Author Topic: Lake Diefenbaker 2021-2022 (Read 17375 times)

burbotmachine · « **on:** Nov 18, 2021, 10:10 PM »

Hi guys, When will the ice freeze up?

ToonFisher · « **Reply #1 on:** Nov 18, 2021, 10:56 PM »

December 20ish in small bays near Gardiner Dam. A couple of weeks earlier in Coteau Bay. I guess.

daustman · « **Reply #2 on:** Nov 19, 2021, 01:18 PM »

My first day out was December 29 last year on 6 inches in a small bay. Elbow harbour had 14 inches by January 15. I'd say we're about a week behind last year's water temps.

Dwightster1 · « **Reply #3 on:** Dec 06, 2021, 11:01 PM »

Well ... it would be nice if things started freezing up after all this cool/ cold weather we have had...been down to minus 20 ish for a few nights now....you would think that the bays that are not open to the west/ east wind direction of much of this big lake would be pretty solid....

But there is a Lot of water there to cool down....

gman51 · « **Reply #4 on:** Dec 07, 2021, 08:03 AM »

have heard of people already fishing in certain areas on some bays. mostly locals or others that live close by. for me personally not a lake to be rushing out there. having said that I've got a few new areas I'm looking forward to checking out after the Christmas holidays.

braunjo · « **Reply #5 on:** Dec 15, 2021, 10:47 AM »

9" of ice in the marina at Sask Landing yesterday. A few shacks out on the ice near the marina entrance (and some vehicle tracks.) Caught a 19" walleye and a few burbot in the marina.

ToonFisher · « **Reply #6 on:** Dec 20, 2021, 01:57 PM »

10 to 12 inch of ice in Pump House Bay near Gardiner Dam today.

It must have been walkable a week ago.

ToonFisher · « **Reply #7 on:** Dec 20, 2021, 08:26 PM »

Coteau Bay also 12 inch of ice today.

ToonFisher · « **Reply #8 on:** Dec 20, 2021, 08:53 PM »

The main lake is frozen over near Gardiner Dam. I didn't walk out far, but felt safe to fish.

Hatandboots · « **Reply #9 on:** Dec 21, 2021, 09:54 AM »

Thanks Toon. Christmas break starts soon so hopefully I can make it out there a few times.

whitetip · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 03, 2022, 07:11 AM »

Has anyone been out at the fish farm yet. Wondering about ice?

daustman · « **Reply #11 on:** Jan 04, 2022, 02:47 PM »

Quote from: whitetip on Jan 03, 2022, 07:11 AM

Has anyone been out at the fish farm yet. Wondering about ice?

Ice was 14" in front of the WSA pumphouse in Maskepetoon (Birsay) Bay on January 1. It's gotta be the same around the fish farm.

sparksNfishing · « **Reply #12 on:** Jan 04, 2022, 03:02 PM »

Quote from: daustman on Jan 04, 2022, 02:47 PM

Ice was 14" in front of the WSA pumphouse in Maskepetoon (Birsay) Bay on January 1. It's gotta be the same around the fish farm.

Is this the pumphouse on the northside of the coulee but on the west side of the lake, south from Birsay?
Do they let ppl park there? I access that area on the south side through the fields in the summer but that has since changed with the rules of land access. I would like the try there this winter but not sure about the access and day parking around that building.

daustman · « **Reply #13 on:** Jan 04, 2022, 03:35 PM »

Quote from: sparksNfishing on Jan 04, 2022, 03:02 PM

Is this the pumphouse on the northside of the coulee but on the west side of the lake, south from Birsay?
Do they let ppl park there? I access that area on the south side through the fields in the summer but that has since changed with the rules of land access. I would like the try there this winter but not sure about the access and day parking around that building.

Yes. Signs everywhere of no trespassing but there were 8 trucks parked there on Jan. 2 afternoon. The WSA guy even showed up and I talked to him awhile. I don't think the workers care. And I don't think any of it is private land - I think it's all provincial (WSA) access.

GoldenGraham · « **Reply #14 on:** Jan 04, 2022, 10:23 PM »

Curious if anyone has an ice report for Elbow Harbour?

Trewlyfishing · « **Reply #15 on:** Jan 07, 2022, 01:07 PM »

I was out there last weekend (New Years eve and the Sunday). Harbour is iced over. Where we were ice ranged from 14' to 16'. lots of shacks, etc on the ice. There are even a few at the mouth of the harbour.

Trewlyfishing · « **Reply #16 on:** Jan 12, 2022, 10:29 AM »

Good morning all,
Just looking for ideas regarding the Elbow Harbour area. What depths should I be focusing on for walleye and perch in the harbour. Or should I be looking to venture out closer to the mouth of the harbour and the main lake. Been seeing and catching whitefish and burbot further in the harbour (between the boat launch and the fueling area in summer) in around 25-30 feet of water. Looking to head out this weekend.

thanks all.

ToonFisher · « **Reply #17 on:** Jan 12, 2022, 10:16 PM »

First outing this year. Coteau Bay is in full action. Trucks went from the Danielson park launch all the way to the south side. Not too much snow on the road or on ice.

Also see lots of action on the western end of Gardiner Dam.

See one fisherman in the pump house Bay.

daustman · « **Reply #18 on:** Jan 17, 2022, 08:49 AM »

Quote from: Trewlyfishing on Jan 12, 2022, 10:29 AM

Good morning all,
Just looking for ideas regarding the Elbow Harbour area. What depths should I be focusing on for walleye and perch in the harbour. Or should I be looking to venture out closer to the mouth of the harbour and the main lake. Been seeing and catching whitefish and burbot further in the harbour (between the boat launch and the fueling area in summer) in around 25-30 feet of water. Looking to head out this weekend.

thanks all.

I don't know too many guys who target walleye and perch around Elbow harbour. More of a pike and definitely a whitefish and burbot spot. I got 8 burbot on Saturday/Sunday.

Lots of snow/ice this year. 20 inches out the mouth of the harbour and lots of guys driving straight across to Birsay point and even south. Probably saw 10 guys get stuck Saturday afternoon.

Trewlyfishing · « **Reply #19 on:** Jan 17, 2022, 04:16 PM »

"I don't know too many guys who target walleye and perch around Elbow harbour. More of a pike and definitely a whitefish and burbot spot. I got 8 burbot on Saturday/Sunday.

Lots of snow/ice this year. 20 inches out the mouth of the harbour and lots of guys driving straight across to Birsay point and even south. Probably saw 10 guys get stuck Saturday afternoon."

Fair enough. We did see walleye on the south side of the harbour, but yeah otherwise, burbots and whitefish. Ice was thicker at the mouth then in the harbour too. Where we set up in the harbour, ice was about 14-16 inches. at the mouth of the harbour easily 20 inches.

Hatandboots · « **Reply #20 on:** Jan 17, 2022, 04:18 PM »

How's the snow depth near the damn or pumphouse? I'm assuming it'll be similar to everywhere, hopefully not. Maybe I need to break out the sled and harness again.

EVAN NIM · « **Reply #21 on:** Jan 24, 2022, 10:05 AM »

Any updates on snow driving condition?

Dlzfish · « **Reply #22 on:** Jan 24, 2022, 05:19 PM »

Quote from: EVAN NIM on Jan 24, 2022, 10:05 AM

Any updates on snow driving condition?

Went to coteau bay on saturday. Easy going compared to LML the week before. The launch is by far the worst part. If you can get past there, you can break trail with no issues. I didnt have to keep speed up at all. Stock 4x4 is plenty, suv is probably OK?

Waverider · « **Reply #23 on:** Jan 27, 2022, 06:25 PM »

Heading out to Coteau Bay soon, I have never fished on Lake Diefenbaker so I have a few questions I hope someone might be able to answer.

1. Is there good enough access for a car to get into the Danielson boat launch?
2. Is there decent fishing close to shore in that area? I will be walking on.
3. Anyone kind enough to share some tips for depths and whatnot? Walleye would be the preferred species but I am not too picky!

Thanks all

cdnb · « **Reply #24 on:** Jan 27, 2022, 06:54 PM »

Is anyone familiar with the Hitchcock Bay area? I'm headed there tomorrow but have never fished the area before.

oleike · « **Reply #25 on:** Jan 27, 2022, 08:25 PM »

BEWARE OF THE OPEN WATER GAS WELLS
THAT CAN BE ANYWHERE ON THE LK.

speckspotter · « **Reply #26 on:** Jan 27, 2022, 10:46 PM »

Made my first trip of the season to Diefenbaker today. I saw plenty of vehicles driving on Coteau Bay. At Riverhurst, there were shacks and vehicles on the ice which was in the 20" range for thickness. There is less snow on that lake than on those around Saskatoon.

Driving was no problem as I navigated my way to my sure fire secret walleye spot. The real problem, was that the fish had other plans for me. I managed one weak bite all afternoon at numerous holes. The sunset bite was better, but the fish were all Small-eyes. Wall-fry? No fish dinner from this trip.

At any rate, the coyotes sang me a sweet serenade and the windless evening was a welcome switch. Nice to see that 219 south from Hwy 15 is finally useable.

SASKaGUY · « **Reply #27 on:** Jan 30, 2022, 08:10 PM »

What’s the fishing like on the east side near Douglas Provincial park and the Qu’appelle dam? Would be coming from Moose Jaw and haven’t fished out there before. Was wondering if I could cut my diving distance down a bit or would I be better of going to the other side near Coteau were others have mentioned the fishing was good?

shawno · « **Reply #28 on:** Jan 31, 2022, 01:21 PM »

I'm hoping someone can provide me a bit of info regarding Elbow Harbor area and where to setup. More specifically, looking for Burbot. If you wouldn't mind to PM me, it would be appreciated. Happy to return the favor if I can help out on this lake or a different one.

Thanks.

Lonestarsask · « **Reply #29 on:** Jan 31, 2022, 03:35 PM »

Target the burbot in the dark. They are all over that area. Any Suttle shore structure associated with deep water nearby. I like 25 to 30 fow.

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Author Topic: Lake Diefenbaker 2021-2022 (Read 17375 times)

gman51