IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Canada => Ice Fishing Saskatchewan => Topic started by: Churchill River on Oct 24, 2020, 11:37 AM
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bigk, I see you started a thread on ice fishing season. We better start one related to Blackstrap as most people will look for that.
I thought Rip would of started one already (as he is usually first to do so), but he must be tied up hunting still.
It looked like we were going to be able to walk out by Nov. 8th or so, but I see a couple days next week with highs of 8, so that might delay us
a bit.
I noticed the other day that the back arm at Blackrock was froze over, and some ice forming on the main water. Waiting for 3 inches................ ........that's something you won't hear the ladies say.
I hope you all had your fill of open water fishing, and are ready for the hard water.
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Hey CR!
Thanks for setting up the thread. Been watching the highway cam pointed at the south end for the last couple days and I'm getting excited to get out there and wet my lines.
I appreciated the 3 Inches joke as well!
Looking forward to the hard water season.
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Has anyone mapped Blackstrap yet using Humminbird Helix?
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Is it easy to share hummingbird maps? My dad got one this year, and I'd like to get the same brand if we can share maps.
It's my first year to go ice fishing around Saskatoon since I was 8, anything changed at Blackstrap at all? I remember it being good for perch, in about 20' of water. Is there a certain end of the lake to focus on, or pretty well all over?
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Iced over at town of Shields, measured near shore and about a 1/2 inch. Was happy to see not much snow on ice! Still open water near North end of Shields as the birds were still floating. Shouldn't be too much longer with these cold temps.
Always measure your own ice and stay safe out there!!
(https://i.postimg.cc/zL9TjRqs/November-9th.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zL9TjRqs)
(https://i.postimg.cc/30rj4Q8N/IMG-2866.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/30rj4Q8N)
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Is it easy to share hummingbird maps? My dad got one this year, and I'd like to get the same brand if we can share maps.
It's my first year to go ice fishing around Saskatoon since I was 8, anything changed at Blackstrap at all? I remember it being good for perch, in about 20' of water. Is there a certain end of the lake to focus on, or pretty well all over?
The perch were biting all over the lake last year.
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Hello to all you expectant ice fishers. After spending most of the day clearing snow, I took a spin to the north end of Blackstrap.The trail in was passable (somebody was there before me) and I was pleased to see ice stretching out for at least a mile or more. Very little snow on this ice. The approach has a bit of snow blocking it, but nothing that will deter a serious truck. I had my Labradors along and they happily ran along the edge with no problem. I was curious to see what a 20 ga round would do to the ice. The pellets bounced off at a ten yard range. I suspect we will have some good ice for walking on some smaller water bodies before too long.
Time to sharpen the blades and charge the flasher battery.
(https://i.postimg.cc/87tsp0ws/First-Ice-2020.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/87tsp0ws)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qtqqzxZw/First-Ice-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qtqqzxZw)
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Thats really good news, I had hoped that wind kept the lakes open during that blizzard, looks like it might have been the case for some of the southern bodies
Good to see
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Thanks for the updates! Havent been able to check the highway cam on south end lately as it's still partially covered from the storm.
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need help, looking to sell all my ice fishing equipment. propane auger, Marcum black and white camera, heater, cabelas pop up shelter. is there a iceshanty page for items for sale. thanks
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If you put it on kijiji as a bundle it will sell. I foresee lots of folks taking up icefishing this winter.
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Ok it’s time to fish . ;D
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Hi Rip:
Does this mean you are going to walk out tomorrow? Will check tomorrow night for your report on ice thickness, etc.
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Yes. 3-4” in a few areas checked. No access at the boat launches unless you have the proper vehicle to attempt. Although there was a park worker on a bobcat with a bucket starting to clear certain areas in the park. So maybe in a few days or sooner more lake access will be open. At least to get closer for parking and to walk on as everywhere is snowed in on the east side.
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First day out today, 3.5 - 4 inches of clear good ice just outside of Shields. Slow start in 7-8 feet, but as the day got longer ventured to 20-21 feet and the perch bite was good.
Stay safe out there and good luck!
(https://i.postimg.cc/622xC9TX/Nov-12th.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/622xC9TX)
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Ralph, were did you walk on from?
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Hey Churchill, I walked on from Shields beach area and fished near where all the ice shacks usually are over the winter.
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just checked the southern tip. Ice along the shore is bad. I got one foot through. 4+" of ice everywhere. Light snow cover.
(https://i.postimg.cc/DSX3nXnD/20201113-112903.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DSX3nXnD)
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Wow. Love seeing all the updates on here. So I am thinking about going out this Sunday. Just wondering which end of the lake would be better to walk on. North or South end?
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The north dam, park entrance or the southern tip usually have good road access.
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Thanks Ralph. I have walked on from that spot also in the past. Heading out tomorrow and going to check
the East side of Evans Road first.
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Awesome to see you guys out! Thanks for the ice reports. I'm heading out tmrw morning. Anyone know if the park road to the boat launches is driveable? If not will walk on at the south end.
Stay safe everyone!
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Quick 4hr trip this morning great to be out. putting the short rods to work. extremely windy out there today looks like more of the same tomorrow with a chance of snow. Had a great morning setting hooks on some real nice eyes. Perch and a pike were also landed.(crappy pics) main thing they all went back healthy. Looking forward to the rest of the ice season.
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Rip, was there a good 4 inches?
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In most areas I was at. Did run into 2” and less when walking around. Still need to be very aware of where you’re walking and what’s around you.
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Great start to the season ripnflutter, thanks for posting as we will not have ice here for at least another month.
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Itching and can not wait to get out, gonna pull my stuff down and go through it all today... keep the posts coming.
Good looking start to the hard water season RIP, no surprise at all.
Good luck and stay safe out there everyone.
I know RIP and Churchill know this lake better than most, due to the mad amount of time spent on it over many years (jealous of course).
With that being said take your time and be cautious out there, as mentioned these few guys know that lake top to bottom and are super experienced...
See you all soon!
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Thanks Pollock....so right on cue, here is my post.
Walked out on the South side of Evans Road today. A good 5 inches of ice. Caught well over 50 perch and these two nice Walleye,
and one 7 lb Pike.
The 5.2 lber (24 3/4 inches), went back down the hole. I kept the other 3.1 lb ( 21 inches), for supper. My partner caught well over 50 perch also,
along with 6 Walleye (all small ones that went back). The Pike also went back.
Morning was blowing snow and windy, afternoon was just windy. But it wasn't cold. We were able to hole hop with no problem.
Opps, having trouble attaching the pictures. Will try to send pics later.
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I can't add my pictures. I am doing everything the same as last year, and I didn't have any problems.
It say's.....Safari can't open the page.
Any 10 year olds reading this, that can help me out.
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/Users/roncojocar/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail/Data/Library/Mail Downloads/CE0A6465-8363-4593-930B-834186051FC7/IMG_1561 2.jpeg
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file:///var/folders/h0/4d9zfzx54j55h7x24gkbtd1w0000gn/T/WebKitDropDestination-WXe3JvLD/IMG_1568.jpg
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Great to hear CR and thanks for the report.
Myself and a buddy walked out at the south dam this morning for a few hours. We started in 13 fow and moved out to 20 fow. Saw a decent amount of marks on the flasher but only landed a single perch.
We headed back around noon. Ice was solid 4 inches or more everywhere we drilled. Having said that we walked out testing with an ice pick first as I'm still new to early ice.
Stay safe everyone and cant wait to get back out there.
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Way to go Ralphyc, ripnflutter, Churchill River and DoubleHookSet.
Dandy start to the season guys.
:icefish:
Was the good old hawger spoon the ticket again?
Do you guys go for the original or rattle type? :-\
Churchill River, I have not had that issue yet with Safari not opening for me yet, but, did find this article that
may help you. ---> https://osxdaily.com/fix-safari-cant-open-page-error-ios-mac/ (https://osxdaily.com/fix-safari-cant-open-page-error-ios-mac/)
WW
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Yes Water Wolf. We were bought using the chartreuse hawger, with the perch eyes. Usually just use the regular ones,
but do have a few with the rattle in the back of them. I don't think it makes a difference.
Thanks for that site. I tried everything on there, except use a different browser, with no luck.
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Anyone know if the road to the boat launches is good to drive
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i still have some of the original painted hawgers before they replaced them with the sticker type. hard to find. Haven’t used them in years. Your right church it doesn’t make a difference it’s Just another lure perch Sure seem to like them.Churchill should know about the boat launch access he was in the area yesterday.
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I checked out the boat launches and they haven't been cleared. I went to the far parking area in line with Evans Road and was able to
drive down to the picnic tables with no problem at all and it wasn't cleared. There was a vehicle parked in the first parking lot, and they walked out from there in front of the launches. Not sure how they did. I didn't walk all the way down the launch, so there might be only a couple of deep spots to plow through.
I think a guy could plow through going down the launch, might have trouble coming back up. Until we can drive on, I don't think we
need to drive the extra 40 yards down the launch.
As for my problem posting pictures continues, I know find that I can't see other peoples posts on the front page. I can only see other peoples posts when I click on reply to post (like I am posting this one). So I have done something wrong. Some of you think I know how to fish,
but know you all know, that I know crap about computers. Some mornings my wife has to show me the power on button. I am thinking of painting it chartreuse like my hawger.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/G9rtkzFY/IMG-1561-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G9rtkzFY)
(https://i.postimg.cc/G9rtkzFY/IMG-1561-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G9rtkzFY)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/Q9D8JxTs/IMG-1573.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Q9D8JxTs)
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Out again today enjoying the great weather very little wind unlike yesterday and Friday. Teamed up with shanty member saskbucks. hanging out watching marks come through all day setting hooks chasing flags 1 for 10 on the tip-up.. Lol perch we playing games tripping flags. great day out there. More trips planned thanks saskbucks.
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So I got a chance to go out today. Walked on just in front of shields. Really good ice. Up to 6” in some spots. Marked many fish and managed to bring up a bunch of perch and a few small walleye. Everything went back down the hole except for two walleye that I kept for supper. Fished in 21’ of water. Stay safe out there.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3dfNpWFX/8379949-F-B1-AD-4-ABD-8-B0-B-6-E7-C5-CE51052.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3dfNpWFX)
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It was great to get out with Rip! Nice to get out and catch up with a buddy. Tried out my new pistol bit today. Love how lightweight and easy it is to use. Looking forward to the new ice seasons
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Hello guys, me and my friend are planning to go to blackstrap this coming Saturday. I am wondering if the marked places on the map have good and clear ice?
Thanks in advance and enjoy the fishing.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Wh8fmx8Q/Screenshot-2020-11-15-203500.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Wh8fmx8Q)
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sounds like your new to ice fishing.? hard to get any help or advice with the map you posted. my advice would be to open up google maps satellite view of the lake and look for access near to where you want to fish. this time of year (early ice) you shouldn't really take anyone's word on ice conditions get out there yourself take a spud bar and ice picks even were a life jacket if your new to ice fishing. go online and research good luck be safe.
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Thank you so much for your advice, Ripnflutter.
I am kinda new to ice fishing (started last year). I have been doing a lot of shore fishing in May this year around the southern tip of blackstrap and had some luck catching walleye and white fish.
I went to the northern tip of blackstrap last weekend and the ice was about 4'' in most areas but had no luck. So, I want to try the southern tip this weekend.
I just wanna know the general ice condition on the southern tip, and for sure, I will bring my spud bar and ice picks to check the ice myself.
Thanks again for the advice.
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I fished just off the south dam on Saturday and everywhere we went had solid 4inches or more. The access road was easily drivable in my truck but would have been fine in something smaller too.
With that said, Rip and others on this forum have years of experience on me. Make sure to safely check the ice any time you're out.
Good luck!
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(https://i.postimg.cc/G9rtkzFY/IMG-1561-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G9rtkzFY)
(https://i.postimg.cc/G9rtkzFY/IMG-1561-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G9rtkzFY)
Is that you Churchill?
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Saskbucks, no that isn't me. The gentleman I was fishing with that day.
When I got it to the top of the hole, he grabbed it, and held it up, so I took a picture with him holding it.
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Fished the far North end this morning (thinking we might find some bigger perch), from 9:45 till about 11:30. Our group caught about 25 small perch, only a couple that were 9 inches. So we moved to Evans Road and fished until 5. Even with the soft bites, we caught a ton of perch along with 3 walleye. Again the perch were very small, with 3 of them over 10 inches barley.
Will try later in the week in a couple different spots to see if we can find some bigger perch.
Anyone catching many or any jumbo's so far?
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Just one observation to add to Churchill River's report; we noted that the majority of the perch we kept were males.
We had a lot of laughs fighting epic battles with some very small perch. CR put a positive spin on things by calling it "good practise"
to detect those light bites and get those minnows topside. Happily, most of the released fish (we were around 24 feet deep) immediately swam away looking none the worse for wear. I only ended up with one hors d'oeuvre fish that needed micro surgical filleting technique.
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See Speck.......practice catching those small soft biting Perch, as well as practicing our filleting skills......if the winter keeps up the same,
we are going to be darn good at both.
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Hows the water clarity this year? ???
Last winter you guys were saying it was quite bad in some area.
WW
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We only drilled in two areas; the north end and Evans Road, but so far the water seems pretty clear.
The fish are as tasty as ever.
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Hey Churchill, I walked on from Shields beach area and fished near where all the ice shacks usually are over the winter.
That was you out there! Wondered who that brave soul was!
Right there was one of the last refugee for the geese, I think there is springs feeding out there?
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Some guys are saying slush ice on the lakes, im trying to get my wt tag filled so i can get out there..!
Black hard ice on the strap or is it slushy and grey?
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(https://i.postimg.cc/9z1BQvCw/0206-AB75-CA55-415-D-B365-31366-C1-E4-B66.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9z1BQvCw)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Yjt3kpKw/4502-A525-61-C1-4670-B4-BF-847255-AFD63-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Yjt3kpKw)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Fd4xYvY3/BA7-CA93-E-DB37-498-E-965-E-EB3-F62-AAAA03.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Fd4xYvY3)
The ice is still good I didn’t find any slushy spots today
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Hey I found one ice cleat boot cover yesterday at Evans road, there were two other people fishing so I presume it was one of theirs. If it’s yours you can personal message me and I will return.
PS. Church your Personal message folder is full so can’t respond to your pm.
(https://i.postimg.cc/dLRDsqqh/CE57-D85-C-52-B1-4-D16-BAA7-4-C75-A9-AA1471.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dLRDsqqh)
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Out for the afternoon/evening checking out a couple areas on the lake. weather was great a bit breezy. Perch and walleyes were a little more cooperative than the last few trips. Couple 15” eyes made the trip home. Even a few jumbos were landed. 8-9” of ice in most places fished.
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Fished the far South side this morning from 9:45 to noon. Steady action all morning, all small perch, nothing over 10 inches. Then moved to Evans Road area and fished until 5. The perch were non stop at Evans Road right up until 5. Did catch one 11 and one 12 inch perch and kept a few 9 1/2 inchers for a feed. The South end had a good 10 inches of ice. Evans Road was a good 9 inches.
I checked the boat launches and they are still a no go. The North boat launch has snow pushed in front of it when they cleared the parking lot. You can get round it but the snow is pretty deep. Some one tried to drive down the South boat launch and only got about 1/2 way.
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Hey church. I was at Evan’s all day today. Fished with my nephew we were in the red Eskimo shack. Non stop perch action all day. Again nothing big. My nephew landed a few pike, and lost a monster pike at the hole. Saw lots on the camera. I don’t think there was really a time where we didn’t see fish on the camera.
I was killing it with your hawger/perch eye combo. Could barely get it all the way to the bottom before it got hit. Genius!!
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Hi Majic:
Yes, I saw you set up closer to the West shoreline. I was close to that area last week, and again it was non stop.
Get them while it's hot.....Evans road seems to slow down come late Dec.
Once we can drive on, we will find the bigger Perch.
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Hey all, great to see this forum again this year. Are you guys dropping lines around 21 feet for perch at this time of year? I usually miss first ice and start my season in mid December but will be out tomorrow.
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Piggy, I have been out 5 times in 4 different spots. There seems to be Perch all over in 20 to 22 fow, with the odd Walleye. Don't be
scared to drill 6 to 10 holes and move around. I started yesterday and had to move 20 yards one way to really get into them.
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Thanks CR.
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One more question, how close can you get to the lake with a half ton from the west side to get onto evans road? Is the gate open and are we able to park down by that little pump shack?
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Couple more volunteers came home tonight to add to the fish platter For tomorrow. 2 on the flag back to back 5 min apart. Few more on the jigging rod and a bunch of perch. Fished from 2-6 Weather was great 8-9” of ice. Looks like warm windy weather moving in for the weekend. Wind took a hard nw to straight south in a hurry tonight. Anchor those hubs down on Saturday.
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I was out last weekend and we walked on from the East side of the lake. Saw a few tents come down from the west side but from what I can tell they were parked at the gate and walked down.
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Hey Rip,
What's that yellow thing on your flag? I need to make some foam covers like that for my rectangle style tipups. Good to hear people are finding the bite. I've been out 3 times and havent quite found the same but have landed a few.
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Tip-up light
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Cool thanks!
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Started at 9 a.m. this morning and decided to try the North East corner of the North end were we have had luck with the jumbos. I spent 2 1/2 hours walking around there and down the East shoreline drilling over 40 holes and walking 2 miles. Only few small perch and one small walleye. Then walked West to about the middle of the lake (maybe a little closer to the West) and got there at noon. Drilled 5 holes and it was non stop action in all 5 holes. Still no size. Kept two 10 inch perch and four 9 inch ones for supper. At 2:40 this Walleye made the mistake of checking out my hawger.......4.2 lbs. So the one Walleye was to small and the other one was to big.....back they went.
(https://i.postimg.cc/YGQrtgkq/IMG-1591.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YGQrtgkq)
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Nice fish there CR! I'm glad to see the Walleye's are still biting. Maybe see you out there tomorrow somewhere along the way.
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Had a pretty decent day all in all. Weather was kind of all over the place ( wind/fog/snow ) but the fish were cooperative. Caught a couple of Walleye’s and close to 20 perch. Had enough Perch for a feed so I let the Walleye’s go. Good clear black ice where I was and it was around 7.5” thick.
https://ibb.co/N6dxckR
https://ibb.co/7bXXFnX
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Hey group, I just thought I would share my ice report from Saturday morning. I was fishing near the pumphouse at Shields from 9:30-11:30 in 21' of water. I had 6" of nice clear ice. I know some have measured 7-8" in other spots. Be safe out there everyone!
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The ramp is cleared for driving down to Shields pump house loop. Ice is 7 to 9 inches. Found small perch and walleye.
(https://i.postimg.cc/5j0cPSt7/20201130-122243.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5j0cPSt7)
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Perch were biting at the old road by Shields today. Had few bigger jack come roam around and wrestled a couple with 4lb mono on the UL rod. It was a fairly mixed bag of perch sizes but brought home some nice ones. All done i think we had around 40 landed and a few lost.
The wind was a bit out of hand and it's even worse tomorrow but I stayed out side from 8am until 5pm. I didn't want to wrestle with the tent today but the striker ice suit sure was useful.
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Hello everyone,
Quick question, what kind of lure and bait do you normally use at blackstrap? I tried a few spots at north dam today and had no luck.
Thanks!
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"Hello everyone,
Quick question, what kind of lure and bait do you normally use at blackstrap? I tried a few spots at north dam today and had no luck.
Thanks!"
jjy --- Welcome to the forum! Take some time and read this thread from the beginning or go back to last year's thread. I don't want to steal anyone's thunder, but I'm sure the answer will be right in front of you ;)
Best of luck this year! Stay safe.
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Can a guy Quad accross the lake yet
Im thinking of heading out thursday, but i want to fish the west side (south end)
Was thinking of accessing from the launch and heading accross, i may hook up
My blade if the launch hasnt been cleared yet..
Last year i parked in thode and got scolded hard by a cabin owner.. i was lastly considering unloading At the visitor center and making the journey over the causeway through thode and onto the lake somewhere in there, im assuming i cant quad along the trails in the hills this year because of snow?
Anyway, im headimg out regardless if anyone can advise on any of that and whether or not i should take a atv blade to plow the launch, or is it really ugly
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Hi Evan:
You can quad across the lake from the launches no problem. There is a good 9 to 10 inches. I fished the far South end a week ago on the West side. There was 9 inches then.
It would be nice if you opened up one of the launches. It shouldn't to hard to do with your quad and blade. One of the launches, had a truck track 1/4 of the way down, but then they backed up.
I only found small perch on the far South, West side. I would of liked to of tried across from the campground, but wasn't up to walking that far that day. So maybe give that area a try on your way to the far South end.
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Thank you Shawno.
@Churchill River
I was reading last year's post and I saw you mentioned you are using the green hawger. Do you have a picture of it?
Thanks a lot.
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The ramp is cleared for driving down to Shields pump house loop. Ice is 7 to 9 inches. Found small perch and walleye.
(https://i.postimg.cc/5j0cPSt7/20201130-122243.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5j0cPSt7)
Thanks for the information! Might take my dad out, he should be able to walk out from there :).
Cheers!
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https://www.cabelas.ca/product/14860/ht-jig-a-whopper-hawger-spoon-rattle?productVariantId=61269&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkcfs2N6t7QIVURx9Ch2rAAZZEAQYASABEgI5EPD_BwE
Here is a picture of the hawger spoon. Cabela's had some earlier on, not sure about what colors they have.
I order mine direct from the states. I think this picture shows that it has the rattle in the back of the spoon. I
usually just use the one without the rattle, but I don't think it makes a difference. I have had good luck with the blue,
dark green, silver, and chartreuse. Haven't taken the chartreuse off in two years though.
https://htent.com/catalog/inventory.php?fam=147&cat=300&new=
I use the 1/8 oz ones. I do have some of the bigger ones that are 1/4 oz. They also make a 1/10 oz, which I have, but don't use.
When I first got them 6 or 7 years ago, I fished them with the small red J hook that they come with. One day I lost two nice Walleye's that I thought spit the hook. When I looked at the hook bought times, the little red J hook broke in the bend. So since then I always take the red J hook off and put on a little bigger J hook....Mustad or similar make.
And I only use a perch eye for bait.
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I was at Cabelas a few days ago and they had green ones and yellow hawgers. Both the 1/4oz and 1/8oz ones. Pretty sure they are 3.99!
Good luck out there!
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Thank you so much!
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Hey CR, I’ve been trying to PM you back but your box is full. Just an FYI
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Thanks P.P. That sneaks up on me. Made room for messages.
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Guess I should report on todays effort. Walked on from the golf course on the West side by Shields. Found the ice was only a little over 8 inches there. Corny had mentioned that was one of the last spots to freeze up as the geese were keeping it open, and he mentioned there might be some springs in the area. Anyway, fished there in the morning until noon. I fished a area that was a good 100 yards with my holes all over the place in that 100 yard distance. Steady action in almost every hole. The season has had mostly small ones biting, well this area
held smaller then small ones. I didn't catch one that was over 7 inches. So packed up and moved to the pump house area South of Shields.
Started there shortly after 1, and fished until 4:30. Again I was hole hoping in a large area, and same thing.....lot's of action with small ones. Did have one that was 8 inches, the rest were 4 to 7 inches. So no fish feed today, and first time out this winter with no Walleye.
Didn't think is was going to be windy today, but forgot that is was Blackstrap....strong South/West wind.
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cheers everyone.
The jumbo perches must have remembered the green hawger with perch eye.
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Toon, that could be very well and they are sending all those little newbies to confirm. And those little ones never do what
they are told........stay away from hawger spoons and our poor relatives eyes.
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Hey all. Glad everyone is having some kind of success out there.
Just wondering if the boat launches have been cleared yet. I'm getting too old to be walking up and down hills covered with a bunch of snow lol.
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Evan was going to take his quad and blade and open one of the launches up the other day. Haven't heard back from him yet.
How did you make out Evan?
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(https://i.postimg.cc/061rHHw2/CD6-DE35-B-75-AA-4-F5-A-9-E81-7-E6-C580-E0914.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/061rHHw2)
Managed to clean up the north launch, broke my winch cable trying to clear the south. Sorry for any mess,
Did manage a few Walleyes south of thode but it was slow today.. only a handfull
Of perch,
The ice seams a little different this year,
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(https://i.postimg.cc/061rHHw2/CD6-DE35-B-75-AA-4-F5-A-9-E81-7-E6-C580-E0914.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/061rHHw2)
Managed to clean up the north launch, broke my winch cable trying to clear the south. Sorry for any mess,
Did manage a few Walleyes south of thode but it was slow today.. only a handfull
Of perch,
The ice seams a little different this year,
Wow that looks good Evan! Looking forward to going out this weekend.
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We only need one launch.....great job Evan.
Did you find 11 inches of ice?
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maybe 10” at the most, made my way across checking The lake checking,
Straight accross from the launch i tried as well, no luck there but i did find what appeared to be a bit of a preasure ridge forming, it only stretched out about 40 yards but it was along one of the big cracks that has seemed to have opened and refroze, they seam to be all over the lake, unless its just melted snow banks but it didn't look that way..
TheRe was someone out there after me, maybe im wrong and they can elaborate, just reminded me of being on LmL a bit today
Black good ice though, fishing was slow for me
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@ Evan Nim - thanks for all the clearing you did! I’m sure a lot of people will appreciate it. :thumbsup:
Barometric Pressure is low today (28.1 inHg). Low pressure usually indicates slower fishing. Pair that with a Waning Gibbous Moon and things will be slower for awhile. Things should pickup around the 14th of Dec. Only thing that might improve your luck is that magical green spoon ;)
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i would re-phrase that by saying that its one thing that could improve your chances. i would encourage people to try different lures and colors. you might be surprised. ;)
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Evan NIM - I walked out there yesterday afternoon. I saw the spot you mentioned and indeed it seemed like a spot that had opened and froze again. Fishing on that side picked up after 3:00 pm. Found a few holes with active perch. Steady catching for an hour and a half. All small however. A handful made 9 inches. Everything else smaller. Everywhere I drilled was 10-11 inches of ice.
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We only need one launch.....great job Evan.
Did you find 11 inches of ice?
Toon, that could be very well and they are sending all those little newbies to confirm. And those little ones never do what
they are told........stay away from hawger spoons and our poor relatives eyes.
Good to see ya havin some early success out there Church, itching to get out there . Hopefully sooner than later🎣
Toon, that could be very well and they are sending all those little newbies to confirm. And those little ones never do what
they are told........stay away from hawger spoons and our poor relatives eyes.
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Hey guys, been reading back a few years into this forum and am appreciating the information. Thought I'd join.
I'm new to fishing blackstrap and relatively new to ice fishing altogether - we are inexperienced to say the least. 3 days on the ice and have caught 2 fish total. Everyone else seems to be doing consistent numbers and everyone we talk to on the ice is catching decent amounts. We are wondering what we're doing wrong! Tried the common spots on the south: Evans road, out from the boat launch. Using the recommended gear: small minnows, Buckshot, etc. 20-25ft water. The fish gods just aren't smiling on us haha
Any tips for a few summer fishermen trying to get in on the winter action?
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This is my 10th year. The key is to find the fish. Perch likes deep water. Walleye likes drop-off. It doesn't matter much what lure you use. Recently the rim of sunken Evans road is quite good. But you still need to drill quite a few holes to find then. If you have camera or sonar, you can tell whether there is fish and whether your jigging is attracting them. Cheers!
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They are getting bigger........two of us fished the North end today, well over 100 perch were caught. We were able to keep 16 perch that were 10 to 12 inches for supper. One 5 lb pike, and one 3 lb pike....no walleye. I heard from a couple of friends that were fishing the South end and they had just as good or even better luck then we did today.
The gentleman I was fishing with today lives just North of Shields and he went yesterday with his bobcat and cleared the North causeway. He also went and groomed the entrance to the lake, it's going to be easy access this year at the shoreline.
By mid afternoon there were 30 trucks parked on the causeway and another 6 in the parking area at the entrance to the lake.
And as Rip mentioned the other day in his post, everyone has their favourite lure, but don't be scared to try other ones. As the old saying goes....... When they are biting, it doesn't matter what you use, and when they aren't biting, it doesn't matter what you use. Some lures will
out perform others when the fish are finicky.
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jpicks and I made it out today and what a beautiful day to be out. The wind was a little brisk at times but you couldn't ask for a much better in December. Fishing was definitely slower for us today as we really had to search for them. We walked a long ways and probably put down 50 holes but in the end had enough fish for supper. All the fish we caught were Perch except for two small Walleye. We noticed a little village forming near Shields pumphouse. Anyone care to chime in on how they did over there?
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Shawno, I was there (front of pump house), Wed, and had none stop action from 1 to 4, but they were the smallest perch I have seen this winter. No walleye or me, but a couple nice ones were caught by other fishermen.
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And as you mentioned Shawno, beautiful day. Early morning was breezy, and later in the afternoon the wind came back up, but in-between it was
calm, very warm (able to fish with no gloves). Even with the windy periods it was still very bearable.
And some days the fish win, just got to keep getting out there and get those days when....payback is a b***h for the fish.
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I am heading out fishing with my father Monday just before lunch. We have been out a few times in the last couple years but have had no luck ( 1 perch in 6 trips). We usually go on the lake from the boat launch at the park and set up on the outer edges of the shacks. Kinda hoping the shacks were there cause they know where the fish are. So far that theory hasn’t panned out. We usually see a bunch of perch on the camera but they are never interested in our hooks. We have never seen a walleye or jack in the several years we have been going out. If anyone has any tips or depths I should be trying I would appreciate them.
Also is the ice thickness thick enough for 3 of us to walk out and set up close to each other. Usually I just wait until I see shacks and pick up trucks on the ice and then walk out with my sleigh. Is it safe for us to walk out and set up together? Any area or anything we should watch out for?
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jpicks and I made it out today and what a beautiful day to be out. The wind was a little brisk at times but you couldn't ask for a much better in December. Fishing was definitely slower for us today as we really had to search for them. We walked a long ways and probably put down 50 holes but in the end had enough fish for supper. All the fish we caught were Perch except for two small Walleye. We noticed a little village forming near Shields pumphouse. Anyone care to chime in on how they did over there?
I made it out about 300 yards by 8am and was one of the two red shacks in the middle. It got really busy closer to shore by noon. We had consistent perch at 25' all day and many big jack coming in but mostly in the late morning and early afternoon. I was there a few days earlier and had lots of 10-12" but all were less then 8 today. By 3pm I had moved into 16 fow but it was slow. My daughter yelled at a guy since he wasn't noticing his flag was up. He ended up pulling out a 30"ish burb.
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Thanks everyone for the information regarding the pumphouse. I appreciate it.
Sparks, we too were finding fish deeper today as well 23-25FOW. I don't really like to fish much deeper for them though as you run the risk of barotrauma in the fish.
I'm shocked to hear a burbot of that size was caught. :o
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Wait a minute Shawno.......a burbot of that size......no kidding. I have been ice fishing Blackstrap a long time.....drilled over 10,000 holes (I should think about getting my blades sharpened),
fished over 600 days, caught over_________fish...we ll, caught a lot of fish. I have caught every species in the lake, except a burbot. Keep hearing they are in Blackstrap and hearing about the odd one been caught. I guess I need to get out more.
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Hey all, late to the game but I was at the pump house village yesterday. Just south of two red Eskimo tents. Blue tent. Fished all day and only had what I suspect to be small perch stealing my maggots. Tried many holes at various depths with tip up. No luck. Fella caught a 3.5-4 lb jack closer to shore. Great day weather wise.
I too want to thank everyone for the comments. Long time since I fished Blackstrap. All your info helps greatly.
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was out early this am in front of 2nd boat launch perch galore, 5 to 8 inches then northerns started hanging around bye bye perch.
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Tried a few spots by the old road south side,
20-23.5 fow.. slowest day in years, 1st spot seamed to show lots of tiny perch on sonar, spots 2,3,4 produced nothing.. lots of holes drilled in the area.. fishing by 8:45,9 gone by 12:30 weird day.. nice weather though
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Was out in between the boat launches all day. Lots of action in the morning. With tons of 6”-9” perch. But then saw a few pike on the camera that pretty much chased away all the action. Very slow in the afternoon marking the odd fish here and there. Not a bite after 1pm.
I guess there’s tomorrow
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Wait a minute Shawno.......a burbot of that size......no kidding. I have been ice fishing Blackstrap a long time.....drilled over 10,000 holes (I should think about getting my blades sharpened),
fished over 600 days, caught over_________fish...we ll, caught a lot of fish. I have caught every species in the lake, except a burbot. Keep hearing they are in Blackstrap and hearing about the odd one been caught. I guess I need to get out more.
You and me both CR! In all my years of fishing Blackstrap, I have never seen or fished with someone that has caught one. Countless hours of watching a fish cam and not so much as ever seeing one on camera. Maybe one day, I'll be lucky to catch one of these elusive burbot. ;D
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Curious if anyone is out today, Im interested to hear ice conditions after todays warm spell
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Might be some water on the surface from the melted snow that didn't soak into the ice. It would still be good enough for quad and snow machines. I am heading out tomorrow and will report tomorrow night.
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https://hotline.gov.sk.ca/cameras/blackstrap.html
here is the hwy cam as of 2:10 this afternoon. Still some snow and a couple people out fishing the South end.
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Good to hear the ice is still holding, with the colder weather coming on the weekend hoping to bring my new perm shack out on Sunday,. was out over the weekend between the launches good 10 inches of ice, hoping for a couple more inches this weekend with the colder weather
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One November afternoon a few years back, I was fishing on 4 inch of ice and half an inch of water all over that whole area. I wouldn't dare again.
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Just back from a beautiful day on the lake at the North end. Fished with two other ice shanty members, and their flashers were lit up
all day with fish (mainly perch, but some big red marks through out the day). We did land 4 pike between the three of us. The bite was
very soft, not aggressive at all. Best time was from 10:30 to 2:00, then if died down, even though their were steady marks up until we left at 4:30. Still lot's of little perch between 4 to 9 inches. Between the three of us we kept 17 nice ones, 10 to 11 1/2. The last two or three times out the bigger ones seem to be moving in.
As for the warm weather, nothing to worry about. There is still close to 2 inches of snow covering the whole North end as far as I could see South. No water at all on the ice. After this cold spell is over, we will be able to drive on.
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Hey there I am new to this forum. Everything has been super helpful for this rookie. I don’t have any fancy electronics to help me find depth. I’m wondering how far you would walk out to hit 20-25 FOW at the north end.
Thanks.
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Hey there I am new to this forum. Everything has been super helpful for this rookie. I don’t have any fancy electronics to help me find depth. I’m wondering how far you would walk out to hit 20-25 FOW at the north end.
Thanks.
Welcome to the forum!
You shouldn't have to walk very far!! Take a look at this screenshot.
Tight Lines! :tipup:
(https://i.postimg.cc/hXmP6QYD/Black-Strap-North-End.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hXmP6QYD)
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I don't use electronics either so I take a spool of tipup line and tie a sinker every 5 feet for 30 feet and I lower that down the hole a measure that way
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Hey was just wondering how the ice is at the north end. Cant imagine u can drive on uet hey? Wanna take my daughters fishing sunday but dont wanna have to make them walk real far lol, they seem to lose interest quick that way.
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The ice at the North end is fine. There is still a couple of inches of snow on top. It didn't melt that much during that mini warm spell.
Sunday is going to be colder. There is a good 10 inches of solid ice. No one driving on yet, but I imagine come Tuesday or Wed there will be.
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Cool thanks, hopefully get the girls into all the perch ive been hearing about
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I find you have to go out a little further South of the causeway, then were most people are set up.
The bite is very soft, 1/2 of the fish I have been catching I only notice the rod tip move a little. Very seldom feel the fish bite. So the girls will have to sit still
and watch the rod tip.
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or set up a bunch of jawjackers ;D
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Haha love jaw jackers!
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Was out on the south end today on the west side for 2 1/2 hours. Perch bite was good and consistent. As CR said a lot of soft bites but was able to ice them if paying attention. Everything again was small with only one 9 inches and one 10 inches. The only thing I brought back was two empty Pilsner cans left on the ice by someone else. Be better people!!!!! Where do you think this litter will end up?
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Is it possible the bigger perch population is down after getting hammered all of last winter? I know the limits 10 but it seams odd they were so abundant last year and not much to report this year for a perch over 10”
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I have been fishing strap for 10 years in summer and winter now. Not bad luck for perch the whole time.
Could be a possibility that the large perch population is down. The lake gets fished hard and often all year round (being so close to Saskatoon). Plus with the whole Covid thing i bet last winter and this winter ice fishing will be way up just for people to get out of the house more.
I know those jumbos have been coming out steady the last 4-5 years let alone last year...
The amount of perch in there is phenomenal they are all over the camera/sonar. I’m sure the larger ones are still lurking and will start coming around. The little ones will grow soon enough as long as they are released healthy. Be gentle with them and use barbless hooks.
Please keep the ice/water clean (as previously mentioned) and best of luck.
Tight lines.
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Two of us started at 9:45 this morning at Evans Road. Fished until 12:15 and only caught a dozen small ones. Packed up and left for the far North end. There is no snow on the South end and the ice is a good 13 inches of solid black ice. Had I known that, I would of driven on instead of walk on. Was surprised with the number of people fishing out front of the launches and no one went and got their vehicle.
We got to the far North end and started fishing shortly after 1. We fished until 4:30 and had steady action all afternoon, lot's of perch, one small walleye, one small pike. We only kept 13, which were all a good 10 inches to 12.
As Pollock mentioned the strap get's hammered year round. And people seem to be catching as many perch during the summer as winter. I never fish the strap during open water, so I am only going by what other people are telling me. And as Pollock said....everyone's camera/flasher are showing tons of perch almost anyplace you drill a hole in over 20 fow. So population is very good....not to worry about that. I would be more worried about the population been down vs the size been down. Population is excellent for the pressure the strap gets.
So we might have to wait another year or two for the size to come back. Remember most animals, fish, etc go in cycles, so just keeping going out and enjoying a great day on the ice, and if you get into the fish.....bonus bonus.
Oh, the ice at the North end is still only 10 inches, the snow cover has kept it from getting to 12 and 13 like the South end, which has no snow.
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Fished yesterday from 12:30-4:30 just south of the pump house at Shields in 19' of water. I measured 12" of ice where I was. Saw lots on the flasher but only ended up with 2- 6" perch.
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I have seen on many lakes where fish are being eaten on the ice or on the shore for a shore lunch or are being given to other fishers or friends. Then the person continues fishing and the previously caught fish are not included as part of their daily limit. I think this may be a factor in the diminished size on Blackstrap. Most bigger ones being caught are kept. Please remember that if you catch 'em and do not throw them back they are part of your daily/possession limit. Tight lines.
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What a nice sunny day out today.Me and the boy Took shack out and set up. Saw cholo out there who also gave us a hand Hope to move it across as the ice thickens was a solid 13” out from launch and lots of perch on the camera (pic) but like others are saying very small. Went home empty handed but you can’t beat getting out
Cheers
(https://i.postimg.cc/QHqFr2Tg/0-DECC790-6561-4326-B0-BB-2745-B20-C53-F5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QHqFr2Tg)
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Nice shot of the perch!
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Ventured out in the frigid weather today at the North end. Caught 30 plus perch. Was able to keep 5 nice ones. All in all it was a good day. Can’t believe it’s going to be in the plus temps on the weekend.
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CWG, did you drive on? Should of been 12 inches of ice...no?
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No I didn’t have the courage to do so :) I was out early and no one was on the ice yet, plus I had a 70 year old passenger I was looking out for. The ice was pretty thick, I didn’t get a measurement. There were a few vehicles by the shoreline near the entrance in the afternoon.
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Drove out with the trucks today from the boat launch. The ice was 13 plus inches thick. We saw a few other trucks out there as well.
With the ability to travel around we checked out a few old spots south of the launch. The results were spotty with an inconsistent bite and some very small perch caught. Around 1:00 we broke down the tents and went back to the vicinity of the launch. My partner got a hole drilled and began yarding out perch one after another. We experienced one of the most sustained and aggressive bites that Blackstrap has offered us in a long time. I was using maggots on a small tungsten jig, and spent so much time unhooking fish and re baiting that my fingers got too cold. I finally had to stop and set up the tent and heater, but the bite continued. DH caught 32 out of the same hole. I went from fishing two rods to one because there was just too much going on. A lot of 7 and 8 inch fish were released. I had no keepers over 10 however.
The fish were still biting at sundown. What a fun afternoon!
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@speckspotter - Haha...going down to one rod to keep up is a good problem to have! ;D Glad you had a good day out there.
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What a nice sunny day out today.Me and the boy Took shack out and set up. Saw cholo out there who also gave us a hand Hope to move it across as the ice thickens was a solid 13” out from launch and lots of perch on the camera (pic) but like others are saying very small. Went home empty handed but you can’t beat getting out
Cheers
(https://i.postimg.cc/QHqFr2Tg/0-DECC790-6561-4326-B0-BB-2745-B20-C53-F5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QHqFr2Tg)
hey real trapper, what make of cam is that? It sure has a nice picture! What depth?
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@speckspotter Is the boat launch at the Evans Road?
Thank you!
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That is a very clear picture. What caught my eye, is the bottom of the lake, with that growth going on. Not your typical mud bottom.
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Hey bite-me7 yes it is a good pic. That pic does it no justice really due to what happens when you take a pic of a screen with a camera but any way this is the link on amazon for it
(https://i.postimg.cc/jC6HGzTL/5-CEAF2-BA-B157-4-AFA-B1-C4-2254-FE64-B4-B9.png) (https://postimg.cc/jC6HGzTL)
And that was in 22’ of water on a sunny day but even when there is snow cover it’s the same. Cheers
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JJY,
The launch is on the East side of the lake. Enter at the park gates and look for the launch signs.
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I was out yesterday and drove on for the first time. Used the North boat launch and thanks to Evan it is very good for getting on and off.
Thanks again Evan for opening it up.
The ice is a good 14 inches, and there were at least another 6 or 7 trucks driving around. I was exploring spots that were to far for walking on, and found perch in 3 of the 4 spots. There were times when it was one after the other. It died down at 2:30 until 4, as I went are tried the 3 spots between those times, and they were all dead. Then at 4 until I left at 5:15 it went crazy.
Oh Speckspotter, my hands didn't get cold all day, even with all that wind. I only have to change my perch eye every 30 to 40 perch. So I
only had to take my gloves off 3 times VS maggots every fish ;)
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Regarding TherealTrapper's camera picture and the fish and bottom growth. I sent it to a biologist friend of mine and this is the reply I got.
Maybe there is a lot of that stuff on the bottom and the little perch are hiding in it. Hence all the small perch we are catching.
I pasted the picture into word and then enlarge it. It looks like rooted aquatic plants. They grow on the bottom where there is enough light and wave action is not strong enough to uproot them. Fish like being n them as it allows them to hide from bigger fish and there can be a lot of aquatic invertebrates for them to eat.
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The biologist just sent me two articles.....found it interesting if anyone else would like to read.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3y0bsCyv/2-Littoral-Zone1-copy.png) (https://postimg.cc/3y0bsCyv)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/3y0bsCyv/2-Littoral-Zone1-copy.png) (https://postimg.cc/3y0bsCyv)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/MvFH6VZD/limnology-1.png) (https://postimg.cc/MvFH6VZD)
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Good read, but didn't tell me where the walleye were, 😥,
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Cholo, she specializes in Perch I guess.....lol
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Oh, forgot to ask you Cholo....was that you out yesterday that walked in front of the pump house on the West side just before Thode?
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Nope, probably heading out on Saturday, no problems driving on now?
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Piece of cake on the South side. Haven't been to the North end after the cold spell.
I asked my friend about the bloodworms in Blackstrap. Here is part of her answer:
Fish eat bloodworms and bloodworms are abundant where oxygen is low. Oxygen gets lower in the lake through the winter as the ice cover prevents oxygen from the air getting into the lake water. All those plants that you see in the summer die in the fall, decompose, and the oxygen is lost from the water and the blood worms get redder.
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Here is a good read on the bloodworm she just sent me:
http://www.fishrapper.com/article-bloodworms-marl-perch.html
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Church are you finding alot of the perch you catch with blood worms? Didn't see many last year.
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The last 4 or 5 years there has been a lot of bloodworms. Before that, we hardly noticed them.
So far this winter I only have noticed the worms in about 10% of the Perch. But it is early. They seem
to show up as the winter goes.
But as you mentioned there wasn't as many last year, as the two previous years.
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Luke, if you are reading this, text me. Your number disappeared from my phone.
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If anyone was out today at the North end, could they advise if people are driving on yet. There are lot's of people driving on the South end,
as of 4 or 5 days ago. Thanks in advance
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Yeah there are 5 or 6 trucks on the North end and one that has drove to Shields. I measured in about 15 different spots crossing the lake and got from 10 inches to 14. About 200 yards south of the north end approach was 10 inches. Was going to pull my shack out today but I think I’ll wait. The small amount of snow makes a difference compared to South of the causeway.
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Yes, a lot thicker on the South side.
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Hey guys i am looking to add to my electronic game. I have been looing at the Helix7&5 all season packs and also the lowrance Revel 5or7........ does and one have an opinion on either? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I am new to this post and i really enjoy all the information.
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Great day on the strap today, finally got a walleye just under 20 inches will eat him on xmas eve along with the other 11 meatless dishes. lots of perch none over 8 inches [lots of fun]
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Hey guys i am looking to add to my electronic game. I have been looing at the Helix7&5 all season packs and also the lowrance Revel 5or7........ does and one have an opinion on either? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I have the ice helix 7 and love it. Use in summer too with. A different transducer. Great unit.
I am new to this post and i really enjoy all the information.
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Was out by Evan’s road all day. Slow going for most of the day but finally after drilling about 20 holes I found the honey. No. Stop perch just after 2 pm. Mostly smaller 6”-9” but managed to keep 7 over 10”. Great day weather wise.
Also I think I lost one of my boots on the ice by Evan’s road. If anyone finds it could you please message me. It’s a black Muck boot with ice cleats on it. Would appreciate it thanx!!
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That’s weird you would think A person would notice 1 foot getting cold.. and look for it. Lol ;D hope it’s returned.
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Lol Rip. Actually I was changing out of my ice fishing boots and I think one fell out of the truck while I was packing up.
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hey snack pack!!!!! picture or its just fake news!!!!! lol
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Hey guys i am looking to add to my electronic game. I have been looing at the Helix7&5 all season packs and also the lowrance Revel 5or7........ does and one have an opinion on either? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Hey Redken I have the helix 7 G3N and I really like it. Swap it from boat to ice and has all my waypoints and map on it from the summer. Had the marcum lx7 before and the helix is as good plus you can use it in open water. No experience with lowrance but don’t think you can go wrong with the helix 5 or 7. Lots of different options within the helix so do some research on what model within the 5 or 7. Some have side imaging or network capabilities if you are wanting to use with trolling motor etc. For ice fishing the 5 is all you would need but on the boat the bigger screen is worth the extra money in my opinion. You can PM me if you have any questions about them.
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Great day on the lake. North end, caught 50 between 10:00-2:00 😉 kept two over 10”
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I got my boot back. Woohoo!!!
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Excellent :thumbsup:
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Drove on today for the first time this year at the North end. So I was able to check out 5 or 6 spots that I couldn't walk to. The first spot was for Walleye. A few fellow Ice Shanty members joined me and they had cameras. They all said they never seen so many Walleye all day long. Seeing them made it worse, as they were just come up to the bait and then swim away. Not interested at all in biting...typical Walleye day.
I was able to catch one, and since Thereal Trapper thinks that it might be fake news...here is a picture of the 3.2 Walleye.
(https://i.postimg.cc/cK5ZSR0y/fullsizeoutput-aa.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cK5ZSR0y)
I also spent 3 hours trying other spots (about 6 spots), and they all held lot's of perch. Only one 10 1/2 inch, and a few 9 1/2's...the rest were 4 to 8 inches. Spent the last 1 1/2 of the day trying for the evening bite, but the Walleye still weren't hungry. One guy was left with his camera, and couldn't believe the number of Walleye he was seeing, but they never did decide to bite.
The ice is 12 inches, about 3 to 4 inches less then what the South end is. But still safe, as there were 10 or 12 other trucks driving around.
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Hi all,
Been out to Strap lots this year. I've ice fished a bit before but this is the first year I've taken it seriously enough to invest in some equipment (insulated tent, flasher, etc). I am not having ANY luck at strap. In total I've probably spent close to 40 hours on the ice and have pulled up 1 tiny pike and 2 tiny perch. Any tips on what I should be doing? I'm mostly fishing from 12'-20', targeting perch. I've been to the north end three times and just off Evan's road twice. I generally mark a decent number of fish on the flasher but if it weren't for it I wouldn't know they are even down there as I don't feel anything on my rod. I use a 28" light-medium uglystick with 6lbs braided.
As far as bait I've tried a buckshot jig, ripping rap, and a jig head with maggots, small minnows, large minnow heads, and synthetic pink waxies. All seem to have the same result which is nothing. Hours are usually from 8"30am-1pm or 2:00-5:00.
As far as my flasher goes I have a Helix 5. Can anybody recommend what SD card I should get? I am fine marking my own depths on the soft water come summer, but I would like to be able to transfer files to my PC to back them up.
Thanks. :tipup:
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I have the navionics and I don’t cheer about it. It helps but the depth contours are 15-20’ and I can’t figure out how to change it.
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Welcome to the hardwater world MrChristie. I will certainly not pretend to have the answers to unravelling the mysteries of Blackstrap. Lord knows, I was one of the guys with Churchill River who got to watch walleye give me the fin on my camera for most of the day. I hear your frustration as I felt the same way on this lake for many years. I don't believe there is a single magic lure or bait that will outperform any other. I think that you need to drill a lot of holes on a lot of days to find the fish that will bite willingly. The people who regularly catch fish on this lake tend not to sit over unproductive holes for very long. Those who are prepared to fish out in the open and forego the comforts of a shack or tent will discover more spots and catch more fish. Every so often you will find a spot that will allow you to camp out and enjoy steady action. I know when I set up tent, heater, flasher, camera, etc. I am committing to a spot that may or may not produce. If it doesn't, I have wasted a lot of fishing time setting up and will waste more tearing down and relocating.
The only other advice I can give, is look for 24 feet of water or more to find perch, and slow down your presentation.
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As Speckspotter mentioned MrChristie, welcome to Ice Shanty and Blackstrap. If you go back the last couple of years on Ice Shanty you will read a lot of posts that will help you out. If you are just a weekend fisherman due to having to make a living working, and can only get out 2 or 3 times a month, it does make it hard on the strap. Unlike Speckspotter who can (and does), fish the lake 3 or 4 times a week......mmmmmmmm.... I think my wife has accused me of doing this.
You mentioned you don't feel the fish on your rod. If you are waiting to feel the fish before you set the hook, you aren't going to catch many unless you catch them on a very aggressive feeding day. You have to sit in a chair and after a little jigging let you hook sit still and just watch your rod tip. Once you notice a little tap/bite you can set the hook, without waiting to feel the fish. I probably catch 90% of my fish this way.
I also usually target perch 95% of the time, and as Speck mentioned try and find 22 to 24 fow. Now saying that, you don't have to be as close as you can get to shore and find that depth. You will find that depth in the middle of the lake also. Way out from shore sometimes is better.
Yesterday after fishing in one area all morning, I decided to go exploring, and tried 6 different spots in 2 hours, and there were perch in all 6 spots. I would just stop drill one hole, catch a few, and then move to another spot. I probably covered 1 1/2 miles doing this.
Myself much like Speck brave the weather and fish outside, drilling approx. 10 to 12 holes in one area and hole hop, not spending more then 10 minutes in one hole if there is no action. Or move to another hole after one hole slows down. The only time I see Speck fishing in his pop up, is when his wife comes out......mmmmmmmm..... wonder whats up with that. Might explain the locks he has on the door zipper.
We all have our favourite lure.....well Speck has at least 6 different favourites. And some days, that's 6 different lures per hour....
Now that we can drive on, we can fish 2 or 3 different spots and not stay in one general area. Some days we will fish both the North and South side looking for them.
MrChristie don't get discouraged and give up on the Strap, like so many have. There are a lot of us that find the fishing on the Strap excellent.
And if Speck posts that I usually fish away from everyone so that I can set my net.....don't believe him.
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It sure has been a long 10 months with this Covid crap, and probably another 5 to 7 months to go.
It sure doesn't feel like Christmas, but I would just like to say to all members, and especially the members I have
gotten to know over the years, and have had the pleasure to fish with:
M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S
A N D
H A P P Y N E W Y E A R
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/var/folders/h0/4d9zfzx54j55h7x24gkbtd1w0000gn/T/com.apple.iChat/Messages/Transfers/IMG_1567.jpeg
If any of you see this fish out on the Strap, stop and say hi.
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opps, this fish:
(https://i.postimg.cc/sG7gXcR8/IMG-1568.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sG7gXcR8)
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Thanks for the replies. My most recent venture has been hole hoping, but we were only out for 2 hours due to my buddy getting cold. ::) ::) We were also targeting shallower water (16FOW) instead of deeper because that is what I had been told; I now know that is not necessarily the case for catching perch and I should be targeting 22FOW or deeper. Now that we can drive on the lake I hope to have a bit better luck hole hoping as previously I didn't have a sled and instead I was lugging around all my gear. I should definitely pick one of those up from Costco or Can Tire.
Where do people access the southern side of the lake? I'm assuming they access it from the boat launch in the Provincial Park, but not certain. Is the park charging for admission now? I have a seasonal pass from the summer, I would just need to dig it out if the park is open and charging at the gate.
Thanks!!
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Drove on today for the first time this year at the North end. So I was able to check out 5 or 6 spots that I couldn't walk to. The first spot was for Walleye. A few fellow Ice Shanty members joined me and they had cameras. They all said they never seen so many Walleye all day long. Seeing them made it worse, as they were just come up to the bait and then swim away. Not interested at all in biting...typical Walleye day.
I was able to catch one, and since Thereal Trapper thinks that it might be fake news...here is a picture of the 3.2 Walleye.
(https://i.postimg.cc/cK5ZSR0y/fullsizeoutput-aa.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cK5ZSR0y)
I also spent 3 hours trying other spots (about 6 spots), and they all held lot's of perch. Only one 10 1/2 inch, and a few 9 1/2's...the rest were 4 to 8 inches. Spent the last 1 1/2 of the day trying for the evening bite, but the Walleye still weren't hungry. One guy was left with his camera, and couldn't believe the number of Walleye he was seeing, but they never did decide to bite.
The ice is 12 inches, about 3 to 4 inches less then what the South end is. But still safe, as there were 10 or 12 other trucks driving around.
I think I saw you post that pic last year!! Just kidding Churchill. Cheers
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Well said CR, and regarding that Wally , it's pretty hard to say hi when it is social distancing to the extreme!! Lol
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Hi all,
Been out to Strap lots this year. I've ice fished a bit before but this is the first year I've taken it seriously enough to invest in some equipment (insulated tent, flasher, etc). I am not having ANY luck at strap. In total I've probably spent close to 40 hours on the ice and have pulled up 1 tiny pike and 2 tiny perch. Any tips on what I should be doing? I'm mostly fishing from 12'-20', targeting perch. I've been to the north end three times and just off Evan's road twice. I generally mark a decent number of fish on the flasher but if it weren't for it I wouldn't know they are even down there as I don't feel anything on my rod. I use a 28" light-medium uglystick with 6lbs braided.
As far as bait I've tried a buckshot jig, ripping rap, and a jig head with maggots, small minnows, large minnow heads, and synthetic pink waxies. All seem to have the same result which is nothing. Hours are usually from 8"30am-1pm or 2:00-5:00.
As far as my flasher goes I have a Helix 5. Can anybody recommend what SD card I should get? I am fine marking my own depths on the soft water come summer, but I would like to be able to transfer files to my PC to back them up.
Thanks. :tipup:
In regards to an SD card give zero lines a go.
During the open water season I have been mapping lakes I fish with my boat so in the hard water season I can navigate the lakes with fairly accurate contour data. Takes a lot of guess work out of ice fishing.
You can also download apps on your phone as well that give you contour mapping of most lakes but I haven’t had very accurate data from any of them, free or not. They do give you an idea at least.
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MrChristie...You access the south end of the lake from the boat launch in the Park. It states a Park Entry permit is req'd as you enter the Park. Your summer pass is valid. The entry gate has never been open when I have been there in the winter.
Keep tryin' and tight lines.
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Drove on from the boat launch in the provincial park. Ice is ~15" close to the launch. Never seen that many vehicles and tents there. There were also people enjoying skiing in the park. Have fun !
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2 different days, 2 different groups,100 fishing same results no flags and zero fish. Fished must of been masked up or have gotten covid. Ah the good old days fishing at night with slip lighted bobbers those were fun times, if any of view were around 35 years ago. How about a catch and release lake close to the big city now that might have a chance. I can see tags coming if people don't smartin up or it might be to late.
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Was out in front of shields all day. Marked fish on the flasher pretty much all day long. Very finicky tho. Probably caught about 40 perch, 2 small pike and a couple tiny walleye. All from one spot. I planned on moving around but I kept marking fish so I stayed. 24’ of water. More people out than I thought. Merry Christmas all!!
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And the bonus Majic, was..............that both your feet stayed warm
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Yes that was the important factor Church! It’s good to have both boots lol
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Well headed out today around lunch, marked a lot fish, landed 3 small perch that went back, saw quite few , all small, strangely 2 pike had swam thru and the perch did not scatter.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3dfVFZx9/20201226-140721.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3dfVFZx9)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0zL4L2mw/20201226-141046.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zL4L2mw)
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Back out this afternoon after a great time with the family over the holidays decided to fish an area that’s produced in the past but last couple years it’s been slow for the walleyes. Lots of perch around and biting but nothing to crazy. A few Smaller 12-14” eyes also made the trip up. Bigger marks were showing up after 4 pm coming right in on the lure but not totally committing. did get a couple of hook sets in on some nice ones but were off a couple seconds later .finally got into a nice one just under the 24” mark. Great day be out.
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Beauty walleye there Rip!
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Thx ryder29 it was a good battle.
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Nice Walleye Rip. There seems to be more bigger Walleye landed early this winter. Let's hope it keeps up all winter.
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Beautiful Wally Rip. You have the touch.
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Nice fish Ripnflutter. Going to get me one of them tomorrow!
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Fished the North end today, and tried 3 spots...2 new ones. Finally got into some jumbos. There were perch in all 3 spots with steady action.
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I was out with my partner in crime today for the afternoon. We have found a nice spot that most wouldn't believe for catching perch. I haven't seen any pike or wally in the area yet. 7-8 FOW and perch at 9"+ consistently. Landed some jumbos today with the smallest of the 15 caught being 10.5". And I almost didn't head out because of the bit of wind and snow. Still looking for the elusive wally.
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Went out today on the north side for perch. Fished two spots (10-25 FOW) Had a camera with me and saw tons of perch watching my hook but not even one bite for 8hrs. Used PK lures with mealworms and some small jigs with minnow heads too. Any advice as to why they weren’t biting? I found I could bring them in by making a ruckus and stirring up the bottom but they would sit and watch my hook all day without biting... wondering if anyone else has had this happen to them lately. Thanks all.
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Hey wave rider.
My experience so far this year has been fairly similar with a few fish landed here and there. Was out today south of the boat launch and saw plenty of marks on the flasher and landed one small perch that my son was happy to reel in.
I havent had any issues seeing activity on the sonar but getting consistent aggressive bites is a mystery to me. Having read the forum last year and this year and being relatively new to ice fishing myself, I know that there is an art to be learned for feeling the perch bite.
Even when bites are aggressive I still only catch every 3rd or 4th bite.
I know there are lots of more experienced fishermen and posters but you're not alone in finding fish but having trouble getting bites.
No matter the bite, I'm so thankful to be outside and doing something fun this year as theres not much else to do!
Good luck!
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Thanks for the reply. I am no expert fisherman either, but I do have a good feel for light bites as I’ve fished for tiny trout a fair bit. These perch wouldn’t even bump my hook or even get closer than 2-3”. Saw someone on here caught 40 perch the other day so I thought I must be missing something big. Oh well, like you said - it’s still nice to get outside and do something :D
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I understand for sure. I generally choose comfort over excessive hole hoping. If I mark fish I'll stick to that spot. Whereas many who consistently catch fish always advise that moving around lots is the only way to increase chances.
With that said, last year I had my shack on a spot where I consistently saw fish. Hardly caught any and then one day the bite was on and it was immediate as soon as my hook was down. I think the lesson learned is that finding fish is half the battle. Finding hungry fish is the real challenge.
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North end today. Morning bite was soft, but then between 11 and 1 it really picked up and the Perch were more aggressive. And a good mixture of sizes. We are finding perch all over, from the very far North end all the way to the big bay at Blackrock, both sides of the lake.
I can only say, for those of you that are not catching....move....mo ve.....move around. Sometimes you might have to move 1/4 or 1/2 mile.
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Spent the day wearing the edge off my new auger blade. I thought I found a good spot across from the boat launch by mid morning, but the bite died down as quickly as it started. I got all set up and was rewarded by an impressive walleye giving its best Lee van Cleef staredown of my tungsten jig and maggot rig. I can report it showed no interest at all in the hawger spoon and eyeball only a couple feet over.
By mid afternoon I was hole hopping on the north end. While the bite improved and a couple dozen were caught, most were small. One remarkable fish was wearing its stripes sideways. I know fish with these markings have been caught in this lake before, but it was a first for me.
Churchill, I put your hawger head to head with my maggot jig. While my science was not particularly precise, I would say the little jig outfished the famous hawger by a slight margin. Certainly the hawger was more effective in attracting fish with its greater flash. It did also catch bigger fish overall. Sometimes, when the fish quit biting on one lure, offering the other was a way to get an extra bite or two from any given hole.
(https://i.postimg.cc/N5pWqQMw/Horizontal-striped-perch.png) (https://postimg.cc/N5pWqQMw)
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Well did an afternoon trip out to the strap, marked alot of fish, landed a dozen perch .All were 4-6" so they all went back. North boat launch was pretty icy ! Used the south launch to enter and exit the lake.
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Went out to the north end today between 10-2. Slow and sporadic but managed to catch 40, kept a few eaters including a 12” fatty.
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Fished the south end across from the boat launches to the north between noon and 5:00, caught 30 perch all went back but one 10". All and all a great day of fishing!!🎣
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I fished east side north of old ski hill and caught over 70 each day same hole and 3/4 were 8" to 11" biggest was 12.5"
(https://i.postimg.cc/G8m7DFNQ/6-A63-C87-E-3-B34-467-C-8-CCE-23-F39874-E53-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G8m7DFNQ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XBZsHVnB/B353-F02-F-C43-D-4095-BCF4-C366-D4992-A4-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XBZsHVnB)
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was out on evans road today got into some jumbo perch early 10 till noon , much smaller and not as many in the later afternoon.
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Nice haul komo, is that one of the elusive blue perch that randomly get caught at the strap?
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I guess so first one I ever caught in my lifetime it's probably the one Churchill River caught a few years ago that he released. This one went back to live another day same as all the big ones I caught so they can reproduce.
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I know I posted this last year. But my wife has forgotten about it, so maybe some of you
forgot about it:
(https://i.postimg.cc/QKjr8Jj1/IMG-8784.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QKjr8Jj1)
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Lol, Ain't that the truth !
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blackstrap lake looks more like a walmart parking lot , was out again today, the number of people out is crazy, still got some decent size perch
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I know I posted this last year. But my wife has forgotten about it, so maybe some of you
forgot about it:
(https://i.postimg.cc/QKjr8Jj1/IMG-8784.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QKjr8Jj1)
LOL that was me yesterday. Said a few hours in the morning, then 2:30 rolled around... lol
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So in fairness, you didn't even fish 1/2 a day.
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Was out at the northend today. Man what a gorgeous day for January. Lots of little ones today (6-8") but it was fun to get out. Has anyone had a visit from the CO's yet this ice season? Looks like they should be making a trip out. Lots of trash on the ice, cans, etc. Picked up what I could on the way off the ice, still though...disappointing to see.
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Shawno: Definitely a problem this year. I’ve picked up other’s trash three outings this year already. Every time at least 3-4 Pilsner cans plus other trash on the south end. Disappointing indeed. ☹️
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Interesting episode of Fish TV today. We were in the middle of the North side and the perch were the stars. What was most intriguing was how they were really keyed in on the tungsten jig / maggot combination laying right on the bottom. At times six or seven perch were nose down in a circle all around the lure. Eventually one would move in and pick it up. Around 75% of the strikes were imperceptible until the fish swam off with the lure. The bite was steady all afternoon. Some of the largest fish moved in around 4:00.
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Wasn't out on the weekend, as I knew it would be a zoo. Waited for today and fished the North end and tried 3 different areas. Perch all over.
Notice Speckspotter out there and he was having a blast in his pop up watching t.v. We had a good visit while having pretty much steady action (and who said men can't multi task). Safe to say between our 3 groups (5 people) there was well over 200 Perch and 4 Walleye caught today (one nice 2 lb Walleye, 3 small ones).
The North end looked like there was a fishing derby Saturday and Sunday. Never seen so many holes. But to keep the pattern up, I drilled another 25 new holes in the 3 spots I fished.
Looks like the North end is producing a little bit better then the South end, especially size wise. Although I have talked to people that have been fishing the South side and they are getting a mixture of big ones also.
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Finally caught something other than the dinky perch I’ve been seeing all season.
(https://i.postimg.cc/bZZSrsbH/EF763008-D4-C8-4492-8-B9-D-F6084-E9-CBA8-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bZZSrsbH)
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OK guys, I have caught nearly 10 perch of decent size, but I ahven't even seen a walleye. I know people won't give out spots, but does anyone have a recent depth map I can reference? I have been trying holes but these damn perch are too thick.
This: http://www.gpsnauticalcharts.com/main/ca_sk_blackstrap_lake_sk-blackstrap-lake-nautical-chart.html (http://www.gpsnauticalcharts.com/main/ca_sk_blackstrap_lake_sk-blackstrap-lake-nautical-chart.html)
is the map I've been using but it seems out of date.
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Hey guys. Went out on Sunday and got 2 perch and then it dried up for us. Hoping to get out again but this time I will not have a truck, instead I will be taking my car. Any insight about driving on the north end in a car? Or is there some spots within walking distance of the north end access? Thanks
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I've been taking my car out onto the ice south of the bridge from the boat launch and feeling safe, not much for drifts. I haven't heard anything about problem ice so far, other than right around that bridge, but just follow other peoples tire tracks if you are in doubt.
For walking distance stuff, on the northern most point there is a ridge where tons of people park and walk out onto the ice. Thats what I did for first ice and it worked out good.
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OK guys, I have caught nearly 10 perch of decent size, but I ahven't even seen a walleye. I know people won't give out spots, but does anyone have a recent depth map I can reference? I have been trying holes but these damn perch are too thick.
This: http://www.gpsnauticalcharts.com/main/ca_sk_blackstrap_lake_sk-blackstrap-lake-nautical-chart.html (http://www.gpsnauticalcharts.com/main/ca_sk_blackstrap_lake_sk-blackstrap-lake-nautical-chart.html)
is the map I've been using but it seems out of date.
H&B. - That map is actually quite accurate. I have the Navionics version on my phone and they compare very closely. They rarely make changes to our Prairie Lakes on the mapping services as they hardly ever change.
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Oh good to know! I must've just missed the hole when I drilled. I finally bought an electric auger so I am not scared of drilling 10 holes to find the right spot anymore, as opposed to the manual one I was using.
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mmmmmmm...Speckspotter has been home longer then I have and hasn't posted yet. As we fished together today, and Speck out fished me using maggots and tungsten jig vs my hawger and perch eye. I think Speck is still marking it on a calendar and notching it into a wall. Speck, it's not the first time I have been out fished...it has happened 3 time now.. The other two times one guy was using a 50 yard gill net, and the other guy was using dynamite. So you should be marking this day down, as you now are the fastest gun in the West.
We had a hell of a morning bite both in number wise and size wise. Other parties in other areas of the lake also reported excellent fishing. Maybe they are starting to turn on, and the jumbos are showing up.
I know Speck posted one of these fish he caught a week ago or so. After Speck left, I caught this one. This makes about the 6th one I have caught in the last 3 or 4 years.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Ff96HD39/fullsizeoutput-b5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ff96HD39)
Here are some of the fish Speck and I kept to share.
(https://i.postimg.cc/w3Sbm6L4/IMG-1652.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3Sbm6L4)
Speck, next time I am not going to spot you a dozen fish before I put my line in a hole. But the truth is, I had my line in before Speck started, so I got beat fair and square.
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Wow, nice catch, thats a really cool perch. Were you on the North end? I was skunked today but seems like a few guys I knew out there had a good day! Cheers.
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Yes, we were on the North end...tried a couple spots until we found them.
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Aw, golly Church...... you got me blushing.
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mmmmmmm...Speckspotter has been home longer then I have and hasn't posted yet. As we fished together today, and Speck out fished me using maggots and tungsten jig vs my hawger and perch eye. I think Speck is still marking it on a calendar and notching it into a wall. Speck, it's not the first time I have been out fished...it has happened 3 time now.. The other two times one guy was using a 50 yard gill net, and the other guy was using dynamite. So you should be marking this day down, as you now are the fastest gun in the West.
We had a hell of a morning bite both in number wise and size wise. Other parties in other areas of the lake also reported excellent fishing. Maybe they are starting to turn on, and the jumbos are showing up.
I know Speck posted one of these fish he caught a week ago or so. After Speck left, I caught this one. This makes about the 6th one I have caught in the last 3 or 4 years.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Ff96HD39/fullsizeoutput-b5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ff96HD39)
Here are some of the fish Speck and I kept to share.
(https://i.postimg.cc/w3Sbm6L4/IMG-1652.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3Sbm6L4)
Speck, next time I am not going to spot you a dozen fish before I put my line in a hole. But the truth is, I had my line in before Speck started, so I got beat fair and square.
While I appreciate your help with all the members here, as I have read a lot of posts on this forum, this post reeks with arrogance. You catch a ton of fish and have a wealth of knowledge, we get it. You don't have to keep spouting off like you are the best thing since sliced bread. Again, the forum appreciates your help, knowledge, and information. IMHO, it can be delivered with a little more humility.
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Yes, we were on the North end...tried a couple spots until we found them.
Any confidence lures you can share with the class? I've had the most success with a 4mm tungsten jig with a waxie.
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While I appreciate your help with all the members here, as I have read a lot of posts on this forum, this post reeks with arrogance. You catch a ton of fish and have a wealth of knowledge, we get it. You don't have to keep spouting off like you are the best thing since sliced bread. Again, the forum appreciates your help, knowledge, and information. IMHO, it can be delivered with a little more humility.
(You have no idea what your talking about...)
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While I appreciate your help with all the members here, as I have read a lot of posts on this forum, this post reeks with arrogance. You catch a ton of fish and have a wealth of knowledge, we get it. You don't have to keep spouting off like you are the best thing since sliced bread. Again, the forum appreciates your help, knowledge, and information. IMHO, it can be delivered with a little more humility.
My mother once told me when I was a very young child "if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything."
If you would prefer not to read CR or anyones posts for that matter it's as easy as not navigating to this forum.
I appreciate the advice and wealth of knowledge that CR shares on here and have learned alot about fishing from his posts over the last couple years.
Please do not let this troll change how you approach this forum. The world needs more people like CR and less people who put others down.
Tight lines everyone
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Welcome to the shanty ::)
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I was poking fun at Speck. Sorry Glen you took it the wrong way. You must of not been reading the posts for long, as Speck and I have a running humor dialogue going on, and the regulars don't seem to mind. Some even post a lol to my posts. Like you say I have posted some helpful posts and information and the regulars don't seem to mind my humor. Also helped a lot of regulars with PM's. Let's see.......Glenboigie.. ....let me look........as I thought, not one useful post. I guess you just joined to ??????????......never mind.
So Glen, you don't think that I should post that yesterday's number of fish I caught put me over the 1,000 mark for fish caught this winter.
As you see I didn't post that, but you seem to be curious, so I thought I would tell you. Feel free to take that anyway you like. Oh by the way, Speck is right behind me in the number of fish he has caught this winter. Didn't want to brag, without giving a regular member his dues. No, no Speck....you aren't going to catch me.......unless you keep out fishing me on a regular basis.
Glen, I see you buy sliced bread.....very nice. I still buy the whole loaf and slice it myself. Thanks for the helpful hint (although not related to this forum), I might have to try it.
I see a few have posted to your post Glen, before I got this one posted. Thanks Evan, and DoubleHookSet
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Finally something entertaining on the Blackstrap forum ;D
Actually, the blue perch and the recent one with the horizontal stripe have me wishing I was closer to the Strap so I could have a chance at catching one of those beauties. Good work on a great season thus far Speck and CR!
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Thanks 814
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While I appreciate your help with all the members here, as I have read a lot of posts on this forum, this post reeks with arrogance. You catch a ton of fish and have a wealth of knowledge, we get it. You don't have to keep spouting off like you are the best thing since sliced bread. Again, the forum appreciates your help, knowledge, and information. IMHO, it can be delivered with a little more humility.
Fabulous introduction Glen. You should be making friends in no time around here. I personally ran into Churchhill on the water last year by accident and let me tell you. How dare he try to help others. Who does this guy think he is? How does he take his nap at 3pm knowing he has helped some ppl with locations on the water and being as helpful as one could. I mean he could as least hold some newbies hands while he spoon feeds them spot to try. For realz Church... U must try to do better but be less better. :P
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Wow Sparks.....thanks...yo u got me blushing like Speck now :)
I do remember running into you last year......I didn't have to waste much time with you......you didn't need any help ;)
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Nice to have you regulars in my corner. Could one of you fan my face with a towel and another squirt some water in my mouth.
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Good morning. This weekend will be my first time ever going fishing at Blackstrap. I'm excited for the new experience. My question is, is it safe to drive my truck on the lake and if so is there any areas I need to avoid. Thank you for your time.
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if everybody stays within there limits and not catching fish for other people while having already attained there limits, brag all you want. But having your ten perch and then help joe and Steve catch there ten perch is breaking the law.( yes or no)
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if everybody stays within there limits and not catching fish for other people while having already attained there limits, brag all you want. But having your ten perch and then help joe and Steve catch there ten perch is breaking the law.( yes or no)
Obviously 'yes' as per the regulations below copied directly from the current Saskatchewan angler's guide ... seems straightforward enough:
"Catch Limits
· General limits apply to most Saskatchewan public waters. However, some waters are managed with special regulations that further restrict angler harvest or activity. These exceptions to the general regulations must be complied with when fishing any of the listed waters
· Limit refers to the maximum number and size of fish you are allowed to retain or have in your possession. Anglers may possess no more than one limit of each fish species at any time. This includes fish that are eaten or given away for that particular day, as well as all fish that are at your camp, being transported by or for you, or fish that are in storage."
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I can't imagine if anyone would want to keep and clean all 25 perches let alone all perches for the group lol
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Good morning. This weekend will be my first time ever going fishing at Blackstrap. I'm excited for the new experience. My question is, is it safe to drive my truck on the lake and if so is there any areas I need to avoid. Thank you for your time.
People are driving trucks all over the place since about a month ago. Well by truck you didn't mean a semi!
There is a soft spot near the small bay across the lake from Shields.
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Thank you so much ToonFisher. Take care.
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Nice to have you regulars in my corner. Could one of you fan my face with a towel and another squirt some water in my mouth.
:clap:
:bow:
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While I appreciate your help with all the members here, as I have read a lot of posts on this forum, this post reeks with arrogance. You catch a ton of fish and have a wealth of knowledge, we get it. You don't have to keep spouting off like you are the best thing since sliced bread. Again, the forum appreciates your help, knowledge, and information. IMHO, it can be delivered with a little more humility.
I see no arrogance here. Just a couple of friends busting each other’s chops.
Churchill you are #1 in my books!!!
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I wonder how many folks read the forum, and how many trust the information posted. A few years back, more than one of us posted "do NOT drive on" at the Diefenbaker thread in the second half of March. And the next day, one SUV plunge into open water without slightest hint of hesitation.
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Where do you park when going into Evans road ??
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While I appreciate your help with all the members here, as I have read a lot of posts on this forum, this post reeks with arrogance. You catch a ton of fish and have a wealth of knowledge, we get it. You don't have to keep spouting off like you are the best thing since sliced bread. Again, the forum appreciates your help, knowledge, and information. IMHO, it can be delivered with a little more humility.
I have personally found the complete opposite with CR, he has been nothing but a wealth of support and information and even sharing a few spots to try which has really aided in my quest for fishing on the strap. CR keep being you on this forum, it’s appreciate it and I’ve learned a lot from you in the short amount of time we have been chatting.
Plus it’s inspiring to see success on the lake as it makes you want to get out there and pound out some for yourself ;)
Plus then we can inspire other fisherman with what we are learning from each other.
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Well, i can see that Churchill River and I have created a disturbance in the force. I am in a particularly awkward position. How can I defend Churchill River while continuing to grind his gears?
Perhaps I will contribute this. Once I retired a few years ago, I made it a goal to learn how to fish Blackstrap successfully. It was shortly after running into CR that I had my first ever 10 perch day. Not ten jumbos, ten perch. I was thrilled. CR was a mentor in this learning process and has remained so. If I can fault CR for anything, it is that he is far too honest for a fisherman. He is pretty damned generous with his information and expertise as well.
Maybe our new member is right and we need to dial it back. Perhaps if we spread some of his bitterness on our lures, our success rates will drop to more acceptable levels.
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Darn Speck. I am blushing so bad. Thanks for the kind words. I am seriously thinking about not giving you a hard time anymore............... .................well, let's give it some time and we will see ;)
And again, thanks to all the members that jumped in with their support. In my further posts, I will try and not get carried away as to insight
a negative post, and end up like we did.
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Headin out to the strap tomorrow morning Church , come find me and I will gladly fan you with a towel and squirt some lake water into your mouth, lol. :bow:
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Thanks Cholo. I didn't work up to much of a sweat, so just bring a face cloth and if it is alright with you, we can use my thermos of tea vs lake water.
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That'll work ! :thumbsup: , lol
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I am a faithful reader of this thread, and have not posted much over the years, but I do enjoy the banter and friendships that I can see being made here. I have only fished blackstrap a handful of times in my life, but I do fish as much as I can, and I can tell you that the orange jiggawhopper with a perch eye is a fantastic combination. I have caught both my personal best perch and walleye using it. There are too many people in this world that when asked to share their years of knowledge that flat out refuse. When most of us have to work 50-60 hours a week so we can keep our family’s warm and fed it’s tough to put the time in required to gain this knowledge to pass on to our own children. So with out people like this, how are we ever gonna pass on the love of outdoors to the next generation if no one wants to share what they know. So thank you to all that take the time to help put a smile on the face of others! Fish on!
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I am a faithful reader of this thread, and have not posted much over the years, but I do enjoy the banter and friendships that I can see being made here. I have only fished blackstrap a handful of times in my life, but I do fish as much as I can, and I can tell you that the orange jiggawhopper with a perch eye is a fantastic combination. I have caught both my personal best perch and walleye using it. There are too many people in this world that when asked to share their years of knowledge that flat out refuse. When most of us have to work 50-60 hours a week so we can keep our family’s warm and fed it’s tough to put the time in required to gain this knowledge to pass on to our own children. So with out people like this, how are we ever gonna pass on the love of outdoors to the next generation if no one wants to share what they know. So thank you to all that take the time to help put a smile on the face of others! Fish on!
Well said ;)
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Sorry I just cant believe cr can ask a guy to squirt something in his mouth and noone touches it lol !
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I was out in my hard shack to test out evening bite near the boat launches tonight. My research showed that all marks I was seeing disappeared right before 6pm and I headed home around 730. Not sure if anyone has had luck after dark?
One thing to note. I drove down the south launch and it was icy as all heck. I took it slow as I prefer to creep on but my brakes were useless from about halfway down and I hit the ice going much faster than i intended. I drove up the north launch and seemed to have way less ice as one tire tread seemed to be right down to pavement. Stay safe out there everyone!
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Is it too late to join the Church group hug?... Hi guys, its my first post this winter. Church has been a wealth of knowledge for me too. I am able to do quite well at the strap in summer, but I'm terrible in the winter. Church has done everything but hold my hand and take me to the right fishing hole. Lol. He's a great guy. But I'm still terrible at ice fishing. Church if you're out on the south end today, stop by for a smokie on a bun.
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Members, if anyone catches what they think is a perch with the stripes running horizontal please save it, regardless of size. I have caught 1/2 a dozen over the years, and Speck caught one last week. And I am sure other members have also caught some. I sent pictures to a biologist friend and they don't think it is a perch. She has shared the picture with others, and they are baffled. They need a fish to run taxonomy tests, etc.
It sure looks like a perch, and I told her I thought it was a mutated perch. They are very interested in examining the fish.
If another one is caught, please save it and I will pick it up and get it into the proper hands. We might have another species in Blackstrap to target.
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I can't imagine if anyone would want to keep and clean all 25 perches let alone all perches for the group lol
My Dad would (and DID) clean all the perch from him, Mom, and his 4 kids.... sometimes far more than 25.
He even cleaned the tiny ones 3" long.
He LOVED battered/deepfried perch.
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Those are interesting perch. Neat catch guys. :tipup:
Good job to those who found the pike and walleye as well. :)
Is it possible that the perch with the horizontal stripe might be a perch & walleye hybrid? :-\
They usually spawn in different areas, but, maybe not this time. ;)
WW
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Got a email this morning, and know they are changing their tune on the mysterious fish: They are very interested and still need one to test. But, they also need a regular perch. I will try to catch a regular perch for them.
Jennifer and Ron
I decided to look at my Scott and Crossman “Freshwater Fishes of Canada” to see if they had described any color variants in yellow perch and they reported two that are rare. One is for a blue variant and show the link for that article below and some text from it. Crossman also had published a paper on another variant noted, this time in Lake Erie. I was able to access the article but could not download the issue but only save images of individual pages which are attached and clipped some highlights below. No vertical bars and one horizontal bar. My guess is that Ron’s fish are a color variant of yellow perch. We can look into some more. I have a colleague who does genetics work and possibly could look at to see what genes are different but she would need a normal looking yellow perch. May be worth a scientific note or an article in Star Phoenix but more work would need to be done.
Very interesting.
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LOL on water wolfs pic of the fish wearing a mask. as far as new speices in blackstrap i saw a news report last summer on russian carp now being caught in the river , do not look like carp but rather a large perch, perhaps someone dumped a few in blackstrap
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Very cool fish but I'd bet my lunch it's just a color variation of a yellow perch.
Wish I could find a picture of a pike from years ago caught in waskesiu. Looked like a musky/burbot mash up but boringly enough it was just a unique looking pike.
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Ran7ger, I won't take your bet, as I agree with you.
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I did a quick search for albino perch and found this about the blue perch... Michigan but fish won't know...
https://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/threads/blue-perch.350275/
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Ran7ger I believe this is the pic you were looking for?
(https://i.postimg.cc/JDNRNJKH/proxy.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/JDNRNJKH)
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Yes thanks cholo! I was just about to start searching. Crazy looking thing eh!
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For sure, whatever came of it?
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It was a neighbor that got it through the ice. He sent pics to bios and they were sure it was a musky so had him count the pores under it's jaw. Regular old pike so the old bugger ate it.
I think if I had caught it, it would either still be swimming or at worst on my wall.
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Out fishing a few areas north of the causeway today full shift steady action on the electronics for marking not a whole bunch of catching. Some decent marks showing up but most just sniffing around. Still managed 2 walleyes top side both in that 15-16” range. Tons of small perch also around worked them all day just to get 3 in the 9” range. All together makes a great platter. Awesome day out there today.
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Those will make an excellent fish platter Rip....nice going.
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Hello all, first time poster and long time listener here. But don't think for a second I'm a beginner on the ice! Over the years I've brought many trophies topside and the Strap is as familiar to me as losing playoff series is to a Leafs fan. Was out this weekend and decided to try some spots I hadn't ventured to yet this year. Simply put, one of the greatest weekends of fishing I've ever experienced. Perch and walleye paid visits throughout and the weather... outstanding. The mighty PK red dot glow continued to shine, a phenomenal lure to say the least. 6-12' of water was the key for me so don't be afraid to try unconventional locations my fellow fisher friends, it can be the key to unlocking all the secrets this wonderful water body has to offer!
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Had a stellar day on Saturday. Took my partner out and found a great hole full of perch, or at least it was till a big jack scared em away. Managed to pull up 10 in the 6-10" range before that, including her first perch! The jack didn't even eat the herring I had on a quick strike for him! Saw a few walters on the cam too, but no interest from them.
What are you guys doing to get their attention? A small jigging spoon wasn't doing it, though that was in the afternoon.
It was also the maiden voyage of my new ION 8" Gen 1 auger, an upgrade from my manual auger haha.
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Good morning. I’ve ice fished with a few friend in the past on Iroquois lake. He was the one with all the knowledge and would take me out with him. He provided everything needed to fish. He has now moved so I have decided to start ice fishing on my own at Blackstrap.
I’m not looking to get peoples secrets but just looking to get some advice on what lures and bait to use.
I fished this past weekend on the south side of the lake. I saw a lot of fish but not able to catch any.
Have a good day.
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Encountered something interesting today. I was after perch and the pike were constantly in the area, hazing the smaller fish. One of these pike kept reappearing from time to time. I knew it was the same fish because of the red protrusion near the gill cover on the left side. I finally got the pike to commit to a krill - tipped Deadly Dick. I didn't know at the time it was the one I had been seeing, but after a very good fight, I got the roughly four pound fish on the ice.
The red I had been seeing was a partially detached gill raker, sticking out from the operculum. I'm guessing the fish had been released after a deep hook set. I would have assumed such a fish would not survive, but this one was full of vigor. The gill raker and gills looked like healthy tissue. Has anyone caught a fish with such an injury before? Am I wrong to assume that a fish released in such a condition would usually bleed out and die?
(https://i.postimg.cc/WhJ6DwBj/Injured-pike.png) (https://postimg.cc/WhJ6DwBj)
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Good evening, I have been fishing blackstrap for 3 years now and have had reasonable success finding perch, over the last year and a half ive been trying to find the walleye. Seen the occasional one on the camera (probably around 10 inches) but rarely biting. I only have a camera to find them and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction to finding them. Im not asking for anyones honey hole just someone to point/push me in the right direction.
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Fished the North end today in 2 spots, and I was able to catch my regular quota. The bite was hot and heavy between 11 and 2,
then down to slow and steady. Seems everyone is getting into the perch through out the majority of the lake. This steady weather we are having over the last 2 weeks and another good 10 days to go, is helping.
Speck, those are some nice perch you got there with that pike. Pike are pretty hardy and regardless of how badly hooked they are, they will
for sure swim away (summer or winter) when released. How far they get is another question. Some of them will bleed out as you mentioned after swimming away. It is better to keep a fish in that condition in the boat or on the ice. Anyway, that is what I always told my guides up North, when handling fish. But when releasing 50 to 100 fish on most days, I am sure the guides made the wrong decision on some of the fish.
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Heading out tomorrow morning wish me luck haha ive been 3 times this year with no luck ! A few bites here and there but I think I've found the spot this time hahhaa.
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At this time I would like to let everyone know that I just received a PM from Glenbogie. It was a very sincere apology from Glen,
in his response to one of my posts a few days ago. I accepted Glen's apology, and all is good....no hard feelings.
As a member on Ice Shanty we all have to stick together to share as much of our experiences, success, failures, tips, etc....all within reason.
As a new member (not knowing me), I could see were Glen took my post the wrong way.
I know I got support from a lot of members that posted and again, really appreciated the backing. But with Glen's apology, let's
put that kerfunkle under the bridge and welcome Glen to the forum, and hope he decides to keep posting.
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I love how that was the sask forum getting nasty ;D quite civil!
I've caught many pike with a gill plate ripped out. There's always a chance they survive, especially when the water is cold.
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Good morning. I’ve ice fished with a few friend in the past on Iroquois lake. He was the one with all the knowledge and would take me out with him. He provided everything needed to fish. He has now moved so I have decided to start ice fishing on my own at Blackstrap.
I’m not looking to get peoples secrets but just looking to get some advice on what lures and bait to use.
I fished this past weekend on the south side of the lake. I saw a lot of fish but not able to catch any.
Have a good day.
I'm not sure what the pros use, but my goto is a small tungsten jig (3-5mm) with some meat on it (fresh or preserved mealworm, minnow, night crawler or even shrimp). The size of bait depends on the mood of fish for me, and sometimes even the size of jig. Some days they refuse to bite the 5mm jig but will inhale the 3mm without thinking about it.
I always have a second line out though, and I usually leave my jig rod laying on the ice until a fish needs enticing. For the 2nd rod, consider a small jigging spoon. Smaller the better, as they are more willing to eat a small meal usually.
My favourite tool for finding spots is this map, which seems fairly correct. There was a couple spots that were not the depth the map said they would be, but most are close. They even have a mobile app that's like 20 bucks so you can use GPS to pinpoint your location on the map. Totally worth it IMO.
http://www.gpsnauticalcharts.com/main/ca_sk_blackstrap_lake_sk-blackstrap-lake-nautical-chart.html (http://www.gpsnauticalcharts.com/main/ca_sk_blackstrap_lake_sk-blackstrap-lake-nautical-chart.html)
Hope all this helps you get on some fish! Tight lines.
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Thanks everyone for your tips. Catching small perch but enjoying opportunity to fish close to home. My question is does anyone have pointers on how to convince their significant other that purchasing a sonar or camera is a good idea? :)
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Cheaper grocery bills? As they say it's easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Plus her last purse likely cost as much as the flasher will!
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Tell her it’s to keep the kids interested.
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Take her along. My wife wasn't fishing with the camera for ten minutes before exclaiming "this is a game changer!" She actually suggested we go fishing for New Year's Eve.
We both agree the grandkids will love it.
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Anyone had any luck fishing into the evening lately? I'm thinking of going out friday at 4 to see what I can pull up. Last time I could see a few Walleye swimming around on my camera but zero interest in eating, I'm hoping they pick up around that time.
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Yes, Walleye might be more active between 4 and 6. There have been 1/2 a dozen really good perch bites between 4 and 5:30 so far this winter as well. Usually I find 10 to 2 the best time for perch, but some late afternoon bites have surprised us.
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Out again this morning figuring I'd beat the wind. As per usual a great perch bite. Caught plenty in the 6-8" range but also brought a few eaters home. I have found solid mid day perch bites as well but generally speaking my best perch fishing happens between 9-12.
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Take her along. My wife wasn't fishing with the camera for ten minutes before exclaiming "this is a game changer!" She actually suggested we go fishing for New Year's Eve.
We both agree the grandkids will love it.
If the weather is decent she is in. Tough to get her excited about it if it’s cold or windy.
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Does everyone have the permys buckled down? 95-100 k winds expected tonight.
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Good thing we got some snow on the ice.
/var/folders/h0/4d9zfzx54j55h7x24gkbtd1w0000gn/T/com.apple.iChat/Messages/Transfers/IMG_3210.mov
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I guess the link won't open. It was a text I received showing trailers/shacks getting blown all over the ice by the
Landing. They have clear ice, so they are blowing around pretty good.
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Last time I was there I had trouble getting the car up the ramp on the south launch, I bet it's going to be an ice slide now ...
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If anyone is out to survey the carnage and you are capable of posting pics of damage please do. I will make my way out there later this afternoon and will post some if there is anything that needs attention Cheers Gents ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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So there is lots of damage in the north might want to head out today fellas.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XB7j78Tg/535-E43-CA-E40-C-4-BE1-8-B44-A2-D013-C04-F6-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XB7j78Tg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/G8j3CNS2/710-A9186-5589-486-C-B041-CF3-B6349-DD9-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G8j3CNS2)
(https://i.postimg.cc/G8R36rKV/95050709-6-AE4-473-F-8-D45-D1-D57174483-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/G8R36rKV)
(https://i.postimg.cc/67n5HTrC/EB79-C7-C2-3715-4-FE3-95-E4-19-DDBE2173-B6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/67n5HTrC)
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May they rest in pieces and find peace....Sorry for you losses. :unsure:
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It is a mess. Pieces of shacks and gear all over the ice. Winged scavengers were picking things over. Two legged ones won't be far behind.
(https://i.postimg.cc/tn7ytvJM/Icetastrophe-2.png) (https://postimg.cc/tn7ytvJM)
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Looters should be dealt with accordingly. Let all of us help if we can.
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Anyone have any pictures of the far North side?? ( end of lake )
Thx
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Speckspotter where you in north or south?
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I am curious as well about the north end hopefully the old sin bin isn’t down for the count. It does look like a tornado ripped through a trailer park out there...
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I'm curious about the north end as well. Got my perky out there.
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My permy lol not perky ;D ;D
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Ok. Here is a more detailed report.
I only toured the North side this morning. I would say around two dozen shacks have been either tipped over or blown apart. The picture I posted earlier is among the worst for destruction, but at least a half dozen are obvious write offs. The fibreglass "Hobbit House" left a debris trail a good 1.5 km across the lake. i saw no trailers tipped over. The shacks that had been anchored to the ice seem to be fine. Quite a few of the taller and I would have thought heavier shacks are on their sides. Very little snow accumulated on the ice. the contents of the heavily damaged shacks are laying out for all to see.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vD1NfxvB/Icetastrophe-3.png) (https://postimg.cc/vD1NfxvB)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MnwPCPJM/Icetastrophe-4.png) (https://postimg.cc/MnwPCPJM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/7CYB656q/Icetastrophe-5.png) (https://postimg.cc/7CYB656q)
(https://i.postimg.cc/N9Kp6ZmV/Icetastrophe-6.png) (https://postimg.cc/N9Kp6ZmV)
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Thanks for the report speckspotter. Poor hobbit house.
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Sorry to hear everyone. That is crushing to see.
Anyone have trouble on the south boat ramp? With the rain on it I bet one would have trouble making it back up. Anyone have some sand they can toss on it?
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The south launch looks pretty good couple light ones overturned and not really much damage!!
(https://i.postimg.cc/phfj2d8z/00-E95-D50-D7-DE-4929-B97-F-C5235-BFF833-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/phfj2d8z)
(https://i.postimg.cc/1gN6jB3W/0-AD6-C3-C0-FB9-C-4-DC7-8008-38-A48-FBB6-AD6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1gN6jB3W)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0K9wrqd3/C4-CAA06-F-B24-A-461-A-B467-36-D69-E01-C13-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0K9wrqd3)
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More sight lines
(https://i.postimg.cc/1f23jQVQ/AAB01337-07-CF-432-F-B979-2-A8-DFAD8988-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1f23jQVQ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/4YcxCSph/C340-F767-AC3-D-4204-B1-BA-5-B1-C411-C8-B20.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4YcxCSph)
(https://i.postimg.cc/t7gRRThb/ED438-BEA-659-B-44-A6-B9-EF-A227-BBB6-DD09.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t7gRRThb)
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Wow this is at Buffalo pound. Damn!!
(https://i.postimg.cc/tZpf7Kr8/0-C5464-E4-BD9-D-4188-A12-E-DF9-B66734-EB5.png) (https://postimg.cc/tZpf7Kr8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ykdMmzVH/4775-D994-5395-477-E-B3-B4-64130528-E5-AB.png) (https://postimg.cc/ykdMmzVH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qt8SJJG8/93-BEADF1-2-A0-D-4-ABF-B72-C-2-B240-D70793-B.png) (https://postimg.cc/qt8SJJG8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/dhZgfmkN/F105-D3-A7-21-B2-4-BC1-8-F85-9-C36-BC25265-C.png) (https://postimg.cc/dhZgfmkN)
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Oh my......
I just quit complaining about my slow day of fishing today.
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We had a good afternoon out yesterday. A couple of Grand daughters joined the fun with their shrieks and giggles amping up the soundtrack. A couple of family feeds went home, but the best part was seeing the girls enjoying the fishies on the screen, sliding on the ice, and even catching a few fat ones. Your day has got to be pretty much perfect when a six year old says "Grampa, I really like ice fishing".
(https://i.postimg.cc/RJ4z4wQ7/Great-afternoon.png) (https://postimg.cc/RJ4z4wQ7)
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Sounds like a great day speck. Nothing better than watching kids get excited about the outdoors!
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It's too bad to see such destruction with the permys,seems to have damage from winds every year I guess shacks should be tied down as a safer option.Had a great day out on the ice , iced well over 70 perch and one little little Wally . Here are some of the smaller ones kept a fish fry.
(https://i.postimg.cc/JHkS8pwX/37-DFCE05-711-D-4-AC4-863-B-BEE7-C9-D9180-E.png) (https://postimg.cc/JHkS8pwX)
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That is so nice to see and hear Speck. The outfitting industry in whole is really worried about the demographics of future fisherpeople. Looks like you did a good job of getting two of the future fishergals hooked on fishing.........again nice job Gramps (I hope you don't feel old when they call you that ;)
Gkomo, excellent day.....those are beauties for a fish fry.....enjoy
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We had a good afternoon out yesterday. A couple of Grand daughters joined the fun with their shrieks and giggles amping up the soundtrack. A couple of family feeds went home, but the best part was seeing the girls enjoying the fishies on the screen, sliding on the ice, and even catching a few fat ones. Your day has got to be pretty much perfect when a six year old says "Grampa, I really like ice fishing".
(https://i.postimg.cc/RJ4z4wQ7/Great-afternoon.png) (https://postimg.cc/RJ4z4wQ7)
Speck,
This is great stuff man!!! Wonderful to pass along the joy of the outdoors to youth. Good on yah!
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Hey Guys,
Meeting some family from saskatoon next weekend. Last trip we were able to find the perch on camera and flasher but didn't have much luck getting them to bite. we caught 1 lol. We tried small pks with minnow head, small jig minnow head, small shad rap, and small spoons.
Im looking for a tip on what type of hook bait works best, i know from my own experience it varies day to day. I normally target pike/walleye in lakes north of PA which I have bigger hooks for. Should i be bringing meal worms or leaches?
Im not looking for secret spots as finding them is part of the experience. But we saw 50+ perch on camera last trip and they could not seem less interested in what we presented.
TIA
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I stick with my fire tiger 3-5mm tungsten jigs or other colors tipped with minnow head or perch eye. I don't have much luck with artificial bait but have been doing better with flutter spoons. Pound the bottom, stir up some sand. If they are around they will come looking. They will eat out of the sand or follow something up. Just need to find what the preference is for the day. Sometimes it's just a slow area and it might be worth moving away from. To me a 40 minute move (take down and set up) is worth an afternoon of better fishing. Don't be afraid to work a flashier bait a few feet off the bottom to draw other fish closer. I've also had plenty of pike and walleye bite a smaller presentation that was meant for a perch.
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Had my best day yet this Saturday. Caught around 50 (which is the most I've got) and my PB mama at 11"!
The perch are loving little mealworms btw...
(https://i.postimg.cc/WthqG52t/Snapchat-1870566832.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WthqG52t)
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Nice catch Hatandboots. I just have to ask your secret................ .................how do you get your wife to let you put fish in the kitchen sink?
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It helps to work from home! Also to not tell her I did it haha
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Saturday was a good day
(https://i.postimg.cc/7G8dQL8n/7156-AE79-4-D32-4151-BF14-DE3-B0-C75748-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7G8dQL8n)
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Been out the last 2 weekends. Off the shore at Thode. Pelican road. Saw one big jack. Pushed my lure out of the way as he swam by. Haha. Then by the boat launch by the blue pump house last weekend. Always catch walleye there in the summer in 10-12feet. Nothing again. Going out again on Sunday. Haven’t tried for perch yet. Looking for advice of where to go on the lake where people are having luck. Advice on lures and bait too please. Jigging In summer with yellow jigs with minnows works a lot for walleye. Small white meal grubs for perch. Anything for jacks while trolling. Pretty new at ice fishing. Thx!
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Can anyone tell me whether or not it's possible to drive on at the north end with a lower vehicle, like a minivan or crossover SUV? I know there wasn't much snow last time I was there but it was a bit rough and rutted. Thanks
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I was out this morning and yes you can get out with a car my buddy drove his car out. Also guys check your shacks someone tried beating my locks off of mine.
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I was out this morning and yes you can get out with a car my buddy drove his car out. Also guys check your shacks someone tried beating my locks off of mine.
Thanks a lot.
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Taking larger shack out on weekend to south end for parents (in 80's) to fish out of for a couple hours so they are comfortable. How is launch to get up and down - ice covered or traction ok to get back up towing shack on trailer?
Thanks.
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should be fine. lots of traffic every day. was out on the north end yesterday before the colder temps that will hit this weekend. fished from 1pm til 6 lots of perch action and a couple eyes were also landed throughout the afternoon. perfect weekend to hunker down for some football and hockey with these temps..
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Amen to that Rip.....my second and third favourite things to do....watch hockey and football.
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Well its a chilly one out here today, and the fish dont see to be around. Tried 8' and 15' out by Thode since i havent been having luck north end or deep lately.
Marked a few likely perch schools and some pike following them around. But thats few and far between and its too cold to be hole hopping.
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Anyone heard any reports of bad ice anywhere on the lake? Wondering if there are any areas to avoid. Noone has gone through with a vehicle this year have they?
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There is a good 20 to 24 inches of ice now, myself and other members have been all over the ice, both on the North and South ends. No soft ice anywhere. Except at the bridge (causeway), were there is open water. You don't want to get to close to it.
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I believe legally you can't fish within 100m north and south of that causeway year round.
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That is my understanding also
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How has the bite been lately? I haven't been to strap in about a month now.
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Was out today for the first time in a week. Fished the North end in the morning, then moved South of the big bay (Blackrock).
Caught over 20 in each spot, with not much size. Only 5 keepers. Very soft hits, not very aggressive today. Talked to a few others,
and they were seeing lot's of perch on their camera's and flashers, but their results were about the same as mine.
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Can anyone tell me whether or not it's possible to drive on at the north end with a lower vehicle, like a minivan or crossover SUV? I know there wasn't much snow last time I was there but it was a bit rough and rutted. Thanks
Avoid the snowbank and follow the busy tracks. This season doesn't seem as bad as the previous one. I haven't seen too much deep soft snow. Stay close to the busy routes just in case though.
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Bite on sunday was very hot again, about 80 small yellows, and 10 keepers.
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Soo I guess be careful when fishing in 10-12 feet of water. I nicked what looked like a crate or old shack with my auger this weekend. I put the camera down and ended up seeing 3 more shacks and a bunch of debris. Please don't be those people and let your shack drop in come March.
The good news is I saw the biggest perch ever pulled out. Didn't get a measure on it but I swear it was touching on 14". It was my buddies son who came and fished by me and pulled it out within minutes of dropping down. True tank.
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Spent a few hours today with a childhood buddy who hadn't wet a line since last summer. He was introduced to noodle rods, flashers, and hungry perch. For some reason he wants to go again, and soon
(https://i.postimg.cc/N5GpGVSQ/Blackstrap-bounty-1.png) (https://postimg.cc/N5GpGVSQ)
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I saw you fishing not far from me today Speck. Nice that you could get your friend out for a good visit and were able to put him on fish.
As yourself and fellow members know that I always, always, always, fish with the green hawger. I haven't fished with anything other then a hawger (have tried other colors of hawgers over the years), for the last 5 years. Today, I started with the hawger and after the first hour, I took out my spare rod that had a perch talker on it Well, I ended up using the perch talker the rest of the day. It was none stop action up to 3:30 when I left. This old dog, might of learned a new trick.
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better if you add 3 inch of line between your hawger and the hook.
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Easy Toonfisher.
Let the sleeping dog lie.
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Out for a few hours late afternoon/evening today beauty day out there perch all around as usual waited it out for some walleyes and caught 4 in the early evening. 1 more decent day for weather tomorrow then back in the freezer for awhile.
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Yes Toon, us that are using hawgers use the drop hook at times. I usually don't as I have had that 2 to 3 inches of line break a number of times. The chain on the perch talker seems to be a little tougher. But like I said this is the first time in 5 years or more that I decided to use something other then the hawger today. I have given Speck a hard time at times for using every lure in his box on some days. Thought he
would be amused that I used something other then the hawger....it just happened to be the perch talker with the drop down hook.
But like Toon mentioned people.....try using the 2 or 3 inch drop down.
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I believe legally you can't fish within 100m north and south of that causeway year round.
There is markers on both sides of the cause way, not good ice in that area so be careful!
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Yes Toon, us that are using hawgers use the drop hook at times. I usually don't as I have had that 2 to 3 inches of line break a number of times. The chain on the perch talker seems to be a little tougher. But like I said this is the first time in 5 years or more that I decided to use something other then the hawger today. I have given Speck a hard time at times for using every lure in his box on some days. Thought he
would be amused that I used something other then the hawger....it just happened to be the perch talker with the drop down hook.
But like Toon mentioned people.....try using the 2 or 3 inch drop down.
Please show a picture of that controversial rigging, I need to see stuff before I get it?
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Did you mean the perch talker Corney?
https://www.cabelas.ca/product/137336/lindy-perch-talker
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Hello,
Is there a way to drive on by the gravel pit on the northeast side? Or do I need to drive on at the far north end and drive across.
Thank you
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You will have to drive across from the North end. You can get on the ice through that trail just before you get to the Blackrock housing development on the East side. But you would be doing more driving this way. It's not that far a drive from the far North end entrance. If you haven't been out in a while, there is no problem driving on the ice. There are a lot of 2 wheel vehicles/cars driving around.
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Corney,
Here are a few examples of dropper rigs. The two on the left are perch talkers as they come. The orange Hawger in the middle has an add on drop chain. The green Hawger just has a treble on fluoro, and the tungsten spoon just has a tungsten jig tied below.
One cautionary note about the drop chain; while they are convenient, aggressive jigging will often foul the treble on the chain or split ring.
If they lose interest suddenly on good bite, there is a strong chance your presentation has been messed up by this problem. If the fish need a lot of motion to get their interest, I would use the fluoro dropper instead of the chain. An eyeball on the treble is a great choice.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9DnS2SPX/Dropper-hooks.png) (https://postimg.cc/9DnS2SPX)
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On the topic of lures, has anyone tried slab grabbers before? I read a bit about them and saw a video by John Wyte on youtube showcasing it.
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I’ve used the slab grabbers quite a bit. The perch really seem to be interested in them but because of the shape of the hook, I find I lose a lot of fish with this lure.
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was out today , good perch bite, weather was much better than expected, get those auger extensions ready not much room to spare
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Anybody been out on the strap recently? How thick is the ice need to know pls so I can grab my extension if I go to Regina this week . Regards
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I haven’t been out since before the cold snap but someone posted on Facebook that they measured 33 inches on the south end.
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Was out north of the launch's today.....36"-38". You will need the extension.
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Pretty decent bite this afternoon. The jumbos were at times quite aggressive. Two red marks which proved to be 10 - 11inch perch charged the lure through all the smaller marks clustered around. One came boiling up off the bottom, the other from above - a good ten feet. Both hit like trains. The other big ones were typical subtle slurpers. In between the big ones there were plenty of second stringers to keep things interesting.
While I didn't bother with a tent and camera, I got the feeling that the pike took the day off. Only a few times did the big pouty red mark clear out the perch.
I will concur that an extension is a good idea. A fresh blade on the Jiffy made drilling a breeze.
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I fished the South end for the first time in 5 weeks. Tried 4 different spots and lot's of action in every spot. Small perch all over the place. Was able to keep 6 keepers for a fresh meal. In talking to a few people that have been fishing the South end regularly, the jumbos are rare this winter. It seems the North end is producing more jumbos on a regular basis, along with lot's of small ones.
Both boat launches are still fine for accessing the lake. The strong wind did little drifting in of the launches. The North launch is in better shape then the South one.
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Hey y'all - pretty new here. This is my first year ice fishing and I freaking love it.
I plan on going tomorrow but it's gonna get up to 44km/hr winds. I've got a pop up shack. Is it gonna be safe, or should I stay home?
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Hamsteak, I fished outside and hole hopped yesterday in the strong wind. It wasn't cold. As long as you have a good outfit to break the wind, you will be ok. If you wait for a calm day on the Strap, you won't be fishing much.
Get out there, the fish are biting good.
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Hamsteak, I fished outside and hole hopped yesterday in the strong wind. It wasn't cold. As long as you have a good outfit to break the wind, you will be ok. If you wait for a calm day on the Strap, you won't be fishing much.
Get out there, the fish are biting good.
Awesome, this is all the confirmation I needed. Thanks so much!
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Was out at Blackstrap in the north end on Sat in 22’ feet of water and caught my limit of jumbos. I found the jumbos were mostly aggressive between 11am-1pm and then they slowed down but the smaller guys were biting all day. I fished outside and braved the winds.
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Was out early today hoping to beat the wind, perch were crazy aggressive non stop action. no jumbos , did see a school of whites a few times
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I was out at the North end today, and tried 3 spots. Pretty steady action in all 3 spots from 10 to 4:30. Best time was probably 11 to 2, then picked up again at 3;30. Was able to get 10 jumbos. Again, there seems to be perch all over the place, with a 70% to 30% mixture of small ones (70%) to big ones (30%). The future 2 to 4 years is looking real good once all the little ones grow up.
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Great to be out there today after those brutal temps.Fished 4 hrs this afternoon from 3-7 north end. lots of activity on the electronics weeding through perch and hooking up on a few walleyes and 1- 3lb pike decided to join in. Great temps not to breezy.
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Great work Rip. Are they still soft bites?
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lip service for sure.
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Nice wallys Rip !
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better weather than we thought, headed out for 3 hours this afternoon. some nice perch taken along with small northern which went back.
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Tons of action at Evan’s and boat launch. Non stop action and a lot of jumbos. Great day.
Threw on the perch talker for the last half hour and hammered 6 jumbos. All went back today.
Haven’t used that hook much but the perch sure seemed interested in it today.
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perch, perch, and more perch pretty well being caught steady all year. now with the warm temps in the forecast for march should be a great time again to get the kids out for some of the action.
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kinda weird not hearing of any big pike being caught this winter. usually every year you here of some. is it because of all the small perch forage in the lake.?
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I've seen plenty of big mid 30s pike menacing around but cant seem to get them up. Must be an abundance of food thing. That's a good sign for the health of the lake at least right?
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Was out last Sunday - perch, perch, perch! No jumbos though, just little guys. Finding a little VMC Tungsten jig tipped with a pink maggot drives em crazy. Got myself a nice Strikemaster 24v auger and boy I tell you, it's a dream upgrading from a manual auger to that.
Also, looking to head out this weekend again. Do you guys think I'm safe to drive on the ice, or would I be better off hoofin' it?
Thanks guys, hope you're all well.
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Wondering as well, someonje mentioned he saw wa water on the south end. Is it still good to get on the south boat launch? The one down that big hill?
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Was out all day with Son, Wife and Granddaughter. No problems accessing the lake at the boat launch. There was a bit of standing water by the launch at day's end, but no concerns coming off. Trucks were still driving all over.
As for the bite, it was on and off, with fish on the camera for most of the day. When they stopped biting, the perch were pretty hard to entice. While we had no fish over 10 inches, Granddaughter caught 15, outfishing her dad by an honest dozen. That, plus fresh bannock made on the ice made for a pretty good day.
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Fished north end all day yesterday, 12 small perch no keepers and first pike of the winter caught on a perch talker tipped with shrimp, go figure, lol
(https://i.postimg.cc/YLQqkQy3/20210305-162741.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YLQqkQy3)
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How's the shore line looking Cholo?
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First time at the strap this year. Took my three year old daughter out and I couldn’t bait our hooks fast enough.
The perch bite was not light. 2 jumbos out of about 50 in an hour and a half. Everything went back.
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Probably be my final trip to North end as far as driving on goes, south end boat launches should be in better shape than north end access .
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South was driveable but it looked shifty. A good inch if water over most of the lake so prepare to get wet.
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weather forecast looks great for the next couple weeks for the over nite freeze and day time highs.
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Hopefully we can get out this coming weekend then! I'm sure a walk on would be possible no matter what, but driving on is way less hard on my back.
Anyone slamming Pikes yet? I'm still seeing them deep on my camera, but they are hesitant to slurp bait up off the bottom, and have ignored all suspended bait.
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I've been able to catch lots of pike with the pink pk flutter fish and a chartreuse one .regards
(https://i.postimg.cc/DW9RGvqp/66-BCFECF-9-ABB-4015-AB03-6-A47-A70-AD761.png) (https://postimg.cc/DW9RGvqp)
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While the perch bite seems to have slowed a bit over the last week, the walleye might just be improving. Collected a nice eater last night and another this morning. Plenty of curious marks around these catches as well.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ctWwydnH/Strap-walleye-1.png) (https://postimg.cc/ctWwydnH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SjbvN8LX/Strap-walleye-2.png) (https://postimg.cc/SjbvN8LX)
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While the perch bite seems to have slowed a bit over the last week, the walleye might just be improving. Collected a nice eater last night and another this morning. Plenty of curious marks around these catches as well.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ctWwydnH/Strap-walleye-1.png) (https://postimg.cc/ctWwydnH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SjbvN8LX/Strap-walleye-2.png) (https://postimg.cc/SjbvN8LX)
Can I ask what depth you found walleye in?
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No problem Hatandboots,
The evening walleye hit at 17 feet, 6:07 pm. I had nibbles and another fish on that escaped just before the hole around 20 minutes later at 15 feet. I have caught them as shallow as 8 feet at this spot, but got no marks there on this occasion.
The morning walleye was taken while perch fishing at a different location in about 22 FOW.
Both made for a fine fish feast last night.
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No doubt, those are great sizes. Thanks for the info. Tight lines.
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Awesome fish speck and thanks for sharing your info.
Any reports on north access? Are people still driving on or is it rutted something terrible?
Thanks
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Anyone been out this week? Going to drive on Saturday at south launch. Hopefully this cold weather improved the boat launch.
is the launch ice still ok?
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Anyone been out this week? Going to drive on Saturday at south launch. Hopefully this cold weather improved the boat launch.
is the launch ice still ok?
I drove on at north end yesterday and drove off around 730pm. Ice was plenty thick still around 3 feet or more. The access was fairly rutted with some top melt but people seemed to be getting on and off ok in trucks. Good luck today and please share a report of what the boat launches access is like.
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Both launches are good this am
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The last 3 times out I have fished both the North and South side in 4 or 5 spots and there seems to be perch all over. Again with the mixture of small ones, almost keepers, and some keepers.
As people mentioned both boat launches are still very good. The North one did have lot's of standing water as of Friday, that might have seeped through by now.
For those of you that know the Blackrock Bay entrance, I have used it all 3 days as I jump between the North and South end. It is still good. The trail through the pasture is a little rough/ muddy but no worse then the road to the North entrance.
Last year we were able to still drive on, on the last day. Don't think we will make it this year. We better get our walk on areas planned. 3 of my spots will be a no go, as it would be to far of a walk.
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Church, you can still get to your spots. Just get a few of the really eager guys looking for honey holes to pull you in your plastic sled. They might even pull you back.
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That might work Speck. But on the way back, we might have to throw fish out of the sled to lighten the load.
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Drove on yesterday from the South end. Launches were still good getting on and off. There were a good 12 dozen vehicles on the ice, including a couple of small cars. We should be good for a couple more days, then it will be iffy.
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Church you headin out tomorrow morning? Thinking about heading out .
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Yes, heading out to the South end and trying a few spots, depending if I can drive on. Friend was out today and drove off of the South boat launch at 2 p.m., and he said it was still good.
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Just got back from the strap ,drove on with rav4 around 11AM . Once again much larger perch were caught than other times , both launches were getting slushy by the time i left at 4pm
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Fished north end today and drilled over 20 holes moving around before my battery died. Absolutely gorgeous day out! I walked on but there is still over 3 feet of ice. The walk back was a slosh through 3 inches of water almost everywhere. Didnt take a look at the north launch but saw at least 10 trucks drive out and off.
I didnt find any jumbos but saw marks on the flasher at just about every hole I drilled from 13ft to 21ft. I convinced a few small perch to bite here and there.
Early on got to fight this guy on a rod which was fun.
(https://i.postimg.cc/bdvK7WhK/Snapchat-2103872948.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bdvK7WhK)
I didnt weight or measure but I'm guessing 4 or 5 lbs. Healthy release on all my catches.
I doubt I'll get out again this year but thanks to everyone for posting, I enjoy any and all advice and stories! Tight lines everyone!
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How is getting on the lake today. Still safe to drive the trucks on been so warm lately wasn't sure?
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Still trucks driving on Blackstrap. I checked out the boat launches on the south end and access was fine so long as nobody parks their white truck at the best spot to drive on.
I drove on the at the north end and saw trucks all along the lake. The ice is definitely not as firm as it has been, but the access was surprisingly good. Slow bite however, at least in the morning.
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Just saw a truck that punched through the ice on the south side. Was buried to his passenger side rocker panels. Definitely soft ice out there. Be safe.
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Anyone heading out tomorrow
Quad still ok?
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Any photos of truck punched through ice.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/xX9qZ59v/A84-B9156-4482-4-D5-D-953-F-7-D9-D39159-BD5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xX9qZ59v)
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When I drove by it was only two wheels in. It is now fully submerged.
(https://i.postimg.cc/2V7SnWnV/D2-C5962-F-4-A38-41-CE-B827-891-E04-C13-E03.png) (https://postimg.cc/2V7SnWnV)
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Lots of rumors and speculation about the truck going down. Can anyone confirm if the truck is in or out of the lake?
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Twisted, as of last night the locals confirmed it did indeed sink. You can follow on the blackstrap fishing Facebook page.
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Thanks for the update CWG.......(But I don't do FB)
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I was drying back and forth to a couple of fishing spots, and the last time I was going back to fish in front of the ski hill, I hit a soft spot and just the passenger two wheels got stuck. Not even up to the running board. By the time other people came and tried to pull it out from the front, as we couldn’t get to the back end as there was to much soft ice to get close. Anyway, the front kept digging in, and by time the tow truck got there and tried to winch it out from the road (he wouldn’t come on the ice), it was 1/2 way down. We had 300 yards of chain, tow ropes, etc strung out, and when he tried to winch it, it started to move then something broke (either chain or tow rope), and down she went….22 feet of water. Reported it to SGI this morning, waiting for them to call me back tomorrow and go from there.
Both the RCMP and C.O. said that their report will show that there was no reason why I shouldn't of been out there driving around as the ice was still 3 feet thick and there were 20 other vehicles out on the North and South driving around. They said I would't have a problem with SGI.
Before the tow truck arrived we had two quads hooked up and anchored into the ice plus a truck with a 6,000 lb winch, with all 3 pulling we couldn't budge it.
I would like to thank everyone that showed up to help. Derrick, Adam, Steve, Brodie and a few more that I forgot their names.
Close to 50 years of driving on the ice, and as long as we are able to get on at the entrance we never had to worry about driving on the ice, as both the RCMP and C.O. agreed. It's only 5 days since the shacks had to be removed. Hard to believe, but I guess that's why they call them
accidents.
Thanks again everyone that had a hand it helping.
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Geez church that is terrible. I am glad you are okay. Thank you for the clarification.
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I was drying back and forth to a couple of fishing spots, and the last time I was going back to fish in front of the ski hill, I hit a soft spot and just the passenger two wheels got stuck. Not even up to the running board. By the time other people came and tried to pull it out from the front, as we couldn’t get to the back end as there was to much soft ice to get close. Anyway, the front kept digging in, and by time the tow truck got there and tried to winch it out from the road (he wouldn’t come on the ice), it was 1/2 way down. We had 300 yards of chain, tow ropes, etc strung out, and when he tried to winch it, it started to move then something broke (either chain or tow rope), and down she went….22 feet of water. Reported it to SGI this morning, waiting for them to call me back tomorrow and go from there.
Both the RCMP and C.O. said that their report will show that there was no reason why I shouldn't of been out there driving around as the ice was still 3 feet thick and there were 20 other vehicles out on the North and South driving around. They said I would't have a problem with SGI.
Before the tow truck arrived we had two quads hooked up and anchored into the ice plus a truck with a 6,000 lb winch, with all 3 pulling we couldn't budge it.
I would like to thank everyone that showed up to help. Derrick, Adam, Steve, Brodie and a few more that I forgot their names.
Close to 50 years of driving on the ice, and as long as we are able to get on at the entrance we never had to worry about driving on the ice, as both the RCMP and C.O. agreed. It's only 5 days since the shacks had to be removed. Hard to believe, but I guess that's why they call them
accidents.
Thanks again everyone that had a hand it helping.
That's terrible Church. Good to hear no one else had the same fate trying to help. Was the area flagged off so no one else hits it this week while the temps are lower? Might be some guys out thinking the ice will firm up this week. Any idea when the recovery will happen? Sucks all the fuel and oil will probably find its way out and into the lake. :(
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I called SGI emergency number this morning to report it. The phone call got answered in Ontario...go figure. Filed a claim with them, and they said an adjuster will call me tomorrow from Saskatchewan.
Apparently the C.O.'s can't flag or mark the area.......liability matter. So when driving out front of the ski hill stay out towards the middle of the lake. I am sure everyone has seen the pictures of the area to avoid.
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Terrible to hear CR. Glad you were okay. That spot can be a bit sketchy sometimes. In years past, I've often seen geese keeping small areas of water open around there at first ice. I'm wondering if this is what's happened in your case. The ice in that particular spot obviously wasn't as thick as the rest and this could very well be why. I have never came across any springs ( to my knowledge ) in the lake, but wondering as well if that could have caused a softspot. Hope SGI handles it promptly for you. Keep us up to date.
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Wow sorry to hear about your truck, glad your ok ! When did this happen, shortly after I talked to you?
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as unfortunate as this is hopefully the knowledge of of the accident will help save a life. In my experience the problem at this time of year is standing water. Standing water, especially combined with movement from wind and sunlight will degrade certain areas at extremely fast rates. The other serious problems become cracks in the ice. cracks will have many thousands of gallons of water moving through them per hour at this time of year. these become vehicle traps. The ice may well be 3 feet thick but now you are seriously stuck. I witnessed this water issue again this weekend 300 km north. the amount of change in ice conditions in a matter of 4 hours was astonishing. Even with the colder weather coming I am finished with a truck on ANY Sask lake for the season. I will move back to an atv, then walking.
Be safe out there.
At least for a short time there will be some decent structure on the Strap until the truck is removed. ;)
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Yes Cholo, after you left we decided to go try in front of the ski hill were we had good luck the day before.
The C.O. measured the ice (for his and RCMP's report), after the truck went through.....there was 3 feet of ice. He said other C.O. members were out driving around Friday checking people.
I reported it to SGI, and waiting for a call back from an adjuster.
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Do you know how much time you will have to retrieve the truck?
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I was told by the C.O. that they might wait until open water, or even wait until next winter for solid ice. But no call back form SGI yet, so
waiting to talk to them.
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Can a perch feel Schadenfreude? If so, the jumbos might be congregated all around that Chevy. Thankfully, their nemesis is topside with us.
I feel somewhat responsible for CR's misfortune after I reported to him in the morning that both the south launch and north lake access were fine.
Having driven out in front of Shields for a bit, I too was shocked to learn about the accident. Splaker offers words of wisdom. When it warms up that much over a day and the ice is already deteriorating, one can't assume conditions won't become dangerous in a matter of hours. We were at Zelma when I heard the news. I expected the ice to be better there given that it is a smaller body of water. The drive on area and the ice itself looked far sketchier on the surface than Blackstrap did so we walked on. The exercise didn't hurt us at all.
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Terrible to hear about your loss of your vehicle. At least u are safe , vehicles can be replaced as life cannot.
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Scary stuff churchill, I'm very glad to know you're safe and nobody was injured.
I hope everything goes well with SGI.
Take care
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First of all, glad to hear you're safe!
I'm a bit of a lurker on this site. Not many of my own posts, but alot of viewing other's posts.
But.. I can tell you that I've learned a ton about lures, bait, times, & techniques from you all.
I've always enjoyed reading your posts Churchill, so please don't let this incident hold you back from sharing your experience with the rest of us moving forward.
We may not all personally know each other when we're out on the ice, but this site is a Community where experience & stories are shared.
In some ways, this situation is like your infamous Hawger. We'll all learn from it.
Like was said, it was an accident & that's why we have insurance.
My wife & I went out from 1:00 - 5:00 last Friday, & walked on about 1/2 way straight across from the picnic area just North of the launches (South end).
I was surprised by a few things:
- There was no standing water where we were, just crystally ice. The surface looked like it was made up of crystals from Superman's "Fortress of Solitude".
- My old 8" jiffy plowed thru 3' of ice in about 30 seconds with hardly any buildup of powdery snow around it, mostly just slush.
- It was +16 when we were out there. Later, when it got cloudy & I expected the temperature would drop, the air temperature when the wind would blow was actually warmer than that. It felt like a summer breeze.
- The ice on the West shoreline was substantially worse shape than where we walked on at the East shore.
Anyways, I'm hoping to head out (walking on) for 1 last day this weekend.
If you're out at Blackstrap, or anywhere else, stay safe!
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Well I still get sick to my stomach when I talk about it......but they took me off of suicide watch this morning, so I must be getting better.
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I’m thinking the perch had finally had enough of their buddies getting picked off and they eventually figured out Churchs patterns. Trap was set and was executed perfectly ::)
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CR just taught us it is never 100% safe. Blackstrap is still among the safest lakes. As for perch, they got a bit of long-awaited reprieve now.
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Yup, no matter how long we have been doing something or how much we think we know as humans, Mother Nature is still the boss. No exceptions.
The minute we start thinking otherwise, we are in for a very rude awakening and a very large slice of humble pie and at times a fight for your life. She’s a beautiful thing that’s silently waiting to kill you and can do so in hundreds of different ways....
Glad nobody got hurt and everyone is ok! Hope the truck recovery goes well! Stay safe out there everyone!
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Well said Farmboy. Mother Nature will bite us in the ass and kick us to the curb in a heartbeat,.
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Anyone been out lately?
Trying to get on one more time, planning to quad on. Can a get accross the lake ok or too soft?
Trying to fish the west side
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Get out and get after it... lot of places to walk out on. Don’t need to go far to catch. Some really windy/snowy weather next few days maybe only 1 decent day left.
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Landed 36 yesterday and 25 today. Was able to bring a few decent eaters home for a meal. Biggest was 11 1/2 inches. Everyone that I saw was walking. Someone posted on Facebook that they watched a crack open up today all the way across the south end of lake from west to east side in front of the middle of Thode. Apparently 6 inches wide. Ice was 30 inches thick most places I drilled but some only 24. Water in the hole after about 4 inches of drilling from the top.
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Beautiful day on the ice. Can't believe so few people on there. Park and go for a walk. Fish are biting.
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I was also out today great weather, jumbos however were not really to interested like past week. Ice is super slippery [no cleats] .Thats a rap for ice fishing this season
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Well another end to a great season on the hard water. Had some really good success pursuing and catching walleyes at the strap again this year with some real tanks being landed. Also found some different lures not previously used that were very effective this year. Now my go to. also some Other lakes were fished this year with some success on the walleye pursuit. Looking forward to hitting those lakes again next season. Hopefully everyone had a great end to their season sounded like there was no shortage of perch being caught again. Everyone Have a great spring,summer,fall see you in November. stay safe, keep well.
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Indeed Rip
I want to thank everyone for answering my questions and helping me get started on the ice.
Especially CR who assisted me with tips, tricks and areas to try.
It’s been a fun season and I look forward to meeting some of you next year.
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I was drying back and forth to a couple of fishing spots, and the last time I was going back to fish in front of the ski hill, I hit a soft spot and just the passenger two wheels got stuck. Not even up to the running board. By the time other people came and tried to pull it out from the front, as we couldn’t get to the back end as there was to much soft ice to get close. Anyway, the front kept digging in, and by time the tow truck got there and tried to winch it out from the road (he wouldn’t come on the ice), it was 1/2 way down. We had 300 yards of chain, tow ropes, etc strung out, and when he tried to winch it, it started to move then something broke (either chain or tow rope), and down she went….22 feet of water. Reported it to SGI this morning, waiting for them to call me back tomorrow and go from there.
Both the RCMP and C.O. said that their report will show that there was no reason why I shouldn't of been out there driving around as the ice was still 3 feet thick and there were 20 other vehicles out on the North and South driving around. They said I would't have a problem with SGI.
Before the tow truck arrived we had two quads hooked up and anchored into the ice plus a truck with a 6,000 lb winch, with all 3 pulling we couldn't budge it.
I would like to thank everyone that showed up to help. Derrick, Adam, Steve, Brodie and a few more that I forgot their names.
Close to 50 years of driving on the ice, and as long as we are able to get on at the entrance we never had to worry about driving on the ice, as both the RCMP and C.O. agreed. It's only 5 days since the shacks had to be removed. Hard to believe, but I guess that's why they call them
accidents.
Thanks again everyone that had a hand it helping.
Just read this post for the first time, WOW, what a scary thing to happen. :o
Good to hear that every one was OK, that's the main thing. :)
WW
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Any updates of the sunken truck?
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It was pulled out this week. There were pictures posted on Facebook under the “Blackstrap” group page.
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It was pulled out this week. There were pictures posted on Facebook under the “Blackstrap” group page.
Damn I wanted to test out my side imaging on a sunken truck lol.