WILLOW SLOUGH

[abishop]

Called today and the lake is completely skimmed over. Only 1 hunting party. If tomorrow doesnt see any hunters than maybe they will open the lake up for us fishermen. I will keep u posted.

[Ed from Justice]

Thanks........... that probably means that for sure if the weather holds up we can hit it next weekend for sure

[ChapstickCharlie]

Appreciate you're doing that.

[DOC]

I was there yesterday & 4 blinds got out in the marsh & a handful in the lake.  They lake over by the HQ was mostly wide open.  I'm sure its locked up (skim) now but I think it will be a while before its safe for ice fishing.   I'm pretty sure there will be guys busting ice (or trying) this weekend.   Duck hunters are an odd bunch.   And with the number of birds they are holding there will be guys trying to get out. 

Seems every year someone falls in (dies or comes close) trying to get out too early or too late at the slough.   Please be careful & don't go out alone.   25 bluegill aint worth it until its safe. 

I'd be suprised if they let anyone in at Morman Hill b/c the refuge is right there.   Maybe right outside the HQ if its safe ice. 

[Ed from Justice]

I may take a drive out there tomorrow or Sunday just to look around.  Meantime, I am hoping that by the 13th and 14th it will be safe to fish.   It gets really boring just sitting around waiting for spring and summer

[Turkeyhunter10ga]

 I'm pretty sure there will be guys busting ice (or trying) this weekend.   Duck hunters are an odd bunch.  

They are no different that we are just addicted to a different sport. I used to be one of those that would bust skim ice to get out to a blind in the dark and throw out a set of dekes and watch the water refreeze.

[DOC]

They are no different that we are just addicted to a different sport. I used to be one of those that would bust skim ice to get out to a blind in the dark and throw out a set of dekes and watch the water refreeze.

Yes I was one of them yesterday.  In a perfect world I'd be shooting mallards over ice the last day of the season & pulling bluegills out from under it the next day.   Although my back, shins & well pretty much the rest of me says take a day off in between.

I've never ice fished the slough b/c I have a spot about 10 minutes from home but this year I'm maiking the time & bringing my son.   Is there any difference in the fishing between Morman Hill, HQ & Filbert Lane?  My brother in law says he used to fish by Filbert Lane a long time ago.  Seeemed kind of shallow over there when I was teal hunting.   Maybe its changed since they drained & refilled it.   

Good luck & be safe out there.

[abishop]

Hey doc, most of all the marsh in under 4 feet. The back of the lake is usually the hot bite at first ice. You just have to run and gun untill you find the size you want to catch. GOOD LUCK I bought my stamps and never made it out this duck season. I think it is over on the 15 or 16.

[fin-stalker]

Hey abishop, thanks for the report on the slough.  I might make a trip out there tomorrow to check conditions.  If so, will post.  Safe fishin to all and tear em up!!!

[abishop]

Just got off the phone with Mike. He said 3 hunting parties today, and they were all walking to the blinds. Everything is frozen up. Hopefully, after today there will be no more hunters for the next few days. That way they may open it up to fish by mid-week. Lets keep our fingers crossed.