fart when I put "no" in my sentence.
I don't think the fishing is over but I won't be driving out unless we get some cold soon.
Time to break out the portables I reckon. Be careful out there.
CESAR
Big Blue
Good question, I'd like to know that as well.
----
My questions are....
Can you get on from the shorelines/landings? (By foot is fine).
I was contemplating a trip there this weekend - expand my horizons - and maybe even catch a fish or two.
I know there is a bait shop in Clear Lake - can anyone provide the name/address/phone number?
Thanks much
UG
Big Blue
Good question, I'd like to know that as well.
----
My questions are....
Can you get on from the shorelines/landings? (By foot is fine).
I was contemplating a trip there this weekend - expand my horizons - and maybe even catch a fish or two.
I know there is a bait shop in Clear Lake - can anyone provide the name/address/phone number?
Thanks much
UG
Walleye fishing was terrible this spring and summer I think theyre all caught outta there. Gonna have to settle for them d amn yellows. >:(
Good report Big Blue. Perch? No bullheads can't be a good thing, Lost Island is full of them. Fat Walleyes instead of the "Cigars Cigarettes"
crappy buster you are right hope we get to have a beer this year also i dont know about the girls you all bring in but fun time any ways keep your hook wet lol
Headin over there in a few to see if it blew off or slushed up and froze into white ice.
Arctic armor check......
Ice spikes check.........
Wild turkey check........
Yup im ready!
HI everybody,
The 2 boys and I fished the little lake all weekend. Sat night we had 6 yellows and 6 small eyes in 11'. Sun. morning was A BUST 5 dinks. Now the fun fish story Sunday Night my older boy caught a 9 to 9.5 pounder walleye!!!!! Now, the SAD DAD story I took the picture before releasing Her but forgot to save the or hit the delete button. I felt terrible, but he was really cool about. Oh 1 yellow and 15 small eyes.
HI everybody,
The 2 boys and I fished the little lake all weekend. Sat night we had 6 yellows and 6 small eyes in 11'. Sun. morning was A BUST 5 dinks. Now the fun fish story Sunday Night my older boy caught a 9 to 9.5 pounder walleye!!!!! Now, the SAD DAD story I took the picture before releasing Her but forgot to save the or hit the delete button. I felt terrible, but he was really cool about. Oh 1 yellow and 15 small eyes.
Here's a link you can copy and paste in your browser. It's the new map of Little Lake. They dredged some deep holes. Should be some good fishing this winter.what do you think go to go or what ??
http://www.iowadnr.gov/fish/fishing/lakes/maps/cle17little.pdf
what do you think go to go or what ??Yeah I would go. Try out them new holes in little. The lake is good for yellows at sunrise and sunset.
Thats my dads post but im the 15 year old boy who caught that walleye and its true there bud! My dad deleted the picture on my phone on accident but its alright it couldve happened to anyone.....i was thinking the walleye was about 10 pounds tho!i hope you all had fun and i know how it goes with the pics thats what i use two of them just in case but i am noy here for saying i got the big one i just like to fish like ever one eles keep your hook wet is all i can say
Yep yesterday was way way slow musta been the constant buzz of the power augers. And generators.
Hello!go up i 35 exit clear lake take 18 west to ventura. you will hit one stop light on 18 go south at stop light. you will be heading south go to the stop sign take a left. go down the hill and the little lake is on the south side of the road
New here and glad I found the site. Im planning to make a very early trip up to Clear Lake tomorrow and a curious about this Little Lake. Is it possible I could get directions from anyone as to how to get there from Des Moines? I'd love to get some quality fishing in.
Mike
go up i 35 exit clear lake take 18 west to ventura. you will hit one stop light on 18 go south at stop light. you will be heading south go to the stop sign take a left. go down the hill and the little lake is on the south side of the roadOnce you get to the stop sign in Ventura and turn east you can also keep following the road to Mcintosh State park, it's about a mile after you turn. Here is a map of the Little Lake. Mcintosh is the boat ramp on the east side of the lake. There is plenty of parking there and you can walk out to where most of the guys are fishing.
I was trying to figure out who had the music jacked up Wednesday night as they we're working to pull off with disregard for everyone around. Lack of ice etiquette really for the civilized folk. Going out and blaring the stereo just contaminates/pollutes the experience for everyone. Wouldn't of been a such a bad thing had it not been so blatant. For those who come from out of the area - who make a trip of it - its just plain impolite. Had it gone on for much longer I may have had to of called a couple of old college wrestling buddies from the area to seek counsel on the spectacle.
Ok now that Christmas is over... Buster you gotta be kidding me! The way individuals are stacked up in there off that dock - you want to talk about a 50 ft rule. LMFAO! Man you best be breaking out ur' citation book and be issuing a few. The conditions on Wednesday (wind) warranted the less fortunate individuals in their "portables" to seek a little wind break but who cares about those of lesser stature in their "portables" - right buster. ;) Let me tell you this is IOWA - you may want to consider taking you're family truckster/camper/X-over 30 miles North (dont forget ur buckets) so that you're protected by the one on the books? Bottom line there were several tents/bystanders with in ear shoot of that crappy Raggae music you we're playing - outside of you're so called personal zone that you're trying to enforce who we're effected by the antics. It might be hard for ya buster but how bout cutting the little guys a break... theres plenty of those yellows to be caught a couple of times a day for any one who goes out there and tries their luck. In the end how bout displaying a little consideration by keeping ur' music turned down to a personal level...
just cause you don't like raggae music, doesnt make it crappy, I'm not saying, I'm just saying, and wrestling buddies? wow, are we in fifth grade!!!! LOL!
Are the yellows biting during the day at all or is it just a early and late thing?
Thanks for the info Mike. Are they driving Full Size pickups out or just smaller vehicles?
Caught 30 Yellows in about 15 minutes as fast as I could bring them up the hole. Just need to find them.
The vanilla gorilla and I knocked them dead tonight. We hauled them up for over an hour straight. We had 12 over 11" too. No walleyes though. I'll try to post pictures later.ganna be there fishin tomarrow what are they biting on and where are they biting would take gps coordinates if anyone has them im from algona and dont get there much but would like a starting point thanks.
You're right, when they come, they come. We had two poles out each initially and we had all we could do to keep bait on the hook of one pole. By the time the lure hit the bottom, you had another yellow. Its nice to see the Marcum lit up like a christmas tree!!
The vanilla gorilla and I knocked them dead tonight. We hauled them up for over an hour straight. We had 12 over 11" too. No walleyes though. I'll try to post pictures later.
REALLY ??? Hmmmm... Where where ya all set up. Big or little lake? What depth
keeper walleyes outdoor master?
keeper walleyes outdoor master?
how many permanent ice houses are on clear lake? has anyone been fishin up by farmers?
worst nite out there so far! 0 fish :( tryed a spot a ways away from the billion people....marked a few fish no takers! be out on the lake the next couple days!
30ish or so. We saw some shacks out there, but if they are still out there i guess they are having some luck and not telling anyone yet.are they around farmers bay?
are they around farmers bay?
couldn't tell at the time, just saw activity. i'm sure there are by now
im thinkin bout moving my shack out ther soon here. first spot im goona put it is at farmers then go from there.this coldfront sucks hope it breaks soon. was over that way tonight and wanted to go out and try it but was dark out and not familiar enough with the lake and didnt want to be where everyone else was. just bought a new lazer mag today and really wanted to try it out. seen somehouses out around the lake. might head that way sat or sun hopefully things pickup.
Was thinking about heading up this weekend. Can 4 wheelers get around on the lake? I am south of ft dodge and don't want to drag it up if it won't do me any good.I was down a couple days ago and everyone was driving trucks out. Ended up with 10 yellows and 6 little eyes.
what depth are most guys catchin fish at? by farmers bay?We were on clearlake Sat. evening and were in the crappies. No yellows doz. walleyes, to small to keep and caught 4 crappies 2 that were 13 " BIG slab crappies. What a suprise, thought we would be in the yellows, but guess not these HUGE crappies came in instead. What a treat to see these monsters instead of the typical yellows. Might post pic. if can do so.
:tipup:
fished the east side of the lake tonite! 23 yellows 12ft of water.....guess there is fish all over the lake and not just in the little lake! gonna fish during the day 2moro and see what i can do on the east side again!u buy the sea wall area if u dont mind me askin
Is anyone having anyluck after dark? ??? I work all day and would like to get into a few at night. Any info would be greatI have not had to much luck after 6, but I think it all depends on where you are. Most of the bites come between 3 and 5pm. for me. In the past years we have caught fish as late as 11- 12pm. Every day is different and this year is just that very different. Good luck
drill many holes and when you find fish you will catch them. try 8ft - 10ft. use GLOW jigs. around the open water holes have always been good after dark. Down Town!
I have not had to much luck after 6, but I think it all depends on where you are. Most of the bites come between 3 and 5pm. for me. In the past years we have caught fish as late as 11- 12pm. Every day is different and this year is just that very different. Good luck
was out yesterday from 1pm-6pm and it flat out sucked. i marked two fish and caught one yellow i dont know what the deal is but it has been dead lately
Good one, Krappieslayer. Don't know if thats possible with that species.
How many people actually go out to target and enjoy catching yellows? Apparently, it must be popular.The answer to that question should be none. However its catching on now since the walleyes went extinct in that lake.
How many people actually go out to target and enjoy catching yellows? Apparently, it must be popular.
we got 62 sunday.
silver is a hit and miss. if you fish for pike you will have fun.Thanks eye r they fishing by the jetty or the north side. What r the northerns biting on? Thanks for the info.
Lets make a trip up to spirit and see what happens.Ok walleye baiter when you wanna go r u pulln the permie of this weekend?
Has anybody been to Silver lake, elm lake, or rice lake lately. Wanna try to find some perch fairly close to home.Silver has all the baby perch you want right now. Nothing on rice.
lol~ Dead sea boys
Has anybody been to Silver lake, elm lake, or rice lake lately. Wanna try to find some perch fairly close to home.
roll them yellows in your favorite fish batter then dip that in egg and then roll them in potato flakes and fry them until the flakes are golden brown. let me know how you like them.thanks for tip i will let you know thanks
Well I do an my family does to. So I dont know where u are coming from with the whole who acturally likes catching yellows it is something to do and it is fun at the same time. There are plenty of yellows out there you just have to find the right spot! 8)
none of the above....
thats all i am catching is yellows..i wana pull some eyes thru the hole.....but im not catchin more then 8 yellows a night or less. i have heard guys catchin 40 to 80 yellows a night. i would love to kno how they are doin that....and wherewhere would you happen to be catchin yellows at i mean like the big lake little lake the island anything would help at this point
i am by dodges point. i am not to familiar with clear lake...i have my permie out there and just tryin to find a hotspot.hows dodges point for fishing
:tipup:
2 of us managed 43 yellows tonite. they continue to chew buckshots and heads. time to get out and get your share everybody. ;D ;D ;D
We need to get something going where we can petition the dnr into spilitting the removal date into 2 zones like minnsota. Feb 20th below highway 20 or 30 and maybe March 1st or 7th above. Most every year it gets like this. More than enough ice and not enough "legal" time.
Prolly gonna be a bit treacherous getting around on the lake beings we just got 10 inches of snow and 30mph winds. Anyone gotta report?
???Well IAEYE, which "Local" Bait shop would you be talking about?
Would like to make sure I go to the right place to buy the bait I would use to drive out on that road.
Thanks
whip2
Thanks Blue
Kind of what I thought but wasn't sure because there are a couple of other bait providers.
I wiil make sure I stop in & buy some bait & ask where to head to so I can get on the ice.
whip2
Staying in Mason City overnight Monday for work and will take the sled with me planning to hit clear lake, how is the walleye bite? anyone having any luck? I've heard this lake is better known for yellows..never fished here. Thanks.Go straight out from the ramp@ mcintosh angle towards the north shore, south of the dome house and house east of it. Set up in 20 - 22 fow. Crappies will come through @ 4-8 ft off the bottom.
Just seen on the news that ice houses North or Highway 20 have an extra week on the ice. Guess no petiton was needed after all. ;)keep catching !!!
Should be driving on the ice into march yet.
The plowed road is great, but everywhere else there is probably 6-12" of snow. No slush from what I saw. There were tracks from trucks off of the road, so if you have 4WD you should be ok to go off of the road. I think the park folks moved a lot of snow off of the ramps and off of the ice by the shore too.
Go straight out from the ramp@ mcintosh angle towards the north shore, south of the dome house and house east of it. Set up in 20 - 22 fow. Crappies will come through @ 4-8 ft off the bottom.
Does anyone know if the paths drifted in during the last snow? Or are they still good?
Does anyone know if the paths drifted in during the last snow? Or are they still good?Went out on lake through Macintosh this morn. trail was still good. Fished from 5:30 till 10. Caught one crappie, lost 2 others at hole. Many hits but bitting alittle light today. If the ice keeps building going to have to get extension for auger.
Im still lost on CL... i only catch 4 yellows at the most, buckshots and heads do nothing for me.. even hole jumping isnt cutting it.. Im on the big lake and want to finish the season with some good fishing... any tips?? :tipup: :o
To all fisherman. I along with other plow paths on the lake, and we dont get paid or ask anything of it. But an out of towner had the ball to chew me out last night because i drove to close to his shack. Well when your two feet off the path people will drive by. Needless to say they were driving two cars. With over four feet of snow this year and your making it out in a car you should be nothing but thanking people with plows. It really upsets me when i do a good thing for all fisherman and they they abuse it. I guess what i am getting at is i move the snow and i can move it right back. So i hope those two guys with there cars brought shovels last night because i blocked there little path off from the main path. No one will talk to me like that for helping all fisherman, so this message just goes to show you we dont have to help everyone. Obviously if we have a plow we have a big 4x4 behind it and dont need a path. Just think about that next time guys!
went to spirit lake yesterday and put the smack down on some perch ;D caught 70 and kept 54 nice perch it was pretty fun
Should just let the access drift in about 5 foot so the out of towners cant make it out. Lots of people out there this year that think their shhhtuff dont stink. Anyone who cuts a road out deserves a cold one from every fisherperson out there if not a 24pack. Thanks guys for the hard work. It takes time,fuel,and wear and tear on the vehicles to push a road. They just dont appear magically. Thanks once again. ;D
Thank you guys very much for running the plows, i have a permie out on the the little lake and it's much appreciated!! i only have a two wheel drive so i rely alot on friends and family to be able to get some fishing in, or make the walk!! Once again your services are much apprecitated, Thank You
well I made it out around 7:30 and saw everyone catching them but me :-\ I only had wax worms and the fish would charge up to get the jig about 3 foot and then not bite, but the guy 8 foot away from me caught about 30 in an hour and I had 1 and I was using the exact same jig except he had maggots??????? who knows, that's ice fishing for ya, I am going to try one more time tomorrow in the morning, will posts my results.
IAEYE, would a guy be able to still get out there this afternoon or tomorrow morning?
Report back how ya do...good luck
Caught so many cigars I couldnt keep track of them. One just shy of 14 definetly looking skinny poor lil dude looked like he hadnt ate since march. Plenty of ice over there for wheelers the least I found was 7 inches even in the channel area. Didnt catch a single yellow though which is very very odd. ???
She was around 4 degrees when I left the lake . Its getting about time to get the big house out there. Should be driving out with pickups in a week or less. Stay safe guys. :tipup:
Anyone fished farmers beach yet? If so how much ice is over that way? I havent been over on that part to check the ice.
How deep were you fishing at farmers? if you dont mind me inquiring.
Anyone fished farmers beach yet? If so how much ice is over that way? I havent been over on that part to check the ice.
This lake is full of 13-15" Walleyes. I caught a 16" in Oct. and it had 5 - 2" yellows and 2 2"-Perch in its belly. These fish are not ready to eat with all that food in the lake.
Clear Lake has all kinds of new structure. The N. shore in the big lake and even the north shore in the little lake have grown a lot of new vegetation. This is a good thing! That is why the Gills and Perch numbers were way up in the fall netting.
Fished off Macintosh yesterday morning, same ol story marked tons of fish, got them to follow me up but only one taker, a cigar perch! Permy is about done and itching to smell like fish but this isn't looking too good!
Is anybody catching any Yellows yet??
Anyboday who doesn't think slot limits work take a look north of our border. I have personally fished lakes where slot limits have been in place for 10-15-20 years depending on the lake. The fishing is far better then it was before the slot limits. The guys that don't support slot limits, season dates, etc are usually the same ones you see fillet a 26" walleye, **censored** do you think is going to happen when you take the breeding stock out of a body of water.
Don't believe you or IAEYE without any pictures. Lets see them...
there needs to be a slot limit on yellows ??? ??? ???
DID YOU JUST SAY THAT!!!! Are you kidding me?
Alot of the people that hire guides are wanting to fish period. They either don't know how or don't have time in their busy lives to experince what you and I enjoy. These people maybe get to fish a couple times a year :'( and I want them to have a great time.
I do not hog fish, they are never wasted. Most fish are released ( all walleyes over 18" in my boat), yellows are kept sometimes I have several elderly people and few others that enjoy fresh fish once in a while. This is unlike the person that left 4 yellows on the ice the other day in the little lake, guess it wasn't enough for a meal >:(.
I never really said that I was mad. I just will move on and find a new spot, always do.
I love this lake been fishing it for 30 yrs. The damage to fish populations (walleyes) came from those fellows who double dip >:( >:( taking multiple limits in a day and short fish i.e. the couple I watch keep 2 short walleyes at farmers last fall. I wasn't able to stay around till the DNR showed up I do hope they caught them. YES, I called in on them.
About sick of this. If you boys would like to meet sometime we could hash it out over a couple of beers. Maybe we could solve some of the worlds big problems. Good Luck fishing.
I will continue to post fish catches you can choose to believe them or not. I'm good either way.
Clear Lake is down but not as bad as others say. two years ago I caught 10 walleye over 28" in one week with numerous other 2-5 lb fish, of them only one fish was kept by the way. This was all produced in a lake with no slot limit. Here is what happened, the inlet at the grade ran continously for two years due to the dredging project all summer long. Normally it quits flowing in about early to mid June. This left big walleyes concentrated in a small area, instead of spread throughout the lake for two years straight and very succeptable to overharvest which is what happened. Regardless of limits, guys were taking home multiple 27-30" fish a day, why the DNR didn't watch it closer I don't know, but my point is that was a temperary problem. Now that the dredging is over, fish in the upcoming years will spread out and not be up at the grade for every tom, dick, and harry to catch with easy. The fishing will improve and you will again have those big fish just like before but it's going to take some time, they won't grow overnight. So, enjoy the other great fishing the lake supports right now, the yellow bass, catfish, and muskie numbers are all very healthy. If you aren't having success with these, you aren't doing something right. by the way, go easy on the guides. I guided part time for about 5 years, it's hard work and you don't make a lot of money. I admire the guys like Kevan Paul, the guy is pursuing a dream and helping people have fun in the process. He isn't forcing anyone to pay him and look at his testimonials, they are happy with what they get for their cash. Keep up the good work Kevan!
Clear Lake is down but not as bad as others say. two years ago I caught 10 walleye over 28" in one week with numerous other 2-5 lb fish, of them only one fish was kept by the way. This was all produced in a lake with no slot limit. Here is what happened, the inlet at the grade ran continously for two years due to the dredging project all summer long. Normally it quits flowing in about early to mid June. This left big walleyes concentrated in a small area, instead of spread throughout the lake for two years straight and very succeptable to overharvest which is what happened. Regardless of limits, guys were taking home multiple 27-30" fish a day, why the DNR didn't watch it closer I don't know, but my point is that was a temperary problem. Now that the dredging is over, fish in the upcoming years will spread out and not be up at the grade for every tom, dick, and harry to catch with easy. The fishing will improve and you will again have those big fish just like before but it's going to take some time, they won't grow overnight. So, enjoy the other great fishing the lake supports right now, the yellow bass, catfish, and muskie numbers are all very healthy. If you aren't having success with these, you aren't doing something right. by the way, go easy on the guides. I guided part time for about 5 years, it's hard work and you don't make a lot of money. I admire the guys like Kevan Paul, the guy is pursuing a dream and helping people have fun in the process. He isn't forcing anyone to pay him and look at his testimonials, they are happy with what they get for their cash. Keep up the good work Kevan![/b]
I'm OK with the guide service as well even though I have never used one. Some people want to learn how to fish or don't have all the equipment to have an enjoyable experience when just want to get out on a rare occasion & catch some fish.
But, I'm not sure it's too kosher to use a public forum for advertising for one's business. That's the first thing I thougt of when I was directed to his guide service site. For some reason, it just puts a bad taste in my mouth but he does provide a service for some. --Melrose
I caught 20 yellows in 9 FOW last night on various Gulp versions. I lost at least that many on the hole and on the way up. These were really light biters for some reason. I never really found a pattern that worked consistently and swithced colors and baits often. Had a few short walleyes as well. Got one on a Chubby Darter when things got slow. Marked fish by the thousands. Ate a batch from earlier in the week and they were awesome. Lots of slush to deal with.
was on clear lake yesterday from 2-5:30 what a mess that lake is with all the slush on top(it was my first time out) what can we hope for to make that go away. will the rain they are calling for this week help melt the snow and then make all that water on top ice again or not. but any ways we found fish. my vexilar was lit up like a christmas tree all day. we only ended up catching 4 keeper yellows 2 dink perch, and 2 dink yellows. are those fish i was marking all day more than likely the dinks i caught? it seemed like when i would catch a bigger yellow the vexilar would calm down only marking one or two fish compared to about 10-20 and it would hit alot harder than any thing else. i sure wish i would of had a camera yesterday. oh and i tried any where from 5 to 10 fow marked all kinds of fish in every hole i went to.
I must say the more I read the more I am becoming disapointed. When I moved away from Big Spirit I was hopeing to find a good fisherie over here. Not sounding too good. Not much for drillin holes but love getting the boat out. When is typical ice out on CL??
I will add my 2 cents I guess. Just last year I talked to the Iowa DNR as they where all eating at the China Buffet one day. I asked them what happened with the walleye population? They didn't admit that it got over fished, but they did admit "that they want all of the walleyes to be fished out of Clear Lake" its evidently there goal somehow? Maybe revenue??? :-\ And he proceeded to tell me the number of fries being introduced into the lake, and that there was a lot of 12-13 inch eyes in there and that the next year would be better somehow....Well its next year, but what happened, its a widely fished lake I think... and I agree with the other gentleman we need to talk to the DNR and open the lines of communication here. Ask them what happened with our how many dollar dredging project? ???I'm willing to bet the DNR would like to have half the money we probably all spend on gas a year to drive and fish other Lakes - its a little backwards to me. I'd assume donate half to be able to fish better local water.
But its not all gloom and doom, yes we all can fish other places, I recently have been fishing other places, its to bad to with the gas prices the way they are, I dropped 50 bones on gas just to fish 2 hours away, but its a beautiful lake with perch, eyes, and crappies... So there are places, just have to explore more, wish I had people to car pool with for the bigger better lakes out there....
Struggled to catch fish tonight, but ended up with enough yellows for fish tacos. Threw quite a few little ones back and missed a lot of fish. I did better on gulp minnows than spikes, but I never really had fish biting well. I just had a few here and a few there. The vex had fish on the screen 80% of the time, but not a lot of biters.
As far as the walleyes go, I'll throw my 2 cents in and say I think it is a little short sighted to blame the DNR and the yellows. The problem I see is fishermen taking too many fish out in a very short period of time. There were a lot of fish taken out in 05-07, and many were snagged or taken over the creel limit. It's a shame that the walleyes declined so quickly, but we honestly have no one to blame but ourselves. I'm sure this will anger a lot of folks, but it's what I believe.
this lake has Pi**ed me off... Headin on a week long ice fishing trip. First stop Winnipeg, Canada next stop Upper Red lake, MN. Wish me luck ;D
Been curious about Red myself... You catch any crappie?We caught exactly zero crappies. Talked to some locals and crappie are very few and far between. Really too bad, kind of like walleyes at Clear Lake.
how do you get to farmers beach coming off of I-35
headed to farmers early tomorrow morning. good luck to everyone this weekend.if you see a blue chevy truck with a tunnel cover on there stop over and say hi if you want good luck
Not a bad weekend for the ice. Did have to move a little more often but came home with 50 yellows. Had a couple 13 inch eyes hope they will grow for next time I see them! Hit the 8-9 foot spots till you find the eaters and not the lookers. Have a good week luckydog. Had to cover the pager so hope you did well over at Spirit!
here is a picture attempt.
(http://i55.tinypic.com/o6is9g.jpg)
The Crappies are doing really good. We have caught 4 year classes of Crappies this year. The Perch are also making a good comeback.
Oh the big ones are in there. Trying to find a picture of a 12 and 11 that came from there a few years ago. :-\ Anything under 9 is not worth filleting in my opinion. Seems like all the ones ive caught this year are in the 6-8 range that is a good sign to see. I guess they were thick in there in the early 80s couldnt dip a line for eyes without catching a perch they never established any size to them though and were more of a nuisance than anything. Maybe in a few yrs with improving water quality the perch population will improve. Still waiting for the walleyes to improve. ;)
i cant believe the dnr said yellow bass fishing was good there in the report they give out everyweek what a joke i was there 3 days last week with a buddy of mine that has a permanent out there and he said it was horrible we evern tried the little lake see how much they know
Is there a morning bite or is the bite best the last couple of hours of daylight? I am thinking about making the trip up there Friday. Last year I fished the little lake but is the bite better on the big lake? Any help is greatly appreciated.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/3008ww3.jpg)
Just another day in Paradise. ;D
How is the Yellow bite and how is the snow on Clear?
I was wondering how the snow was over there also. Can a man still get around over there?
Are the roads plowed open again at least?
Im not advertising I'm showing the people that know me that the Perch are going on Spirit. If you don't like it don't look!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
I saw that water straight off Farmers Beach last Saturday. Unfortunately I got stupid and decided to blaze a trail to the left, bad mistake, got stuck like never before :o!
If anyone from one of the group that stopped to help free me is on this board.......Thank You!!!!!!!!
Lotus was that you stuck in that blue f-150?
Driving ;D
There are still very brave :o ( stupid people) out in the little lake as of last night. I guess they think a few yellows are worth risking their life.
I would wait till next week and put the boat in.
Got onto a buncha smalleyes and some crappies over there last nite. 12fow
Might be getting the 4 wheeler out there this weekend.
Hey if anyone will be on CL on Saturday morning, let me know. I think a buddy and I will be headed up there for our first time this year....well, our first time ice fishing CL also. Will be there Early!
Is there perch in CL??
Idk for sure didnt count em. Over 100 tho for sure.
Took boys out from 1-4:30 Sunday. What a way to start the season!My congratulations luckydog35, truly!
198 yellows and an 18" WALLEYE. :o
We fished in 5 to 7 fow.
Nice job Buckeye!!!
What were the ice conditions on Tuesday afternoon...hoping to find some ice for the weekend. Thanks for info, I appreciate it as I live 2 hours away.
Keep catchin' them!
What size are the yellows running this year?
What were the ice conditions on Tuesday afternoon...hoping to find some ice for the weekend.
Yeh ice was in good shape as of yesterday 5+ yet on farmers. Supposed to get cold again so she will stiffen back up nice. Just in time to test out the new lazer pro :tipup:
Yeh I thought since the 3 horse weights the same as the 2 figured why the heck not.. Old one is gonna get a chippper on it and spend the rest of its life reopening old holes.
Precision instruments are always nice ;D
WOW !!!! The fog set in pretty heavy.
Got out with my brother for 2 hours this afternoon fished 1-330. We don't get to do that enough and the fish cooperated too boot.
70 yellows in the bucket. The fish were a little more finicky believe it or not.
Ice was ok, just use common sense around the holes with running water!!
Luckydog
YTD 343 yellows, 1 walleye
I don't mean to pry on you CL locals, but I was there from 9-1 on Tuesday, fished Mcintosh and only caught 22 yellows and not a one of them was even big enough to fillet. We drilled probably 30 holes and only had luck in one spot. Is Mcintosh not the good place to fish? I caught better ones walking off Farmers last year and should have just done that the other day I guess.
Had a decent day on farmers today. We brought home 30 over 9" and caught my first walleye. Beings that I wasn't up on my walleye regs, he was CPR'D.
I think that I going to head to clear lake tomorrow moring. I have never been there and Im not going to ask for the hot spots, but I would like to know where the arrorators are that everyone always talks about and I hear about people falling in at. Any ideas to keep me dry?
Where the heck is winter?
Should be -10 right now....
Thinking of bringing the wheelshack out one of these days. Im tired of draging the portable around. What are you opinions on ice thickness to weight ratios?
Spent 4 hours looking for a new school of yellows to target..... found a couple. ;D
(http://i41.tinypic.com/34j2789.jpg)
We worked 7- 8 fow with small jigs and spikes.
good luck out there.
YTD 548 yellows, 1 walleye...
out on farmers today nice mess of yellows 1 keeper walleye lot of dink perch and eyes my six year old had a blast ;D ;D ;D
Luckydog35, what depth are you hitting the yellows at?
What's the best place to park for fishing Farmers? Probably be out on Monday, good luck to everyone.
What a weird winter. Looks like its gonna be holding close to 40 for awhile. Kinda hard to believe beings its almost Jan.
Sorry forgot to upload. ::)
(http://i41.tinypic.com/357ps81.jpg)
40's the rest of the week and darn near 50 on Saturday. Season is pretty much already shelled.
40's the rest of the week and darn near 50 on Saturday. Season is pretty much already shelled.
Its not trashed for foot/atv traffic but its nice fishing out of a wheelhouse and driving out to your spot. Also if it gets a few degrees below freezing everynite that aint gonna refrreeze all that stuff it melted when its 45 degrees sunny and windy during the day. It's not looking good its marginal at best.
You will have 5 inches of solid ice under you and a few inches of junk even Thursday I'd imagine.
I have a hard time believing that there is only a 1/2 in spots. Guess my plans might change if I dont hear better news.
He is probably talking about where the shelter went thru and where they got it out................Yes, that is what I meant. That place and there was one other spot that was like 8'x8' that had standing water but all around it was still 8 inches thick. The only way there would be a 1/2 inch is if it freezes in those spots tonight. And if it makes you feel any better, I was was planning to go out Thursday after I get off work ;D
I did fairly well tonight! Caught 3/4 of a bucket tonight and a bucket full on monday morning!!! ;D
I always hate to post ice conditions ( don't want to be responsible). If your not sure of conditions I would wait till sunrise.
I will tell my son is out fishing right now. they just got a 24"er.................CAT FISH. ;D ;D
Be safe!
Also what did you put in the bucket, gills? Yellows, sharks?
Sorry forgot to put it in there! I caught 3/4 of bucket of yellows!
(http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb462/Buckeye245/2011-12-26_11-07-58_535.jpg)
Im very confused as to why people still insist on fishing little lake and complain about how bad their fishing experience was a Clear? People are constantly asking where the good fishing is and they get an honest response from iaeye or crappiebuster or luckydog. When some one says, "Big Lake in 6-7 fow" you should probably take their advice and absorb as much as possible. Just my $.02 worth
Im very confused as to why people still insist on fishing little lake and complain about how bad their fishing experience was a Clear? People are constantly asking where the good fishing is and they get an honest response from iaeye or crappiebuster or luckydog. When some one says, "Big Lake in 6-7 fow" you should probably take their advice and absorb as much as possible. Just my $.02 worth
Hey guys/gals
Just curious on ice thickness up at Clear Lake. I got a buddy hooked on ice fishing last year and he is coming to town this weekend (Grimes). Wanting to see if you guys think the ice is still going to be good by then? Sounds like it should, but I haven't been on Clear Lake ice fishing at all in my life.
Thanks!
Had a friend brake through (crotch deep) in the weeds coming off last nite Be careful out there
Extended forecast is a joke highs in the lower 30s for a break but extremly windy and then back up to mid 40's . In a week or two the ice prolly wont be fishable.When has the weatherman ever been right? Heck at one point the forecast for this week said it wasn't supposed to get over freezing. Two days later it says 40-50 degrees! I could probably even be the weatherman. ::) The least they could do is lie to us and say its going to get cold to get me excited for a little bit >:(
When has the weatherman ever been right? Heck at one point the forecast for this week said it wasn't supposed to get over freezing. Two days later it says 40-50 degrees! I could probably even be the weatherman. ::) The least they could do is lie to us and say its going to get cold to get me excited for a little bit >:(
Time to head north!
My forecast shows 38 Weds, 49 Thurs, 48 Fri, and still above freezing through Sunday. Where did you see the cold temps forecasted?The local forcast shows a high of 43 both Thursday and Friday, hopefully that's a little closer then 48 and 49. And the nights are spos to stay cold!
Looks like we might be in for some "better" weather with some changes they're forecasting for the rest of winter.
What we have now.........
(http://vortex.accuweather.com/adc2004/pub/includes/columns/newsstory/2012/400x266_01041642_typicallaninawinter(nam).jpg)
What they're expecting.......
(http://vortex.accuweather.com/adc2004/pub/includes/columns/newsstory/2012/400x266_01041745_patternchangenxwk.jpg)
Headed up to the lake this wkend. Hope the little ice thats there lasts! Anyone know what it is like after today?? Keep praying for colder weather!
I didnt see any trash while I was out there yesterday. But if I do come across it. It comes home with me. Sucks picking up after people but sometimes you gotta do what ya gotta do. That ramp down there is a cluster ferk tho. You think with all the congestion down there every year they would widen/improve that down there or just put in some sorta cul de sac where you can at least turn around easily. Not to mention days that it melts all that runoff rolls straight down the road ditch into the lake. Just a guess but clear lake would be even clearer if that was adressed down there AND make fishermen happy.Picked up 2 plastic sacks tonite -sacks also there-about 10 cans (bait money) +normal handwarmers, paper,& other trash. also a large crushed plastic softdrink container & lid laying right behind the parked vehicles in plain site which I left purposely there last nite. I did this in about 10 min after dark. I know there is alot more to the west of the parking & didn't even look east or along the road. I've got to say the lake itself looks good in this area-not like the little lake last year.
She will be melting quick its already 54 out...... And windy :(
So will yellow bass start reacting to all the fishing pressure they've had on CL the last few weeks?
I'm no expert, but I would think they would start changing their behavior after a while. Maybe moving deeper, maybe being pickier about what they hit, maybe feeding in other areas, maybe feeding at night if they can.
What are you putting the waxies on?
Thinking of heading up to Clear Lake on Friday, anyone have any ice reports, catching any fish?
heading up there bright and early tomorrow. We will be fishing Farmers area in a red Eskimo quickflip 2. Stop by and say hey or shoot me a pm if your gunna be up there. Gunna be coooold.I will be up mid day. Red quickflip 2 and a green one.
Yea its gunna be real cold dragging out straight into that wind. At least I'm gonna get to try out this new beard I have been growing! ;D
how dose the ice across the north shore look.
Very impressive buckeye! I have been up a couple times this year but have never seen a haul like that. By no means looking for secret spots or lures but do u have ne tips ur willing to share?Just stay mobile! Drill a bunch of holes and hop between them! Until you find a hot one and once you find them stay after them!!!
NIce Job Buckeye! Were you the fisherman that I offered my measley 6 keepers too when I was walking back in? I thought I mis understood you when you said that you had already GIVEN away a ton of fish.............I was all over and drilled 60 + holes out in 9 - 10 FOW.............nothin g but small ones. We started out shallow and thought we had to go deep..........just should have stayed in and drilled more holes e-wNo that wasn't me! I have bad days to! Just stay mobile!
How are you guys accessing the baptist camp? ;D
Do they like catholics?
I didnt measure it the other day but it was probably around 8-9 inches. Pretty good crack out there yet that hasnt seemed to heal up the best. Are you gonna drive it out with a vehicle or atv?Ha, it's a 19' camper so I will have to wait til I can use a truck. I pull it with a 2007 ford ranger so I figured combined weight will be a little more then a half ton truck, but still... Definitely not the year I was expecting when i bought the camper last fall >:(
Lets say the DNR never introduced yellow bass to Clear Lake. How would the ice fishin be? Would there be more crappies and perch? From what I read Clear Lake was all walleyes in the past and now its all yellows. East Okoboji is full of them and West will follow. Scary!
i know staying mobile is key, and i have no problem with that, but is there any specific fow that anybody has been having luck at? maybe 8?didn't matter for us, they were always on the bottom. I just dropped to the bottom and back up and they would chase. A LOT of lookers. Never got into a big school like the others, but caught them often enough to not get bored.
Perch are on there way back along with the Crappies. The Perch will have a place to lay there eggs now that there is some vegetation. Amen for the Water Project.X2 :thumbsup:
Gonna be tempting to drive out when I get back from up north monday. Anyone else gonna take out their wheelhouse?
I drove out on the lake today. 13" of good ice where I put my house.
Theres a path plowed on the lake off farmers now.
It is nice out there with the deep areas dredged out. Should be good fishing... just not last weekend.
Where's fishermans reef?
It's definitely low. I stopped on the Ventura marsh grade yesterday. The water is about 20" below the flow over boards. I talked to the DNR. He said they ran out of water last year trying to dredge a channel in the marsh so they can drain it perodically to keep the carp population down. The water must of been low enough to kill the carp. There's hundreds of dead carp frozen in the ice. It's gonna get pretty smelly when it warms up next week.
It looks like by the end of next week the big lake will be all open.
Eagles-Eagles-Eagles Everywhere. More Eagles than you can shake a stick at!That's what Ventura Marsh looked like about 4:30 today. Counted 51 or 52 on the ice + about 15 in 1 tree and 10 or so in another on the southside. They will sure help get rid of the dead carp. hope for a slow melt so they can eat more
i think i'll hit it friday, i decided to stay home for the day when my parents started sayin i should wear a life jacket when i set foot on that ice and i think it'll be a bit thicker after two more days below-freezing, i think you're bein a little negative bout the snow CB, a nice blanket will reflect sunlight and help us cool off even more, and we'll have a white christmas at that! now last year i found a sweet spot in about 8 feet of water, now with the lake level down a bit, should i hit the same spot or shift farther how onto the lake?
Where is this "farmers" island? Never been to cl going up tomorrow. What's the best way park and get to itHere's the gps coord to farmers beach N43 06 617 W093 26 884 if that helps. the island is about a mi east?
Fished big lake today. 3 hours 74yellows and few crappie mixed in ( all crappie released) don't see much sense in keeping them when we had a bucket of yellows.
Older son caught a keeper walleye this morning.
Good luck
Any ATV's out yet?
Poor purple fans are gonna be in for an a$$ mopping tommorow!
Made it out there this evening. Best crappie bite I've been on in a LONG TIME :o
Hows it looking after all that rain?
I'm new to ice fishing in this area...how does one go about catching yellow bass on Clear Lake? What depths are typically good for yellows and what kind of baits are you guys catching them on. Thanks. I've combed through some of this thread and found some useful info already but could use anything.Northland forage minnow jigs 1/16 or 1/8 oz. .. i use the orange and the green mostly .. minnow heads or whole .. i ran out of minnows one day so i cut the eyeballs from the fish i had and kept on catchin em
150,000 views on a thread starting half a deacade ago??? Holy Crap...LOL....maybe a new thread is in order or.....something. But that 5hit is impressive......150K.. ..wow.
Back to fishing.....fished for 3 hours this afternoon caught over 100 yellow kept 72.
All on big lake. spikes and mudbugs
good luck
All these people keeping Crappies and Perch are pissin me off so much I'm not goin fishin out there again this year. My dad used to call Clear lake the Dead Sea and it will be well on its way back to that once everyone keeps all them crappies and perch before they get bigger. I wouldn't keep a crappie or a perch unless it was 12'' . So for all you guys keeping those fish just remember why you don't catch many keeper walleyes through the ice over there it's because 4-5 years ago all those big walleyes were biting and eveyone was keeping them.I know this post won't make a difference but that's my opinion .Drags right. Little lake looks like the island did 4-5 yrs ago. With temps going down this weekend the inlet between the big and little lake will be froze to the bottom. The boats were dragging bottom going through there this fall. So with all the pan fish being trapped in the little lake it won't take long for all the crappies and perch to get fished out of there. All I 'm saying is use a little commom sense so theres fish to be caught next winter.
nope out of the state park on the little lake. The only problem is they will be all over even without snow.I belive it will be at Clear Lake State Park, not MacIntosh state park.
It's been a few years since I fished Clear and I have a few questions about the Clear Lake yellow bass population .
1. Are the yellows taking over ?
2. Do fishermen actually release the smaller yellows back into the lake ?
3. What is the average size of a "keeper" yellow bass ?
4. Is there a daily limit ?
5. Do some ice fisherman throw "dink" yellows on the ice ?
Thank you ...
Was wondering why they do not stocks lakes that get hit hard every year with more crappies, bluegills, and perch yearly to try and help sustain populations.
No snow cover besides miniscule drifting between the shacks. You can get anywhere on the lake with a car or truck. Or if your not one to drive on the ice you could drag anywhere.
So what's the story about the a vehicle going through the ice on the little lake last night? Heard it was a 17 year old guy. Anyone have more info about what happened?
If you are after Crappies and perch i'd suggest 15-20+ fow in the little lake. Yellow bass drive out from the pumphouse if you have a 4x4 and work your way west down the shoreline.
So what's the story about the a vehicle going through the ice on the little lake last night? Heard it was a 17 year old guy. Anyone have more info about what happened?Here's the story on it. You would think the ice would be thick enough through there. Any input why the ice would be thin in that spot?
Ice must have been real thin being that car can't weigh a 1000lbs at the very most.
The Yellow Bass are still on Fire. Check out this video. Yellow Bass Bonanza Yellow Bass Bonanza (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwvXfW03tAo&feature=youtu.be)
i was over there on saturday afternoon and brought home 45 yellows outa the big lake, went back sunday morning and didny get on em as well. fished both big and little lake. ice was still good sunday afternoon on the little to drive out on. it was tough getting back of tho with the ice on the ramp from the rain!!
called the fishery and got some gps info for a rock reef on the north off high bank .. any other structure in there that somebody has gps for ?
The slabbies are in there. Got several that size this winter and some pretty gynormous perch too. Should be good fishing this spring for them If theres any left?
Where did that ATV go in at?
Im shocked another vehicle (ATV) went through Clear Lake. Dont be stupid people. travel safely, dont always take the shorter route and travel where you know its safe. keep in mind where the aerators are. stick to the high traffic areas and dont travel out by yourself, always good to have a friend with. its beginning to look like this year the DNR wont push back the permy date. Feb. 20th. this week supposed to be around the 30's but gets down in the teens at night.
stay safe out there and good luck! TIGHT LINES
Theres a pretty substantial pressure ridge off of the marsh ramp on SE side of the lake. Thought it was a big drift and gave it a lil gas in the truck. Got about 3 feet in the air. Be safe boys..
Is the little lake still good for traveling & is the McIntosh ramp still good to get on? Thanks.
Yes drove on yesterday and it's looking good.
Ice is in good shape yet. Saturday it may get intresting 40 degrees rain and 30mph winds. Fishing is still good in the little lake.
luckydog thanks for the reply.
If the weather more like roads aren't too bad I might go over and check it out. In the little lake what depth of water was you in? Was you using cutbait or minnows? And finally what color and type of jig were you using? I know you need to hole hop is key, but whenever I go to fish the lake in either hard water of soft water I have no luck and might get a few yellow bass when everybody else says they are on fire. If you want you can PM me more specifics if you don't want to share on here.
For the Ice Fishing Bonanza, is it going to be free for all on the lake, or stay within some boundaries? Trying to decide if its worth bringing my 2 man flip over, or just a bucket to sit on. Thanks guys
That seems like fun. Will they be biting till iceout?Its only going to get better from here on
U can also pm me if u don't want everyone to know
I'm planning on taking my first trip to Clear Lake next weekend. Regarding the yellow bass, I understand that they're an invasive species. I enjoy a little fish, and will probably keep enough for a meal or two. However, I have no desire to take home dozens upon dozens of yellow bass.Ask the other fisherman if they want them. Usually somebody will take them.
Should yellows that I don't take home be put back into the water? I don't want to release a fish that will damage the fishery, but aren't comfortable with leaving them on the ice either. What is the best thing to do with yellow bass that I don't plan on eating?
Thoughts?
so is it against the law to release a rough fish like the yellows?? just asking..
Is there a fishable population of Northern in Clear Lake? Is it worth setting out a tip up while fishing for yellows?
Thinking about heading up saturday morning to catch a pale full of 3 to 10 inch yellows and keep them all. Some for food some for eagle food!!!Not trying to keep you from fishing but
Not trying to keep you from fishing but
Saturday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog before 9am. High near 37. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
What is all this rain doing to the ice. Will it last another week? Would like to make one more trip.
Reports of 500 plus yellows in a day by the guides and their clients. Thousands and thousands caught during the Yellow Bonanza Derby. Someone mentioned going to the lake and catching little Yellows and feeding them to the eagles? Maybe my grandson wants to catch them when they get to 7" or bigger. Yellows are an "invasive species" trash fish while year after year they provide fun to my children and grandchildren to catch them off the dock? You need to get a clue as to what Clear and Yellows are about.
I sense a change in ice fishing in Iowa. Been ice fishing for several years. Was early on the electronics and gear revolution. Now it is normal to see hundreds of people on Brushy, Clear, 12 mile, et. al. any given weekend. The fish are getting pounded..badly. Very badly.
At least the limits were changed (due to ice fishing primarily I think) to 20 panfish per day. That doesn't seem to stop guys from going 5 days a week to get their 20 limit of 8" crappies out of Clear or Brushy. Will we see future limits 5 per day? A slot limit of for crappies? Something needs to change.
While I realize you are completely entitled to your opinion and it is respected as such, I am not sure one isolated fishing experience at Clear Lake can be used to substantiate your assumptions of the lake or the yellow bass/crappie population and its subsequent future. The "guides" on here are some of the biggest proponents and advocates for good and ethical stewardship of that lake. Obviously, it is first and foremost, their "own backyard". Why would they do anything that would be detrimental to the fishing? As guides, it's also their livelihood or one would assume. As most on here will agree, the lake seems to be thriving and healthy as the increased weed growth and fish poplulation/size are proof of that fact. It is an undeniable fact the yellow bass are indeed an invasive species and most likely will never have its population threatened by over harvesting. Your children and grandchildren's experience at the lake should remain unaffected. I couldn't agree more with your desire to keep the yellow bass around for their pleasure. Nothing better than having kids experience the fast action that few fish can offer like the yellows. I can't speak to the growth rates of the crappie but it's my understanding the yellows have a rapid growth rate during the warm season...up to an inch a month. So a fast growth rate and prolific population pretty much guarantees successful future fishing experiences for you and your grandkids for years to come.Good post
With the reproduction rates and reputation of the yellow bass it would be hard for me to believe that they could be "over fished" in any lake.
I fished Sunday on the little lake and caught just small perch and a couple small walleyes. I fished 8-10 fow and had the screen full of fish, but it was tiny perch mostly. On the upside, my new Marcum LX7 is nice. Not sure how big of an improvement over my Vexilar, but after 15 years and several million fish, I decided to try a Marcum, just to see what the fuss is. I figure what the heck, I'd spend it anyway, and wake up hung over and covered in baby oil and glitter.....
Fished the little lake tonight in 17 fow. caught fish continuously, mostly yellows, with a few perch and dink walleyes mixed in. caught some really nice yellows. I used spikes, wax wor,s. minnows and gulp. spikes was by far the best bait. I got a lot more on verticle jigs versus horizontal. All in all, a good night, and fish tacos tomorrow. The Marcum worked great, although the Vex would have been just as good. Either way, Ray Charles could have filled a 5 gallon bucket tonight.
Tommorow ;DWell it's been plenty cold. Just gonna walk out with a portable?
We fished Clear most of the day and managed a few small eaters. Found a few perch today also. It would be great to see them make a good come back.
(http://i42.tinypic.com/2mw5hjb.jpg)
Watched a car and a full size truck drive thru the channel area tonight. That connects the little lake to big lake....Surprised they didn't make the six o clock news. The DNR "should" have thin ice markers through there since a few people have dumped it and even died there. They got lucky this time.
If you have decent all terrain tires you wont have a problem.
Looking to pinpoint some muskie. Right now I am positioned on the little lake and wondering if there is any on the little lake and an idea where at?Are you serious? Surely you are kidding and you got me. Ha Ha. Good one!
Sounds reasonable CB. I still think there are yellows to be caught. We did well in the spring on 7-8" fish, they just werent there this last time out. I've just never caught these tiny ones in such numbers before. As for walleyes, I think we are a long ways from decent numbers of legal fish. It will take some extraordinary measures before this lake is what it was 10 years ago.It will take.....extraordinary measures.....before this lake is what is was 10 years ago. Hmmmm. Wonder, oh wonder why that might be?
I always wanted to fish around the Island and Dodges, not sure where to put in at though. I do have a UTV so could drive a ways, just not sure where the best place to get on the ice is at.
The bite has been good. We have been finding some fish in the little lake and on the west end of the big lake. If you are willing to work hard you should be able to catch 50 pretty easy. There has been a couple crappies caught in the deeper water of the little lake. 22 to 26ft
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Thanks so much eye. My bud & i usually set up in 22-25 ft of water & get a variety. Of fish including crappies perch & few walleyes. Glad tovhear there is action for the boys.
Yes I can speak from my own experience to stay away from the aerators. One time I was walking just west of Dodges drilling holes. I thought I was far enough away from the open water. I drilled a hole and there was only about 4" of ice under me, good thing I wasn't driving. When the wind blows hard it doesn't take long to erode the ice.
30+ inches! I'm not sure how much ice my Eskimo Stingray can handle w/o an extension. I'll be there in a week and will find out, I guess, but has anyone actually measured?
If I need to get quick extension, I better be looking now!
I investigated Eskimo's website, my Eskimo has a 42" shaft, so no problem...yet.
The guy at the bait shop said 15", but all in our party thought it was well over. Somewhere around 25", give or take some. We didn't need an extension, but on that first hole I was wondering after expecting 15. Finally went thru though. The locals would know for sure.
Can some locals shed light on the snow situation please. How much slush etc...
Yellow bass aren't bad.....Don't know if they taste like a perch though. The size is way down in Clear Lake the past few years hopefully this year they are big enough to make a fillet. Was pretty pitiful last year had the numbers but not the size. That's fishing though ;D
to bad the DNR cant breed a fish which reproduces like a yellow bass, tasted like perch, grew to 12inches in 2-3 YEARS, hit jigs like a crappie, and was easy to find like a bluegill.They do. It's called a yellow bass.
They do. It's called a yellow bass.
You've really been studying up on those yellows. Yellow bass aren't stunted in all lakes. Go fish East Lake, there's a good year class and I bet you could catch 100 8-9 inchers in a day easy right now. There's plenty of meat on an 8 inch yellow. Maybe you ought to go try catching a few of them.
I'm in the same line of work as you are. There's time to fish in the fall. That excuse only works during spring!
Just wondering about ice conditions thinking about making the drive Saturday if ice is good to go.
I bet there were 30/40 people on the ice on little lake when I drove past this morning at 10. Did you even look at little lake or just guess?
The 2015 YBB is full at this time.
This event will have 500 anglers battling for the coveted YBB title.
Thanks to everyone that entered.
Last weekend I used a white clam xl jig with 3 spikes (maggots) had equal success with white or red. Sunday I used white clam xl jig with the clam maki plastic mino( white with red speckles.) I was in 10' water jigging 1' off bottom bouncing it off bottom occasionally. 1/32oz jig
Who else is getting excited for the yellow bass bonanza?! This is my first year going, and my brother and I can't wait!! Reading through the rules and I can't believe for this tournament you can keep every yellow bass you catch that day, just have to pick out your biggest 50. My question is how many times do you guys go out and catch over 50 yellows between 2 people??? We are gonna go pre fishing Saturday and if we manage to catch 50-100 fish that weekend, I think I will be having a fish fry!!This year will be my second year. Caught 7 last year. But the prizes are well distributed. We didn't win anything but hope to be luckier this year. I've been there three times this year and will also pre-fish Friday and Saturday before the tournament . That serious ? No, it's just a fun place to fish. We WILL do better this year.
You'll get all you want there. If your on Facebook "like" the kabeles page. They are wonderful at posting daily reports and plenty of pictures!
Also, to any of you new guys. Do not drive your vehicle through the narrow channel between the Big Lake and the Little Lake (McIntosh). It looks inconspicuous but is a danger to vehicles as the ice is not as thick thru there. Also, close to the narrows in the big lake to the N can be a tricky place to drive as well. If you want to change to big lake or vise versa, you are better off to drive off either lake and take the roadways around to access the other.
You'll get all you want there. If your on Facebook "like" the kabeles page. They are wonderful at posting daily reports and plenty of pictures!
i wonder if it was an older brown f-150. i watched that truck drive through twice. once on saturday and once on sunday
Be interesting to see how many of those yellows are six inches or less. Im willing to bet 90%.
In the past week, we have taken home over 600 yellows. Cleaned about 550 of them and they were all the 8-10" range. You just have to know where to go to get the bigger ones..... ;D Had a nice bonus 18" male walleye we got as well.
In the past week, we have taken home over 600 yellows. Cleaned about 550 of them and they were all the 8-10" range. You just have to know where to go to get the bigger ones..... ;D Had a nice bonus 18" male walleye we got as well.
[/quote.......... Where you fishing?
Yes I think saw you out there and wondered if there was any action out there! We were over that way but by the other ramp. The navionics app on my phone showed a fish attracter just off the ramp and we were hopping all over to find a bite on the little lake, but wanting to stay away from the crowds! Just couldnt find it!
Anyone else heard anything about them hitting a sewer pipe while working on the Ventura grade? Heard they hit a sewer pipe and it spilled a bunch of gunk into the lake and what's why the lake has an awful odor. We fished next to the channel a few weeks ago and brown gunk was flowing up the hole and the water absolutely reeked..And the fish I've been cleaning have a pungent smell...Ask some locals and hears about the pipe
We got 2nd with 13.85. Caught close to 200 yellows today. Was a good and fun day. Until right at the end never had people closer than 200-300 yards. Nice day and fun event.
Unfortunately it's true. A construction crew building a bike trail hit a sewer line under the lake last summer by the grade while driving in pilings it was broke for quite a while.
I was about to give the crazy minnow a call and see what he says. I will let you know! I'm hoping the lake looks better than my driveway did!
Heading there in the morning. I'll come back with a report, fished it last weekend and the minimum I measured was 3 inches
I was on it today. Ice was spotty 2.5 in under drifts to 5 in clear spots. Horrible slush around areas we drilled holes. Could barely pull my tent back because ice chunks froze to bottom of it. Fish were biting though. Be very careful!Be safe out there! Are you talking about little lake?
Brockster, I think I found you boot spike.You can send him a personal message! If you found it, that is pretty neat! Not to many people would make the extra effort! God bless!!!
Fished from 8 to noon on the little lake. Measured ice with a tape and there was 4 inches of white on top and 8 inches of perfection under that.
Weather was great and the fishing even better.
Are you allowed to smell your own icehole or do you have to ask a buddy to do it?I remember when I had my first beer
Never heard of someone smelling the water, must be exclusive to clear.
I love haters! Why don't you burn the guy at the stake! Clear has plenty of muskies, it will be fine that he eats one! Or two. Or three. How are you speculating what gear was used? And calling it sad the guy has come to that... If your worried about endangering muskies your wasting your time! Them things have more food and chances to grow in that lake than darn near any other place in the us!
Gotta go with this. Guy catches a fish legally and keeps it...........end of story. :P
By that logic, the guy who shoots the 140+ whitetail should be burnt at the stake as well......how about the guy who catches 8"+ inch bluegill, or the trapper who gets a big bobcat? Seriously? ::)
It's just like the walleye I caught outta the cedar this fall! People said I should got replica done... Let it go. So it can reproduce! I'm getting a skin mount! Who cares, a fish that size doesn't have too many viable eggs left anyways! It's the slot size you have to let go! That's the stock! That's why they have length limits people!well said you wouldn't want your kid to have a chance at that fish would you.... fillet em all!
If that guy wants to eat that sour *** musky that's his rights! He pays his dues! Better than some illegal eating it!Yes it is..... I can pull 25 crappie out 7 days a week too, does that make it right? People who think them musky are some how affecting the crappie/walleye population in that lake are about as smart as the fish they're pulling through that hole.
Got a message on Facebook that the Musky was "hooked in the gills and bleeding badly so he decided to keep it". Well, that means he isn't fishing 2lb line for yellows. Is it live bait rigs with Dacron? Is it tip ups? If so, that isn't going to end well for the fish. Sad that this guy has come to that. No northern pike in Clear Lake.
He can keep and clean all he wants but the possession limit is exactly one. One. Might take awhile to eat a 48" fish. How many are in the freezer? Hmmmm
They bite all day! I cleaned 200 of them yesterday I caught during the afternoon!
The stocking info and netting results say there are pike in clear...Please post said stocking and netting info/results so we all can see
The stocking info and netting results say there are pike in clear...
Please post said stocking and netting info/results so we all can see
They bite all day! I cleaned 200 of them yesterday I caught during the afternoon!
Enough guys, handle your business in private. Not in the public forum, anymore argumentative posts will bring moderation. Last warning.
Where is the Baptist Camp area located, just curious do not need hot spot info. Might need to head North again if we keep getting warm temps.Just east of Macintosh State Park on the North shore of the main lake and west of the "pump house".
Just east of Macintosh State Park on the North shore of the main lake and west of the "pump house".
I think I will wait until 1 pm. shouldn't have to drill any holes
I think I will wait until 1 pm. shouldn't have to drill any holes
I posted on Pauls fbook page, but did you read that supposedly dnr will be enforcing atv regulations this weekend. I'm curious to see how strict they will be on having passengers on atvs and snowmobiles that don't have a passenger seat. Or if they will allow people to ride on trailers. Kinda wish they just made everyone walk, but that's just because I don't have a atv :)
No clue on the Dome Bait shop but fished little lake today from 1-4pm. Left with 110 yellows and one walleye. Released several crappie, perch and whites.how deep were you fishin
i have heard people say "little lake" a bunch of times, are you all referring to the littler looking body of water to the west of the big lake? just south of ventura? I'm sure this is a silly question....
Went out with a friend today.
Fished 8pm-5pm
Left with 324 yellows and released whites/crappies/perch
Buddy I was with caught a 15" crappie on cutbait
Forage spoons/Mud Bugs/ Pilkes with cutbait or spikes
Avoid the crowds
Little lake
I have never fished Clear Lake but with the rain coming for central Iowa I am planning on heading there on Monday.
Anyone going to be fishing up here tomorrow?Sure plan on it, was tossing the idea around with some Des Moines guys, I think I can find a place sheltered a little from the wind. On the south side. What do you think?
Anyone going to be fishing up here tomorrow?
The Dome Bait Shop is back open.
Makes me wonder if Clear Lake can support 3 bait shops, that seems a bit excessive.
I think someone posted this on Facebook. I'm not smart enough to find it. Someone found a bucket. With stuff in it. Anyone wanna help. Thanks
Things that have changed on Clear Lake since I started fishing it on occasion in the late 1990s. Most of this did happen after the dredging:bullheads next to none existence thanks to state stocking flatheads bullheads used to be one of major food supplies for walleyes
A LOT fewer bullheads today than in 1999.
More crappie and perch now. I've even heard rumors of people catching decent bluegill on CL.
The best ice-fishing moved from the east end around the island to the western side of the lake where the dredging was done.
What hasn't changed:
Lots of 13.9" walleye, and billions of yellow bass.
is the channel the bit between the small lake and the big lake? the guy at the dome bait shop said dont drive between the lakes or near the spillway...
That high school aged kid beat every Iowan that fished last years YBB. 1st-3rd place were out of staters and he took home 4th.
* Yellows this year are big. Lots of 10"+ inch fish out there. Should have some heavy buckets this winter.
Bryfish
Scroll down & on the 26th of December there is an 89 page posting all about Clear Lake. Click on the last page & view post backwards because it is a carry over from last year. Lots of info there.
whip2
Any ice updates or ATV snowmobile traffic on the little lake? Heading over Sunday for the take a vet fishing get together.
Bryfish
Scroll down & on the 26th of December there is an 89 page posting all about Clear Lake. Click on the last page & view post backwards because it is a carry over from last year. Lots of info there.
whip2
Did pretty well. The wind was definitely a factor, but a buddy and I got into the yellows during the low light hours on little lake. I'd say we put 30 on the ice between the two of us in the 2-3 hours we fished. Not the best day for yellows, but worth the trip. If you're fishing yellows, try using plastics. I've had great luck with spikes and a jig this winter, but artificial were all they would take last weekend.
It all depends where you are at. If you are on the fish they will take anything you put down there. I was in one of my two producing spots on Sunday one was on little lake and one was on big lake and they were so ravenous I wasn't even using bait and catching them. Gold did seem to work best but it didn't ultimately stop them from eating if I had a different color, I typically don't use plastics because the yellow bass just tear the heck out of them. I would rather have them destroy 2-3 spikes on a hook. We ended the day on Sunday between 2 of us with 138 yellows. third time up there for the year and third time we caught over a hundred. I think the biggest key and what people don't do enough is move. If you drop a flasher down a hole and you don't have a fish come to your jig in 60 seconds then they are in that hole. When you drop a jig down and all of sudden your screens lights up with fish you know you are going to get a mother load of yellows.
I checked it out. Yes the snow is insulating the ice. Nothing going on.
I made the trip again today, ice is in very good shape. I could not figure out the yellows, I was fishing next to a guy with same jig and bait. I could not catch one. The only difference would be the pole, reel, line, cadence / fisherperson. I left pretty disgusted with myself.
Can a guy park in the Baptist camp and walk out from there? Does the camp allow that?
Thanks for any info you may have.
Heading up there this next weekend, figure chasing yellow bass will be the best action, anybody had any luck? Haven't fished Clear Lake in at least 2 years10 in of ice, and zero good fish yesterday. All dinky perch, eyes, and yellows.
Got on the ice yesterday after she firmed up from the meltdown. 17 inches and growing (sounded like a thunderstorm). Fishing was bad while the perch were active. Once they went to bed it was as good as I have ever seen
We went up last weekend and did about the same. We did catch 3 yellows. 2 small ones and one large one. We dropped the camera down and the yellows were not aggressive at all.What part of the lake?