IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Canada => Ice Fishing Saskatchewan => Topic started by: gman51 on Nov 18, 2021, 03:49 PM
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Went for a drive and Had a peek today. Looks like a perfect freeze over on the lake. Forecast looks good for making some good solid ice. ;D
(https://i.postimg.cc/Wqb68H9Z/2-BB93-DBC-6-DB6-4-ED3-9-AD6-BC6-FB69-E3-D8-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Wqb68H9Z)
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I did a drive by today too and it looks like the entire lake is froze over. Should be soon!
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I looked at the highway cam and did little dance when I saw the ice across the lake
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Since I'm no dancer. I made all gears ready. We need 3+ inch of black ice to walk on the shallow areas.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/Lq0syjzD/20211119-112720.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Lq0syjzD)
Maybe no dancing.... but you could probably skate on there!
Looks smooth & shiny
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Amazing! I drove out for a looksee last Sunday and it was still all open. Won't be long now!
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Two inches of clear ice in front of Shields. Didn’t venture far from shore.
(https://i.postimg.cc/7CNs18qS/A0-D8-D111-69-C8-47-C9-831-E-F60774-A60-B5-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7CNs18qS)
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Two inches of clear ice in front of Shields. Didn’t venture far from shore.
Wow! Great to know!
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I measured an inch and a half yesterday afternoon at the north end drive on location, but didn't walk on more than a few yards.
I was a little shocked to see a guy walk out from the rocks at the very north end. He went out a couple hundred yards walking like it was the middle of winter. No testing as he went. No buddy along either. Perhaps the Cabelas hand auger box in the back of his truck was indicative of his neophyte enthusiasm. I wanted to ask him what his plan was if he fell through, but he packed up and left before I finished walking the dogs. I'm eager to fire up the flasher and try some new lures as well, but.......
I know dead sticks catch fish, but I doubt dead fishermen do.
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Couple hundred yards…That’s really Unbelievable to be trekking out that far with the early ice conditions I’ve personally witnessed the last couple days. And with no safety gear. Has newbie characteristics all over it. Not to mention possibly putting speck in a precarious situation.
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Not encouraging anyone to go out that wouldnt otherwise. Clearly ice wasnt safe in spots yesterday like speck and ralph mentioned. Imo if you are going out this early you better be 100% sure of every step AND prepared to go through.
Dont forget to bring a towel.. Anyways,
Walked out from the north causeway today. Taking all the first ice safety gear and checking every step of course. ~3.5" for the first ~100ft, didnt need to venture further than that. Saw 3 other groups doing similar.
Spent the day in <5' watching the whites false charge my lure. Anyone target those? Saw the same last year early ice and could only get one to bite.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ykkyGPCF/20211121-125927.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ykkyGPCF)
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Spent the day in <5' watching the whites false charge my lure. Anyone target those? Saw the same last year early ice and could only get one to bite.
Yes, it is hard to get the early ice aggressive whitefish to bite in the shallow. I did catch one a few years back when I was targeting them, and hooked a few on the chin.
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From the webcam, somebody is on right now at the south end. Monday morning sore throat *cough cough*. Lucky b@stard.
(https://i.postimg.cc/GHfX80QT/Screenshot-20211122-122511-Chrome.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GHfX80QT)
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Out checking a few areas today real good solid ice 4-5 “ average decided to do some jigging in an area not to far from shore that produced last November and the walleyes were around again along with some perch. Spent about an hour or so landed 4 walleyes and a bunch of perch. Should be good to go now. Still proceed with caution.
(https://i.postimg.cc/H8ytG8Mt/B65-C7-E04-D546-443-C-AC89-FB0-EA699-FC21.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/H8ytG8Mt)
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Enough ice to try walking into the middle this weekend with a hub? There could be another inch or two by Saturday, maybe.
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Yes, it is hard to get the early ice aggressive whitefish to bite in the shallow. I did catch one a few years back when I was targeting them, and hooked a few on the chin.
Im guessing they are all pushed up there for the spawn. Since its locked up i figure post spawn which should mean hungry. Theyre crazy aggressive but then everyone turns at the last second. Probably have better luck tossing down a rattlebait with two big trebles but snaggings not really the goal haha.
Cant downsize anymore. Im already running 2lb flouro to a fly ;D
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It's much easier to get whitefish to bite at Iroqois or Diefenbaker. The blackstrap giant ones are hard to lure. I pretty much gave up on them.
Maybe a hot pink lure jigged aggressively will lure them into a fight.
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Going to check out the south end in the morning. Probably by the docks. Getting a little anxious but I’ll be safe too. Updates tomorrow
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Walked around for 2 hours under the highway camera. Nice rink. Drilled 20ish holes with electric auger. Ice is around 5 inch. First catch is an odd perch in the shallow.
(https://i.postimg.cc/5YKQsmTf/20211123-101017.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5YKQsmTf)
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Went out this morning from 9-11:30. Good 5” of ice in front of the docks. Marked lots of fish and landed about a dozen that all went back down the hole. Beautiful morning tho with the sun.
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Went for sunset walleye today. The ice near the causeway is still around 5 or 6 inches.
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Did some chipping and drilling late yesterday, still seeing the same 5 or 6 inches. Anyone seen any bad ice or is it a pretty consistent freeze?
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I've walked around a small area of about 20 yards across, where the ice seemed to give a bit. After that I proceeded along shore line to where I think sunset walleyes would be. That was yesterday
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Just awesome out there today. Can confirm in the area fished today was a consistent 5-6”. Great time as always hooking up again with fellow ice shanty members. Morning started out great 10 minutes in with a nice sized walleye things were looking promising with a few more bigger targets showing up early but not committing so that was it for the rest of the day for the walleyes. But the perch provided the action all day off and on.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SYhTjXFq/9-EDB461-C-289-C-4860-BA1-B-291-C9-CED9963.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SYhTjXFq)
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Nice walleye Rip ! Have ya ran into Church out there yet?
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haven't really seen anyone around out there. but i'm not on the very north end or south end. don't fish that area.
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6-7 inches. Whitefish were still pushed up crazy shallow. Super cool being able to see them swimming around under they ice. Unfortunately i cant add any videos. Think you can see 4-5 in the picture.
Not sure i figured them out completely but landed 4 and lost another at the hole. Which is by far my best whitefish day.
(https://i.postimg.cc/wt1jGBx6/20211127-143406.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wt1jGBx6)
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6-7 inches. Whitefish were still pushed up crazy shallow. Super cool being able to see them swimming around under they ice. Unfortunately i cant add any videos. Think you can see 4-5 in the picture.
Not sure i figured them out completely but landed 4 and lost another at the hole. Which is by far my best whitefish day.
You did amazingly well.
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Just another super afternoon out there today for weather. Ice is holding up great.Fished from 12 pm til sunset. Water clarity was a little bit more cloudy than the last area’s fished. Still a great day pursuing the walleyes and finding 6 or 7 that were willing to bite along with more perch throughout the afternoon. Although Quite a few marks coming in still hesitant.
(https://i.postimg.cc/yJy7wqr7/526-A89-A9-B9-A1-4-DDD-8522-991480-FA2-DDF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yJy7wqr7)
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Wow, good job guys!
I'm really excited. Thinking of heading out next week to the north end. Do you folks think the ice is thick enough to set up a hub, by chance?
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Wow, good job guys!
I'm really excited. Thinking of heading out next week to the north end. Do you folks think the ice is thick enough to set up a hub, by chance?
Yep had mine set up on Sunday! Ice was a good 6 inches.
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Also had mine setup for the weekend but no heater. Measured 7in which is plenty for a popup if you ask me. I think biggest thing to watch out for over the next week of warm weather is ice sag. On the weekend there was none, probably a good inch from the water level to the top of the ice.
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Went out to today for the first time. Caught 50 perch in two hours 1-3 on the North end. 6-7” of ice 150 yards out.
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Well, hot dang. Thanks for the info, folks! Itching to get out... Guess what I know I'm doing as soon as I have some free time! Fingers crossed for good conditions.
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Went out yesterday for the first time. Started at the far North end for 3 hours and had steady action with small perch. I am talking 4 inch to
6 inch perch, lot's of them. Then moved to the pump house South of Shields for the afternoon. Same action there, same size. Biggest one of the day was 10 inches, and a few 8's and 9's. Looks like it might be a year for the small ones, at least until we can drive on and move around more.
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Went out today from 11-330. North end. Non stop perch action from beginning to end. Caught probably a hundred perch. Mostly between that 5-8 inch range. Kept 6 over 10 inches. Another beautiful day on the lake.
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Went for sunset fishing. There's water everywhere. Ice is solid at 6 inch.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ygyLPdZ5/20211201-163017.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ygyLPdZ5)
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Heres hoping this snow and some <0 temps will get rid of the water by the weekend. Either way i will definitely be remembering the cleats this time. My brothers got some bruises to show for running over to help land fish last weekend. ;D
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Went out to today for the first time. Caught 50 perch in two hours 1-3 on the North end. 6-7” of ice 150 yards out.
nice job man!! ;D :o :)
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Two of us were out today...started at the South end of Shields...got on just in front of the golf course....walked out 150 yards...drilled two holes...steady action with small perch...moved out to the middle of the lake....steady action with small perch....moved across to the East shoreline....steady action with small perch...and 3 walleye. Two of us were just shy of 200 perch and the 3 walleye. Never seen so many 3 and 4 inch perch though. Kept the 3 walleye as they were perfect eating size, and 8 perch around 9 inches....nothing over 10 though.
Seems to be small perch all over the place no matter were we drilled. Ice was a little over 8 inches in all the spots we tried today. Would be
good enough for a quad for sure. By trying 3 or 4 different spots we ended up over a mile from the truck by the end of the day. Long walk back.....lol
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lots of perch action yesterday as well. although nothing in the hundreds closer to 20 but some nice tubs in the mix along with 6 walleye and a nice exox lucius. as mentioned not marking or catching hundreds but getting into some quality. .
(https://i.postimg.cc/vDSskBdL/8-B72950-D-CD87-4-D82-BC85-0-E82784-B89-ED.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vDSskBdL)
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Went out on Friday for 4 hours at the North end, 7 inches of good hard ice. Lots of perch action but they were only 6-7 inches and I released them all back. Caught two nice jack that were 24 inches. Bought a new Marcum camera and tried it out the first time, worked great and was a good deal at Cabela's for $299.99 The first one I purchased on Thursday was cloudy when I tried it a home, the housing must of been defective, took it back for a replacement and it was good. Having video with a flasher does keep it more exciting, nice to see the bottom and structure.
First time out so it was a short trip to try the gear, hard work lugging all the goodies back and forth. Hit some black ice back to Saskatoon and was all over the highway but somehow recovered. There was a accident in the same place heading out and I saw online another vehicle flipped exactly where I lost control at the Circle and Hwy 11 intersection. Came home filleted the fish and had several beer to relax. Next time you are out and see a ice shanty flag with a Black Chevy with Metallica plates, pop in and say hello.
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Was that the truck flipped on it's lid going northbound and stuck under the underpass? If so, the guy was in a real bad situation. Hard to explain that one to the missus.
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What depth are you all seeing eyes in? The perch and pike are plentiful in ~20ft, but not many eyes around. They still hanging shallow?
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Caught my 3 in 13 to 15 for
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Usually I'd set up 10 to 15 feet for walleye.
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I have good success in the 16’ to 20’ range.
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Laid the smack down on little dink perch today. I caught 40 in total fishing in 13 feet of water on the north end. Was nice to be out on the ice again.
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Made it out for the afternoon/evening today ice conditions are looking great around that 10” mark give or take. Starting to see people bringing out their permys at least getting them close to the shoreline. Should be great weather for awhile. The bite was good today nothing crazy but fairly steady with the perch and half dozen walleyes. Couple on the flag as well. Great evening. Their liking the flutter spoon gold with red prism tape.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4n18sjXs/614-BBB96-EB97-492-D-9570-C086-FCFD5-DD7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4n18sjXs)
(https://i.postimg.cc/LhsPgWzH/24-CC6-FD2-31-DD-41-A6-A78-D-5-C7-D87129-A5-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LhsPgWzH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/GHyHkn91/CC700784-7351-4-A97-A250-917-DB0-F642-C4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GHyHkn91)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0zv2D6Lp/845-CB661-BAB5-46-D3-ADC7-3-B14668976-B5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zv2D6Lp)
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Decent day out on the ice today, found a ~25" pike and a small walleye amongst the swarm of tiny perch. Anybody having luck getting the jumbos to bite? Last year I was catching lots in the 10-12" range, this years record is about 6 inches.. ???
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Went out weekend before last and caught some nice whitefish on the north end. A bit late to post but here we go!
(https://i.postimg.cc/RW3rSJ5v/36-ED07-A0-8-CE9-4-CF8-AAF0-18-E47-C0-A9-A8-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RW3rSJ5v)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xc1DZF6J/BFA0155-E-1719-477-F-BBCA-C929505-E3-F26.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xc1DZF6J)
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Went out weekend before last and caught some nice whitefish on the north end. A bit late to post but here we go!
(https://i.postimg.cc/RW3rSJ5v/36-ED07-A0-8-CE9-4-CF8-AAF0-18-E47-C0-A9-A8-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RW3rSJ5v)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xc1DZF6J/BFA0155-E-1719-477-F-BBCA-C929505-E3-F26.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xc1DZF6J)
Those are some great fish! After a couple years of fishing with the underwater camera at blackstrap, I have yet to see one of these. I didn't even know blackstrap had them.
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try up view on your camera. in clear water you will likely see them. as they don't generally cruise the bottom. years ago before cameras we used to see them all the time sight fishing for pike .
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you will likely never see them near bottom, we usually fished shallow in the bays for whites. We would lay on the ice looking down the hole with a jacket over top of our heads.. ! looked ridiculous, but worked well. typically 3-7 Ft of water at the most.
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Way back when, we used to fish for whites in the shallows of Coteau Bay with the kids using wireworms. We would lay on caribou hides and cover our heads over the hole. My neck aches just thinking about that now.
That being said, I had several sightings of whitefish on camera at perch depth last winter on Blackstrap. All were going about their business, which clearly had nothing to do with my pathetic offerings.
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Hi guys,
Any report on ice thickness on Blackstrap?
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Eleven measured inches at the north end this past Friday. I suspect things will be pretty good for driving on next weekend with your average sized truck. Plenty of cold weather in the forecast between now and then to thicken things up.
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Much appreciated, thanks!
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Fished Friday morning on the North end about 200 and 250 yards out from the causeway. Unbelievable number of small perch,
with the odd 9 to 10 incher. Moved to the South end after lunch, found a spot with no small 3 to 7 inch perch. 90% of them were all over 8 to 10 inches, with one at was 11, along with one nice walleye. Big difference the the far North end. As mentioned we should be able to drive on come next weekend and then we all can try other areas that we aren't walking out to now. Both the North and South end had close to 12 inches of ice.
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Reckon I'm gonna head out tomorrow to the north end and set up my little hub!
Probably gonna target perch, but would love to get some eyes. Y'all have any advice for depths I should be lookin for?
Tight lines, my friends!
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page 2. some depths are posted by a few anglers. put in some work you'll find them good luck.
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Decent outing on Blackstrap today. We had good perch action when we started mid- morning. As Churchill River reported earlier, the fish are bigger further down the lake.
Was it wrong for me to fish his honey hole from yesterday? I'm just trying to report the facts and avoid Fake News.
At any rate, the bite slowed around noon and never really got hot again before we left at 2:30. Perhaps it was the weather change. It seemed that the fish liked variety; hitting on maggots, minnows, deer heart, eyeballs and meal worms. Tungsten jigs, slab grabbers, green hawgers, and the new Wonderbread pattern buckshot spoon. I had three rods rigged and ready, but was caught unprepared when a big red mark appeared on the flasher. I quickly pulled up the tungsten jig which was on a noodle rod. Reaching for the rattle spoon on the heavy action rod I saw the minnow tail had frozen to the ice. Crap! Down the hole went the slab grabber tipped with maggots. A thick 4-5 lb pike charged the offering and the game was on. The fish put up a great fight. DH arrived to help just as the pike pulled free from the single hook inches from the surface.
Close, but no cigar.
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News Update:
Another associate joined us this afternoon as the bite tapered off and DH and I left. His perseverance was rewarded when things got rolling again at 4:00, resulting in a limit of keepers.
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Started about 4:00 pm in 8 to 12 feet of water. Ice is around 10 inch. There were a few perch the smallest being finger size. Walleyes came just about sunset at 4:50 . The 1st one is too big to keep.
(https://i.postimg.cc/R6T21J1f/20211214-165128.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R6T21J1f)
The second one is a keeper ~17inch.
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pk strikes again. nice work toonfisher.
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pk strikes again. nice work toonfisher.
Glow seems to work just a bit better in twilight. I use a flashlight to charge the spoon. A slightly larger one took the spoon the last time I targeted sunset walleyes about 2 weeks ago. Both are in close to 12 feet of water
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Good walleye Toonfisher.
Ever have much luck with the glow stick spoons? I am waiting to be convinced they make a difference.
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Good walleye Toonfisher.
Ever have much luck with the glow stick spoons? I am waiting to be convinced they make a difference.
I haven't added more lures in recent 3 years. Northland lures work for me. Spoon, blade, darter, jig head all work. I like light spoon on a light rod, darter on medium rod. Shiver minnow by moonshine lure has the long lasting glow, and they are heavy and ideal for burbot.
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100% toonfisher i haven’t bought any new and or improved lures or rods in a long time.I actually find it amazing the hype and demand That people get from the celebrities on social media advertising the latest get it now lures,rods,reels, when most average set ups that’s been working for many years are working just fine. I definitely get the hype... but I personally think the electronics part of it is a better investment than any new rod, reel, or lure.
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Lovely walleye, Toonfisher!
Went out yesterday and had a great time, although why I decided to lug all of my gear I'm not sure. Thought my heart was gonna explode after lugging it back uphill; better to travel light! Mid-morning action was good, died down around noon, then really picked up again late afternoon. As soon as the sun went down the action was crazy. Caught a decent amount of perch and kept a few good eaters. Followed some advice I received on here and the south end is definitely producing bigger fish! Will be checking it out again. Beauty of a day.
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Seems like that mid morning bite is always the best. Can confirm that everything dies down around noon, everything but pike that is.
Anyone catching big Mama Pike? I've only seen some skinny ones so far.
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Pulling the sled back up the slope my car was really a labor, especially when I parked at the easter end of the central causeway.
Digital flasher is much healthier to my eyes. I have left the Marcum LX5 analog flasher as my backup.
By the way, Christmas Day 2011 was the day I landed my first perch on ice near the sunken Evan's Road. Blackstrap has been fun.
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Been on strap once this year so far. Had exceptional fishing all day at the north east end, even through the noon hours. Found lots around 8-10" and caught two 12's. Seems pretty even compared to the last few years. Only difference is the depth of finding perch. I try not to fish more then 20' because i want my releases to survive. I find them in 6', all the way to 17'. Even at 17' the 3"ers release poorly. I think last year i was catching 13's in 6-8'. Don't be fooled by the, "you must fish 23' to find them". They are everywhere.
Walleye on the other hand are no where to be found for me. Caught one dink two years ago.
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I can't offer much advice about Blackstrap walleye. What success I have had has been at either first light or last. It seems that early season it is possible to pick up the odd one during daytime. Maybe all the perch are just too distracting. We have had a rare day when we caught numbers of walleye with the sun well above the horizon, but it has never been something we could replicate with any consistency.
Maybe Rip could share his secrets, but I suspect his lips are sealed as tightly as those big walleye's.
Good thing, too.
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most definitely a early and late bite at the strap in winter. no secrets to hide there other than putting yourself in known areas at those times. but they can be caught mid day as well. i would add that i see a lot of people coming late in the am or leaving to early in the afternoon to really experience any kind of consistent walleye bite. setting up catching a 100 perch hoping for some walleyes is not a good strategy for pursuing walleyes.. jmo
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True enough Rip. One could make the analogy of gopher shooting versus big game hunting. Do you want lots of action, or the big score?
Both are fun and challenging in their own way.
Mind you, perch taste way better than gophers.
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The walleye bite in the morning usually lasts much longer than sunset bite. Mid-day, setup in deeper perch area can also get them. I'd let the lure sit still for 3 to 5 seconds between jigging.
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Good afternoon guys curious on how the ice thickness is out on strap. Thanks
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I was out Monday and it was a little over 11 inches. By the weekend (5 more cold nights), I would imagine we are going to have close to 13 inches, and we should see people driving on if they brave the cold.
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Sounds good ron I'm hoping to take my permy out to the south end at xmas time.
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There was 13 inches at Evans Road today
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5 trucks on the ice at the North End this morning. Should be good to go all over now.
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5 trucks on the ice at the North End this morning. Should be good to go all over now.
Stellar! I still won't drive where others haven't yet but at least now I don't need to lug my sled up and down the hill.
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Nice to be able to drive on and set up shelter. Pretty cool to see this one take the Slabgrabber on camera.
(https://i.postimg.cc/2VX54m4w/15-inch-perch.png) (https://postimg.cc/2VX54m4w)
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Nice one speck. Don’t get much bigger than that.
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Wow, beauty!
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A great Jumbo!
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Hey, Speck, a once a year jumbo, nice going........just wondering, did you catch it out of my hole?
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Heavens No Church!
My hole was at least three meters away from yours.
Honestly.
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Nice to be able to drive on and set up shelter. Pretty cool to see this one take the Slabgrabber on camera.
(https://i.postimg.cc/2VX54m4w/15-inch-perch.png) (https://postimg.cc/2VX54m4w)
Now that's a perch! Great catch. What was the bite like, soft or did it smack it good?
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Nice jumbo Spec ! Did ya hapoen to measure it?
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gotta be 14-15. wall hanger!
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The afternoon had been pretty slow, with mainly throw back perch being caught. This one came in from behind the camera swimming towards the lure. I thought it looked big, but of course it swam right by the camera. I was thinking "it's not getting that much smaller" as it swam directly to the hook and bit. It was a good solid hit on the rod end of things as well.
As for measurements, I knew I didn't want it out of the water for too long. At first I thought it was 14 or so, but I realized I had misread the inches on the ice ladle I was measuring with. Unofficially it was 15.25 - a clear personal best.
She swam away seconds after DH snapped the photos. I'm hoping to meet her again next year after she grows another inch.
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The afternoon had been pretty slow, with mainly throw back perch being caught. This one came in from behind the camera swimming towards the lure. I thought it looked big, but of course it swam right by the camera. I was thinking "it's not getting that much smaller" as it swam directly to the hook and bit. It was a good solid hit on the rod end of things as well.
As for measurements, I knew I didn't want it out of the water for too long. At first I thought it was 14 or so, but I realized I had misread the inches on the ice ladle I was measuring with. Unofficially it was 15.25 - a clear personal best.
She swam away seconds after DH snapped the photos. I'm hoping to meet her again next year after she grows another inch.
That's the biggest I've heard of on blackstrap. Good on you for putting her back! Hopefully she has many more big babies.
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What's the ice like for driving? Many vehicles on the south side?
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Nice to be able to drive on and set up shelter. Pretty cool to see this one take the Slabgrabber on camera.
(https://i.postimg.cc/2VX54m4w/15-inch-perch.png) (https://postimg.cc/2VX54m4w)
Congratulations on an absolute tank!!!
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Went out on Sunday morning. This was the first day where the bite was really slow and never really became active. Perch only wanted to kiss the mealworms. As soon as the camera popped down the pike showed up as well, so maybe that was the reason.
I drove on with my suv, but nearby there was a ring of 4 trucks parked really close together. If the ice could hold them then it should be good for driving. Stay safe everyone.
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Howdy all.
I'll be hitting the ice tomorrow morning - very excited. Got some good tips from some lovely folks here and am eager to slap some perch. Got a small car so I do hope I'll be safe on the south side. A little nervous, but we shall see! Reckon I'll bring along the sled just in case.
Stay safe and happy holidays!
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17" of ice on the north end this morning. Driving should not be a problem, unless you have a very heavy rig.
The walleye were cooperative this morning, biting for a good couple of hours after first light. Very cold out in the open however.
(https://i.postimg.cc/pm92fssp/Solstice-walleye.png) (https://postimg.cc/pm92fssp)
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Went out this morning in front of the ski hill. Ice measured 16” out in 17’. Very slow for me out there.
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great day again on the lake. moved around a handful of times to different areas picking up perch and a few pike. 1 walleye on the flag and 1 jigging around the 4pm hour. still quite a few window shoppers.
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Nice looking pike, perch and walleye everyone, good going. The strap it a real fish producer in winter. @)
Wow, way to go speckspotter, that is an absolute monster of a yellow perch. :o
That one has to be darn close to our Provincial record, if not over it. Congrats on letting that trophy swim again. :thumbsup: More superior perch genes in the Strap this spring when she spawns. You could get a nice replica made of her, or, at the very least, an enlarged photo to hang on the wall. :)
WW
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Went out for a couple hours this afternoon before the deep freeze hits. Steady action in all 8 holes I drilled in 2 different spots on the north end. Can’t wait to get onto the south end next to try some spots.
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I fished Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as the cold weather is moving in. Fished the North end Tuesday and Wednesday....seems to be small perch along with the odd nice one, in all the spots I tired. Fished the South end Thursday and confirmed my earlier findings that the South side is holding bigger perch......even drilled one hole in a brand new area that I have never fished before at 1:30 in the afternoon. Proceeded to catch 18 as fast as one can catch 18, and then 7 others as it started to slow down. Then it was like.....poof.....some one moved me to Bradwelll or Zelma....not a bite for another 1/2 hour. I drill a lot of holes in one spot, as well as try 3 or 4 spots a day, so moving around seems to pay off.
Wishing all ice shanty members a Merry Christmas and have fun bringing in the New Year.
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Merry Christmas to those who brave the cold.
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Anyone been driving on the ice at Blackstrap, since the snowfall? How is the snow cover for getting around? Tx.
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I have been out a couple times now and it's not to bad if you know how to drive. I left my truck in 2wd last time I was out on the 29th.
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Not a whole bunch of activity in the early am in the area I was set up on.Hooked up on a couple 14-15” walleyes and that was it. Just a bunch of smaller non interested marks after that. Lots of activity on top of the ice.
(https://i.postimg.cc/k2j6dxYq/86509-DE6-89-E0-46-EE-9-C7-A-50-C041-D212-C1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k2j6dxYq)
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Was there anyone that wasn't out there today? Poor fish in front of the launches didn't have a chance.
I fished in 4 different areas were there wasn't a traffic jam and found lot's of perch in all areas. They seem to be all over the lake.
Found a couple areas were I found some 10's and one 11.
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more cooler temps next few days,and more snow in the forecast for today and tomorrow see what that brings for stick handling around the lake, the wind will surely harden up the surface. might spell the end for 2 wheel drive. or vehicles with no clearance.
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Was there anyone that wasn't out there today? Poor fish in front of the launches didn't have a chance.
I fished in 4 different areas were there wasn't a traffic jam and found lot's of perch in all areas. They seem to be all over the lake.
Found a couple areas were I found some 10's and one 11.
I was out that day and a few more around then. Small perch were absolutely everywhere. Found an 11 and a few 9s to keep it interesting, and our good friend jack of course. I tried a few different spots and couldn't find a spot that didn't have a school lurking nearby. Life's good!
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Just got back from a little Reccon of Blackstrap. I drove on at the boat launch and had little trouble going where I wanted in 4WD with good tires. The snow hasn't drifted too badly south towards Evans Road and beyond. I figure I was driving through 8-10 inches of snow in most places. I didn't encounter any drifts that looked overly serious. Right now I suspect most vehicles could get onto the lake at the boat launch. How far you would get beyond that with a two wheel drive is a question.
The north end is a different story. The trail in off the grid been opened up by some trucks with high enough clearance. A lower slung vehicle would likely get high centred trying to follow those tracks. There seems to be more snow on the north end as well. I blazed a fresh trail in 4WD then slowed down to see how much support there was beneath. I didn't have to break out the shovel, but did need to rock back and forth a bit to establish a solid enough base to get going again. I don't think this is 2WD country unless you were following the packed trails that lead to Shields, etc.
I guess the lesson is that we are in mid winter with some actual snow to contend with. Be prepared.
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https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/blackstrap-ice-fishing-derby-2022-resort-village-of-shields-tickets-230452508657?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
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Thanks for posting that Churchill, the previous derbies helped pay for a sports court which has been built. The derby is contributing to a pavilion by that court for the community. Appreciate the support for the community!
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That sounds cool! though the hours of the derby are during the weakest bite window. In my experience anyways.
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in my experience all ice derby's are held in and around the same hours. there are reasons for it.
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Lake lenore derby start time is 10:00 am if ya want to fish in a derby with an earlier start time
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one problem 3 times the cost 75 bucks to enter and 3 times further to drive 75 miles, i will enter the shields derby no matter what time of day i have to fish
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I was out today practising for the tournament. Got my eye on the prize for smallest perch. I had a couple serious contenders this afternoon.
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heading to the strap tomorrow, any reports on launch access from south end of lake. any info would be nice, thanks in advance
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As of yesterday, access at the launches was very good. If you want to get off the beaten paths, you better have 4WD and some clearance.
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What an Awesome day out there today.Met up with a buddy and did some snowmobiling and some fishing. The perch were plentiful and some real nice tubs were landed. But lost out on the $20 for the biggest and the most. All great fun today. lots of fisher people plowing their way through the snow around the lake. most getting to where they were headed an a few not so much.
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Fished the north end yesterday. Launch at north end has deep ruts and a large heave. Be careful everyone!
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Lots of folks out yesterday. This was what ot looked like from the launch parking lot. Can get around the south half pretty well, but 4wd pretty well required.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SXMdwRMp/20220115-143131.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SXMdwRMp)
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Finally iced a nice walleye at strap. 9am, came it and didn't second guess if it wanted the bait. Made some good tacos.
Few other bigger perch and a tiny walleye on Saturday. North access was pretty bad Saturday afternoon.
Good luck out there.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SXF9MbV4/20220115-090522.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SXF9MbV4)
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Hmm I only have AWD + snow tires at my disposal. Strap has been great to me so far so I hope this isn't the end. Maybe it's time to head out Diefenbaker way now.
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I heard deifenbaker is worse than blackstrap.
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I have been to diefenbaker twice this season. The first time I got two walleyes, two burbots and one whitefish. The second time I got one whitefish and five burbots. I have yet to catch pike or perch.
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Hoping to get out sometime this week. Curious to know if the road into the North launch is decent enough for a little car to get down. Also, I've never fished the South side but I hear that's where the blackstrap monsters hide . . . anywhere around there with good access for a car to get to shore? thanks!
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The north end if you have a car you would have to park at the main grid and walk in 4x4 is needed to get down the side road to the lake.
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The north end if you have a car you would have to park at the main grid and walk in 4x4 is needed to get down the side road to the lake.
I thought I seen a post on the FB page saying hard water angling guys were clearing the road/lot?
I got stuck in my 2wd dakota sat there n went to the south side, got some good size perch where I went too!
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Sorry I dont have face book I did not know about that.
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pretty quiet... no one catching? to busy shoveling i suppose. haven't been out myself in awhile. looking forward to getting out this week and some trips to deifenbaker.
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I went out on Thursday with my AWD SUV on the south end and got stuck a couple times, and then again at the boat launch trying to leave. Hard packed snow is piling up at the launch real bad.
I ended up just staying near the launch to fish rather than trying to find a path, as they were all blown in. I was still driving on the ice with my car this time last year, this stinks.
The fishing was slower, caught maybe 10 perch with a small group and 1 jack.
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We had a good day Saturday. The perch bite was fairly steady all day, with some periods where the action was hot. We fished with a camera and it was interesting to see how many fish took the bait without any perceptible bite felt. We found that waiting a second to let the fish take a second chomp was necessary in many cases. The first bite involved only part of the maggot, and attempting to set the hook resulted in a swing and a miss. A tiny presentation on the business end worked best.
A few pike were seen, including one which streaked in and actually caught a small perch on camera. Exciting stuff. The only walleye seen was a 14 inch that came and engulfed the jig and maggots without hesitation.
Driving was indeed tough. Part of the problem with the snow at the bottom of the launch was due to a group that offloaded their shack at the top of the launch from a trailer and then dragged it down the launch with a truck. Unfortunately, this pulled a bunch of snow down the ramp and left it deposited at the edge of the ice. Not the best decision.
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We had a good day Saturday. The perch bite was fairly steady all day, with some periods where the action was hot. We fished with a camera and it was interesting to see how many fish took the bait without any perceptible bite felt. We found that waiting a second to let the fish take a second chomp was necessary in many cases. The first bite involved only part of the maggot, and attempting to set the hook resulted in a swing and a miss. A tiny presentation on the business end worked best.
A few pike were seen, including one which streaked in and actually caught a small perch on camera. Exciting stuff. The only walleye seen was a 14 inch that came and engulfed the jig and maggots without hesitation.
Driving was indeed tough. Part of the problem with the snow at the bottom of the launch was due to a group that offloaded their shack at the top of the launch from a trailer and then dragged it down the launch with a truck. Unfortunately, this pulled a bunch of snow down the ramp and left it deposited at the edge of the ice. Not the best decision.
Isn't that nice of them. Wish I owned a plow or bobcat to clear it off.
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This province needs all the moisture it can get right now And in the spring to get that water table up. As for not being able to get out to your fishing spots just gonna have to make the best of it and adapt. I personally hope we get another 2’ it’s just been getting to dry over the last few years in certain areas.
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Totally agree Rip. After last spring im willing to deal with some snow now if it means our reservoirs arent drying up in a few months...
Looks like some of the mountains are seeing record snowfalls too. Which is good, id like to see a real snowmelt hit the NSR this year.
Guessing Dief will need both to get back to normal, still over 2 meters lower than this time last year.
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Hey all,
Thanks for all the posts and updates on the snow.
Just wondering if people are still driving on from the launches with trucks? Is it still pretty good getting around in 4x4? Want to get my kids out but would rather not get stuck.
Thanks!
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Hey all,
Thanks for all the posts and updates on the snow.
Just wondering if people are still driving on from the launches with trucks? Is it still pretty good getting around in 4x4? Want to get my kids out but would rather not get stuck.
Thanks!
all your questions already answered scroll up...
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By the time I came off the ice on Saturday the North boat launch had a good trail to get off. Did see someone stuck at the South boat launch trying to get off at the bottom. There are lots of trails blazed now going to Evans road, across from the launches, and heading North. Still seems to be perch all over the place.
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By the time I came off the ice on Saturday the North boat launch had a good trail to get off. Did see someone stuck at the South boat launch trying to get off at the bottom. There are lots of trails blazed now going to Evans road, across from the launches, and heading North. Still seems to be perch all over the place.
Someone helped pull me out when I got stuck there too. Had to get a real good run at it to plow through.
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By the time I came off the ice on Saturday the North boat launch had a good trail to get off. Did see someone stuck at the South boat launch trying to get off at the bottom. There are lots of trails blazed now going to Evans road, across from the launches, and heading North. Still seems to be perch all over the place.
Thanks CR! Appreciate the response.
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A big Thanks to the generous soul who cleared the snow way from the base of the boat launch. Driving on and off was no problem today.
Driving down the lake wasn't too bad either if one avoided the previous trails that have collected snow.
Today's screaming gale meant tent fishing only. The bite was light, and I had to downsize to the smallest hooks I had to connect with the perch. DH saw one nice walleye on camera, and brought up a 4-5 lb pike after what he called "the best battle of the ice season". We stayed until dark, but the hoped for walleye bite didn't happen.
Not losing our tents to the wind was a double win.
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A big Thanks to the generous soul who cleared the snow way from the base of the boat launch. Driving on and off was no problem today.
Driving down the lake wasn't too bad either if one avoided the previous trails that have collected snow...
I owe whoever cleared it a beer or ten for sure!
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How's the fishing and access for north/south side? Still good?
New to Saskatoon this season and planning to take a day trip tomorrow. Would be happy to catch a meal of perch or walleye. Although the walleye bite does not sound too phenomenal right now.
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Good entrance at the boat launches, and there seem to be perch all over still. Although today was a little slower as the bite was very soft. I missed a lot of sets today, but still caught over 50. The South end seems to have a little bigger perch then the North end....just saying.....I haven't been to the North end for a month now. Just don't be scared to drill 6 to 8 holes in one area and hole hope, or even move to another area...you will find them.
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Good entrance at the boat launches, and there seem to be perch all over still. Although today was a little slower as the bite was very soft. I missed a lot of sets today, but still caught over 50. The South end seems to have a little bigger perch then the North end....just saying.....I haven't been to the North end for a month now. Just don't be scared to drill 6 to 8 holes in one area and hole hope, or even move to another area...you will find them.
Cheers pal, appreciate the info. Time to scout a spot or two. See y'all out there tomorrow!
Tight lines everyone!
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Yesterday with that wind seemed cooler then Saturday. Fished 4 different areas on the South end. All 4 areas held large numbers of Perch. I would say between 10 and 2:30 was when the bite was the best. Stayed until 4:30 and it slowed down a bit. I fished one area South of Evans Road, and 3 different spots North of the launches.
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I almost didn't go out Sunday but ended up catching ~40 small perch and 5 keepers, a nice pike, and then a monster pike nearly destoryed my setup.
I had a Jaw-Jacker out with a 8" herring, but unbeknownst to me it had frozen solid, so when it got hit it didn't popup, or ring the bells. I ended up going out to stretch my legs and could hear my drag screaming, so I ran over and over half my line was already gone... Of course during this time she had also ran all the way over to my camp, and did a few laps around my camera cord and my jigging line. So I could feel that the fish was stuck on something after fighting it for a few minutes, assumed it must've been my camera, and then walked the 25ft over to my tent with my rod. THe bucket I had my jigging rod on was tipped over, rod gone, all my loose lures were yard saled around the hole, and my camera display was half pulled into the hole (thankfully it didnt fit). I managed to pull the jack up by the camera cord, and the tip up line snapped as she came up, but I got my thumb in her mouth before she could drop back down. Ended up being my PB jack at almost 37", but super fat. Sadly she had a treble right down her throat into her stomach, so I didn't get to send her back.
Total disaster, it probably sounds made up. Thankfully my jigging rod was also wrapped up in the camera so I did get it back haha.
Blackstrap does have some giants apparently!
(https://i.postimg.cc/bZ5Kgy2g/IMG-20220130-WA0009.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bZ5Kgy2g)
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Great story HatandBoots.
If someone had been filming you as you sorted out this mess it would very quickly dispel the notion that ice fishing is boring. Pure pandemonium.
I have started rigging big smelts on tip ups with heavy circle hooks rather than trebles to up the chances of a successful release. That might cost me the odd fish, but as you point out, it is a shame to have to take those big breeders out of the gene pool.
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I almost didn't go out Sunday but ended up catching ~40 small perch and 5 keepers, a nice pike, and then a monster pike nearly destoryed my setup.
I had a Jaw-Jacker out with a 8" herring, but unbeknownst to me it had frozen solid, so when it got hit it didn't popup, or ring the bells. I ended up going out to stretch my legs and could hear my drag screaming, so I ran over and over half my line was already gone... Of course during this time she had also ran all the way over to my camp, and did a few laps around my camera cord and my jigging line. So I could feel that the fish was stuck on something after fighting it for a few minutes, assumed it must've been my camera, and then walked the 25ft over to my tent with my rod. THe bucket I had my jigging rod on was tipped over, rod gone, all my loose lures were yard saled around the hole, and my camera display was half pulled into the hole (thankfully it didnt fit). I managed to pull the jack up by the camera cord, and the tip up line snapped as she came up, but I got my thumb in her mouth before she could drop back down. Ended up being my PB jack at almost 37", but super fat. Sadly she had a treble right down her throat into her stomach, so I didn't get to send her back.
Total disaster, it probably sounds made up. Thankfully my jigging rod was also wrapped up in the camera so I did get it back haha.
Blackstrap does have some giants apparently!
(https://i.postimg.cc/bZ5Kgy2g/IMG-20220130-WA0009.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bZ5Kgy2g)
Sounds like you earned that PB! What else can you do but laugh!
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I had a good day, didn't keep anything myself. First time fishing this lake, and my goal was to just get outside and get the hang of my new flasher.
Morning spot south of the boat launch (south of the highway) was marginally successful, but after eating lunch and moving fairly far north of the launch I managed to find a pod of perch and sat on them until I went home for the day. The flasher works great, but it turns out that if you are on top of a half dozen fish at the same time you get a big red mark that doesn't really go away! ;D
If anyone is up for it, I'd love to organize a little meetup at 'strap sometime this season, even just to say hi and meet some other anglers in the area. I am quite new to the sport in the sense that I've been taken ice fishing plenty of times, but this season I'm outfitting myself and going ice fishing on my own.
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Great story HatandBoots.
If someone had been filming you as you sorted out this mess it would very quickly dispel the notion that ice fishing is boring. Pure pandemonium.
I have started rigging big smelts on tip ups with heavy circle hooks rather than trebles to up the chances of a successful release. That might cost me the odd fish, but as you point out, it is a shame to have to take those big breeders out of the gene pool.
Tahnks for the tip! I'll look into using circle hooks now for sure. I've always been one to tell people to put the big breeders back to make babies, so felt a little guilty keeping her.
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If a big fish swallows your rig just cut the wire with side cutters and send it back. It will still have a good chance of survival.
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I would agree with the cut and release idea for deeply hooked fish. I am not sure I believe that those hooks dissolve quickly due to the powerful digestive juices of the fish as I have been told.
A single hook will certainly provide less esophageal blockage than a harness with double trebles. I would rate the fish's survival chances to be better with less metal in its mouth.
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I'll try a single hook rig next time for sure. The treble was disappeared down that sphincter at the back of her mouth, and had been fighting me that way the entire time, so it was all ripped up and bloody. Pike are pretty tough, may she would have lived but I doubted it.
Time to research some new rigs, the quick strike rig has been amazing but not great for the fish.
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If there is to much damage chances are lower for survival. It happens sometimes.
I use a quik strike with small barbless trebles. #6
I have heard of the circle hook idea. I might have to try it.
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Does any one have a update on the snow conditions after yesterday's snow storm?
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Took a quick look at the north end this afternoon. Access was good getting onto the lake. That north wind must have driven the snow right through the ruts. On the lake there was some accumulation in the more deeply rutted trails, but getting off the beaten path made for pretty easy going in 4WD. The surface is packed pretty hard right now. All the shacks and trailers I observed seemed to have survived the wind as well.
My driveway on the other hand, was an entirely different story.
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Awsome thanks spec for the update I wasn't sure what to expect after that wind and snow.
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Hey guys,
Any update on the snow on South end - west of Launches? Will have a lifted 4x4 and studded mud tires but trying to drag shack out for the kids so looking for an update on how bad that end of the lake is.
Thanks in advance.
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Fished across the lake from the launches today. It was another tent day with the wind and cold. Driving across the lake was actually easier
than last weekend when it was warmer. It was a pretty light bite once again. The lure box got a workout. Just when I thought I had the meal ticket figured out, the perch would turn off and I would have to offer them something else. Many of the fish were tiny, and then a jumbo would appear out of nowhere. One 11.5 inch just pounded the lure, while most of the others pecked and slurped at the smallest of hooks.
Strange day, but these are the winter doldrums after all.
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Awesome - thanks for the update. I'll hope for the best and winch out if need be :)
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Good perch bite today on the 'Strap. Getting around the lake was bit hairy with drifts, wind and poor visibility, but the fish made it worthwhile. Good sized perch were hitting well right off the hop, and with a few brief lulls, this kept up for us right through until we packed it in mid afternoon.
Small presentation was the key for me, but some associates did well with larger offerings. Not many of the really small perch around today which was nice. Plenty on the camera to keep us entertained.
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Just confirming what Speck posted. We were able to get a wind burn today. Well not Speck, he was hiding in his pop up all day. Very hard to follow tracks, but if you keep your speed up you can blow a new trail just about anywhere. Didn't see anyone stuck today. Boat launches have deep ruts for about 25 yards but still manageable.
As Speck mentioned the size was good today, almost every 4th one was a keeper if you wanted to keep it.
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A great day on the strap. My pal and I caught numerous perch keepers. And having our holes drilled by a friendly fellow angler was icing on the cake!
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Had the pleasure to fish with 4 buddies yesterday. Nice that there was no wind. It was hard to visit as the perch action was non stop all day.
At the end of the day we added up what the 5 of us caught........it was hard to believe that a 75 yard area would hold that many perch all day long. As a rule I find that come mid Feb the fishing slows down a little. Yesterday was like March Madness. Let's hope it keeps up until the end of March.
Have a good weekend out there all.
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Has anybody noticed an unusual spinal deformation in the perch they have caught in Blackstrap? Last time out I caught a couple that were fat, healthy fish that I thought should have been in the ten inch class. When measuring these I noticed the posterior part of the fish was misshapen. There seemed to be a bend or bulge right near where the tail fin began. I kept both of these fish, and when I filleted them I observed the spine did not continue straight to the tail, but rather bulged to one side.
A conversation with Sask Environment this morning resulted in a file being opened. They are certainly interested to hear of any other such cases.
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Huh, thats odd. I'll keep an eye out this weekend. That's interesting that Sask Environment was so quick to open a case.
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I was out today on the South end. For those of you wondering what the rain and warm weather did to the snow......the boat launch are was dry....no water.....easy to drive on.....the snow really settled of disappeared as there are lot's of clear spots now. Was able to drive in 2 wheel drive to our spot. You don't have to keep up your speed , as the drifts are as hard as rock....so no use bouncing and hitting your head on the roof top. You should be able to pick your way along driving slow. I was fishing on the East side...so didn't check out the West side which had more deeper snow before the rain and warm weather.
Oh, perch are still biting like crazy.
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How are the ruts on the boat launch? I'm wondering if I would bottom out in my SUV. They were brutal in town.
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I used the North one, and I am sure your SUV would make it no problem. You could look at the South one and then decide which one you want to use. There was a car on the ice today, and he used one of the launches.
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I used the North one, and I am sure your SUV would make it no problem. You could look at the South one and then decide which one you want to use. There was a car on the ice today, and he used one of the launches.
Super, thanks church. Hoping to see this hot bite tomorrow!
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Turned out to be a good bite today. Perch wanted to get fried in the pan. Thanks again to the folks who plowed the launch. Awesome!!
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Yes, this happens once a year usually were someone plows the launches. It would be nice to know who it is. For the fellow that plowed the launches, if you are reading this post....thank you thank you.
The perch bite today was all day long for our group....just crazy for mid Feb.
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Strange conditions today! The visibility was super low today, maybe something to do with the weather. All of the perch I caught were 4-6 ft off bottom. Maybe the cloudy water makes them brave enough to climb up
(https://i.postimg.cc/3yJdqM5d/IMG-20220213-104429.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3yJdqM5d)
Then the wind really picked up and tried to take my tent. I did see some shacks on their side too. Hope you all secured your shacks well!
(https://i.postimg.cc/gwnGRGbq/IMG-20220213-084810.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gwnGRGbq)
Finally thanks a ton to whoever cleared the launch! You did a really thorough job.
(https://i.postimg.cc/qNZTpW6t/IMG-20220213-132535.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qNZTpW6t)
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Hi HatandBoots. I had the same experience earlier in the week...perch suspended way higher than normal. Same murky water conditions, so I turned camera off. Mark's on the flasher were as you say. I was just south of the launch, at the time. But Saturday, perch were behaving "normally" farther north. Who knows?
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I sat on a school of perch all morning this Sunday until I ran out of mealworms, which I certainly did! I saw similar behaviours. The perch were definitely feeding. They were enthusiastically chasing my bait upwards. I triggered a lot of strikes by bouncing my jig off bottom a couple times, and then slowly reeling upwards. It was very easy to tell if I had lost my bait because if I didn't get a bite within 15-30 seconds of dropping down, I knew they had nibbled the worms off!
From time to time I would see a big flurry of activity 5 feet off bottom. I wonder if there wasn't some kind of bloodworm hatch. They were all full of bloodworms from what I could see.
If I were to go back any time soon, I would try some red bloodworm plastics so that I don't have to spend half my time baiting my jig!
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set a flag for pike and did some jigging yesterday afternoon. picked a nice quite spot and enjoyed the day fished from 1pm til 7pm. lots of perch throughout the afternoon all different sizes and 3 pike on the flag. another great afternoon.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zbZ0v964/4-FF0854-B-A176-47-D0-8-ADD-7-A24-B2596-A6-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zbZ0v964)
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Lots of small perch today as per usual, but managed to land a nice 30” pike on the tip up with a 4 inch smelt. Any idea what this fish would weigh? Online chart says around 7.7lb
(https://i.postimg.cc/678w1VtH/242-D3-CE5-72-D6-4286-B07-D-43325-C5372-C6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/678w1VtH)
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Hard to say waverider. I would say any pike you catch now (female at least) will be the top end of any weight range on a chart. They seriously put on the pounds before spawn.
Got on a cookie cutter mid 30s bite at deif last year. Guys next to us were weighing them at 20lbs. Id say they would have struggled to hit 15 in the summer.
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Hi Waverider, I landed a 30” pike this winter and the trusty old scale read 7lb 2oz. Nice to pull those out of the ice and release them to produce more.
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Went out to the N end today, only 1 other truck out later in the day, I fished from 12 to 7. It was very slow, lots of perch action but not many takers, only kept a few for a fry. Occasional jack patrolling and a large whitefish hung around for 30 minutes but did not do too much. Water clarity was good! Ice was 42 inches thick. Access to the lake was good then a local came with a bobcat and cleared some nice trails onto the lake for people to get their shacks off this week, thanks to whoever that was, very nice of you. You can basically drive most places on the lake, just watch out for the drifts near shacks.
(https://i.postimg.cc/qhcL096B/66871720574-83-FBFD49-8-DB4-4165-8-BFE-530-D160398-AC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhcL096B)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bDfT7zJF/IMG-5708.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bDfT7zJF)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qhPM45nR/IMG-5706.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhPM45nR)
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Decent perch bite yesterday, they are packing on that egg mass in a hurry. Decided to only keep a couple as most keeper sized ones were starting to look like dinner plates!
I had good and bad luck with pike yesterday. I missed two of them on the tip up. I did manage to catch one though. I caught it on -- get this -- a 5 mil tungsten jig, 4lbs fluorocarbon and an in-line reel 😂. Must have been going for another fish I was marking. The only reason I got away with this was because he got hooked hard and deep right in the upper lip. You spend $10 on smelt for the weekend and they end up hitting your perch rig. What can ya do!
P.S.: To reader I met out there in the morning, hope you had a great day with your grandson. Beauty afternoon to be outside, fish or no fish.
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I also experienced a good bite on a morning outing. Lots of 8" to 9" takers with a few larger ones lurking about. The camera revealed plenty of perch working the bottom for bloodworms. I must have set up on some prime feeding grounds, because the fish kept stirring up the bottom, rendering the camera useless at times. When there was sufficient visibility, it was interesting to watch the cruising perch go into attack mode when the jig was dropped to the bottom. It was "Fins up, damn the torpedoes!" as they went for the kill.
No pike, walleye or whitefish interrupted the perch performance. Just three solid hours of fun with the little fishes. My compadres who stayed out longer reported a mid day lull in the bite, which picked up again later in the afternoon.
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Very different bite from my last trip. I opened up my holes from last time out and caught three keepers in a row - 8:30 start. After that it was very spotty. The fish were few and far between. The marks came by as singles or small groups. The bite was really light, with the perch preferring a static presentation for the most part. Interestingly, the size of the fish was quite good. I moved to a new spot and found a more aggressive bite, but the fish were much, much smaller.
I packed it in around noon, and then got stuck in a snowbank that I couldn't see in the grey light. My friend who had been back at the original spot came and pulled me out; reporting the bite had started to turn on. He had steady action through the afternoon.
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Decent perch bite yesterday, they are packing on that egg mass in a hurry. Decided to only keep a couple as most keeper sized ones were starting to look like dinner plates!
I had good and bad luck with pike yesterday. I missed two of them on the tip up. I did manage to catch one though. I caught it on -- get this -- a 5 mil tungsten jig, 4lbs fluorocarbon and an in-line reel 😂. Must have been going for another fish I was marking. The only reason I got away with this was because he got hooked hard and deep right in the upper lip. You spend $10 on smelt for the weekend and they end up hitting your perch rig. What can ya do!
P.S.: To reader I met out there in the morning, hope you had a great day with your grandson. Beauty afternoon to be outside, fish or no fish.
Hi there. I enjoyed meeting a fellow ice shanty member Decided to finally register. We found fish over to west of where I talked to you. I was still anchoring the shelter and my grandson had a fish on. See grandpa he says I’ll show you how to catch fish. He is 4 and thankfully hooked on fishing. Hello to Church! Great meeting you as well at end of January when you brought that large pike over fir the little guy. I have photos if him hugging it and his grandma saying ooh his coat
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full shift today. gotta love this weather were having. setting up some big bait looking for some more pike action. and jigging around picking off perch here and there as reported tons of small perch to weed through. did manage 5 nice ones to keep. nothing to report on the flag all day. evening bite did produce a couple 16-17" walleyes that topped off an awesome day. couple weeks left looking forward to getting out enjoying the weather/fishing a few more times at late ice.
(https://i.postimg.cc/mz66ZWCF/0351335-F-F260-4232-98-D3-9-F590-BF38-A6-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mz66ZWCF)
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Just wondering is the lake driveable? I want to take my three year old out but wont be able to walk out with gear and him
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We are walking out as of yesterday. Didn't see anyone on the ice on the South end. My friend said he saw a truck on the North end yesterday. The perch were pretty active yesterday.
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Fishing the Strap has been hit and miss this year. Ice conditions has been better then last year. Last year the ice turned funky that took its toll on one vehicle. This year I found that the more disturbing thing was the amount of litter and garbage left on the ice. Any time I ventured onto the ice i would constantly pick up plastic bags, bait containers and beer cans. Last week I parked at the office and walked out to visit a couple friends that were set up for the morning. On the way back I picked up an arm full of trash. Beer cans, Tim's and McD's coffee cups. a couple broken large tubs of minnow and meal worms as well as a 1/2 full bottle of orange Power Aid. Guys, please pick up your trash. If you bring it onto the ice, take it off the ice with you. Safe travels and stay dry.
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YOU! You picked up that drink bottle! Dammit, that was marking the best spot on the whole lake.
Seriously though, it is depressing to see the snow melt reveal all the crap folks leave behind. Good on you for picking up the garbage Twisted. Years ago a Wildlife Unit Manager told me that fishermen were the worst slobs of all when it comes to leaving a mess. Sometimes
I wonder about our species. I doubt very much anyone leaves home at the start of the day eager to wander around other's discarded junk.
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Good job, Twisted. Yes it can be quite a mess put there. Not sure why some folks find it so hard to take out what they bring onto the ice
Good news is the perch seem to be getting more active...hungry to make that roe grow, I guess. Only a few days left!
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Good job, Twisted. Yes it can be quite a mess out there. Not sure why some folks find it so hard to take out what they bring onto the ice
Good news is the perch seem to be getting more active...hungry to make that roe grow, I guess. Only a few days left!
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just out for the am yesterday 8-12. great conditions for walking, ice still solid does not look like any quick melting or softening by the looks of the overnight forecast up until the 31st. as posted the fish are fired up lots of perch were caught along with 5 walleyes the 12" variety and 1 pike. great time for the kids for sure with the steady action. a couple more trips planned for next week. pretty good season for the most part no giants were caught but some decent size eyes were landed again. that should be a wrap for this ice season unless a picture worthy fish comes into play the next couple trips. see you in November.
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We wrapped up the 2021 - 22 ice season today with another Blackstrap perch outing. It was a gorgeous day for walk on fishing, and there was no shortage of gentlemen who represented a "seasoned" angling demographic eager to take advantage. The fish cooperated yet again.
Numerous limits were taken today by smiling sunburned faces who were thankful to have one last good day on the hard water. There was a lot of experience on the ice today, and some great stories reflecting many collective fishing years were told.
Good luck to everyone in the open water season. I look forward to crossing paths again next November.
(https://i.postimg.cc/94WFg2JL/End-of-season.png) (https://postimg.cc/94WFg2JL)
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Yesterday was also my last kick at the bucket. This has been the best winter for me as far as filling the bucket. We fished this one spot for over 2 months, and it was March madness the whole 2 months. Usually after a couple weeks spots dry up and you move on to another one.
It was very nice to run into Shanty members on the ice this winter and exchange stories. Although I hope some of my regulars come up
with new stories for next winter.......well I am at that age that it might not matter....probably forget that I heard them.
You all have a great Spring/Summer/Fall and we will see/talk to you come November.
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i havent fished blackstrap i live in regina i have driven past the lake on the #11 highway from there how is thw best way to get to the northend on onto the ice getting ready for next year ty