IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Canada => Ice Fishing Ontario => Topic started by: leviathan_slayer on Jan 09, 2009, 04:10 PM
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Well it is time to head out and start fishing the back lakes around Kingston. Most reports from locals are indicating 6-8" of ice on the lakes. This weekend's assault will begin in Verona Lake looking for walleye, pike, perch and crappies. Hopefully will get to 2nd Depot Lkae on Sunday but the conservation authority is still adjusting water levels so we will see.
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Nice to see another Kingston member on board, I spend my time on Dog for the most part...maybe we can swap locals...I have never been on Verona
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I'm a local too.
This year so far we have been on Upper Rock Lake, Loughborough and BofQ. I am probably off to Spring Lake tomorrow morning for eyes and crappie, and may stop at Loughborough on the way home for some Lakers.
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Cccccooooold morning!
Not much to tell other than a few perch (one fat one) and my buddy caught a 3lbs pike.
The very west end of Loughborough now has about 7" and I saw a few ATVs and snowmobiles out.
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Well today was quite cool with the wind but got a few good hours of fishing in. There is a good 10-11" of ice on Verona Lake and all of it good ice. The bite was quite fast and furious for the first 90 minutes. Caught several pike 3 to 9 lbs and a lot of perch. Had a good 'eye to the hole but lost him. The wind made things a little raw and had to constantly clean the holes. Regardless, was a great day for getting out of the house. As for the postings of my Kingston colleagues, look forward to hearing about your adventures around Dog, Loughborough, and some of the other lakes. 5th depot seems to be the hot spot for 'eyes right now. Will check it out probably next week.
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Hi,
I am also a kingston local. i mostly fish trout lakes further north but would love to get out localy. just not sure where to start. Can't wait to here the reports.
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This is great, the past three years I have been the only Kington Angler on the site with a few others like Jiggy who stop on thru from time to time...but looks like this year we have a few new Kingston members...
I m hoping you boys can give me some insight on some other local Kingston lakes...Like mentioned above I spend most of my time on Dog lake as it was the first lake I came across 3 years ago when I moved to kingston, other then that I move around a lot....very interested in learning about other lakes...and willing to share..
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Good morning Kingston area anglers. It is a glorious cool morning with not many anglers out yet. A few shacks are starting to show up on lakes around the Verona area - people just starting to realize that the ice is thick enough to walk and ATV on - not quite ready for a truck or car. Today I checked out 2nd Depot Lake and as suspected need to be careful where you go because they are letting water out and in some spots the ice is 6-8 inches above the water! Anyway, tried a couple of quick line-drops and pulled up 2 'eyes - 3lb and 5 lb - which is really good for this lake!
For the locals look forward to hearing about your adventures north of Kingston. Give Verona Lake a try - south end. If coming from Kingston drive up Hwy 38 until you get to Verona and turn right on Water St. (right beside hardware store). Park on street and walk on out and you will see the spots where the locals go - I have never been disappointed in this lake for the last 21 years!
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Hey Guys. I'm brand new to the site and live north of Kingston. Most of my ice fishing is done on the Depot lakes. I built a new shack this summer and put it on 5th Depot this past weekend. In two trips so far we've caught 3 walleyes- one close to 5lbs and two around 3.5lbs. We also missed a few fish and caught a few small pike. On Saturday I saw two full size trucks and what looked like a Civic on the lake despite there only being 7 inches of ice. Crazy buggers!
I've never fished Verona but may have to give it a try based on your report. Dog Lake also sounds interesting, icejunky, though I usually stick to walleye lakes.
Glad I stumbled upon this site guys! I'm looking forward to your posts.
P.S.- Am I the only one having a hard time finding a place to buy minnows? Don't tell me I have to dig my minnow trap out...
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Am I the only one having a hard time finding a place to buy minnows?
I buy mine from Mark's bait in Battersea, so far this year he has been great with 3-4 sizes available...cash only, but livley bait.
I told there are some great bait shops around Wolf lake, but have not been there myself
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What about the place on 38 before Verona IGA I think it's call Lenard's Bait down in the pit. Is it still there?
That where I usually stopped last year, then the IGA for snacks and beverages ;D
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Leonard's bait on 38 hasn't been open since August. I'm not sure if he's closed for good or not. The place in Sydenham ( Boundary Bait?) is having a problem with his water system and is waiting on parts. Norris' Bait is just outside of Westport and usually has good bait. Unfortunately it's a bit far for me. Battersea sounds like a good option. I may try it tomorrow morning on my way home from work. Hope it's open fairly early. Thanks for the tip icejunky.
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Well today was cold and slow - funny though it started to warm up a bit just before the sun went down. Went out on Loughborough Lake today and the frigid temperatures this week added about 6 more inches of ice - well over 14inches today. Anyway, was lucky to pull up a 12lb pike and 2 lakers -6 and 8 lbs. Tons of perch (okay 14 of them), a catfish and a daytime burbot (which I have never caught in the daytime before!). Was very productive but frigid!! Well will not be able to give a report next weekend as I am heading to Victoria, BC on business. Hope your luck is as good as mine was today! To all the Kingston anglers... there are no better lakes than those in our own backyard! Ciao!
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Im looking for a goo dplace to park and walk on Loughborough, can someone pm me a good place to aprk and get on that will not result in a 45 minute walk to fish
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Well back from BC and ready for some more icefishing. Going to try a little night fishing in Verona Saturday night.
As for walk on fishing on Loughborough, you can park at the Kepler end of the lake and walk out 200 yards.
Good luck
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BAIT FOR FISHING
For those of you looking for bait up around the Verona area, Leonard's is open from 10 to 1 on Fridays and Saturdays and by chance on all other days. So will make it a little easier to find minnows if you are journeying up Hwy 38. Today he had some good shiners, big mud minnows and a few big suckers! Bring on the fish!
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KINGSTON AREA FISHERS
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I think it would be really useful for those coming to this site if we could start a listing of various lakes in the area that people can get to easily. If we could populate this forum with the name of the lake, where it is located, the type of fish commonly caught, and the easiest spot for parking and public access to the lake, and any other useful tips as local spots to get bait, best type of bait to use, etc. I think this would be useful for everyone and we could get more people coming out to see how great this end of the province is - would not hurt the local economy either!! Anyway, I am going to start to put a few of my favourites in this forum over next several days and see if it works for people. Ciao for now!
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Beaver Lake by Erinsville , Hwy 41, parking by the boat launch.
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Verona Lake or Rock Lake
Located in the village of Verona on the right-hand side if you are travelling north along Hwy 38. You can access the lake via 2 public boat launches (one at end of Water Street and other at end of Salmon Lane). The lake holds pike, perch, bluegills, crappies, walleye - and for spring/summer fishing small and largemouth bass). Mud Minnows and shiners are popular bait but do not overlook small grubs or maggot style baits as well. As of January 31, 2009 there is 16" of good clean ice that is snow covered.
You can pick up bait at Leonard's gravel pit which is just south of Verona (about 3 mins) and it is open Firday and Saturday 10 - 1 and by chance any other day. Bravo restaurant in Verona is a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner and Topper's convenience store at corner of Salmon Lane and Hwy 38 a great place to pick up snacks, or drinks or even a few fishing supplies. Verona hardware store also carries some fishing and ice fishing supplies.
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Crow Lake
Crow Lake, south of Sharbot Lake is another great fishing lake with public access. You can access this lake by driving up Hwy 38 until you reach Crow Lake Road on the right (if you reach the village of Sharbot Lake you have gone too far). Follow the Road until you come to the public boat launch. The lake is a long lake with several deep sections in excess of 110 feet. The lake holds lake trout, pike, walleye, perch, bluegills, crappies, burbot and in spring/summer some good bass. When the ice is thick enough you can easily drive onto the lake. Midway down the lake are several small islands and you can find 'eyes and pike around them. In late winter, early spring, be careful around the islands as the rocks heat up quickly and the ice starts to melt around them fairly quickly.
You can buy minnows at the North Frontenac Bait and Tackle shop in Sharbot Lake if you did not get a chance to pick some up before heading to Crow Lake. Some services in Sharbot Lake including Sharbot Lake Country Inn which serves great home-style meals. This is a great area for fishing and if you choose not to fish Crow Lake then head on to Sharbot Lake itself.
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Second Depot Lake
Second Depot Lake is part of the Depot Lakes Conservation Area and is the easiest of all to access. The quickest route is to head north from Kingston on Hwy 38, drive through the village of Verona past the golf course on the north end of town and turn left on Snider Road. Follow Snider road to the end and turn left. 2nd Depot Lake will be located on the right. There is a boat launch that provides access to the lake.
There are a couple of deep holes in the lake: one on the right side near the rock bluff and one on the far left side near the small bay where the creek from 3rd Depot Lake enters 2nd.
2nd Depot holds walleye, pike, perch, crappies, bluegills, and burbot - for open water season there are some big small and largemouth bass available (with the biggest I have caught being 7lbs!). At this time of year the 'eyes are in about 20 ft of water off the various points around the lake. Some big 'eyes can be caught in the deep holes. If you want some squirming fun after the sun sets drop lines to the bottom with dead bait and hold on! Big ling inhabit the bottom!
Be careful when you first enter the lake as the water levels are sometimes lowered and the ice can sit up a few feet above the water causing a dangerous situation. As well stay clear of the dam as the ice is very thing in that area.
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Im really looking forward to giving some of these lakes a try, its easy to get stuck in fishng the same familair lake over and over...you guys have given me some new options to try
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Loughborough Lake
Loboro is a great lake with plenty of opportunities. Loughborough Lake is located 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Kingston, Ontario. The lake is 34 kilometres (21 mi) long and 18 square kilometres (6.9 sq mi) in area, is dotted with many small islands, and has over 160 kilometres (99 mi) of shoreline.
The best points of access are either near Kepler (up the Sydenham Road), near the public boat ramp (up Division Street) or from the Marina in Battersea. This year lake trout fishing is year round - however you will only find lakers on the west portion of the lake. There are splake, catfish, perch, bluegills, pike, and crappies in the lake. At times you can find big burbot in the western portion as well.
Loughborough is a very long lake running SW to NE and is divided in half by Division Street / Perth Road. The western half of the lake is the deepest with the deepest point over 110'. The eastern half the lake is much shallower with the deepest points only being around 40'. This is a great lake for a variety of fish and is close enough to Kingston you can be on the ice and fishing within 30 minutes.
There are facilities obviously in Kingston but if you head up Division Street you can get supplies in Inverary and if you go up Montreal Road stop in Battersea for supplies.
Only caution is fishing around the Division Street bridge can be dicey at times as the water moves and the ice breaks up around the the bridge quickly.
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Finally, I have found a site that has local info. Great information being shared here. Went fishing for the first time on 1st Depot, was told that it had walleye, did not even get a bite. We then went to Eagle for some whitefish in the afternoon, again no fish. I have been out 6 times this winter and only have one splake to show for it. Every one I talk to says they are having the same kind of luck. What is going on this winter. I would probally give up, but I have invested to much cash into equipment this year, besides how sad would that be. Is it just me guys or is the fishing real tough this year?
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I know the bite has been tough on the BOQ this year. I tried stoco twice and have been skunked. Have gotten fish back in the plevna area though.
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I tried Verona Lake for the first time this past weekend with my wife and caught about a dozen decent perch. Not to bad for a couple hours of fishing. I would like to thank leviathan slayer for the info on this lake. I would not even had tried it if I had not read about this lake here on this web site. I am looking forward to returning and spending a little more time there.
P.S. Any info for Crappie locations on this lake would be greatly appreciated.
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Hey Killer, glad to hear you got a chance to try out Verona Lake. Was there on Saturday and caught a few perch a several pike myself - I have never been skunked on this lake at an time of the year. As for crappies there are 3 key spots to try. The first is in the bay at the south end of the lake - get further back in the bay and you Will find they frequent this area 5 or 6 times a day. The second key area is straight out from the Water St. boat launch straight across to the opposite shore. You want to head to the entrance to the creek. About 30 yards before the entrance is a rock shoal that drops off into 20 to 30 ft. The crappies love to hang out here for the early rush to the creek for spawning in the spring. It is also a good hangout for the walleye inn this lake.
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While some of you diehard fishermen and women have been experiencing mid-winter fishless days, some of the lakes have been producing some decent fish. Crow lake has been coughing up a few decent walleye (and a lot of out of season lakers patrolling the shallows). Second Depot Lake has been producing several decent sized pike. Lakers in the western portion of Loughborough Lake have started chowing down big time on minnows! Remember, one of the advantages of the Kingston back lakes is that when one lake is slow, there are so many others that can produce a limit. Good luck to all!
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Leviathan Slayer,
Thanks for the post (again) I will give those spots a try next time I am there. Good luck with the rest of the season.
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Hey Guys,
Just thought I would stop by and say hi to you all. I've been a long time lurker on this forum, not so much as to where the fish are biting but more or less how the ice conditions are. I am pretty famillar with some of the lakes in the area and what works / doesn't work. I've decided to start posting and share some of my experiences and journys in the next few weeks in hopes of helping others out.
I do have one question though, I'm planing on going to Crow Lake this weekend for some eyes or maybe even Depot 2 and was wondering what the condition are like ( ice ) . Maybe if someone has a different opinion on where to go that's better that would be great. In to any sort of lunker fishing, I've done enough perching for a while.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Steve
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Hey All,
I think I might have changed my mind here, I think I'm heading to BOQ and fishing there tomorrow evening and then heading up to Loughborough Lake on Saturday. Whats the ice conditions on the western portion of the lake, wanna fish for some lakers. As well I have never fished this lake before, where can I park thats safe and legal with out getting a ticket.
Thanks
JHS
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Hi boys! I have been fishing this area for years now wishing there was an online forum like this and I finally found it!
Regarding easily accessible lakes in the area I noticed nobody mentioned Draper and Upper Rock...they are easy as pie to get to, and they are going to be stocking them again this spring with 3000 splake biannually...so in a year or 2 they may start to produce again (now that people dont go there as much anymore!)
Also, does nobody fish Frontenac Park? Moulton and Tetsmine are 2 of my favourites...not too easy to get to...but worth the hike! Tetsmine is a major hike coming in from Kingsford dam, but coming in from Division street it's a very easy one hour hike...
And I think the wasiest to get to lake that produces for me is Collins lake...I always use the boat launch off of Lakefield road...it says "no Trespassing" but I think it's just to keep down traffic....heading out from that launch head southwest towards the "mouth" of the creek and it opens up again into another open area...there is a lot of big pike in there...we never leave empty handed and always catch something in the 5 pounds area at the least...
Anyways, good to have found this forum!
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It is Thanksgiving weekend and pulling out the ice fishing gear to get it ready for sometime in next few months. I can hardly wait for this winter season and I believe this forum will be the most sought after because we all know the best fishing is right around Kingston. Going to try and give more info about more lakes this year so that it becomes the most useful forum on this website. Looking forward to the season coming and now where are my tip-ups!
Don the "Leviathan_Slayer"
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glad to hear it, maybe we can head one time this season...I spend too much time on dog (Old Standby) time to branch out
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Maybe we could set up a meet and greet this year for all of the locals on here?
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I would be down for that...I have some friends outside of town who would head down and I bet a few of teh Ottawa boys would join us as well
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This would be a great idea! we should look to plan something latter January when we know there will be some ice.
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Hello
Anyone had any luck this year? I went out briefly on Dog Lake right by Gilmour point but didnt get anything.
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I head out of Gilmour and always have some luck. I've only been on dog once this season, lots of small gills, one flag and some pike on camera that would not bite
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I head out of Gilmour and always have some luck. I've only been on dog once this season, lots of small gills, one flag and some pike on camera that would not bite
Hmmm must be me then. lol good to know there are fish there. If you see a black corolla in the parking area look for a guy with his daughter's red sled, come by and say hi.
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Well gang this year is proving to be a bit slow and the lakes are watering up on the ice again. The weather is not going to be overly cooperative for next week or so, but guess what... that is a Canadian winter for you! Have recently returned from a couple of weeks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Afghanistan so I am looking forward to cutting some holes, baiting some jigs and hauling in the fish from the Back Lakes of Kingston!
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If you see a black corolla in the parking area look for a guy with his daughter's red sled, come by and say hi.
You can miss me either, Im the lone blue clam just outside the shipyard bay, im there one day most weekends
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Hello, I'm from Kingston. Haven't been out in years but I took my boy out to Sydenham lake last Sunday. Hi +4!!! I'm originally from Sudbury and I'll never get used to these early winter thaws!
No fish but alot of fun. Slushy black ice about 8" thick with open water at the shores. I fish this lake in the summer for pike but does anyone know a good access point close to a good ice fishing spot for pike?
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Hi,
First time posting here and thank you all for bits and pieces of info posted so far. I'm in Yarker area.
Sydenham is usually quite good or downright pathetic - very few mediocre days there for me. Try right around the beach area right in town. Small perch but decent pike if you have the time. There is only 1 hut out there so far.
Have been doing OK at Rock Lake but nothing spectacular. Friday afternoon there were a lot of perch haging around but very shy in biting, even after I got the 6lb "snake" out of the way. There was a lot of activity on ice so I did not bother going out on Saturday.
Anyone's been on Varty lately? Is Beaver worth trying? Also, is anyone touching lakers in the extreme west end of Loughborough?
Heard of nice 'eye' at Silver lake and good sized perch on Echo - anyone can confirm this?
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Hi,
First time posting here and thank you all for bits and pieces of info posted so far. I'm in Yarker area.
Sydenham is usually quite good or downright pathetic - very few mediocre days there for me. Try right around the beach area right in town. Small perch but decent pike if you have the time. There is only 1 hut out there so far.
Have been doing OK at Rock Lake but nothing spectacular. Friday afternoon there were a lot of perch haging around but very shy in biting, even after I got the 6lb "snake" out of the way. There was a lot of activity on ice so I did not bother going out on Saturday.
Anyone's been on Varty lately? Is Beaver worth trying? Also, is anyone touching lakers in the extreme west end of Loughborough?
Heard of nice 'eye' at Silver lake and good sized perch on Echo - anyone can confirm this?
Thanks for the info...BTW sorry to report that a local man from Napanee died a couple of days ago going through the ice on his sled near Shermans Point I believe....be careful.
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Well I went out to Verona Lake last weekend and caught a 5lb pike and more perch than you can imagine. The bite was on for over 4 hours. Going to head out tomorrow (Sunday) and give it a try again. Not sure about the ice after the rain this week but will see what happens. Anyway, a lot of good quality fish in Verona Lake. If you are out look for the "big guy" in camo - that will be me. Take care for now and be safe out there!
Don
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I have been meaning to fish verona the past couple seasons, can you maybe send me a pm with directions to the best parking and place to get on the ice?
thanx
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Hey Folks,
From Syracuse area of NY, looking to hit up that area for ice fishing. Friend from the states has a camp up there. Have heard of the Depot lakes and would love to try there or any of the others that you guys have mentioned. Any info on Canoe or any other of the area lakes not mentioned here? Sand lake or the Rideau chain or Devil? I would love to hook up with someone up there to fish and we can trade a trip to Central NY...
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Ive been out a number of times now and have been able to get some perch but nothing else, I have seen some pike taken by others as well. Has anyone caught any Splake in this area?
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Yep, i catch a few splake in the gilmour/shipyard area. I set up for pike, and jig for panfish and perch. It is not a regular occurrence but then again im not targeting the specifically. I usually have a rod rigged with a jig and minnow waiting, if I draw in a splake while gill fishing I drop down the minnow to trigger him
I would say I catch a splake in about 20% of my outings to that area. Not bad sizes as well..here is one from last season in that spot
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/icejunky/Dog%20Lake/ChunkySplake.jpg)
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Hi Folks
I'm in Toronto, but I visit my buddy in Kingston to fish as often as I can.
I try to research places for us to fish, but mostly rely on what he has heard from his friends.
Coming up this weekend, so further research led me to this forum.
Thanks for all the great info, I hope will more to share with you in a couple of days.
The plan was to head to Dog Lake. Had a good day out this time last year. Caught a 3+ pound pike. But I was amazed that we kept pulling up 3 pound large mouths. Never thought they would bite in winter.
I understand that they must be put back right away, as their eyes will freeze.
Yep, Dog Lake on Friday and thanks to you guys we are going to check out Verona or Collins on Saturday. Caught a pike on my first cast on Collins a couple of summers ago, but have not been back.
Don't have a sled, so we walk out when we fish. So I appreciate hearing info on places to park and walk on.
Still in TO, so I better get a move on.
Later
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Yep, as it moves on in feb and into march teh largemouth bass are really acive in Dog lake, they will take anything i throw down the hole. Im trargetting panfish with tiny jigs and catching 4-5lb largemouths
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Hi Folks
I'm in Toronto, but I visit my buddy in Kingston to fish as often as I can.
I try to research places for us to fish, but mostly rely on what he has heard from his friends.
Coming up this weekend, so further research led me to this forum.
Thanks for all the great info, I hope will more to share with you in a couple of days.
The plan was to head to Dog Lake. Had a good day out this time last year. Caught a 3+ pound pike. But I was amazed that we kept pulling up 3 pound large mouths. Never thought they would bite in winter.
I understand that they must be put back right away, as their eyes will freeze.
Yep, Dog Lake on Friday and thanks to you guys we are going to check out Verona or Collins on Saturday. Caught a pike on my first cast on Collins a couple of summers ago, but have not been back.
Don't have a sled, so we walk out when we fish. So I appreciate hearing info on places to park and walk on.
Still in TO, so I better get a move on.
Later
Any luck on Dog on friday? I am going to be there sat morning. Interesting about the bass I bet they would be fun to catch with an UL. They do need to be put back because they are out of season but I wouldnt worry to much about their eyes, they are part of the sunfish family so their eyes are no different than bluegills, pumpkinseed etc
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And I think the wasiest to get to lake that produces for me is Collins lake...I always use the boat launch off of Lakefield road...it says "no Trespassing" but I think it's just to keep down traffic....heading out from that launch head southwest towards the "mouth" of the creek and it opens up again into another open area...there is a lot of big pike in there...we never leave empty handed and always catch something in the 5 pounds area at the least...
Anyways, good to have found this forum!
The Boat ramp you speak of IS PRIVATE PROPERTY. It is NOT a public access point. The point on the road where people are currently parking has no shoulder and when vehicles park there it becomes quite narrow. The worst part is over the last couple years people have left behind garbage etc. No property owner wants to spend a weekend or two in the spring cleaning up after others. It won't be long until this access will close if this continues. To bad that the few can spoil it for the many...[/b]
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Had little luck on Dog Lake Friday.
Got out there about 3pm and condition were good. The ice was hard and about 16 inches. Hard work with an 8" hand auger.
Caught a 1.5 largemouth at about 5 and that was it.
Our lack of success may be due in part to our friend, who came at the last minute and was ill prepared for the cold. He just sat in the van playing loud music and being a general jack-ass. My apologies to any around us that found this just as annoying.
We ventured up to Verona on Saturday, but no luck. We only hung out for an hour or so. We found it too noisy and busy with folks doing donuts on their quads. Perhaps it was a clever way of driving off the out of towners.
Our intention was to hit Collins on the way back, but it just didn't work out.
Not complaining though. I love being outside and I enjoyed myself.
What's that saying? - 'A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work' ;)
Looking forward to my next road trip.
Thank again for the great info.
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:tipup:
To fish is human, to catch fish is divine
Well I have been able to get out a few times over the last few weeks to Verona Lake and have had some good luck. Catching around 40 to 50 perch each time (largest have been up to a 1 lb each - that was an exceptional day!) and at least one pike during each outing weighing between 4 to 5 lbs. Have also pulled out a couple of walleye around 3lbs each - this is not normal but they drift in from Howes and Hambly Lakes. The secret right now is small bait about a foot only off the bottom (I have had as much luck with small rubber maggots as I have had with minnows). This time of year is usually slow but if you fish deeper and smaller you will have as much luck as normal. Going to try a few different lakes over the next few days: Second and Third Depot Lakes; Cronk Lake; Loughborough Lake (the lake trout are biting) and Crow Lake.
For those of you interested in fishing Verona Lake there are to good access points where you can drive on right now (ice is 18 inches thick): Water Street near the hardware store; and Salmon Lane adjacent to the convenience store and Esso. There are at least 5 good spots for fishing on the lake - you will see where the shacks are located around the lake and each will consistently produce fish if you fish small bait. Good luck and keep an eye out for the guy in camouflage and driving the black truck - that is me!
Take care!
Don
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18 February and went out to Verona Lake again. Caught several perch and lost probably the biggest pike I have ever caught in the lake. My best estimate is that it was between 10 to 15 lbs. Had it 3/4 of the way out of the hole when with one slash of its month it spit the hook and slid right back down the hole! Great day, great action, great fish! Who said that mid-February fishing was impossible. Hope the rest of you get out and enjoy the fishing around the back lakes of Kingston.
Don
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This question is for anyone who has fished Loughborough and Dog Lake over the years.... Approx when does the ice break up on these lakes?
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Hey Don,(or anyone else who knows Verona lake)
Just curious what the ice on Verona Lake is like now after this week of rain and warm weather? One more question is where is the best location to park and walk on to the lake?Can you park next to the boat launch on water st.( I don't know the lake at all so I prefer to walk rather than drive on the Lake) I might try my luck tomorrow or Friday. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Killer
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Hey Don,(or anyone else who knows Verona lake)
Just curious what the ice on Verona Lake is like now after this week of rain and warm weather? One more question is where is the best location to park and walk on to the lake?Can you park next to the boat launch on water st.( I don't know the lake at all so I prefer to walk rather than drive on the Lake) I might try my luck tomorrow or Friday. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Killer
HEY KILLER,
YOU CAN PARK AT BASE OF WATER STREET AND WALK OUT. THE ICE IS STILL SAFE TO WALK ON BUT A LITTLE SLIPPERY IN SPOTS. STILL 16" OF ICE. GOOD LUCK OUT THERE DON
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Anyone been on Dog lately, lots of slush? is the ice still good?
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Yep, i catch a few splake in the gilmour/shipyard area. I set up for pike, and jig for panfish and perch. It is not a regular occurrence but then again im not targeting the specifically. I usually have a rod rigged with a jig and minnow waiting, if I draw in a splake while gill fishing I drop down the minnow to trigger him
I would say I catch a splake in about 20% of my outings to that area. Not bad sizes as well..here is one from last season in that spot
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/icejunky/Dog%20Lake/ChunkySplake.jpg)
IceJunky,
How do you include a picture in the log?
Don
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Hi sorry, i guess I have not been checking in on this site enuff, I got a little sping fever and have been over on the MFF.
I use photobucket and just paste a link to the body of my post, you need some kind of on-line photo host and photo-bucket is free and works for me
sorry for the late reply
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Well I am sure everybody is well into the soft water season and hopefully catching a lot of fish. I have been playing with a new program called DrDepth and by using my gps/sonar I have now been able to create bathymetric maps of lakes. I have just created the first detailed map of Verona Lake and it is fantastic! I will be using it to map other lakes that maps are not available.
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hey new to this site know tons of fishing spots around this area also im looking for someone to fish with someone that doesnt complain about bugs, weather,walking to private fishing areas just let me know cause im always looking for new spots
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Welcome to IceShanty lunkrhuntr
After you post 5 times some options will open up for you like putting pictures on your Profile.
You will find this site very slow right now especially here in Ontario.
Most people have moved over to myFishfinder.com but even there the Ontario Forums are very quiet
or should I say DEAD. LOL.
Now if you take Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Michigan and Others they never shut up. LOL. LOL.
Only kidding Guys and Gals.....I love all the information and pictures and humour of you ALL teasing
each other.
Bob
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Thanks for the info guy's. Hopefully I get to see a few of you out on the ice this year. I'm from the Quinte West area and new to this board.
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welcome aboard, I will be fishing down your way this winter, thats for sure
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Any lakes around Kingston starting to ice up? Which one are you going to hit first?
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I start my season off on Dog, the pike bite is usually on for the first few weeks in Jan. multiple flags and a few good fish
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I am going to watch this thread.
I am from the Syracuse area and have a cottage near Ompah, looking forward to some great ice fishing there this season.
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I have never fished the area and am looking to hear how good the area produces.
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Regarding easily accessible lakes in the area I noticed nobody mentioned Draper and Upper Rock...they are easy as pie to get to, and they are going to be stocking them again this spring with 3000 splake biannually...so in a year or 2 they may start to produce again (now that people dont go there as much anymore!)
And I think the wasiest to get to lake that produces for me is Collins lake...I always use the boat launch off of Lakefield road...it says "no Trespassing" but I think it's just to keep down traffic....heading out from that launch head southwest towards the "mouth" of the creek and it opens up again into another open area...there is a lot of big pike in there...we never leave empty handed and always catch something in the 5 pounds area at the least...
9am53, I see Draper on the stocking lists, how do you access? I am assuming off shales somehow?? I'd love to give it a shot this winter.
Also, Collins is where we keep our shack, the Lakefield launch now is equipped with a large locked gate. At least it was all summer.
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My family used to have a Cabin on Otter Lake not far from Kingston, out by the Frontenac Park office. We always talked about heading up there ice fishing in the winter but it never happened. Has anyone ever ice fished there? I always had good luck there in the summer but never talked to anyone about winter. Just looking for some input to see if it is worth resurrecting those plans again. Please share your thoughts.
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Access to Draper is of Perth road village near
Raymonds Corners, the road is on the left, parking is on the road close to the lake, The spot to try is by the little island not too far from shore.
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My family used to have a Cabin on Otter Lake not far from Kingston, out by the Frontenac Park office. We always talked about heading up there ice fishing in the winter but it never happened. Has anyone ever ice fished there? I always had good luck there in the summer but never talked to anyone about winter. Just looking for some input to see if it is worth resurrecting those plans again. Please share your thoughts.
Read this thread from the start and you will know. I'm going!
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The fishing in the area sounds great, but I was wondering about Otter lake specifically.
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The fishing in the area sounds great, but I was wondering about Otter lake specifically.
Ohh, Otter Lake. That one I don't know. From reading the thread, I would say the guys up there know which lakes produce and when. My theroy is that the ice will be ready much sooner and safer much longer than the lakes in CNY. And there seems to be more in the way of variety of species and locations. Good Luck to you.
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Anyone been out in the Kingston area? I had a trip to Ottawa planned for this weekend, but Im hearing about bad ice conditions and have have to relocate to Dog or another area, anyone have and intel?
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The ice is good at Petrie Junky....Just bring some rubber boots to get onto the ice :)
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Iam going to do a little tour of some of the back lakes on saturday with the hope of finding one to fish on sunday. I will report back on my findings sat. afternoon.
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Good luck, ;D
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yes theres been good pike fishing on dog lake im headin out for some brookies tomorrow anyone wanna come or maybe might go to dog for the variety not sure yet
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yes theres been good pike fishing on dog lake im headin out for some brookies tomorrow anyone wanna come or maybe might go to dog for the variety not sure yet
Have you been on Dog this ice season? I went and checked out a few lakes around kingston (Loughborough east and west, sydenham, Dog) and didnt find enough ice anywhere, couldnt even get out and drill holes had to drill them from shore/dock and didnt see more than 2" of ice anywhere.
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oh yeah lots of ice on dog but stay near hogans 3=6 inches in some spots but black rock solid ice cant get to the splake yet but real;ly good pike right now im headin out for brookies next weekend at pattys for a little trout action got a seven pounder there last year if your up for the walk your more than welcome to come
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oh yeah lots of ice on dog but stay near hogans 3=6 inches in some spots but black rock solid ice cant get to the splake yet but real;ly good pike right now im headin out for brookies next weekend at pattys for a little trout action got a seven pounder there last year if your up for the walk your more than welcome to come
oh ok I looked out around gilmour point and it wasnt ready there. Where is hogans, I am always looking for new places try out?
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Hey everyone,
I'm new to the site so forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong area. I live in Kingston and my brother and I fish often in the spring, summer and fall but this will be our first season ice fishing. We've bought all the gear and we've done plenty of reading to make sure we don't make too many rookie mistakes.
All that being said, we're looking to hit up Dog lake via the shipyards as soon as the ice permits, does anyone know what the ice is like out there as of today?
Many thanks and I look forward to chatting with everyone here!
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All that being said, we're looking to hit up Dog lake via the shipyards as soon as the ice permits, does anyone know what the ice is like out there as of today?
Hey Bass, welcome to the site. I fish out of the shipyards every winter. I have not yet been up this year, but there was a recent post that the ice was still about a week or so from being ready. One good thing to look for is this..
there are two locals that have permanent huts just outside the shipyards, they are on the ice as soon as it is ready, if you see the white hut you know the ice is good to go.
If you fish that I area I will probably see ya out there soon
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Wow that was fast!!! Thanks icejunky!
Very good tips thank you! I'll definitely keep an eye out for the white hut! We'll be fishing out of a Frabill shelter, see you out there!!! :)
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went out to 4th depot on sun no luck but 7.5 inches of ice
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will probably head out again on fri to 4th or mabey check out the ice on 5th
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will probably head out again on fri to 4th or mabey check out the ice on 5th
Hey Tristan
I have never fished any of the depot lakes (hard or soft water) From what i have heard they are the best back lake walleye option in this area. Any info on the lakes would be appreciated. Access, parking, etc.
thanks
jon
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Hey guys heading to Kingston for the holidays, bringing my gear and itching to get out. Pretty flexible after the 26th to go out, i would be walking out and company is always welcome. I heading to lake couchiching tomorrow and leave for Kingston on fri. Hope to see some fellow hard water fans out there.
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i haven't fished the depots much myself. just found the boat launch for fourth when i went on sun. but not to diffucult to find launches
2nd and 3rd have good marked boat launches. 4th is not marked looks like driveway with blue rural # sign, not sure of the number exactly.
all depots lake launches are on their respected road names. from what i hear 3rd 4th and 5th are the best bet for eyes but i don't have
any hotspots. hopefully going to count on the holes already out there and fish close to them to start.
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Happy 30th Birthday to a great brother and one hell of a fishing partner. I look forward to hitting the hard water on Dog lake with you soon!! :icefish:
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Thanks Laker2011!!! We'll be out there real soon, can't wait!!! 8)
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Dog Lake- checked out gilmour pt today, I didnt venture far out but its close to being ready, 3.5 inches of solid ice in the very limited area I checked from the beach to about 30ft out. I am still not confident venturing out too far but I am heading out there boxing day(the next two nights are suppose to be -10ish) and I will go out further and see how much ice there is.
Has anyone else has been out in the gilmour/shipyard area?
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Has anyone else has been out in the gilmour/shipyard area?
I have not been out yet to dog, but im very surprised if it is not ready yet, this would be the longest it has taken in the past 3 years. I plan to head out on Monday, not sure if I will be headed to Gilmour pt or not, but I will be headed to Dog
Anyone else headed out on Monday?
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yes ill be out boxing day for sure ill be at hogans got a couple decent pike there the other day so ill be there right at the point area
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How do you get to Hogans? Someone posted it earlier in the thread but it looks like it has been deleted?
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Gonna head out with tristan420, im open all week and would like to try different locations, possibly bring out my nephew.
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Went out to 4th depot lake on fri and caught a little pike 19" and three nice perch all between 10 and 12". Going again on mon hopefully catch some eyes!going to be a group of us anyone else want to join in the action
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Im headed out on Monday, I was going to hit Dog, but I may join you guys. let me know when you plan to head out. I have never fished there and would be interested in giving it a shot
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Ill let you know later today of definate plans. But I want to leave around 9 or 10 and stay there prob after dark.
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sorry it took so long you can get to hogans by going down burnt hills road and turning into were you see the buses then just follow it right down to the water i was there today not much action but i wanna go brooke trout fishin if anyone up for it let me know ill be leavinearly though aroun 530 6 so if i dont reply call my cell 985 57 48 my names phil and the lake is just past verona its nice me and a buddy got a seven pounder outta there last winter
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Went out on Dog- Gilmour pt. Punched a bunch of holes from the beach out a couple hundred yards then towards the point. 4" of good ice in each hole. Didnt catch anything but I really just wanted to go out to play around with the new sonar, got it dialed in now so next trip out I need to get some fish.
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Plans made. Meeting at 9 tomorrow at the metro on taylor kidd and bay ridge. Going to 4th depot for the day. anyone interested just message me for more details
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Id like to give tristan420 a pat on the back , 4 of us made it out and was pretty quiet during day. Running and gunning was showing some bites but nothing on the ice until arround 5 ish when i got a hit brought it in thinking it was a pike the way it hit, and lost it right at the hole a massive eyes. Still had my minnow droppped it back down and 10 secs later bam again brought up a nice 20 incher, then triston followed with a nice 19 incher and pat brought in one of the biggest rock bass ive ever seen. Sweet time had lake to ourselves awesome.!!!!! Pics soon to follow to tired to do anthing!!! Stay safe and gettem on the ice boys. Might hit somwhere up[ on wed,more tocome. J
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I had a great time! definitely will make some plans for later in the week prob wed morning fish. 4th depot didn't treat us to bad I do have to say. Good luck to everyone and if in kingston area wed morning, icerice and I are going to make plans. Anyone else interested just let us know. Prob going to either hogans point or silver lake in verona it is attached to rock and howes lake easy access and lots of parking
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hey tristan420, is jeff still interested in getting my hut, tell him 125$.
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hey id be interested to get some nice eyes anytime im on holidays till the fourth but my internet connection is bad were i live so could someone call me 9855748 or ill call them to make plans let me know thanks
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Got out on Dog for a bit today, the fishing was slow, I met up with Lunkrhuntr, both had little luck
Nice solid 5-7 inches when headed out from the shipyards
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Got out on Dog for a bit today, the fishing was slow, I met up with Lunkrhuntr, both had little luck
Nice solid 5-7 inches when headed out from the shipyards
nice, it was only 4" the other day when I was out so hopefully it holds up well with the warm weather that is coming this week. How far did you guys go out? I have gone out a couple times but the furtherest I have ventured out from the beach at Gilmour pt was 200-300 yds, hit about 17fow.
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theres lots of ice on dog at hogans atleast 6 8 inches was jigging out of my car tday for a bit lol all i got was a bass and i had somthin nice on the tip up not sure wat though lost it pretty quick anyone know nwere to get lots of eyes
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How far did you guys go out?
I set up smack in between the point and the beach, so right in the mouth of the bay heading in from the shipyard launch. I walked out from the launch
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Bass_Belt and I went out to 4th Depot early wednesday morning. Very slow day but a good time none the less. I caught a small walleye after about 4 hours on the ice. The ice is a solid seven inches at least. Does anyone know of a live bait shop on the way to the depot lakes out 38. I know Leonards bait in the pit but i think it's shut down. If anyone knows of another live bait shop in kingston or on the way to Verona could you please let us know. Thanks and good luck this season!
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Managed to get out to hambly lake yesterday with tristan420 & my 9 year old nephew. 5 pike and a jumbo. At a 530 am glance lake looked sketchy, but was 6inches most places and quads and snowmobiles were out. Was hoping for another couple of eyes but fared well with our catch. 12 hrs later i had to pull my nephew off the ice, it helped it was only -1 for most of the day and little wind. We had two portable huts but didn't need them. Happy the little guy was having fun. :tipup:
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I will be on Dog Lake tomorrow morning around gilmour pt anyone else going to be out on Dog on friday?
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I am heading out with a couple buddies to dog tomorrow. we are heading out from the launch on hitcock road. meeting up at 7:30.
my friend has had a little luck there i guess and he is taking us out to his spot.
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Well Ice Warriors, the bite is occurring on several back lakes and it seems to be heating up. Verona and Howes Lakes are producing some good sized perch, a few good pike and even some decent sized walleyes right now. While the weather has been pretty mild for the last few days, the fish are biting. I should also mention that the bathymetric map that I was able to produce this year of all of Verona Lake using my Lowrance 522 and the DrDepth software I bought has proven to be the best investment I have made in a long time. Not only can I find the underwater features quickly, I have found other features under the water I did not know even existed even after fishing the lake for over 25 years. I have been able to produce both a paper depth map of the lake (which has not been done for over 100 years) but also a lcm map for use in GPS equipped fishfinders - ahhhh the wonders of modern technology!
As for other lakes, 2nd Depot Lake water level is extremely low as they had to lower the lake to do some culvert repairs at the north-end due to some flooding/washout near the road early this year. Consequently, fishing on 2nd is questionable right now. However, 3rd and 4th Depot Lakes are benefitting from the water being held back and some good sized fish are being caught closer to shore than normal due to the higher water levels.
Well I am heading out to Verona Lake tomorrow and trying for some more of those great walleyes! All the best to everyone and will keep you up-to-date on further fishing developments!
Happy New Year!
Don a.k.a. "Leviathan_Slayer"
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leviathan slayer - good info man, never been to verona or howes lake - where can I find parking/public walk on access?
happy fishing in 2011!
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Hello TheDL,
Verona Lake is an easy park and walk-on from either Water Street in Verona or Salmon Lane (the road by Toppers Convenience store). Park anywhere on either street and just walk right out. Howes Lake is a little more difficult given you have to find someone to let you cross their property. But give Verona a try first. It is a great lake. Cheers for now.
Don a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer
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Don
thanks for the direction - I just read back on this thread and found all I needed. You have posted more valuable info on this site than any other kingston fisherman! I bet those feature maps are a killer tool - good job.
Keep posting, and good luck!
dave
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you can also get to hambly lake which is attached to verona lake and howes. not great access but decent parking. park at the quinte consvervation area and make a short trek down the portage trail. the trail is mostly overgrown after just a short distance but not impossible to venture through
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Tristan,
Excellent suggestion. Hambly holds some good winter pike and walleye. One of the biggest perch I have ever caught came from Hambly - 1.75 lbs - a whopper of a perch for back lakes. Next year if I can get my boat into Hambly I intend on charting that lake as well - usually can only get in during high water in spring time and can then up the creek between Verona and Hambly. Best spots on Hambly for walleye is the point in the middle of the north end of the lake. As for pike the best spot seems to be the entrance of the long bay in SW corner and the larger bay on the east side of the lake. Thanks again Tristan for the reminder about Hambly Lake.
Good luck fishing and Happy New Year!
Don a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer
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Happy New Year to all the back lake fishers!
Well just returned from Verona Lake. The heat wave has watered up the ice quite a bit. With the slight breeze this morning it was like being out surfing - hahahaha! Anyway, 2 pike, both around 4 lbs, and 8 perch. Bein gthe new year it was a benevolent day so let everybody go to be caught another day. The water on the ice was making it extremely difficult to walk even with crampons on boots. Anyway I do not think will be able to safely fish the rest of the weekend as ice along parts of the shore have already melted. Will wait for Ol' Man Winter to return. Cheers for now and safe fishing everyone.
Don a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer
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Tristan - thanks for the tip. I will definately check out Hambly also - have you been out on Hambly lately? what's the ice (or water) like? How's the bite?
This is amazing - I started out on here about a week ago (new to ice fishing), had only one idea (BOQ) to try, now I have a 2 page list!
What kinds of lures are you guys finding successfull for walleye this time of year? I caught my 1st walleye yesterday on BOQ near Huff's point on a bluefox perch immitation vertical jig (1 1/2" with bucktail) with one medium minnow on it.
Happy 2011!
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Anyone fish Sydenham? I live close by and for a lake that is easy to access and gets lots of pressure during the open water season I rarely see people fishing it during the winter.
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Has anyone been out this week? I was thinkin bout headin to Dog tomorrow and was wonderin what the ice is like
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was thinkin bout headin to Dog tomorrow and was wonderin what the ice is like
I was on Dog on Monday (Hogans) and there was about 7-8 inches of black ice, it will be plenty snow covered by now, but the ice was good. I have not been out at Gilmour since the new years thaw
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I was on Dog yesterday, About 4 inches black ice at the north end just up from Knap island, the bite was slow and not much marking on the finders . We stayed until 12:30, heavy snow comming down, just one small splake caught.
Oh well it`s early season yet.
Cheers sig sends VVV
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Heading to Collins saturday, has anybody else noticed how many crappie there are there now? More than pike!
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Where is the best place to park, and get on Collins? I dont fish it much,
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junky there is a few spots you can get onto collins from..most popular or easiest is right off mooreland dixon road and go in at the ramp at the old ladies house (mrs dixon...she is an awesome gal). parking will be crappy as it is not plowed as we park the trucks and trailers down in her backyard that she charges 6 bucks for in the soft water season. easiest is to park on the road and walk in
there is a "ramp" that is said to be "private" down off lakefeild drive that the only real people allowed are the locals, i have heard some dont like people in there so caution is A must
as for getting in right off division st there is the crick but that never seems to freeze due to flowin water
good luck!
crappies are awesome there in the early spring, but i havnt had alot of luck some hard seasons
any info?
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I did make it out to hambly before new years. our group got a few pike around 20" a little slow going though. not sure what the ice
is like now but it was around 6-8".
I am heading out to big clear lake in Arden. Has anyone fished there for eyes with any luck? I went once last year with no success.
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Just heading out the door to go fishing at Verona and possibly Hambly. Just found out that the Canadian Tire Cataraqui sells small, medium and large minnows and bought a couple of dozen. Great looking bait! As for fishing spots on Verona close to access points, in the southern bay lots of spots for perch, bluegills, crappies and pike. If you move over towards the entrance to the creek that leads over towards Hambly, lots of perch, bluegills, pike, the odd walleye and even a catfish or two (only in last few years have they shown up). So lots of walk on spots to catch fish. If you or anyone is out this weekend I will be the big guy in camo and may even have my big black shelter up. Keep your lines tight and may the ice be safe.
Don a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer
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Im not sure where to go tomorrow, I was thinking either Collins, Dog or maybe Verona... Anybody know the road conditions, we got smacked with snow and I want to make sure I can still to into most of these launch areas... Im guessing Hogans would be out (or is it plowed by anyone?
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Im not sure where to go tomorrow, I was thinking either Collins, Dog or maybe Verona... Anybody know the road conditions, we got smacked with snow and I want to make sure I can still to into most of these launch areas... Im guessing Hogans would be out (or is it plowed by anyone?
the road to the shipyard on Dog always seems to be plowed, I have never had problems with access. I am going to head there tomorrow, Any body been there recently? Last time I was there was dec 31, during the thaw, we have had a week of cold conditions so wondering what the ice is like. I would like to get out to the deeper water on this trip.
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good luck JZ - let us know how you do on Dog. I'm off to Hay Bay in the am - I'll be posting tommorow aft.
tight lines
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You will probably see me out there tomorrow as well. I usually fish just outside of the bay leading into the shipyards
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how'd you do boys?
I got skunked at huff's point (BOQ)...time for a new spot I think... :-\
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ya theres to many people there im trying hickory lane or the power lines tomorow morning i guess there biting from 5 till 9 in the morning then 3 tyo 530 at night and there oput further towards tyhe channel now is anybody up for a fish there tomorrow morning
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I headed down to Deseronto and hammered perch all day long, only a few keepers (a couple 10 incher and a couplr 11 inchers) the rests where hungry, but small. Ice was a bit scary the front of my hole was 5 inches the back was 3 inches. High winds did not help either
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lunkrhunter - thanks for the time tip - that may be my problem, I'm leaving around noon usually. I wish I could head out with you tommorow morning, gotta work >:(
good luck - let us know how you did?
tight lines.....
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nice ice junky no walleyes thought eye ya ive been told those times by a couple guys who live right there and when ive went it produced not to bad got a couple nice 3 pounders and a 2 p[ounder nothin big but i heard theres lots of 12"s up there a new school should be in soon but id try and stay away from huffs 3 guys went throught the other day when i was there theyweren"t out that far just bad spots lol but theres alot of soft spots around there so be safe boys bring your spuds and spud ahead every couple feet
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I was at Dog today, by the shipyard. Nothing really exciting to report just a few perch. Ice was good, solid 5-6" all the way out to 25fow. Huts starting to go up and lots of people on snowmobilies and ATVs.
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went out to st georges lake just south of sharbot lake. The guys next to us caught there limit
for eyes. I got skunked just 25 feet away. my buddy I was with got one.
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Tristan420 - that hurts man...especially to see them coming up right beside you ???
lunkrhuntr - you saw 3 people go through the ice at Huff's point? When?
whn I was there on Sunday morning there were ATVs on the ice!
I'm assuming all 3 guys got out ok? That's my biggest fear
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Hey Fellas!
Went out to 4th depot yesterday morning with Bass_Belt from seven to noon. The ice was a solid seven inches but no luck. The tip up got a hit lost the minnow but the hook didn't set. :-\
Looking to do some night fishing for walleye on 4th depot any advice would be greatly appreciated as I've never night fished before. Good luck. :)
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ya they we wearing float suits they were close to the channel and the one guy wasnt that far out he stepped right beside sopmeones hole and in he went but ya there was an atv right beside me when i was there i was just saying spud ahead
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also laker 2011 night fishing is good but you must keep jigging your results will improve greatly smaller minnows help with swedish pimple and i think there called mister champ but use red.i was gonna go to hickory lane t day but thought it was gonna be cold so maybe ill go tomorrow morning anybody wanna go for some walleye in the bay
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Thanks Lunkrhuntr. We appreciate any tips we can get. Good luck tomorrow morning and everyone take care out there.
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This may be a dumb question, but do the owners of the trailer park plow the lane that leads to Dog Lake (Hogans). My vehicle does not have 4 wheel drive and I dont want to get stuck out there
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lnkrhunter - GREAT info, thank-you!
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Just heading out the door to go fishing at Verona and possibly Hambly. Just found out that the Canadian Tire Cataraqui sells small, medium and large minnows and bought a couple of dozen. Great looking bait! As for fishing spots on Verona close to access points, in the southern bay lots of spots for perch, bluegills, crappies and pike. If you move over towards the entrance to the creek that leads over towards Hambly, lots of perch, bluegills, pike, the odd walleye and even a catfish or two (only in last few years have they shown up). So lots of walk on spots to catch fish. If you or anyone is out this weekend I will be the big guy in camo and may even have my big black shelter up. Keep your lines tight and may the ice be safe.
Don a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer
Don,
Thanks for the info. You mention catfish, are those bullheads or channel cats? Also, do you ever fish there on the weekdays? Let me know, perhaps we can hook up.
I was out there (Verona) today (just in front of the access point), 8 inches of ice and a lot of perch. Only one 12" but rest were in 8-10" so not too bad. Morning bite was fast (about 20 fish in under 5min). All in all fun day. Some guy on a snowmobile was running around the lake - came in flying within 15 ft of me twice! His machine crapped out later on and he had it towed back to shore.
I only saw one other guy fishing.
Good luck everyone and be safe.
Kris
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my plans were to hit up hambly sat. what time where you thinking of going?
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Hi everybody, Went out and fished howes today for about two hours not even a bite but I was on the wrong side of the lake in about 40 feet of water. I would love to catch some eyes if anyone gets on to some let me know!
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Hey guys, I'll be fishing either on Verona Lake out of Water St. or Silver lake(Hambly) Sunday from conservation lane?. I'll wait to see in the next couple days if anyone else from here is going to be out on any of these lakes before deciding where to fish. Can bathymetric maps of either lake be purchased in town? This will be my first time ice fishing the area so there is not a specific lake that interests me, both are great in the summer. Pike and crappie are on the hit list.
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I was planning on heading to Deseronto again this weekend, but if you are in town and I will change up my plans and join you. I have no preference for what lake to fish
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I won't have long out there, maybe fish from 6:30-7 until noon. I'll be grabbing some pike bait here in Ottawa before coming down.
Do the crappies in Verona bite better after dark? Seems to be the most promising time for them in a lot of lakes in the area.
Thanks
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I am finally going to get off BOQ, and try the back lakes this weekend. From the sounds of this thread, the spot to try would be verona lake (is that rock lake?) or hambly - any updates would be helpfull.
Anyone have recent info on the depot lakes? I want to try them, but I am really concerned about the possibility of a drop in water level!?
I hope to see you guys out there!
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Hey DL!
Bass_Belt and I have been fishing 4th depot lake for three weeks and the water level hasn't dropped. The ice there is a solid 7 inches. We just got back from a night fishing trip for walleye on 4th depot Bass_belt had a lunker on but lost him in some cover. Good trip all around though. We are interested in fishing Verona lake are there walleye there? Where is the best parking and access any info would be helpful. Good luck everyone and take care out there.
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I have now been able to create bathymetric maps of lakes. I have just created the first detailed map of Verona Lake and it is fantastic! I will be using it to map other lakes that maps are not available.
Leviathan Slayer - you said you'll be mapping other lakes that "are not available"....what lakes are already mapped (bathymetric)? Where can I find these? Seems like it'd be really helpfull
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you can also get to hambly lake which is attached to verona lake and howes. not great access but decent parking. park at the quinte consvervation area and make a short trek down the portage trail. the trail is mostly overgrown after just a short distance but not impossible to venture through
Tristan, I'm looking at google maps of hambly lake, can't find the "quinte conservation area" (except near BOQ?) - I do see "conservation lane" - is that where you head out? Is there parking/access there?
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Tristan,
Best spots on Hambly for walleye is the point in the middle of the north end of the lake. As for pike the best spot seems to be the entrance of the long bay in SW corner and the larger bay on the east side of the lake.
Can I get onto Hambly from Hambly Ln? Parking?
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Hi guys...
Just bought my first ice auger!!!
Now I'd like to use it
Where do you guys access Dog Lake?
Any thought to posting points of access through google maps?
EB
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Hi guys...
Just bought my first ice auger!!!
Now I'd like to use it
Where do you guys access Dog Lake?
Any thought to posting points of access through google maps?
EB
I access Dog at Gilmour pt. Take Battersea road, make a right on wellington (its right after the lodge) follow to the end, there are two points you can access. 1 is at the boat launch and the second if you go a little further is at the beach on gilmour pt. there is parking at both locations. 44.432677,-76.359186 (boat launch)
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Conservation lane is where you can park to access hambly. There is no public boat launch. When you turn onto conservation lane, there is a road to the left just goes around to a small turn around with a portage trail. The trail is overgrown pretty difficult with lots of gear but not impossible.
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Gents,
Verona still producing perch and pike in very good numbers. Fish are moving around a lot and are hitting so a constant influx of fresh fish makes for fast action. Small gold Williams wabler spoons (1 1/4) tipped with some 'flesh' are very effective.
Anybody been to Loughborough yet? I wonder if it has good ice for lakers. Also, does anybody know what happened to the walleye stocking ministry was planning there?
Keep drilling and stay safe.
Kris
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morn boys its sat, and ive got a munch on for walleyes!! so where should i go??? was gonna bring the little ones out. oh and bait can i get some near their or on the way?
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Damn! My fishing buddy bailed on my for this aft/tonite. Anyone want to go to kingston back lakes around dinner time with me tonite? I was thinking 4th depot, or maybe verona lake?
send me a message if you want to go - I'm off to canadian tire, but I will reply shortly.
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yeah id be up for some eyes on fourth but were i live its the internet connection works when it wants to so its hard to always check the computer but you can call me at 876 2407 my name is phil
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Hey guys, for those headed out today, can you give me a heads up on road conditions and off and on points. I will be headed out tomorrow (my ride is not great in a ton of snow)
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hey icejunky i was out on dog yesterday and got some splake we should go out there sometime the ice is a bit weird but still okay
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sounds good man, send me you cell number again and I will add it to my phone
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Jiggy and I will be on hambly tomorrow. Probably going to check out the northern section of the lake in the am. Hope the pike are bitin'.
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wish i waited abit seems like i would have had a better day out with some new guys my partner whiend all afternoon that he was cold. and when prime time came i had to take him home. but im going again tomorrow. but where????? lol
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got out on 4th depot with Lunkrkuntr this afternoon - good times, no 'eyes
ice was good 7" +, roads are plowed now, walleye were ellusive ???
heading back to BOQ for 7am at huff's point again - they 'eyes are bound to be hiding somewhere...
tight lines...
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my partner whiend all afternoon that he was cold. and when prime time came i had to take him home. but im going again tomorrow. but where????? lol
don't you mean "take her home"? I hate people that b***h about the cold while standing on a frozen lake - did she think it'd be warm? >:(
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Well Saturday was an exciting day fishing during a virtual blizzard. During the firt 2 hours while on Howes Lake I caught 42 perch, 3 pike and 2 walleye. Then the bite went dead and visibility was next to nil. I took out my new Frabill Headquarters pop-up (6x12 feet) and it was great - lots of room and out of the snow. Today went out to Verona for a couple of hours in the morning. A few perch but that was it. Anyway, fishing seems to be good right now. Hope others having similar luck!
Don a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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:tipup: @) :tipup:
Jiffy Ice Augers
Just wanted to take a moment to share some info. I am often asked what fuel:oil mix I use in my Jiffy Model 31. In the manual for many of the Jiffys it says to use a 40:1 mixture but the label on the engine says 24:1. For the right answer you have to know which Tecumseh engine you have on the auger. A lot of the Jiffy augers (model 30 series, Stealth, etc) use a TV085AX (also coded AV520) engine. When this engine is used for an ice auger the proper mixture for consistent use is 40:1 which is 3.2 oz of 2-cycle oil to 1 gallon of gas or 100ml of oil to 4 litres of gas. The 24:1 mix is only used when this engine is used for all other purposes other than an ice auger.
Hope this info is useful to Jiffy users.
Don a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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don't you mean "take her home"? I hate people that b***h about the cold while standing on a frozen lake - did she think it'd be warm? >:(
it was a he lol but
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hi gents went splake fishing today and we caught our limit and threw some back. oh and one smelly pike witch we kept mmmmmm yummy.
all in all it was a great day im hooked, it was my first time trying for them. our biggest was 3.5lbs. so i gutted them, cut their fins off and head.
so whos no's of a good recipe to cook them?
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so did you just walk around to the front side of the to the left of where you parked? or did you go out in front of those cottages on the right? and how was the ice? cause I had seen some four wheeler tracks going across and looked like they had some fun. But not as much as you! way to go the splake can be really slow there sometimes, but they are great in the pan ;D
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so did you just walk around to the front side of the to the left of where you parked? or did you go out in front of those cottages on the right? and how was the ice? cause I had seen some four wheeler tracks going across and looked like they had some fun. But not as much as you! way to go the splake can be really slow there sometimes, but they are great in the pan ;D
im not sure went with some other guys we parked on side of road and walked for 40 mins to a island. what a walk with all that snow. i made sure i stayed at the rear of the convoy nicely packed walking, oh and picked up the odd pole. lol great day, been skunked for walleye 3 times know, so they took me splake fishing to get the ich again. always good times.
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Hoping to get to Dog Lake this weekend. Anybody know if it's safe to drive on yet?
Don't worry, I won't blame you for bad info.
Have always wanted to ice-fish Bay of Quinte. Can anyone suggest where to head and walk out? I guess a local bait shop would be good too. I always shop local when I can.
I was thinking of taking Highway 2 back from Kingston and passing through the Picton area to find some fishing, before heading back to TO. That would put me in the thick of BOQ options.
Stay Safe
Mike
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Were abouts is potters creek i heard the bite is starting again up there if anyone wants to meet up and show me were the eyes are we could trade up some walleye spots i could show u were a nice brooke trout lake is
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Fished Hambly Sunday with my brother Anthony and had a great day. It was a sunny cool -15 outside and not a gust of wind all morning, just perfect ice fishing weather @) Set-up by 7:00am and fished until 2:00pm in the NorthWest bay of the lake. Perch were biting pretty good, a lot of small fish. Moved around most of the morning looking for crappies and bluegill but they were nowhere to be found..A bathymetric chart of the lake would have really helped. Biggest perch was about 10'' and together iced probably close to 100 of the little buggers lol. Went 3 for 10 on our tip-ups. Biggest pike was about 5-6lbs but we had missed bigger for sure. Something I've never had happen was watching two of our tip-ups get yanked down the hole :o A pike hit so hard the tip-up had vanished in less than a second right in front of me, just heard the wood hit the ice and whoop ::) I packed down the base a lot better on the Anthony's tip-up and not even 20 minutes later...clack...anothe r tip-up gone :o It was unreal..Never been robbed by big fish like that though :o Packed it in around 2:00 and hit the Bravo for a burger and fries(Awesome fries!)Jiggy and I will be back in town in February and will back with a map and out polar-therm tip-ups this time. Maybe even hook up with a few members as well :) Checked out Verona Lake and Howes on the way home. LOT'S of snow out there too!
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I dont know how to either lol thanks for the info i appreciate it
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You guys rock.
Thanks for the info.
Perhaps you should think about getting your own TV show ;)
Oh yeah, I have a hand auger, but my buddy really wants to rent a gas one for the weekend. I remember the Rent All in Kingston charged us $40 for the day plus $10 for gas that we didn't even use.
Anyone know of a better place to call?
Thanks
Mike
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Hey guys, I just moved here from Trenton area so I was doing alot of fishing at Potters and Trenton. Potters is great for first ice then it falls off for abit. Picks up mid Feb, usually, I usually fish by bay marina before that. Lately been fishing Long reach and hay bay and doing ok. Big Island and Pt Anne’s will be good with better ice. Now that I live in Kingston area I want to learn the ins and outs of splake and lakers on Loughborough (my wife wants trout..lol). As well as Dog Lake, nice to know where to go and what to bring for tackle.
Tim
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For Lakers and Splake I find that the preferred lure/bait and depth is lake dependent.
One of the lakes where I target Lakers, has a forage base primarily of Shad, and I use Cleo's and Crippled Herrings with success. Krocodiles do not work nearly as well. If you lay a shad beside the Crippled Herring, they are nearly the same shape. On this particular lake, for live bait, Shiners will out-fish muds by a wide margin. I fish higher up the water column than on Smelt lakes.
Another Lake Trout lake I frequent has Smelt, and the Cleos and Crippled Herring's don't work nearly as well, instead, more slender spoons such as Krocodiles or if using live minnows, muds are preferred. In both cases, spoons and minnows are generally fished just off the bottom. Loughborough has Smelt, so take it from there.
For Splake, I follow the same rules, but downsize the lures and minnows. Match the baitfish in the lake - it will up your success.
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I like to fish trout let me know if u wanna go fish sometime i know a good brooktrout lake
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Anyone knows if west end of Loughborough has good ice?
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People have started fishing it - some were out there last weekend - but - the ice is recently formed.
I haven't been on it yet this year, but will be soon once it thickens a bit. I prefer to err on the side of caution.
Anyone knows if west end of Loughborough has good ice?
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People have started fishing it - some were out there last weekend - but - the ice is recently formed.
I haven't been on it yet this year, but will be soon once it thickens a bit. I prefer to err on the side of caution.
Thank you Krimpen! I might try it tomorrow.
I was out on Sydenham today. Found few crappies and pike but only after 30 holes drilled.
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Thank you Krimpen! I might try it tomorrow.
I was out on Sydenham today. Found few crappies and pike but only after 30 holes drilled.
I was on Sydenham last Sat and got a nice 7lb pike and 3 lb pike. The ice was 6 -7 " solid but there was TONS of slush and my machine was stuck a number of times.....was it any better today?
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Good to hear you got some fish on the weeked.
Today, ice was kind of strange. Some places it was nice and black where as others had 1 inch of fresh ice with 2-3 inches of soft stuff before you got to the bottom 5-6" of solid. There were many areas with slush as well making for hard walking too. So yes, it was a lot of work (hand auger). I wonder if ice on other lakes is similar? Anyone has been out to Verona/Hambly area?
Keep drilling and stay safe.
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First time post. Back to Ont from Victoria and Halifax. Thanks for the info on fishable lakes. In NS the regs list the lakes you can ice fish (all five of them). Nice to be in a province that is not 1 hour ahead, but ten years behind. I'll be out fishing Verona Sat afternoon, Sun morning. Probably leaving my boys (5&3) at home due to the expected cold weather. Anyone else planning on heading out? Wouldn't mind thanking you in person and swapping lies.
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Fished Loughborough this morning. Ice is strange and there are spots with a lot of water under the snow (water was ankle deep). Makes for a hard walk. Ventured out as deep as 75 ft and that had about 3" of good ice. Drilled several holes (fished each for 10-15 min) until I found one with some activity which was in 65 fow. In 2 1/2 hours I had 12 fish come in hard with 4 hook-ups and 2 landed (5lb and 3lb). Not a bad morning, there was no wind so it was rather pleasant. If you're heading there bring boots that can take the water as you'll be probably standing in it.
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Made it out to Eagle Lake (7" good ice) and Long lake (8" ice) today - not very productive, but a great day on the ice anyway! Great weather today, although there was some slushsy and wet places under the deep snow.
Where are the fish hidin ??? ???
How's Verona lake? I was thinking of trying that soon
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Fished Loughborough this morning. Ice is strange and there are spots with a lot of water under the snow (water was ankle deep). Makes for a hard walk. Ventured out as deep as 75 ft and that had about 3" of good ice. Drilled several holes (fished each for 10-15 min) until I found one with some activity which was in 65 fow. In 2 1/2 hours I had 12 fish come in hard with 4 hook-ups and 2 landed (5lb and 3lb). Not a bad morning, there was no wind so it was rather pleasant. If you're heading there bring boots that can take the water as you'll be probably standing in it.
Did you walk out from the boat launch in the west end? surprised at only 3" it was more than that last week and its been very cold, not surprised at the wet conditions though, lots of wet snow lately.
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Made it out to Eagle Lake (7" good ice) and Long lake (8" ice) today - not very productive, but a great day on the ice anyway! Great weather today, although there was some slushsy and wet places under the deep snow.
Where are the fish hidin ??? ???
How's Verona lake? I was thinking of trying that soon
[/quote
Verona was a bit slow. Lots of people fishing and only some perch and pike feeding. I'll be out again tommorrow. Baitfish in my pikes belly were small (2").
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Made it out to Eagle Lake (7" good ice) and Long lake (8" ice) today - not very productive, but a great day on the ice anyway! Great weather today, although there was some slushsy and wet places under the deep snow.
Where are the fish hidin ??? ???
How's Verona lake? I was thinking of trying that soon
I went to Verona lake today and got about 150 perch No pike or Walleye
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Did you walk out from the boat launch in the west end? surprised at only 3" it was more than that last week and its been very cold, not surprised at the wet conditions though, lots of wet snow lately.
JZ
Yes, I walked out the boat launch way. I found ice of various thickness and tried to stay out of the water which was not easy. When I found clear "black" 3 inch ice there was no action there at all. My best hole had so much water come out when I popped it. I ended up piling snow all around it to soak it up. Really messy stuff. I guess all the snow keeps it insulated and not really making new ice underneath? Does that sound possible?
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I was told all the slush is from the weight of th snow pushing the water up through natural holes in the ice and if you look at them you can see the water coming up from them i seen a buch tday on dog
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I was told all the slush is from the weight of th snow pushing the water up through natural holes in the ice and if you look at them you can see the water coming up from them i seen a buch tday on dog
Lunkrhuntr
I was out on Dog yesterday too.... did you see a guy wearing all green sitting between the beach and the 3 shacks.... if so.. that was me...
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No i was fishin splake around the far side of hogans havin good luck to ice only about 3 inches of ice the guy i was with been catchhin nice ones there
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No i was fishin splake around the far side of hogans
how is the lane way driving down to the water at hogans, did you drive down in your car?
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I was told all the slush is from the weight of th snow pushing the water up through natural holes in the ice and if you look at them you can see the water coming up from them i seen a buch tday on dog
This certainly sounds plausible. I did see few dark watery 'eyes' in the snow but I did not dare venture close to investigate.
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Ice junky its all good the roiad okay been gettin splake around that area to also i got righjt up close to one of thoe holes and water gushin right up from it
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Guys, what is the easiest access point to walke out onto Eagle lake - looking for whitefish (or is it a myth that whities are common in that lake)? Any help would be most appreciated.
Kris
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Guys, what is the easiest access point to walke out onto Eagle lake - looking for whitefish (or is it a myth that whities are common in that lake)? Any help would be most appreciated.
Kris
not exactly sure where there is public access...I walked out from a private cottage laneway off long lake road (they are protective of thier "private" laneways out there).
There's good public access/parking/walk out for long lake though...right along long lake road.
I know there is a public boat launch with parking on Eagle - but I'm not sure how to get there. Sorry I couldn't be more helpfull - anyone else know how to get to the boat ramp?
Had a long day of skunking on Saturaday though...might want to try another lake
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Hey Everyone, I have recently relocated from the Ottawa Valley to just North of Kingston, and I have to say, I love the area. Love the fact that there are more than a few lakes within a stones throw of where I live, so it has me looking forward to trying out the fishing opportunities in the area. Not really familiar with the lakes and fish species, but reading this thread has helped me out a great deal and I want to thank those who have posted information. Great reading !!!! Hoping to get out and give Loughborough, Draper, Cronk, and Upper Rock to name a few in the next few days, just want to scout the access to the lakes a bit before I venture out. I guess it's time to go on a little sightseeing trip....Anyways, wherever I go I'll be sure to post with results and/or pics of my adventures/misadventures.
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OV - welcome to the site and the area! You'd be hard-pressed to find a better city for quick access to so many lakes!
Good luck out there, stay dry!
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not exactly sure where there is public access...I walked out from a private cottage laneway off long lake road (they are protective of thier "private" laneways out there).
There's good public access/parking/walk out for long lake though...right along long lake road.
I know there is a public boat launch with parking on Eagle - but I'm not sure how to get there. Sorry I couldn't be more helpfull - anyone else know how to get to the boat ramp?
Had a long day of skunking on Saturaday though...might want to try another lake
Thanks TheDL!
I do know Long lake, fished it few times in the past but with limited results. Someone told me there is a boat launch on Eagle from Oconto road (or something like that) but I cannot seem to find it.
Was I the only 'die-hard' out there today. This morning was bloody cold! -35 in my neck of the woods. I think this was the coldest morning I have ever ice-fished. Had to clean ice of the line every 30 sec.
Lake was good to me this morning, 4 landed (3-7 lbs), 2 lost and several came up but did not hit. Slush is still there, what a nuisance to be walking in knee-deep snow and ankle deep water/slush in that kind of low temp. Only 3 inches of ice in 68 fow.
(http://www.jkmilitaria.com/Icefishing/LT.JPG)
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right on! the fish go to the determined, which is you in weather like that! which lake were you on?
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Any one have any tips on catching the BIG pike? i have no problem catching the smaller ones but id like to get a trophy pike. Thanks
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big bait, big fish
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right on! the fish go to the determined, which is you in weather like that! which lake were you on?
Thanks TheDL
I was on the the big "L" and I was alone!!
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Any one have any tips on catching the BIG pike? i have no problem catching the smaller ones but id like to get a trophy pike. Thanks
I would concentrate on lakes that have reputation for big fish. My biggest fish usually came from a 'quick' drop-of areas leading to a large spawning bays. You cannot go wrong with a large sucker (10") - this is what my biggest hard water pike (38") went for.
Good luck.
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Thanks TheDL
I was on the the big "L" and I was alone!!
i gotta get out there and try the "L" - what kind of lure are you using for the trout? I've never been trout fishing
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Was out on Little Collins on Friday and endured two blizzards. Was awesome to be out in the thick of Mother Nature like that. Caught a 4lb pike and a 3lb Large Mouth. All on a tip-up w/ a walleye rig and whatever small minnows they sell at CT on Gardiners. Best CT I've seen for fisherman. The ice was a solid 8-12 inches w/ no sign of anyone for 6 hours.
Saturday we hit Dog Lake. Caught another pike, bass, perch and what I think was a standard sunfish. Two groups parked over what I would assume they know as prime structure, did very well.
We always come in from Hitchcock Dr. Great parking and not far to walk. The ice was thick and hard, but there must be some odd currents judging by the hidden slush that occurs in areas. More gutsy fisherman were driving in until they bogged out, then dropped lines there.
Been tired of losing pike to line that's not up to the task. I hate wire leaders, so I went from a 15lb Flouro to a 25lb. Seems to work, but I wonder how many bites never happened due to thick line.
You folks are lucky to live in such a rich area for outdoor lovers.
Looking forward to my next trip.
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i gotta get out there and try the "L" - what kind of lure are you using for the trout? I've never been trout fishing
TheDL,
Most spoons will work well, you cannot go wrong with slim shaped lures (like Krockodiles or crippled herring) with prism. I like dressing it with something meaty. This works for aggresive fish. For those 'looker's - not takers" you cannot go wrong with realistic looking jig head and a nice minnow 3-7" (just rig it with small stinger and a quality treble). Some days you have to scale down and the castmasters are really good for that.
There are so many good lures they will hit: airplane jigs, rapalas, tubes (pearl/white/chartreuse/pink etc), cleo's, silve buddies - the list goes on. If you're seeing fish looking at your bait - try to move it up as if it is trying to get away. At times dropping it to bottom triggers them too. Experiment with actions and lures until you find the right combination.
While fishing work entire water column. At times the most active fish will be in the top 1/3 of the depth (say if you're in 75fow - active fish may be as shallow as 20-25fow).
I've had days when fish would sit right on the bottom and were only interested in lure that was dropped right from the surface. I could dangle it in front of their faces at the bottom and they would not touch it but would dart 30-50 feet straight up to 'intercept' falling lure.
Some hooks that come with common spoons are not very good. I usualy replace them with good quality wide gaps (Gammis or owners are good choice) and I'll often go size larger. This can make a big difference!
Laker's are my favorite fish to catch through the ice. There is nothing like watching that line 'rocket' towards your falling bait - travel 50 feet of depth and hammer your offering. Things happen very fast (most of the time).
It is a pain in behind but I like to keep record of what worked (or not worked) on given day. Also, conditions (temps, wind, pressure, lunar faze etc.).
Don't be afraid to experiment and move around.
Have fun catching mackinaws!
Kris.
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thanks farmerk!
this is why i love this site so much - great tips! ;D
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I am taking my 5 year old brother out fishing and thought we could hit up rock lake in Verona for some crappie and perch. That way we could jig without him having to hook any minnows (he's kind of squeemish). I have only fished there in the summer and spend most of my time cruising around the shoal on the north side. Any tips for winter fishing there?
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Never been therte but iknow its good splake fishin but i know lots of good lakes
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Do u have all the gear u need if not io have extra
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Just caught a 1.3 pound perch at Frenchman's Bay. A personal record. Thought I had a bass on the line.
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oh yeah, I got everything I need, I just usually fish other lakes in the winter. I don't think he's going to be down with me swiss cheesing to find the crappie, so I thought I would look for perch in the middle somewhere...any body fish this lake in the winter? any better lakes for perch or crappie you know of?
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Oh i thought u meant upper rock lake sorry i dont even fish perch or crappie really maily trout pike
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haha, same here actually. I usually fish dog, collins, frontenac park, upper rock, draper loborough etc. But I like the taste of perch, and they are something he might enjoy fishing for...
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haha, same here actually. I usually fish dog, collins, frontenac park, upper rock, draper loborough etc. But I like the taste of perch, and they are something he might enjoy fishing for...
Hi 9am53! have you been on draper lake yet? was wondering about access and ice conditions? any info at all would be great thanks?
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Haven't been yet this year, so no idea on the ice. I usually park on the road, and just walk on...
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I am taking my 5 year old brother out fishing and thought we could hit up rock lake in Verona for some crappie and perch. That way we could jig without him having to hook any minnows (he's kind of squeamish). I have only fished there in the summer and spend most of my time cruising around the shoal on the north side. Any tips for winter fishing there?
Well 9am53 you could not find a better lake than Verona to keep the young fisherman engaged and enthused. The crappie started biting last week in the southern bay and within 60 feet the winter school of perch hang out until about the end of February. All the perch are biting either right on bottom or within 18 inches of the bottom. As well the most of the pike so far this winter have been taken within 2 feet of the bottom. The crappies have been moving in a large school in the southern bay (I have recorded them on my aqua-vu camera). The best time for the bite on Verona has been between 8am and noon and then again from 3pm until 6pm. A few walleye have shown up in the southern bay but usually closer to 5pm. Like i said Verona is a great place to take your son fishing and the ice is now over 14" thick.
Good luck - I am heading there again tomorrow and Sunday!
Don a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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:tipup: @) :tipup:
Jiffy Ice Augers
Just wanted to take a moment to share some info. I am often asked what fuel:oil mix I use in my Jiffy Model 31. In the manual for many of the Jiffys it says to use a 40:1 mixture but the label on the engine says 24:1. For the right answer you have to know which Tecumseh engine you have on the auger. A lot of the Jiffy augers (model 30 series, Stealth, etc) use a TV085AX (also coded AV520) engine. When this engine is used for an ice auger the proper mixture for consistent use is 40:1 which is 3.2 oz of 2-cycle oil to 1 gallon of gas or 100ml of oil to 4 litres of gas. The 24:1 mix is only used when this engine is used for all other purposes other than an ice auger.
Hope this info is useful to Jiffy users.
Don a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
Well I spent most of the day tuning my 4 friends' ice augers. It seems their augers were working well at the beginning of the season but are now either stalling out after starting up or will not start properly at all. With the change in temperatures it is time to make some adjustments to the idle and main jet screws and to add a little fuel stabilizer to the fuel tanks. Now their augers are running perfectly again and they do not have to stay at home to do their "honey do lists". Hahaha! Remember, the change in temperatures does require some minor adjusting to those 2-stroke engines.
Keep punching those holes and dropping those lines!
Don a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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I'll see you there Sunday morning! I'll be the big guy with the red beard, with a shorter guy and little young kid likely running around.
I'm Adam btw ;)
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Cya on Sunday Adam. I will be the big guy in camo!
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haha, same here actually. I usually fish dog, collins, frontenac park, upper rock, draper loborough etc. But I like the taste of perch, and they are something he might enjoy fishing for...
What lakes in frontenac do you fish? I have good sucess in the soft water season on a number of the lakes, especially S otter for Pike, but have never tried it in the winter.
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I usually go to Moulton lake, park at the kingford damn and you can walk over devil lake and follow the trails. Lately there have been more people going there as it is only a half hours walk to get there. It is great there in may...We also like to go to Tetsmine, we access it off highway 10, it is a 1 hour walk through the woods, but nobody goes there, and we pulled up a 3 pound speck there 2 years ago...I also like canoe lake in the summer, but it is not technically in the park...
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I usually go to Moulton lake, park at the kingford damn and you can walk over devil lake and follow the trails. Lately there have been more people going there as it is only a half hours walk to get there. It is great there in may...We also like to go to Tetsmine, we access it off highway 10, it is a 1 hour walk through the woods, but nobody goes there, and we pulled up a 3 pound speck there 2 years ago...I also like canoe lake in the summer, but it is not technically in the park...
cool good to know, I went to moulton in the fall and fished from shore but only managed a few tiny specs, is that road by the dam plowed in the winter? It was in pretty rough shape in the fall.
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canoe lake road and devil lake road get plowed...eventually, but the little driveway thing that goes down to the dam usually gets pretty hairy. I would not go right after a snow storm, or with a little car...I have never tried canoe lake in the winter, but it is deep. I have caught pike and smallmouth in the summer, but heard there are lakers in there too. Access is really easy, drive the same way you would to get to moulton, but take a left onto James Wilson road (I think the sign only says "Wilson rd") I think it is off of canoe lake road, but may be off Devil, I can't remember, but take it till you get to the water, on the right hand side is Canoe, and on the left is Eel. Both are good in the summer, no cottages, and nobody goes there for some reason.
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Hey guys theres also pattys which is way better than the lakes in the park my buddy lasty winter got almost a six pounder there through the ice last winter its about ten minute walk through the woods
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Hey guys theres also pattys which is way better than the lakes in the park my buddy lasty winter got almost a six pounder there through the ice last winter its about ten minute walk through the woods
Where is this lake?
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Just past the park on canoe lake road
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Just past the park on canoe lake road
cool thanks, found it on the map, what is the access like, do you just park on the side of the road and walk in?
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Cya on Sunday Adam. I will be the big guy in camo!
i'm hoping o get out on verona lake sunday afternoon/evening. I'll be the guy in orange pants with blue stripe....name's Dave - come say hi!
good luck out there...
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Sweet!
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you guys head out from Water st? I've never been out there, want to stay dry :)
I'm going around 3pm - who's going to be out there?
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I likely won't be there anymore. Water street ends at the lake, once you turn off of 38 you can see it. The lake is small so you just park and walk. I have been stuck on the ice with all the slush and snow twice this winter, I am not trying it again :)
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Hi Everyone,
Was out on Collins Lake yesterday from 11:30 -2:30. Pretty active from 12:30 to 2:00. Had 8 runs on tip-ups and two landed jigging. Nothing big on the ice only around 2-3 lbs.
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I have my shack on Collins, no good luck for us this year. Have you caught any crappie there this year? Last year it was all about them, none this year so far
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haha, same here actually. I usually fish dog, collins, frontenac park, upper rock, draper loborough etc. But I like the taste of perch, and they are something he might enjoy fishing for...
I was wondering how much ice you were on? We are going onto the Gilmour end but havent fished Dog yet this year.
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Anyone feel like going to dog t day for splake or pike let me know wanna leave around noon
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Or maybe some brooke trout at another lake near verona
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I was wondering how much ice you were on? We are going onto the Gilmour end but havent fished Dog yet this year.
I was at the shipyards where it drops off, there was about 9 inches there.
Just got back from Verona Lake...nobody came to visit, Where were you at Don? I had a beer with your name on it! Not much action, maybe a half dozen perch, no crappie. I didn't move around much though, my little brother didn't really want to work too hard :)
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Don. thanks for the tip yesterday at verona. we were there five min when my little guy caught a nice pike. it was very nice having a chance to put a face to a name
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Sorry Adam I was up at Loughborough Lake this morning (and caught 3 lakers) and never got out to Verona until 15h30. I will be out at Verona again next weekend. Was out there yesterday and we caught about 45 perch and 4lb pike - today caught only 15 perch but only stayed an hour. Found a winter weedbed which is still green and the fish are stacked up there. Anyway, sorry I did not get a chance to see/meet you today.
Cheers for now
Don
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Hey Medy, it was great meeting you and one of your sons. I am glad that Sam was able to hook into a nice pike - he looks like he means business when he goes fishing- hahaha! I hope that made his day! Looking forward to running into you again on the lake. And remember, right now the fish are right off the bottom - the oxygen levels have not depleted or stratified yet so the best fishing is about a foot off bottom! Good luck and until next time - keep those lines tight and the holes open!
All the best Medy and keep on hooking them Sam!
Don a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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I was at the shipyards where it drops off, there was about 9 inches there.
Just got back from Verona Lake...nobody came to visit,
hey - sorry I missed you on Verona - still want to give it a try for panfish. Lunkrhunter convinced me to head out to dog lake for splake. Good afternoon out there in the snow, had a few on the line - only iced one...Lunkrhunter iced it - I'm eating it....good guy ;D
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Hey Don a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer,
You mentioned you were out on loughborough lake and caught some lakers. My brother and I are interested in fishing loughborough and we were wondering about the ice conditions. This is our first year ice fishing and we are really green when it comes to ice conditions on various lakes. I also hear we are supposed to get a lot of snow over the next couple of days. Is the ice less safe with a lot of snow on it? how much ice is considered safe for the amount of snow we've got?
I apologize for all the questions, just thought we should ask a seasoned hard water fisherman.
Good luck out there and stay safe. :)
Vern
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Yes it can get more dangerous the weight of the snow pushes water up through the holesand opens up natural ice holes which usully dont have good ice around them but youll be able to see them they look like black holes in the middle of the snow as from what i have seen on most lakes now. but most lakes have thick enough ice now so id juist spud ahead and keep ur eyes open try not to venture around alone especially if its snowing and visibility isnt so good
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Hey Everyone,
Managed to get out to Upper Rock Lake with the girlfriends' 13 year old son for a day of fishing (his first time ice fishing) and I have to say he did pretty good for a first-timer. We managed to get 4 Splake and 4 Perch, with him catching the biggest Splake of the day, about 16 inches, with the rest being 11-12 inches. Judging by the smile on his face, I don't think it will take too much prodding to get him to go out again. It was a good day, weather was decent, and the fish were cooperating. Looking forward to our next outing together, perhaps Draper or maybe Paddys if I can find them.
Here's a pic of him with the first Splake of the day.....
(http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv266/OVFisherman/Ice%20Fishing%202011/EmandSplake4a.jpg)
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Yeah paddys is very good bit of a hike but well worth it
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Hey Don a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer,
You mentioned you were out on loughborough lake and caught some lakers. My brother and I are interested in fishing loughborough and we were wondering about the ice conditions. This is our first year ice fishing and we are really green when it comes to ice conditions on various lakes. I also hear we are supposed to get a lot of snow over the next couple of days. Is the ice less safe with a lot of snow on it? how much ice is considered safe for the amount of snow we've got?
I apologize for all the questions, just thought we should ask a seasoned hard water fisherman.
Good luck out there and stay safe. :)
Vern
Vern,
The questions you posed are good ones. Time for a little thermal glacial physics! First, the ice at the western end of Loughborough (Kepler end) is around 9"- 10" thick. The problem with excessive snow on the lake ice is not the weight of the snow but rather the insulation effect of the snow on the ice. The snow will actually cause the surface layer of the ice to melt. Consequently you get watering up on the lake. If the sun and wind get to the watered up snow/ice it will cause the ice to slowly melt If you have below freezing temperatures at night you start to get "snow ice" which forms on the top of the lake ice. This ice is more of crystallized ice which is weaker. It should be noted that in sub-freezing temperatures lake ice forms 50% slower when covered in snow. All this is to say that with a large snowfall coming the freezing of the lake will be much slower than usual. I would be careful heading out on the ice. Although 4" - 6" is safe for walking on at anytime it is hard to predict consistent ice conditions when there has been a heavy snowfall.
Hope this answers some of your questions.
Take care and stay safe!
Don
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Hey fellas,
Thanks for replying to my post. As usual the information found here is tremendously useful and essential in determining ice safety. Your responses are greatly appreciated as we all most definitely prefer to stay dry out there. Good to hear that the west end of loughborough has some solid ice. My brother and I may wait a week or so before venturing out that way as it's supposed to be quite cold over the next week and maybe the ice will thicken up a bit. Good luck out there everyone! And thank you again Lunkrhuntr and Leviathan_Slayer.
Take care,
Vern
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Hey Vern it's Adam, what's going on?
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Hey Adam,
Not much going on just trying to get in as much fishing as possible. So Andrew and I have taken up ice fishing this season. Good times! We are waiting for you to join us one of these days maybe teach us a thing or two. Hey, us and a couple guys are going to Hogan's bay this Saturday if you want to join us. We are also really interested in fishing for lake trout on Loughborough. Let us know if you can make it saturday and if not we'll have to get together sometime soon.
Later,
Vern
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I might be able to make it Sat actually. What time are you guys heading out? If really early it might be better for me to stay in kingston at Andrews.
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Sounds good to me! Hogan's on Saturday for anyone else interested!?
Andrew
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Guys,
I measured ice on loughborough yesterday (Monday) - it averaged 6" of 'black ice" - there is up to 4-5" of recently half-frozen slush as well. It can be unnerving in some places as you'll drill through this soft stuff and auger drops 4 or 5 inches just to hit solid ice. Some large areas still have a lot of slush. One area of caution - I only hit very soft ice on the north side about 1.5km from the parking - it is somewhat past the bunch of cottages on the peninsula before higher elevation of land. This is a deep section 130-140 ft but ice was 'spooky' and I backed off.
Hope this helps.
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Hey all,
Bass_Belt and I went out to hogans bay for a couple of hours before sunset. Pretty good action we landed 1 pike about 3-4 pounds on a tip-up and my brother landed a smaller pike, 5 crappies, and a bleugill. I had a few hits but didn't ice anything. :( Good trip overall. Any day on the ice is a good day. Looking forward to a day of fishing at hogans early on Saturday. Anyone want to join us feel free we'll be the guys in the frabill shelter and the sub-zero shanty. We'll likely be down the plowed lake road to the right near a permanent hut.
Good luck all!
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Hey Guys,
I forgot about Ice Shanty for a long time but I'm glad to see it's still going strong. Does anybody ever fish Bob's Lake? I usually fish the Depots (mostly 5th), but have always wanted to try Bob's. The few guys I've talked to who fish it have caught big pike (over 8lbs) and the odd walleye. Seems odd you don't hear more about it considering the size. Maybe the size makes it tough to find the fish?
I haven't caught a fish in four trips to 5th Depot this year and am ready to change it up. I did have some luck on 3rd, but I suspect it will be a little tough to drive in to after this monster snow storm!
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Hey guys....I just found this place recently....seems like and great site with lots of info and some good hardcore members. I was out at Loughborough last weekend for some lakers....had lots of lookers but no takers. >:( Planning on heading back again this Saturday...can't wait....not looking forward to the long 2.5hr drive from Courtice...hopefully it will be worth it this time. ;D
Hey Lunkrhuntr,
If your every up for a trip into Paddy's or Clear....I'm game. Just love those brookies (I'm a newf)....I grew up fishing those tasty fish and it's been many years since I've hooked into one. I spent some time in Frontenac this past summer for the first time....amazing bass fishing. Maybe we can hook-up for a brookie trip...I tried calling your # last night but no answer. :unsure:
Cheers
Jason
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Jason
welcome to the site! I am on this more than the girlfriend is on facebook (*shudders*). I found there is not a better resource anywhere on the web for icefishing tips, and general B.S.'ing...
I might hit up Loughborough this weekend too....I'm the guy in the orange pants with blue stripe...come say hi if you see me, name's Dave.
Good luck out there.
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Just got back from Varty Lake...not a popular lake based on the no huts or footprints. I didn't get far out from the launch as the slush was getting to me. I guess there is a 25 foot hole in the middle of the open part of the lake. I was in maybe 6fow, caught a healthy looking baby largemouth, but nothing else. I pray that we get a warm spell for a couple days to melt all this snow and then freeze the damn slush, it's really starting to piss me off :%$#!:
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hello everyone i just moved to kingston in the last year and have picked up ice fishing this year because i couldn't wait for summer anymore. I have seen people talking about brook trout and was wondering what lakes i could head to for some fun??? Any info would be great and thanks.
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Also I was wondering if there are white fish in the area or if people head to simcoe for them???
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Yo shorehunter, if you look up Frontenac Park they have a website and there you can find a map of the park and lists of all the fish in the lakes. Many of the lakes in the park have specks. Enjoy.
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Thanks
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There is slush, but not that bad, you'll be ok.
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Thanks seever!! Is there a way to sticky that for others?? i know it will stay up but im just thinking for furture people???
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I don't know all the lakes in the area so i have been doing alot of research on the area lakes and looking up directions so i never noticed which lakes were around for whites!!!
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Guys,
I have not gone for them but my understanding is Eagle and Wolf, perhaps Crow. Anyone can confirm that (as - you actually got or saw them caught).
Drive safely everyone.
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you sound very bitter:) clearly your boy's technique was the one the fish wanted that day.. I think he would want you to learn from him and not be disappointed... I suspect your son will hold back next time so you can catch something :) :)
classic post... well done!
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Does anyone wanna go for some brookies early tomorow
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Paddys lake or dog for splake it dont matter to me id like to get there early so wed have to meet at 7 ish if thats good with you call me and let me know 985 5748
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Tried sending you pm but your box was full. Let me know when you want to go.
Kris
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Ya thats why i left my number im going to paddys tom anyway leavin here around 6 call me if you wanna go anybody else wanna come
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Seveer,
Thank you very much! I'll try checking it out this season.
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Seveer,
Thank you very much! I'll try checking it out this season.
Looking forward to a report, always wondered if there were any whitefish lakes around here
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Hey guys,
Just wondering what to expect on Sunday morning on Dog at Hogan's Point with respect to the ice conditions. I know there was a ton of ice out there before this mild streak but I'm hoping to get out on Sunday morning. What do you guys think, will the ice have enough time to freeze (slush and water on top of the ice) before Sunday if it's below freezing from Saturday morning on? And would you think the ice should be safe out there come Sunday? I don't plan on going far from the plowed ice road but just want to get some input from some of you guys who are way more experienced than me when it comes to ice conditions!
Thanks guys.
Stay Safe!
Andrew
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Does anyone know of a site with a map of the backlakes with names??? when i put alot of the lake names in google maps it always shows me lakes up in nothern ontario!!!!
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Does anyone know of a site with a map of the backlakes with names??? when i put alot of the lake names in google maps it always shows me lakes up in nothern ontario!!!!
try this one:
http://www.openstreetmap.org/ (http://www.openstreetmap.org/)
it's not perfect - but it's open source, so if we all start updating it - it'll be really nice. It works better than google maps for some areas already
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Hey all im a newbie to this site and very impressed. I am from upstate ny, near Syracuse. I own a camp on MAckie LAke. Ever hear of it??? I have always thought of ice fishing the lake but never have. Anyone ever fished it??? Ad if so how did you make out??? Im pretty sure Tooleys lodge is open all year?
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Does anyone wanna go fishin today just give me a call and lets get some fish pm is full i have no idea how to delete them so call my cell 613 876 2407
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hi just joined and new to ice fishing, tried fishing little cranberry and wolfe lake ,got nothing , ( used mud minnows and jigged some some waxies), ive noticed verona lake mentioned a lot is there any recommended lakes arond elgin area im close by whitefish and sand lakes (jones falls area), fishing for anything. ,do i fish deep ? weeds?, any good spots ??
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Does anyone wanna go fishin today just give me a call and lets get some fish pm is full i have no idea how to delete them so call my cell 613 876 2407
hey dude
missed the invite - ended up on the big L this morning, not a fish for me :(
to clear your inbox, use the check box on the far right, then "Delete selected" button.
we should hit up dog again sometime soon, probably out for sunday tho
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Im hittin the bay right now
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Ice is good not to much luck im at hicxkory the kid beside me just goty a ten pounder im staying till dark lasty nighjt he iced 7
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Hey Guys,
As the weather is changing I've got a few more lakes I want to hit before it's too late. I'm looking at either paddy's or tetsmine this Saturday. Any thoughts on the pros and cons of these two? I would like to get into some nice trout if possible. Thanks guys
Mav
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Any good icon Verona still. I have fished some other back lakes and there is still lots of ice.
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Verona is good lots of fish with worms in them there not the ideal eating fish as far as i'm concerned
Were getting just as nice of pike and way bigger and way more perch out of lake Ont - I like the big lake - big lake = big fish if you can find them
Loughbrough has been good to many; I've only got 1 23" laker so far out of 4 or 5 trips
Dog is consistent for pike haven't gone for splake there yet; smaller pike then verona though but a lot higher quantities from what i've seen
These are the 4 lakes i've been fishing every weekend since we had ice;most of my skunkiness has been on loughbrough or on the BOQ at huffs; If you like fishing all day in hopes of a biggie go there otherwise hit verona, dog or shallow water in the BOQ and ull be on fish in no time
Hope this helps
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2 questions:
I heard some of the old boys talking about Potspoon Lake today, anybody go there?
Why did my previous post get pulled?
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Went to Verona lake this morning . Still lots of ice but you could almost take a canoe with you there is so much water on the ice. Caught 4 decent pike and about 20 perch.. My partner got a 10 lb pike there last sunday
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Verona is good lots of fish with worms in them there not the ideal eating fish as far as i'm concerned
wormy fish in the winter? that seems odd - never seen a worm in anything but late summer bass!
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I agree fish are gross lookin bt yeah your right i got some biggies in there this wint
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I wonder why they look so nasty from that lake very dark and just packed full of worms
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The pike weren't bad the sunfish and perch were bad in verona
I'm looking for any ice reports on kingston back lakes as of Sunday Mar 6th.
I'm mostly wondering about loughbrough(west end), Dog(North end-Hogans), Verona or if anyone has been out to the Hay Bay area of the BOQ after all that rain.
I'm on the lake ontario Bath Road side and there is still a sheet of nice but it is not safely fish able my rivers ice has opened up in several areas with water pouring over the top of it in a lot of spots definitely not travelable. I'm wondering if it's now time to pack the ice fishing gear away and start prepping for spring fishing or if there is safe ice out there anywhere?
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Im on verona now 16 inches og good ioce
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we went to loughbrough lots of ice over 12" in the middle a little sketchier around the outside saw lots of atvs and sleds out there though
watch out for old holes that have melted into bigger holes during the rain or anywhere that water runs into the lake
there were only 3 ppl out fishing on the kepler side on sunday when we got there saw 2 guys on ats with fish but the ppl on the ice got skunked
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Was out this aft, ice was fine and only a few guys on the ice. Got 1 small one but the smelt are moving all over covering the bottom, good thing for flashers. Going again in the morning,
Tim
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Laker2011 and I were out on Hogan's last night. The ice is great except for the walk out from the beach. There was a thin sheet that would break with each step resulting in ankle deep water on top of the bottom layer of ice. Once you got about 15 feet out from shore it was good and hard. We also saw two ATV's out there so that gives you an idea of the ice.
Be safe out there!
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hey all, i have a camp on mackie lake. How are the roads and does anyone know if the lake is still locked up? I want to come open my camp soon.
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Well gang winter is only around the corner. It is time to get the gear out and make sure it is ready before the real cold weather sets in. Change that line on the reels and tip- ups, change the fuel in the auger, check over the batteries in the electronics, check propane levels for the heater, check your portable shacks to make sure there are no tears. The more effort you put into prep, the less problems on the ice!
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I recently started making my Ontario style hut, and have been preparing slowly for the season. I recently moved to the Colebrook area so will likely be keeping the hut on Hambly, Knowlton or Rock...still deciding, any suggestions?
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Can`t really help you there I assume you are talking permanent shack, You do not reall sea a lot of them on those lakes mostly hard sided shacks are on Loborough or the BOQ.
Maybe ice junky has a better answer
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I was going to go to the BOQ, but it's about 45 minutes drive...don't want to be doing that several times a week...I have had moderate luck on Rock, and like fishing perch and crappie, so thought I could set up a hard sided shack there since it's close...
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I think most of the lakes in this area would be the same drive for you, and many of them i would worry about a perm.. i Know the BOQ takes a while to get solid and changes often, I seem to see half sunk huts every season. I see some perms on Dog, but again a hike for you, same with Moira north of Belleville.
Personally your best to fish until you find a spot and lake you want to settle into. If you have success on Rock in a certain spot, then thats where i would start.
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does anyone know if there is public access lower rock lake, has anyone fished
draper for splake lately.
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If you want a lake that constantly produces fish even during the tough weeks in February give Verona Lake a shot. Located right in the village of Verona it has several amenities including gas, convenience store, grocery store, hardware store, and a church (to pray for the fish to bite - hahahaha!). Easy access points off of Hwy 38 especially if you are taking an ice shack on/off the ice. You can catch perch, crappie, pike, and walleye. Great spot!
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Well I bought a new toy for this winter ice fishing season - a Micro Aqua Vu camera and handheld monitor. Picked it up in Syracuse at the Bass Pro Shop and can hardly wait to try it out. Will probably end up selling my Aqua Vu Z series camera which is still in great condition and works like new. As they say "tis the season of toys for boys" - woohoo!
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LS - I added that to my Christmas list, but let me know your opinion of it before Santa orders it......reviews so far have been great!
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Camera and monitor quality are excellent and portability is exceptional overall the full-sized models. Battery capacity is great. If you have it on your Santa list, you will not be disappointed. Hope you have been good this year!
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C'MON cold weather!
We put a sky light and bunk bed in our ice shack over the weekend so the cadillac is ready to go, we just need some ice!
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Skylight and bunk bed?! I love it! Nice work!!!
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Anyone know if the launch to Loborough at Division St. is frozen over? Laker2011 and I were thinking of getting out for my birthday (or the day before) on the 22nd and 23rd for some lake trout. I would hate to get out there to see it's locked up...I know it's calling for rain and milder temps so this question might be better answered tomorrow.
So, if there is someone out there that happens to be driving by the launch over the next couple days I'd really appreciate an update on it's status!
Thanks!!!
bass_belt
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Anyone know if the launch to Loborough at Division St. is frozen over? Laker2011 and I were thinking of getting out for my birthday (or the day before) on the 22nd and 23rd for some lake trout. I would hate to get out there to see it's locked up...I know it's calling for rain and milder temps so this question might be better answered tomorrow.
So, if there is someone out there that happens to be driving by the launch over the next couple days I'd really appreciate an update on it's status!
Thanks!!!
bass_belt
It was iced in this morning. I will check tmo night after the warm weather and let you know.
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Nice, thanks JZ, I appreciate it! :)
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Skylight and bunk bed?! I love it! Nice work!!!
Yeah man, and we got one of those PA woodstoves to replace the DIY one we had. We are also going to get a "toilet" (bucket with a toilet seat lid) so that we can legally drink out there :) Fournier already spent the night in the hut a couple nights ago to test it out and he was happy as could be.
We should get out with your brother once winter starts, maybe spend the day at my hut making coffee and hot choco and shooting the breeze while the perchies and crappies nibble on some wax worms :)
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Yeah man, and we got one of those PA woodstoves to replace the DIY one we had. We are also going to get a "toilet" (bucket with a toilet seat lid) so that we can legally drink out there :) Fournier already spent the night in the hut a couple nights ago to test it out and he was happy as could be.
We should get out with your brother once winter starts, maybe spend the day at my hut making coffee and hot choco and shooting the breeze while the perchies and crappies nibble on some wax worms :)
Awesome! That IS a Cadillac! That would be awesome man, we just bought some new ultra lights so that would be perfect! Can't wait!
PS I gotta come by sometime and have me some of your beer and see your new place!!!
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For sure, sometime after the holidays though, we are BUSY as usual. I cooked up my first batch in a while on Saturday night, so it won't be ready for a couple weeks. Maybe in the first couple weekends in the new year bring out the wife and the bro for a visit!
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Sounds like a plan my friend!!! Got your message, thanks for the birthday wishes, made me smile and laugh :) (the 23rd, you were right)! :)
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Anyone know if the launch to Loborough at Division St. is frozen over? Laker2011 and I were thinking of getting out for my birthday (or the day before) on the 22nd and 23rd for some lake trout. I would hate to get out there to see it's locked up...I know it's calling for rain and milder temps so this question might be better answered tomorrow.
So, if there is someone out there that happens to be driving by the launch over the next couple days I'd really appreciate an update on it's status!
Thanks!!!
bass_belt
Thin sheet of ice at the division launch this morning but you should be able to break through, also if you havent been there in a while the dock has been removed.
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Hey JZ,
Thanks for the heads up, I was out of the house early so I missed your message :) We went out and the launch was frozen and we would have considered breaking through it but the channel was locked right up. No biggie though, we hopped back in the truck and headed to the BOQ for some walleye...got skunked though, unless you count the perch :P
Take care,
bass_belt
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Bass_Belt - you guys are hardcore :o good for you - can't say I'm disapointed to hear Loborough is starting to lock up - too bad about the walleye bite on BoQ, but it's not a skunking if you landed ANYTHING.
Happy birthday old man ;)
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SO, was out on Monday of this week, small speckle lake, maybe 1" ice....we stayed close to shore...got 5. Out again this morning to a different lake, 3" decent ice...no specks today either, they were swimming right by our baits, as we could easily see them thru the ice and only in 5' of water.
Palmerston Lake is still wide open, so unless you know the lakes well, I would give it a few more cold nites...
Lat year we were out by Dec 3.....oh well, there will be decent ice on the small lakes for lots of good fishing between Christmas and New Years.
Iceman
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ice man...you fish on 1" of ice :o
were are these frozen lakes you speak of?
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ice man...you fish on 1" of ice :o
were are these frozen lakes you speak of?
Between Ompah and Calabogie.....1" will hold you up.....and we were within 15 feet of shore and fishing in 3 to 5 feet of water....so not really to worried if you break thru.....the key is that I know these lakes well as I have fished them for close to 30 years....
It was making ice here all day today, and calling for close to -20 tonight.....there will be 6" of good ice in a couple more days
Iceman
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Anyone check Dog or E Loughborough lately? I last check on the 23rd and really nothing to report, Loughborough had an inch of ice but still had a small strip of open water in battersea bay, there was a wicked current running through the bay out towards the creek for some reason maybe they are playing with the water levels. I work at the marina and will be providing updates throughout the season however I am off for the next couple weeks so it will be the week of the 9th before I can give daily updates.(hopefully by then updates on ice conditions wont be needed and it will only be fishing updates!) I will be stopping by work this thurs or friday and will take the time to punch a couple of holes. Iam hoping with the cold weather expected on wed and thurs that it should be safe enough to do some test holes close to shore at least. Which reminds me if you do find yourself around the marina on Loughborough stay clear of the docks we have the de-icers going so there is open water around the docks.
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Anyone check Dog or E Loughborough lately? I last check on the 23rd and really nothing to report, Loughborough had an inch of ice but still had a small strip of open water in battersea bay, there was a wicked current running through the bay out towards the creek for some reason maybe they are playing with the water levels. I work at the marina and will be providing updates throughout the season however I am off for the next couple weeks so it will be the week of the 9th before I can give daily updates.(hopefully by then updates on ice conditions wont be needed and it will open be fishing updates!) I will be stopping by work this thurs or friday and will take the time to punch a couple of holes. Iam hoping with the cold weather expected on wed and thurs that it should be safe enough to do some test holes close to shore at least. Which reminds me if you do find yourself around the marina on Loughborough stay clear of the docks we have the de-icers going so there is open water around the docks.
thanks for the info JZ, keep the reports coming and be carefull when you're punching test holes. This weather stinks...come on ICE!!
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Bass_Belt - you guys are hardcore :o good for you - can't say I'm disapointed to hear Loborough is starting to lock up - too bad about the walleye bite on BoQ, but it's not a skunking if you landed ANYTHING.
Happy birthday old man ;)
Haha yes we are pretty hardcore! :P You're right, we had fun with the perch at least...kept us busy at least :). Thanks for the birthday wishes...getting old indeed!! :( lol ;)
Thanks for the updates JZ! Stay safe!
bass_belt
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Wife and son bought me a new Jiffy propane-powered ice auger. Hooked it up and it fired up on second pull - no fuss, no muss - can hardly wait to cut some ice. Just need a few good frozen lakes. Going out to check a few up around Verona tomorrow!Now will have to sell my other other 2 ice augers! Hahaha!
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I had been fishing the Kingston areas off and on for several years now, but still without luck on catching those 13-15" Crappies... Anyone have any ideas???
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Welcome PB, which areas do you usually fish?
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Welcome to the site, Crappies are hard to find in that size, I am eagerly awaiting answers to your question, I NEED TO KNOW TOO.
Again welcome to the site.
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welcome Penang. I too would like to know where those monster slabs are hiding ;) Currently I'm working on a process of elimination system with regards to Crappie
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ICE Update-Checked out a few places today, usual disclaimers apply... ice conditions change in an instant spud your way out slowly and check ice thickness often.
Dog Lake-Gilmour Pt/Shipyard-
Ice in Shipyard bay is snow covered and about an inch thick. Around the point at the beach on Gilmour pt the ice is perfectly clear but only half an inch thick, it will take a couple more double digit minus nights before you can go out and check the ice properly.
East Loughborough- at Loughborough Lake Marina
Ice at shore is 3-4 inches thick but it is not black ice, it is ice blown in from the lake that has frozen together. It is still solid underfoot however with the snow cover its hard to tell where this blow in ends and the real ice begins. The "real" ice is only 1.5-2inch thick and maybe less I didnt go out too far. I still think its a couple cold days away however I saw some guy flying across battersea bay on a sled!?!? Also remember to stay away from the docks at the marina and Inn because the ice bubblers are on creating open water around the docks and surrounding area.
Sydenham Lake- Wilmar Access
This is not the launch in the town of Sydenham by the Library, it is the one off of Wimar rd. Anyway, similar to the ice at Loughborough Lake Marina it is made up of blown in ice however it is quite thick measuring 4-5 inches, from shore to about 300ft out. The only problem is that this part of the lake is very shallow it wasnt more than 3-4fow where I was. I might check this area out again on fri or sat and go out a little further.
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Thanks for the report and risking your neck going out there! Hopefully it gets better in the next few days!
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great news, Im itching to get on Dog, but looks like it will be a week or so.. Anyone up for a get together on Dog once we get solid ice? splake, pike and crappier are waiting!
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great news, Im itching to get on Dog, but looks like it will be a week or so.. Anyone up for a get together on Dog once we get solid ice? splake, pike and crappier are waiting!
Iam up for that. Looking at the forecast for Inverary sat and sun are +4 and +5 but the lows are still below zero then we get into the lows of -10,-18,-9 so a week sounds about right.
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I am in for a get together for sure (depending on work schedule) and I was out on Beaver Lake tonite and actually wet a line. There is 4-5 inches of good ice, took me a solid minute of spudding to even get through it!!! Going to go out tomorrow and try to catch something!!! :)
Looking forward to hear what Leviathan Slayer has to say about Rock Lake soon, can't wait to fish there this year!
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Thanks for the updates JZ!!!
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JZ that's a solid report! Thanks for the details keep 'em coming.
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Anyone been to the north end of Dog by Hogans? If I remember correctly, the last couple of years that end of the lake has always been a week or two ahead of the shipyard area.
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Anyone been to the north end of Dog by Hogans? If I remember correctly, the last couple of years that end of the lake has always been a week or two ahead of the shipyard area.
I was wondering the same thing...I'm a solid 45 mins away or I'd go check but hopefully someone near by will post a report. Thanks again for your report the other day!
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I'm like 25 mins away would like to go out with the intent to get bait in batersea and drop a line if possible anyone with a spud wanna go today?
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seoo - let us know what you find out there, I'm dying to get out
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I went back to Sydenham today by the Wilmar rd launch, ventured out further this time and punched a bunch of holes, the bay by the Wilmar launch is pretty shallow between2-3 fow and the weeds were dying off or already dead. I fished a bit alternating between a big rattle bait for pike and a small jigging spoon tipped w a gulp maggot for panfish. I marked some small fish pecking at the maggot but nothing big enough to take it, could have been minnows tough to tell on the sonar that shallow and the water clarity was poor. I kept walking until I hit an island and figured the saddle btw the island and the point would be a good spot, drilled a hole and the water was much clearer however still only 4 feet deep, the ice here was also much thinner only 3inches where the rest of the bay was 5-6in. Fished there for a while to see if I could attract some pike but no luck and with the thinning ice I didnt want to go any further. Overall not a great location because of the dead weeds and shallow water, there are other access points on Sydenham with better access to deep water. Still fun to get out and get some exercise and also got to dial in the sonar. Most of my ice fishing is deepwater so while I dont expect to be fishing 3ft of water again it was good practice adjusting the settings for the wide beam.
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lucky you JZ, congrats on the first ice fish - and thanks for the detailed report!
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went out today for a drive, picked up a new fishing license (a real hassle) and talked to some guys at the inverary hardware store that just got off the ice on eel bay on Sydneham lake. They said they were on 7" of ice, riding ATVs - I DID NOT TEST THE ICE OUT THERE TO VERIFY. They caught a few good pike.
I drove around the North side of Dog lake and saw lots of open water on the way. I walked out hogan's and was surprised to see guys out there fishing. There was dicey spots, and lots of one hit spud throughs...so I didn't venture more than 20 yrds from shore, where I walked to there was only about 2-3" of crappy white ice. There was about 10 guys out there, but the ice was white and poor quality so I stayed off. I did however see a guy drive one of those argo/cart things across from the island to the beach and I'm surprised he made it :o
Go if you're brave...even with the float suit and picks I chose to wait. SPUD every step and stay dry!
Happy 2012!!
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Thanks for the update TheDL! Wow, guys already out on that stuff!?!? I'm with you...I'm waiting until it's at least 3 - 5 inches of good ice before I head out.
Happy New Year!
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Hey Folks
I am new to IceShanty and I am wondering if anyone knows the ice conditions of the Upper Rideau at westport? or if rock lake is froze yet
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welcome to the shanty liveforit! I can't say I've seen the ice out that way - but I'm sure someone will chime in.
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I know this is weird, does anybody have a pair of skis they want to give me?
I have used one set for one ski on my shack (curved at both ends so I move the hut back and forth) but need another set of garbage old skis to cut and mount under my hut. The only real things I ask are that they be alpine (downhill) skis so they sit ontop of the snow a bit more than the skinny cross country skis, and that they be at least 8 feet long total (4 feet each) so they fit under my hut.
If anybody has a set of garbage skis they can donate to the cause let me know!
Thanks.;
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I know this is weird, does anybody have a pair of skis they want to give me?
I have used one set for one ski on my shack (curved at both ends so I move the hut back and forth) but need another set of garbage old skis to cut and mount under my hut. The only real things I ask are that they be alpine (downhill) skis so they sit ontop of the snow a bit more than the skinny cross country skis, and that they be at least 8 feet long total (4 feet each) so they fit under my hut.
If anybody has a set of garbage skis they can donate to the cause let me know!
Thanks.;
Hey 9am53 ;)
I picked up a set at Value Village for $15...I don't remember if they had any that would work for what you are looking for but worth a try, if not try the Salvation Army store in the plaza where McDonald's used to be by my place! :) Free is best I know but $15 might be your next best bet! :)
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Ahh, the old sports McDonalds...that was my first job, but I don't need to tell you that :)
I have checked VV and they all seemed to be more like 29 bucks...which is more than I want to spend on some garbage skis (which they all are) I will check some other thrift stores too, but I only get into kingston about once a month so I don't know when that will be. I plan on working on the hut this weekend, so hopefully I can get it all done save for the tarp roof.
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I had a buddy tell me this morning that he saw a perm hut out on Dog this morning? anyone see this?
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not as of Saturday...that's pretty brave :o
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Ahh, the old sports McDonalds...that was my first job, but I don't need to tell you that :)
I have checked VV and they all seemed to be more like 29 bucks...which is more than I want to spend on some garbage skis (which they all are) I will check some other thrift stores too, but I only get into kingston about once a month so I don't know when that will be. I plan on working on the hut this weekend, so hopefully I can get it all done save for the tarp roof.
haha no you don't need to tell me that, was mine too! :)
Ah, I must have taken the last $15 pair muwahahahaha! ;)
I had a buddy tell me this morning that he saw a perm hut out on Dog this morning? anyone see this?
Wow, brave indeed!!!
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Checked out Dog today and unfortunately it is worse shape than it was a week ago eventhough we have had a couple of brutally cold nights. I think the problem was all the wind we had. Dog by Gilmour point had previously been covered with a half inch of ice and is now wide open in the middle with maybe 30ft of ice around the shoreline. I then went up to the north end of Dog, lots of open water there too although some bays are fully ice covered and as mentioned in previous post there is a perm hut out there now. I wanted to check out where people walk out at Hogans but not sure if I was in the right place or not because there were a couple of roads named Hogan off of Burnt Hills but I ended up taking the road just before where the school buses are parked looks to be a trailer park I believe but couldnt see any access points to the ice.(If anyone is familar with that area let know if I was in the right place) Anyway, there was some ice in that area but also lots of open water. So after this disappointing tour I ended up at Loughborough and just went out 300-400 feet from the launch at the marina, solid 5-6in of ice. This part of the bay is only 4fow so I just played around with some panfish for an hour or so, sadly the 5" fish below is my first fish of the year :'( Hopefully in another week I will be able to go our further into the bay, I marked some waypoints from open water season where there are some nice 10-12ft holes.
(http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z322/jonzuliniak/DSC06401.jpg)
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I wanted to check out where people walk out at Hogans but not sure if I was in the right place or not because there were a couple of roads named Hogan off of Burnt Hills but I ended up taking the road just before where the school buses are parked looks to be a trailer park I believe but couldnt see any access points to the ice.(If anyone is familar with that area let know if I was in the right place)
Hey JZ,
Thanks for the great information! You were definitely at the right place. If you continue on that road down into the trailer park you'll see the road turn right towards the water, follow that and you'll end up right at the beach where people walk out from. If you happen to make it back out there let us know how the ice is as I'm JONES'IN to get out!!!
BTW, I know it was only a perch but hey, at least you were able to get out on the ice! :)
bass_belt
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thanks for the detailed report JZ!
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was the hut made out of aluminum with a blue front?
Last year we were out there on 6" of ice boxing day with atvs everywhere when the side by gilmours was open in the middle and under the bridge was open or very thin because its moving water its also gonna thin up around the point where it gets quite deep
most people I know go on from the trailer parks beach they charge you in the summer to launch your boat there but it seems that they dont seem to do anything like that in the winter time if you dont have 4wd it can be hectic getting out if theres snow as there are some hills and uneven ground
look for smaller lakes that dont have current you will find more ice above deeper water its out there ;)
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was the hut made out of aluminum with a blue front?
Last year we were out there on 6" of ice boxing day with atvs everywhere when the side by gilmours was open in the middle and under the bridge was open or very thin because its moving water its also gonna thin up around the point where it gets quite deep
most people I know go on from the trailer parks beach they charge you in the summer to launch your boat there but it seems that they dont seem to do anything like that in the winter time if you dont have 4wd it can be hectic getting out if theres snow as there are some hills and uneven ground
look for smaller lakes that dont have current you will find more ice above deeper water its out there ;)
I think the hut was all white, I just saw it while I was driving had to do a double take, lucky I didnt drive off the road. Ya I am going to focus on the smaller lakes until we get further into the season, temp wise its great now, there are a couple of above zero days forecast for this week but it dips back down at night so no big deal but 20-30k winds every day this week thats going to stop ice production on the lakes that are still open. The silver lining I guess is that the water is at its min temp so as soon as the wind does die down for a day or two the lakes should lock up quick. My next free day to fish is Sunday so maybe by then things will be better if not I am going to hit frontenac park. I spoke with a staff member at Frontenac today and for liability reasons they do not test or give out ice conditions however they did say S Otter was ice covered. If that doesnt work out might have to go a little further north.
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Round Lake has been getting fished for about a week now...
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West end of Loughborough...
Still nowhere near ready but there is a thin sheet of ice, might open up again with the warm weather tmo but still nice to see that eventhough we are a couple weeks behind on some lakes the West end of Loughborough is pretty much on the same pace as last year. Here is a view from the Sydenham rd lauch....
(http://i1184.photobucket.com/albums/z322/jonzuliniak/2.jpg)
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I'm surprised to see it's locked up, I would've thought the winds would've broke that up. Thanks again for the detailed report JZ!
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I'm surprised to see it's locked up, I would've thought the winds would've broke that up. Thanks again for the detailed report JZ!
It was still open when we had those couple days of strong winds and as soon as they died down it froze over but I'll be surprised if it survives the +5 on friday, but even if it doesnt the warm temps will get rid of the snow so we can get some nice clear ice. Last year the first day I saw someone on the west end was the 15th I believe. Not sure if that will happen this year but who knows, last year once it was iced over we had a few -20 nights in a row and that did the trick.
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Anybody go out today (Sat Jan 7th)? I am trying to decide on a spot for Sunday, curious about ice conditions on the backlakes.
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PM sent :)
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Going to drive around the lakes north of Verona today and check out ice conditions. Need a good ffix of ice fishing soon or will be suffering withdrawal! ;)
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4th depot had 6-8" of good ice, but no fish :)
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4th depot had 6-8" of good ice, but no fish :)
And trust us...we walked that ENTIRE lake, I am spent!
5 guys, 6 hours, kilometers walked (at least it felt like that) and one Rock Bass...Priceless :)
It was a blast fellas, lets do it again sometime.
bass_belt
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Well did not get much further than Verona Lake today. 8" of good clean ice. Was able to use my new Jiffy Pro 4 propane-powered auger. It was fantastic to use. Also used my new mini AquaVu camera. Picture was clear and colours down to 16' feet were great. Ended up catching 3 pike and several perch. Saw hundreds of bluegills on the camera and even a few bass. All in all, a great day!
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my aquavu screwed up today after its 4th trip on the ice not impressed with that great for locating structure but its hard to get it to point towards your lure it also stirs the bottom a lot if you put it down all the way
still some sketchy ice on a number of backlakes small shallow lakes are your best bet but this week will probably eat some of the ice hopefully friday will make some back spud your way out ice conditions can very a lot from spot to spot
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Hey guys,
New to the area, im a student at the college, just wondering if anyone can help me out with some ice conditions and what lakes have the best bite goin. Ive done as much research as I can (most coming from this forum) and I decided we were gonna try out Upper Rock for splake or Verona Lake for pick's and pike, maybe some panfish if the size is right. I would really appreciate the help, safety first.
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welcome to the shanty slayer! PM sent, after 5 posts you can check your messages.
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I'll be looking to hit up verona if the ice stays safe this week.
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I could go tomorrow morning or friday afternoon if you dont mind showing me the ropes... im an avid fisherman, just not familiar with lakes and species.. anyone know a good spot for minnows going north on either 38 or 10 from kingston?
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ps any info on ice conditions/access points for upper rock lake? I wanna get into some splakes.
Much appreciated
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Candian tire, on Princess and Gardiners has minnows 4.99 per dozen.
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I could go tomorrow morning or friday afternoon if you dont mind showing me the ropes... im an avid fisherman, just not familiar with lakes and species.. anyone know a good spot for minnows going north on either 38 or 10 from kingston?
Try North Frontenac Bait and Tackle in Sharbot Lake on 38. phone 613 279 3733. I stopped in this weekend and he is a pretty nice guy, lives right on property so if the car is in the driveway, he's open.
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Candian tire, on Princess and Gardiners has minnows 4.99 per dozen.
CT is a last resort, I find thier minnows die quick and it seriously takes the guy about 25 minutes to round up a dozen. Try catchall bait (Mark's bait) in battersea. $4.50 for muds, last a long time...very lively.
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Poor Verona Lake :o
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haha, poor verona lake indeed! and I am setting up a permy there! I may have to move lol
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whats up with verona lake?
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nothing is up with it, but it is a smaller lake that is going to get pounded on saturday ;D
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haha I see, I think im going out sunday... either to rock or verona
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BTW, Rock = Verona (the little lake in Verona on Water street)
Upper rock is another lake altogether.
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Oh I see, ya I meant upper rock off of opinicon rd
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hhey guys hows the ice on hay bay? And are the eyes bitting anywhere else?
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Hay bays not safe guys went through in 2 different spots last weekend and its been warm all week maybe by sunday with the cold nights ahead but I would be very careful if you go to check I have buddies that live there so im waiting for the word that other guys are back out there
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Wow 2 guys went threw eh? Hope they are ok. Before they went threw did they catch anything did ya hear? Lol. Ive seen guys on my way home at nights bringing there boats in at the bath boat launch. What do ya think thier fishing for? It must be walleye eh? So have ya heard if hambly lake is good yet for ice oh and 4th depot?
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didnt hear but we were out on the ice before it got soft last friday only got 1 that day but my buddies had 12 the day before donno about hamby but id imagine there is ice if veronas frozen there is another report on here about 4th they said there was ice but no fish and yes they are out trolling for walleye lots of pigs being caught out there right now there coming in from lake ontario
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there was a good 8" on 4th on sunday and rock lake has permy shacks so the ice is good in the area
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welcome to the shanty icejunkie33. Were there really 32 other icejunkies? ;D You might end up getting called "33" around this board.
Thanks for the ice report...when were you on 4th on sunday? I was out there from 7am-2pm...didn't see too many others out there. You catch anything?
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went out around 3 pm til dark, got 2 eater eyes and some perch
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In case I don't come back on today I will be the guy with the oak camo hut on Rock tomorrow. Name's Adam.
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looks like I won't be there tommorow :-\ Sorry guys...next time for sure.
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So I set the hut up, and had a great time. We got a dozen perch, kept 9, and threw one away at home. THey were kind of wormy...but cleaned up good.
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Were the lots of people out? Any concerns with the ice?
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Friggin Geez! I guess I will be heading out to block up the hut today before it freezes in. Maybe I should move up north, this isn't winter it's a nuisance!
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Friggin Geez! I guess I will be heading out to block up the hut today before it freezes in. Maybe I should move up north, this isn't winter it's a nuisance!
I hear ya! Hard to count on consistent weather this winter!
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Hard to count on normal winter weather the past 5 years! It's not even cold out! Maybe in a few years we will actually start thinking about moving north, this 3 season BS sucks, I want 4 seasons! There is no point to owning a snowmachine around here anymore...
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Ya, although I wouldn't mind open water fishing all year round I must admit...the ice is fun but I love the boat! :)
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Yeah, but up north you can do both. Here we are starting ice fishing early Jan, and done early March...then waiting for warm weather to start. It's a waste of a season.
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Ya, true enough! :)
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Friggin Geez! I guess I will be heading out to block up the hut today before it freezes in. Maybe I should move up north, this isn't winter it's a nuisance!
With that wind last night maybe you should have let it freeze in!
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I ended up staying in last night...now I am wondering if the hut is still there! Shux, I will have to go out after work to check it out...maybe I will have to drop a line to make sure everything is working ok ;)
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So the hut blew away last night! I searched the lake, and with the help of a couple nice locals on bikes found it half sunken and frozen upside down at the north end of the lake! we flipped it and I pulled it back. All is good, just need a new tarp...Lots of nice smooth ice out there now!
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Thats Wild was there open water from the wind or did it break through some thin ice? Was your hut originally on the south side of the lake where everyone usually puts them?
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So the hut blew away last night! I searched the lake, and with the help of a couple nice locals on bikes found it half sunken and frozen upside down at the north end of the lake! we flipped it and I pulled it back. All is good, just need a new tarp...Lots of nice smooth ice out there now!
Oh man I feel bad about joking about that now. That brutal, the gusts were up to 90Km last night so I suspect there will be other people with missing huts as well.
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Yikes! Glad you found it and it wasn't too damaged!
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The hut started out on the South end where everybody else has the huts. It blew all the way to the other end near the connection to Howes. It slid most of the way as evidenced by the worn through tarp, and there must have been some sloppy wet stuff from the rain that night because all of my gear is now frozen to the side of my base (8 inches high) and the tarp wall was partially frozen in the ice too. I am going to likely take the hut home next week and patch it up, but I must have build it well because it held up to quite a beating pretty darn well! Anyways, what happened to the GTG? a bunch of people showed up to fish but nobody was being friendly...
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Oh, and I did find another hut in the middle fo the lake. There were no holes around it, so I suspect it blew away too. I didn't know where it came from so I left it be.
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The hut started out on the South end where everybody else has the huts. It blew all the way to the other end near the connection to Howes. It slid most of the way as evidenced by the worn through tarp, and there must have been some sloppy wet stuff from the rain that night because all of my gear is now frozen to the side of my base (8 inches high) and the tarp wall was partially frozen in the ice too. I am going to likely take the hut home next week and patch it up, but I must have build it well because it held up to quite a beating pretty darn well! Anyways, what happened to the GTG? a bunch of people showed up to fish but nobody was being friendly...
Good craftsmanship my friend! :) I bet you a ton of stuff got destroyed by that wind storm, so the fact that your hut made it out alive is pretty impressive!
That's a shame about the G2G!?
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So the hut blew away last night! I searched the lake, and with the help of a couple nice locals on bikes found it half sunken and frozen upside down at the north end of the lake! we flipped it and I pulled it back. All is good, just need a new tarp...Lots of nice smooth ice out there now!
that sucks man! Glad you found it in one piece, hopefully your gear's not trashed :-\ Who would've thought you'd need anchors for a permy :o Anyways, what happened to the GTG? a bunch of people showed up to fish but nobody was being friendly...
That's too bad, but what I would've expected...I know I'm not that much of a talker while fishing, how many IS guys were there?
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no idea, there were a couple pop ups and a clam shelter that came out, but everybody kept to themselves.
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I had some vehicle troubles and did not get out at all last weekend.. I will be ready to go this saturday or sunday.
Let me know where everyone is headed
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I was hoping for BoQ, I thought this cold should firm it up, but who knows? Maybe SEOO can fill us in, or maybe dew-drop inn will have a report
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Just aching to get out on the ice. I was going to invest in a new gas auger, but it looks like I may as well wait 'til next year. Anybody have any opinions about gas vs. propane? Propane won't smell up my hands and tackle and I heard a bottle is about 3/4 of tank of gas. Still, what about torque and overall reliability?
Heading out to Kingston this weekend. Just have to get a road-trip out of my system.
Dog is our usual go to for hard water. Does anyone know if it has good ice yet?
If not, I hear some of our honey holes are still open for casting.
Dead bait's the way to go this year. Had great success the end of last year. Just pick up some frozen mackerel (or whatever looks like a good meal) at the supermarket. Cheap, convenient and less hassle to transport. If you have them; hook a live bait above your dead bait to draw attention.
Stay safe
Mike
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I did get out with the kids last Sunday and saw a few people out. I said hi to on younger lad out there (Levi with the clam 2000) but he didn't know what "iceshanty.com" was or any G2G. He did, however, walk out to where I had set up with the kids and drilled four holes for me with his power auger. One proved to be hot, and we pulled 7 good size eaters (perch) out of there. So despite frozen sandwiches, warm "hot" chocolate, rock hard gummie bears, and my youngest soon taking a kid shovel-handle to the nose due to a "Wile E. Coyote" moment (his older brother told him to slam his foot down on the blade - and he did- before I could stop him) it was a good outing. Looking to be back again next Sunday.
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Dog is our usual go to for hard water. Does anyone know if it has good ice yet?
Yep, Dog is good in the back bays - with 5-8" of mediocre looking ice, still some open water in the deep parts as of last weekend. Spud your way, and PM me for more specifics if needed. I wouldn't drive an ATV/Sled on it though.
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Thanks. We always walk out from the Maple Hills/Hitchcock Dr. end, in the south east. Was thinking of trying the north end (Burnt Hills) that I hear about.
I'm sure I'll still have a smile on my face by Sunday :)
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Thanks. We always walk out from the Maple Hills/Hitchcock Dr. end, in the south east.
Is there publice access down there? I've never been down that road.
Was thinking of trying the north end (Burnt Hills) that I hear about.
nope...no fish on that end ;)
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Is there publice access down there? I've never been down that road.
Im told there is, there is a lane between some homes that leads down to a ramp and some minimal parking.. have yet to try it, but a buddy pointed me in that direction
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huh...might have to give that go. I drive by there everyday on my way home...I wonder if there's current through there with the lakes coming together at fiddlers elbow? I never fished that area...headed down there once in boat this fall, motor died...it was a long windy row back to shipyards bay and I didn't have much of a chance to fish it.
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Just lost 6 paragraphs of typing >:(
Grrr
Yep Hitchcock. Good parking and access.
Head straight for the island/rock on your right and drop your line about 50 yards off to the left.
About 1/4 of the way back to shore it starts to get shallow.
Usually fish for pike, but we keep catching 4lb largemouths. The fishing gods love their little jokes.
If Dog is no good maybe little Collins will be safer for us.
As I type we have just been hit with more winds and a snow squall. Probably headed your way.
Thanks again for all the great info.
Stay Safe
Mike
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Fiddlers has current and with these ice conditions it will have less ice that main lake... treat it like the main part of Dog ice wise be safe
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Oh not at all, I actually thought people were supposed to be showing up on Saturday. That was my mom and stepdad, they had never heard of ice fishing before I told them I was doing it a couple years ago lol. They wanted to see the hut and see what it was all about. They had never seen perch before either, so they took a couple pics of the perch on the ice...it was funny. The kid I was talking to was really nice, he didn't act all annoyed to have some old people talking to him. It does a lot for the hobby when people aren't ignorant towards newcomers :)
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@Seveer - I must admit i was a bit floored with the help. I grew up where you don't ask for help (unless you are in an emergency) and you make do with what you have - but if you can help someone less off than you you help them. I'm really glad he came by - there was lot of ice for my 8" had crank to get thru (10") The kids were super impressed watching him drill those holes that fast! They mentioned it to mom before they mentioned the fish we caught. I was stumped to see the shacks where they were. Out where I set up was a weed bed that was productive last year, by memory. If you can find the edge of it you get a nice mixed bag of good sized perch and the occasional pike to keep it interesting. The shacks last year were in the area where you were fishing on a line out to where I was. It was fun to have the kids out - when the first bell went off I turned around and they were just staring at it. I was sure the rod was gonna end up in the water before I got to it (drag was too tight). All in all it was a good time (except for frozen sandwiches) fortunately I brought lots of snacks and coco.
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Cant confirm anything with quinte since sunday although it looks like some others have been out i did sneak off work for go fish in the white out on verona quinte would been interesting with that wind the boys decided they wanted to go for a walk n try a new spot the wind and snow was interesting wasnt fun setting up the hut or trying to walk on glare ice we got pike n jumbo perch but nothing to write home about there was ton of ice and a truck crossed the lake all of the permys were still in the same spots they were when we went out if any of you were getting worried although the wind didnt stop when we got off
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" with that wind the boys decided they wanted to go for a walk n try a new spot the wind and snow was interesting wasnt fun setting up the hut or trying to walk on glare ice "
Hey seoo, I was just next to you there (I started at daybreak). I'm still loughing thinking of this guy with his pop-up, ice sailing around.
9am53 - I think it was your hut that fell on it's side - wind was quite fierce at times.
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ya that was me we usually setuo closer to where the huts are but they wanted to search an explore i was out there before them so i was getting my hut setup then they said they wanted to move
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Does anyone have a recent ice report for Upper Rock by chance?
Going Saturday for a dusk session at Upper Rock.
Thanks.
I believe a few of us are going there too sat, not sure of the ice conditions though.
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Hows the ice at haybay church? Hoping to bring the young lads out with me too tomorrow, but mamma bear wont let them come unless its safe. lol. she said I could go by myself, hahaha. Any info be great thanks.
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shows how much your wife likes you eh dave jk I would be willing to bet that the church has some of the safest ice on the bay right now I havent been out there yet but from previous years it has been some of the thicker ice early on.....Havent heard of many guys out there but I would bet there are permanent huts out on that side shermans huffs and deseronto are probably a little more questionable due the the currents over there I will likely be trying to fish the bay at the very least on sunday i gotta work tomorrow boooo
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Was at Church on Monday, there was lots of ice, and it's been cold all week , there was about 7-8 inches, best ice around, didn't get any eyes but we landed about 20 good sizr perch a few in the 13in range. Might go there early tomorrow or Huffs. Been fishing Loughbourgh the rest of the week , got a few lakers.
Tim
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must be nice to be able to fish all week tim it's mudcat I'm not on the creek anymore but hopefully I'll see ya out on the ice sometime buddy any luck with the lakers I've been wanting to check out loughbrough but all my buddies want to fish eyes all weekend which is the only time I get to fish
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Thought it was you, glad to see you still out fishin...lol we got a few lakers the other night, went out on the west end a few hundred yards, 100FOW,few small hits off the bottom, had to faness them. Going for eyes tomorrow though, need a fix....lol we got about 20 good perch on monday and a pike at church, might go back or huffs not sure. Hope to see you out on the ice soon..
Tim
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Was wondering if anyone has fished Mackie lake or Brule lake???
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Off to Verona Lake Sunday for some perch, pike and walleye. Should be a great day. Also, selling my 8" Jiffy Legend Model 31 Ice Auger for $300. Only 2 years old and hardly used. Bought a new Jiffy Pro4 - propane model - so only reason I am selling the Model 31 is I have no need for 2 augers.
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Had a beautiful day on Dog Saturday. About a foot of ice.
Caught a 5lb pike over six hours. Might have caught more if the other fisherman had resisted drag racing their sleds up and down the lake.
What really disappointed me though was the bass piling up next to the piles of pike. I had assumed most people knew better or just cared more, than to pillage a body of water like that.
I guess the law and commen sense don't apply to everyone.
Not the quality of character I choose to associate myself with.
Good luck
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not sure why people feel the need to eat bass they are gross compared to pretty much every other species I never used to think so but a side by side comparison has changed my mind I really only keep small walleye, lakers and panfish for the table now
bass n small pike tend to taste weedy
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Im going to guess you were at the north end of dog. It is disgusting, last season I saw multiple 5lb + fish, with the back meat ripped off and the carcus left on the ice. It is brutal
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Great day on Verona Lake today. Caught 7 pike and several perch over 3 hours. About 20 other people on the ice but they were not producing any fish. There is 13" of good, clean ice on the lake. Overall, a fantastic ice fishing day!
Cheers!
Leviathan_Slayer a.k.a. Don
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Hey Don, where are you catching the pike on Rock lake? I catch enough perch there, but my tip up never gets a sniff. I am fishing in among the other huts, are you fishing further out in the lake away from the south end?
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try jigging for the pike ;)
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I guess, but then I will miss out on the tasty perch! lol
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Had a beautiful day on Dog Saturday. About a foot of ice.
Caught a 5lb pike over six hours. Might have caught more if the other fisherman had resisted drag racing their sleds up and down the lake.
What really disappointed me though was the bass piling up next to the piles of pike. I had assumed most people knew better or just cared more, than to pillage a body of water like that.
I guess the law and commen sense don't apply to everyone.
Not the quality of character I choose to associate myself with.
Good luck
Nice pike! You saw other fisherman piling bass on the ice? Were they sitting beside the pile, or left on the ice? I would have defiantely called the MNR tips line 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) on that one, if not confronted the guy (depends how big he was). That is complete B.S. and makes me furious :%$#!:
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We hit Dog lake this am,(before the rain) The bit was slow but we did get a few.
(http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt331/431-sigs/Ice2012005.jpg)
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Nice Sig, can't believe I haven't hit Dog yet this year.
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Nice Sig, can't believe I haven't hit Dog yet this year.
same here, where did you head out from Sig? Gilmour?
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I have been reading this website for the last few weeks (lurking for all the good fishing locations :)) so I thought I better give a report.
Fished Dog lake this Saturday. We fished out in front of Hogan's (off the island that has the bridge going too it). After we dicked around with a broken hand auger we finally got fishing. Managed 5 pike largest being 5lbs. We were jigging and the pike were hitting the lures on the free fall.
All and all a nice day with great weather. Were hoping to get into some splake but it didn't happen. Any info on some splake fishing would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
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hey Bath, welcome aboard, sounds like a nice day.
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Hey Junky, We come into Dog from the cranberry lake road, we have permission from a cottage owner to use his property to get on the ice
and we use a 4wheel truck to get in there.
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Nice pike! You saw other fisherman piling bass on the ice? Were they sitting beside the pile, or left on the ice? I would have defiantely called the MNR tips line 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) on that one, if not confronted the guy (depends how big he was). That is complete B.S. and makes me furious :%$#!:
Glad I'm not alone in this sentiment.
Re: calling the Ministry, I don't want to be 'that guy'. Especially, if some good folk get stung in the cross-fire.
We were out from Hitchcock. Yes they had fish piled up by their truck. They even threw a good 3lb bass to the dog as a chew toy. What a waste.
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Glad I'm not alone in this sentiment.
Re: calling the Ministry, I don't want to be 'that guy'. Especially, if some good folk get stung in the cross-fire.
We were out from Hitchcock. Yes they had fish piled up by their truck. They even threw a good 3lb bass to the dog as a chew toy. What a waste.
You don't want to be that guy, WHY NOT, they are breaking the law and spoiling the fishing for the rest of us, and to throw the dog one, I would have been giving them a piece of my mind and calling the MNR
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I will be on Verona lake today after work working on getting my stove setup. Hopfully my anchors managed to freeze in before this warm garbage came along and my hut is still there!
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I will be on Verona lake today after work working on getting my stove setup. Hopfully my anchors managed to freeze in before this warm garbage came along and my hut is still there!
Good luck 9am53!!! Hopefully you get some time to drop a line and get a few before you have to head home! :)
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I will have one down just in case, but the main plan is to get the stove done so this weekend when the family come out they will be warm :)
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Nice, that will make for a good weekend!
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Anyone headed out to BOQ this weekend??? wondering what the ice is like now?? Maybe we will check it out this afternoon & post an ice report :-\
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Jay-min - I am an ex-Millhavien
I was out on BOQ today just got home wasn't much action only perch I was accessing near the church from a buddies piece of private property the ice looks sketchy but we were on 6+" the entire time
Places in the reach like huffs are currently unfishable due to the warm weather be careful if you head out as the ice was dissolving with lots of water on top when I came off
thinking tomorrow will be a back lake day
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I got a few perch, kept 4 and got a 5 pound pike today. The pike scared me half to death because I was using a panfish popper rod with 4 pound test and no leader! The drag on the rod saved me ;D
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Wow good job man !! I lost one last week bit right through my leader & line & took everything.
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Jay-min - I am an ex-Millhavien
I was out on BOQ today just got home wasn't much action only perch I was accessing near the church from a buddies piece of private property the ice looks sketchy but we were on 6+" the entire time
Places in the reach like huffs are currently unfishable due to the warm weather be careful if you head out as the ice was dissolving with lots of water on top when I came off
thinking tomorrow will be a back lake day We went to check out BOQ last night only 6 people off shermins point looked pretty scetchy there.. but over at south shore Hay Bay Church there were at least 30 portable shacks.. we are heading out there today for a bit.. Thanks for the post.
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I got a few perch, kept 4 and got a 5 pound pike today. The pike scared me half to death because I was using a panfish popper rod with 4 pound test and no leader! The drag on the rod saved me ;D
Nice! That must have been a fun fight!
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Nice! That must have been a fun fight!
It was fun and thrilling until it did the usual pike roll over by the hole. It was also fun getting it through my iced over 6" hole! I augered it out to about 4-5 inches and snuck the pike through that! I was worried I would have to lip him to get him out :o
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Hey guys, I'm new to the area and I live in Napanee. My buddy and I are going to Beaver Lake on Saturday. Any info would help thanks. I have read all the posts as of 1 Jan 2012. You seem like a great bunch. Hopefully I'll get to meet some of you on the ice.
Cheers,
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Hey TYBOY, I am planning to hit Beaver in tomorrow, if I do I will post up what the ice is like...
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Super, thanks. By the way I was out near Belleville on Saturday and drove to Anne's pointe. There were a few portable huts out there, 6-7 huts for sure .
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Just in case someone was checking, I am from Kingston and anxiously awaiting the season start. With all this warmth we've had this season, I'm more than a little cautious about venturing out on thin ice. I will be heading to Quinte Bay for the Battle of the Bay for round two of that event ;provided the conditions of the ice remain where they are at 10 to 11 inches. Hope to see some of you folks out there too. Cheers and have a great day with tight lines!
Cadeuses
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Just in case someone was checking, I am from Kingston and anxiously awaiting the season start. With all this warmth we've had this season, I'm more than a little cautious about venturing out on thin ice. I will be heading to Quinte Bay for the Battle of the Bay for round two of that event ;provided the conditions of the ice remain where they are at 10 to 11 inches. Hope to see some of you folks out there too. Cheers and have a great day with tight lines!
Cadeuses
Hey Cadeuses, welcome to the shanty! Just a note, although we've had a milder than normal winter this year, there are plenty of back lakes that have tons of safe ice. Spud your way as always but plenty of good fishing to be had! :)
Cheers!
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It was fun and thrilling until it did the usual pike roll over by the hole. It was also fun getting it through my iced over 6" hole! I augered it out to about 4-5 inches and snuck the pike through that! I was worried I would have to lip him to get him out :o
Ha ouch, that would not be fun (lipping a pike)!
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welcome to the shanty Tyboy and Cadeuses!
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hey guys i was wondering if anyone coould give me any info on how to access inverary lake? I heard that there is a spot but you have to pay i dont mind paying for access. I would like to tow my 6x10 enclosed trailer hut out with my fourwheeler.
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you can access it off Moreland-Dixon rd - it's pretty obvious where folks have been driving through the field. I think you have to pay at the house across the street (one with ramp to Collins) but I'm not entirely sure.
I've seen a LOT of permys there...what are they fishing for in there? According to the ministry, it's only gills, perchand bass in there ???
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I was just told there is pike in inverary which would make sence as collins is right full of them. So you would pay at the collins boat launch?
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I believe so, yes
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Thanks man
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BTW, collins has been a waste of time this winter.
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that's pretty surprising, I can't keep the pike off my bass lines in the summer
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I know, I have my other hut there. The past 2 years have been going downhill, I think there is too much rpessure there now. AFAIK my buddies who are there everyday have caught 3 or 4 pike all winter,.
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What's the pressure like on Verona?
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That's where my other hut is....don't bother, it sucks there ;D
JK, there are I think 5 huts there now, but I have honestly only seen anybody in one other than myself. Sometimes there is a guy in a blue tarp hut, and a couple bucket sitters show up on weekends, thats it. If you are fishing for pike, keep it away from the huts so that I can get the perch :)
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That's where my other hut is....don't bother, it sucks there ;D
JK, there are I think 5 huts there now, but I have honestly only seen anybody in one other than myself. Sometimes there is a guy in a blue tarp hut, and a couple bucket sitters show up on weekends, thats it. If you are fishing for pike, keep it away from the huts so that I can get the perch :)
I love it! :)
PS I'm hoping to visit your hut next week! :)
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sounds good, SWMBO will be gone till wednesday.
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That's where my other hut is....don't bother, it sucks there ;D
JK, there are I think 5 huts there now, but I have honestly only seen anybody in one other than myself. Sometimes there is a guy in a blue tarp hut, and a couple bucket sitters show up on weekends, thats it. If you are fishing for pike, keep it away from the huts so that I can get the perch :)
I'm actually looking forward to catching some perch myself!! ;) ;) ;)
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Gents,
I ventured out to Silver lake, landed 4 mackinaws and lost 3. I was the only soul out there. Ice is not bad, mostly about 11 to 8 inches but I did manage to find a spot with about 3 inches.. That is too thin for my liking, especially over 80 fow. All in all a great day, just wish I got out earlier.
Hopefully we don'd get any rain tonight.
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What else is good on Silver lake through the ice?
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Gents,
I ventured out to Silver lake, landed 4 mackinaws and lost 3. I was the only soul out there. Ice is not bad, mostly about 11 to 8 inches but I did manage to find a spot with about 3 inches.. That is too thin for my liking, especially over 80 fow. All in all a great day, just wish I got out earlier.
Hopefully we don'd get any rain tonight.
uhmm what is a mackinaw? i have never heard the term mackinaw before
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I think its another term for lakers.
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Yes, it is a lake trout. Many call it that up in the NWT, where the monsters live.
Otherwise, there are some perch and sunnys/gills, few pike (rare but large if you get one). I heard of the eyes but have never seen one there. Probably a myth. Some ciscos too but rather small.
Cheers.
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Thanks!! I'll try and check it out!
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I'm actually looking forward to catching some perch myself!! ;) ;) ;)
You will catch some then for sure. They are a little wormey, just sayin'. You can pick them out once you skin or fillet them though, so no worries.
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sounds good, SWMBO will be gone till wednesday.
SWMBO?! :)
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SWMBO?! :)
GEEZ, here I thought you were tech savvy!
She Who Must Be Obeyed.
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LOL me, tech savvy?! No way!
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Hey TYBOY, I am planning to hit Beaver in tomorrow, if I do I will post up what the ice is like...
Were you able to get out? How was the ice and the fishing?
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GEEZ, here I thought you were tech savvy!
She Who Must Be Obeyed.
BAIK, http://lmgtfy.com/?q=SWMBO (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=SWMBO)
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BAIK, http://lmgtfy.com/?q=SWMBO (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=SWMBO)
Nice Dave....you suck! lol
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woah, woah, woah egg-head..."lol"?! ???
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=lqtms (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=lqtms)
Man, I need to go fishing
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Now - the best part about the back lake laker:
(http://members.kos.net/amberjack/forums/smoked mackinaw.JPG)
Just got them out of the smoker.
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That looks sooo good! what wood are you using? I basically have only used applewood for everything in my weber.
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woah, woah, woah egg-head..."lol"?! ???
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=lqtms (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=lqtms)
Man, I need to go fishing
LOL you and me both brother!
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Now - the best part about the back lake laker:
(http://members.kos.net/amberjack/forums/smoked mackinaw.JPG)
Just got them out of the smoker.
that looks amazing!!! :thumbsup: I gotta get me a smoker!
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Now - the best part about the back lake laker:
(http://members.kos.net/amberjack/forums/smoked mackinaw.JPG)
Just got them out of the smoker.
wow dude that looks amazing. im almost drooling here.
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That looks sooo good! what wood are you using? I basically have only used applewood for everything in my weber.
Thanks boys,
This batch turned out really well. I like using a mixture of maple and apple chips. Also, I give it a quick brush with maple syrup just before the 3rd pan of chips goes in.
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Well, my buddy and I are heading out to the church this morning! I'll let you know how things went! Good luck to all today! ;)
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Now - the best part about the back lake laker:
(http://members.kos.net/amberjack/forums/smoked mackinaw.JPG)
Just got them out of the smoker.
Oh man that looks good!
I'm waiting for my wife to get ready so we can go out for lunch. I saw that, and my stomach barked.
Never thought about getting a smoker, but I have $250 in Bass Pro cards that was going to spend on an auger. Now I think I want a smoker. At least I could use it year 'round. Anything I should know before purchasing one?
mmm
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Well, biting was slow. My buddy caught a 22" walleye and beside one keeper perch we caught 3 other small perch that were released. It was a beautiful day to be on the ice.
Tyboy ;D @)
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did loughbrough in the am and quinte in the pm
Ill start by saying I had a brutal day and only got perch
But the boys caught fish
On loughtbrough a buddy got a 6# laker biggest weve seen through the ice yet and on quinte another buddy was 20 feet from me and got about 8 small eyes were headed back out to quinte in the am
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Oh man that looks good!
I'm waiting for my wife to get ready so we can go out for lunch. I saw that, and my stomach barked.
Never thought about getting a smoker, but I have $250 in Bass Pro cards that was going to spend on an auger. Now I think I want a smoker. At least I could use it year 'round. Anything I should know before purchasing one?
mmm
I am no expert with smokers but I hated the large propane one I had in the past. One I use currently is a very simple electric one. It works really well for fish and occasional bit of meat or cheese. I like how easy it is to set up (no messing around with propane). I think 80% of the deal is with the brining/drying process and the rest with actual smoking. It really does not take long for the fish - for me typically about 2.5 - 3hrs. Size is probably your biggest consideration. If you are going to do a lot of stuff - big capacity smoker is needed. For me, I can smoke up to about 8 lbs of fish fillets at once in my smoker. Make sure you'll brine your fish overnight in a glass (or stoneware) dish - not steel as it can react with the brine and leave strange flavour. Give it a little rinse in cold water next day, pat dry (really well) with paper towels and let the pellicle form (very important). Pre-heat the smoker for 15 min, throw in pan full of chips (variety of flavours out there). When chips are all burned, dump and re-fill 2 more times. Brush some maple syrup before last chip re-fill. Drying proces after the last pan of chips is done is where you'll decide how dry you like your fish. That's it. Not a big deal once you do it couple more times. Make sure you're smoking it outside as 'smoke will form'.
I think a lot of guys are into really serious smokers that see no use. Flavour brickets and strange other 'special' chips are a pain in behind. Just simple chips work great and are always available and cheap. My old smoker was $ 400 and way too complicated for my needs. My new one was $ 90 and is just perfect (and made in Canada).
Hope this helps.
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did loughbrough in the am and quinte in the pm
Ill start by saying I had a brutal day and only got perch
But the boys caught fish
On loughtbrough a buddy got a 6# laker biggest weve seen through the ice yet and on quinte another buddy was 20 feet from me and got about 8 small eyes were headed back out to quinte in the am
Hey Seoo,
How much ice were you on the Lough. Did you see any guys out in deeper stuff (115ft)?
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If I may make a suggestion regarding smoking, I use a weber kettle bbq for smoking, but my old neighbor had a weber smoky mountain and it was handsdown the best charcoal smoker I have ever used. It was really simple to use, the top half of the unit stayed at 225 with no effort (this is for hot smoking though, cold smoking would need some modifications) and best of all you have a charcoal bbq too ;)
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lots of guys everywhere on lobo sleds and atvs are making runs across the lake i think there was at least 6" where we were
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going to hit eel bay off sydenham lake today,,,, hopin for some crappy and pike .
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Thanks for the smoking info. That's a really good start.
I live close to the Toronto Beaches. Think I may go down to Ashbridges Bay, pretend it's 'ice-out' and take some casts with a husky jerk. What else am I going to do?
Heading up to a back lake in the Parry Sound area in a couple of weeks. Always lots of ice and wilderness fun, but apparently it's getting pretty iffy up there now too.
Stay safe
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Tyboy and SEOO - how was the ice out at Quinte?
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FarmerK - thanks for the recipe - what kind of smoker did you get (the $90 one)?
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We were on 5 inches there were spots nearby that we chose not to walk on as it looked much thinner were not too far from the church launch
No luck today aside from there being a billion perch out there although another buddy went out and they did quite well
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Seoo, thanks for the info on the Lough.
TheDL - my smoker is called "True-North". Made by an outfit in Alberta, version 11. Got it at the West Marine store (guy gave me a good deal on a package there). That store has quite the selection of the fish finders (no flashers but everything else). I went in to get the 'Navionics' chip and walked out with it and the whole bundle of smoking stuff. They say they will match any US based store - advertised fishfinder's price. Now that Linden Audio does not carry the Lowrance selection, they are the best bet without heading to Watertown or Oshawa/BPS in To.
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Thanks for the smoking info. That's a really good start.
I live close to the Toronto Beaches. Think I may go down to Ashbridges Bay, pretend it's 'ice-out' and take some casts with a husky jerk. What else am I going to do?
Stay safe
Yeah, I used to do that at the foot of Spadina 25 years ago (there were no husky jerks - I drilled and weighted floating rapalas to suspend). People gave me really weird looks but I was catching good pike in the 'shadow' of the CN Tower. Now it is all changed there.
I hear people are catching fish on Simcoe (if you can deal with the crowds).
Heading up to a back lake in the Parry Sound area in a couple of weeks. Always lots of ice and wilderness fun, but apparently it's getting pretty iffy up there now too.
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Seoo, thanks for the info on the Lough.
TheDL - my smoker is called "True-North". Made by an outfit in Alberta, version 11. Got it at the West Marine store (guy gave me a good deal on a package there).
Can it do cold smoking?
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I don't think so.
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Has anyone fished either Leggat or Bass lakes with any sort of success?
(Bass lake west of Sharbot)
Thanks.
I have been to Leggat's Lake. I have not ice fished it, but have fished it several times in the summer. Great small mouth, pike and perch lake. There is a big rock pile about in the center of it as the main location for structure. The edges were good too. It has been a few years, hopefully not much has changed there.
Don't know anything about Bass Lake.
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Guys,
Anybody been out on Friday/Today?
I went out to Lobo on Thursday. Started at the day-break. Got 4 fish, one decent rest small. Worked my butt off looking for them (30 holes - looking for active fish up high). Smelts are already moving in, founds spots with 10ft thick of them towards the bottom.
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So we finally got skunked at Rock lake...I was out from 6:30am till around noon yesterday, and we got a 6" perch. My buddy had a very large and aggressive pike on his perch rod, but with no leader and wimpy line he lost it after the 3rd time it ran with his drag. It was a great day out in the sun, but it seems the February doldrums have begun!
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Tyboy and SEOO - how was the ice out at Quinte?
Sorry for the delay, I was out of town for the last 2 weeks. The ice at the church (Hay Bay) was approx 6-7 inches maybe more. Has anyone been there since? How are the ice conditions now?
On that, has anyone been out to Verona recently? How`s the ice and the fishing?
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Verona has lots of ice, but the end of feb slow fishing has set in early and the bite ius not like it was a few weeks ago. I will be there tomorrow though, yellow and grey hut with the black tarp roof
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The ice at the church (Hay Bay) was approx 6-7 inches maybe more. Has anyone been there since? How are the ice conditions now?
I was at HAy Bay (perfect vu) last weekend. Ice was solid 7 inches in the bay, but we saw open water around shermans. We didn't find anything buyt perch, but some other guys caught a few nice walleyes.
Anyone been to Quinte this weekend?
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Was out on Verona on Sunday. Perch fishing was pretty good. I caught my biggest Perch ever...13 inches. I thought I had a Walleye. Lots of ice, I would say approx 18".
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Was out on Verona on Sunday. Perch fishing was pretty good. I caught my biggest Perch ever...13 inches. I thought I had a Walleye. Lots of ice, I would say approx 18".
Nice size Perch!!!
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Here is an awesome site for maps.
http://www.anglersatlas.com/
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I was out in verona after work alst night and the bite was actually pretty good! I got my first bluegil of the season and some perch. They were hitting really hard last night! There is tons of ice out there, 16" at least. The shore is starting to get eroded though...
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Where you near the huts off of Water street. I should be heading out there with my wife and kids tomorrow morning. Hopefully my kids will have a bit of fun.
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I was. One of those huts is mine :) There is plenty of ice for driving, but there is a big sloppy rut right at the shore, so I just walked out the 2 minutes to the spot.
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I went out yesterday, my son caught a 2lb pike and I got busted off. We were targeting perch so no leaders. The one my son caught was on a pink 1/16oz jig with a small Gulp minnow (1") on 4lb test line. I use to own a 1" jigging spoon before it was busted off.
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I have been catching a few of those unexpected toothie buggers...its funny when you nearly soil your self from the unexpectedly big tug lol
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Hey Guys and Gals, I'm heading out to Looughborough in the morning to try for some Lakers, I'll let ya know how I make out. ;D
Ruckus
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Jelous, I cant go fishing this weekend... I had to buy a truck instead ( sigh ) and it looks like perfect weather out there today... Let us know how you do... Next weekend im there for sure... just hope the ice holds a little longer... The TWN says Warm....
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what did you get, a megaram? lol
Jelous, I cant go fishing this weekend... I had to buy a truck instead ( sigh ) and it looks like perfect weather out there today... Let us know how you do... Next weekend im there for sure... just hope the ice holds a little longer... The TWN says Warm....
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Ha ha ha... as soon as I read your comment i cracked up laughing.... Yes indeed i did get a Ram.. 09 Dodge 1500 Sport, Sunburst Orange Peral.. looks sharp.. My user name came from my old truck.. A Dodge MegaCab.... I was thinking i might have to change my name soon if i bought a different truck..
I pick it up Weds... can't wait... Now i won't have a time to be back when the wife needs the van... yippie.. ohh and at the same time i was buying the truck.. she bought a 06 mustang Convertible... So its all good in our house... i got what i want, she got what she wanted... all is good........
I will post a pic soon...
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dope!
I bet my 1993 3.0 v6 toyota t100 has more balls than your new truck!
this was very obviously a joke:)
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Well, went out to Loughborough this morning and got one little guy (2lbs) on a dead Smelt and that was it. They seem to shut off after an hour of daylight, I guess they must move because we don't seem to mark them either. We were in 38 feet of water so I would think they go deeper once the sun is up? Any thoughts or advise?
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welcome to the board Ruckus! How was the ice on loborough?
I seem to catch lakers a little deeper later in the day, but they do roam. I've had good luck in the 60-100 fow mid-day. Were the dead smelts you had head-on or off? I can't seem to find anywhere that sells them with the head on ???
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welcome to the board Ruckus! How was the ice on loborough?
I seem to catch lakers a little deeper later in the day, but they do roam. I've had good luck in the 60-100 fow mid-day. Were the dead smelts you had head-on or off? I can't seem to find anywhere that sells them with the head on ???
Thanks, it was nice to find local ice fishing info. The ice is still good, about 10-12 inches but a little messy on top with the warm weather. Yeah the dead smelt didn't have heads, we got them at Walmart. I might get out again this week so maybe I'll try a little deeper. We also tried jigging with white tubes, Gulp minnows and Williams White Fish, do you jig or mostly just set dead sticks?
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all jiggin for lakers. I usually set out a dead stick if I'm going to be there a while, but I've only had one taker on the dead stick for lakers and I didn't manage to land him.
white tubes are the ticket for me out there, with smelt if I can find them.
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Ok, maybe that will help, we've been using mostly dead sticks and maybe thats why we only get them first thing in the morning. So you tip the Tube with a smelt? Just tell me if i'm asking for to much info. Do you tend to jig hard, like 3-4 feet per stroke or just jiggle it a bit. (That didn't sound right!!) LOL!!
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Yep, tipped with smelt when I can find it. I've done well without though too. I usually jig pretty aggresively untill I see one show up on the flasher, then it's up to the fish and how they're feeling that day. Sometimes dead stick works, or pounding the bottom, or running it up and away can be good too. By no means am I the laker master, but I have done really well on them this year with some good advice from guys on here and the addition of a flasher. ;D
Some good info here:
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=220058.0 (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=220058.0)
There's lots more if you search the site for loborough or even lake trout.
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Last night was a sad night; my shanty is now in the back yard waiting to be stored for the summer :(
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well, at least it's not frozen into the ice ;)
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True...that wind storm last week did a number on it, so there were a few pieces scattered on the ice, but since it was so warm out nothing was frozen.
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Ya, Laker2011 and I hung up our gear for the season two weeks ago...been busy and now with the mild temps we're working on getting the boat ready for April 1st. Almost there!!! :)
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oh I am not don'e for ther season yet, there is still a good 14 inches out there, it's just covered in water. I am going to try to get out and sit on my bucket for a couple hours next week. Hmm, sitting on my bucket ice fishing in a t shirt sounds like a bucket list type of thing....with next weeks warm temps I may just do that!
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Awesome! I had a good season and I know there is tons of ice but colour me lazy / excited for open water season. I'm going to take the next three weeks to get the boat ready, get our ice fishing gear cleaned up and stored and check some more "to do's" off the wedding list so that when April hits I can fish more...well, that's what I'm hoping for lol!
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haha, I feel ya on the wedding honey-do list...I am sending the caterer $1000 dollars this week (took us some time to save it since the last chunk we gave out) and we still haven't made/send out all the invitations. (Did you get yours yet?)
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9am53 - 14" where? Verona lake? I'm going to head out this weekend in search of fishable ice. I'm hoping for loborough or dog lake. Anyone seen the ice there lately?
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yeah, verona. Mind you I was there on wednesday, and the warm rain yesterday has likely affected that thickness a bit. It will be safe for walking and sitting on for sure, especially with the cold last night and tonight. I wouldn't drive out though because even on wednesday the whirlpooling holes were getting pretty big and from past experience getting a truck wheel stuck in one of those is a real PITA.
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thanks 9am53. I never drive on the ice, just isn't worth it for me.
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Going for pike on BoQ (Deseronto) with my boat. Swaping my 2010 Yamaha F60 for a 2012 Yamaha F90. Ohhhhhh she's going to move!!!
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TheDL
Lots of ice still on Loughbourgh, just no dam fish,,,,lol Skunked again...Be out again tomorrow afternoon.
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Hey DL
I was on Dog today, and there was a good 7-9 inches in most spots, Fishing was good for me, Landed my first Splake today, and then they multiplyed by 3... ... Heading to Lough, around 10 tomorrow..... With this weather coming up.... time to pull the boat out im thinking...
Tylercurt,
Hope that Skunk stays very very very far away from me... lol...
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Heading out to Loughborough in the morning to try the Lakers again. A friend of mine was out this morning and got one around 3lbs. Lookin like it's going to be a nice day so hopefully their biting.
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well, how'd you guys do out there on loborough? I was there on Saturday, I'll put a post up shortly with the pic of the one we managed to ice.
time to start thinking about softwater with this water weather we're having. ;D
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We ended up with one around 3lbs on Sunday and lost 3, we were done by 9am and headed over to Dog to try the Splake but no luck. The ice on Dog was getting soft on Sunday so it might not be safe now.
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Well boys, it was an alright season. It was good to meet a few of you.
See you next year!
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See you on Myfishfinder.com and hopefully out on the lake :)
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Well the hard water fishing season is not too far off. Time to get the gear ready: change the line, sharpen the hooks, grease the reels, etc. Pulled out the sled and ice shanty and fired up the propane auger. Although it is still a little early better to get prepared before everything freezes up.
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Any recommended motels or B&B's in that area? Won't be long now! Thanks
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Any recommended motels or B&B's in that area? Won't be long now! Thanks
What lakes are you looking to fish?
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I really want to try different lakes in that area, so Verona would or may put me in close access to most. If there's lodging all around that area north of Kingston, it would be even better. The plan is fish 2 to 3 days during the week this winter trying new places everyday. Thanks
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I dont know about too many places to rent, but I do pass "Holiday Manor" in Battersea, that will put you on Dog and Loughborough, but I cant speak for the accommodations or price
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I'll going to take a drive down that way soon and get myself sorted out for places to stay. Looks like an interesting area to fish, lots of variety and interesting people to meet. Good thing is it's only 2 1/2 hrs from home, so I can do day trips. Thanks for the info. Dani
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I am going to bay of quinte end of january to target some big eyes. Any recommendations on where to stay and also is there alot of public access to get out there. Should I bring a wheeler or a sled or is it easy walking with not alot of distance?
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Big Island is good, park at Wagner's farm, Point Ann is good, parking limited, Hay Bay, parking at Sherman’s or Thompsons not bad, Huffs is good but new parking means you have to park up on the road and there is a big ass hill to walk, dam far. You can walk to most places but if you want to get away from the crowds transportation is nice, just watch out for the pressure cracks that will appear. You can give me a shout when it gets closer and I can give you a report on the fishing, did 45 days on the ice last year....lol
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Anyone ever try Long Lake up near Parham? I thought about giving it a try this winter.
Cheers! :)
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Since there are quite a few Kingston guys on this board thought I would bump this thread to the top.
I know the weathernetwork's 14 day forecast has the same scientific validity as a magic 8 ball but since it looks promising after tomorrow I am going to chose to believe it and plan my first ice trip for the weekend of the 15-16th. Thinking maybe S Otter for Pike & Crappie or Upper Rock for Splake.
Where is everyone's first stop going to be this year?
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I`ll probably be giving Dog Lake a first time crack....although it might be a while yet.
but I`m ready to go.
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Hey Guys, can't wait to get on the ice. I just started fishing Splake this spring so I have never fished for them through the ice. I would like to give Upper Rock a try but I don't know where to get on the lake. Any helpful info would be very appreciated.
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For access to upper rock just follow the road (opinican road) from perth road the access is where the lake comes beside the road just before the bridge. You can`t miss it, the best fishing seems to be on the road side of the lake.
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This will probably be our last weekend trolling quinte be and my buddy both have fibreglass boats unless i get brave and pull out the old tinner to break ice
So that being said I took time off Dec 13 and 14th before the weekend and if the weather holds up as expected I will be on the ice those days with my spud floater and ice picks
Before the rain on sunday I did a little early ice hunting and this is what I found with ice over 10 ft of water:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gv7x0GkKvxE/UL6VpbdczqI/AAAAAAAAAW0/CLfLni_Lxkg/s720/IMG356.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b9L0rjy5GPQ/UL6V3gJSmVI/AAAAAAAAAW8/UrRATFlvQu0/s512/IMG353.jpg)
It was only an inch but it would hold my weight
Dog wont be ready for a while I fished it yesterday and water was still over 40 in the bays didnt get any fish either did ok the previous trip tho
I plan to be posting the first iced fish reports around kingston again this year and again my spots will be top secret until we have safe ice everywhere sorry boys
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Thanks for the info Sig. I'm looking forward to doing some spake fishin. If anyone feels like showing me the ropes and sharing some tips I would love to join up and give them a try. I have lots of equipment but lack experience with the splake.
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Anyone fish for Whitefish around Kingston? I have heard that Eagle and Bobs have them, but have never fished those lakes in the winter.
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4-6" on the lakes in Ompah, didn't have my gear with me but checked some lakes and they are good from what I saw Soon as bow hunting ends i'm getting after em'!
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Ice junkie, 4-6" in Ompah? That awesome news! Did you happen to check out Cananto Lake - that's where my cottage is. I don't think immgoing to see any ice in Central New York for a while.
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i did not check cananto, i checked redhorse and granite which I believe is in the relative area of there, i have never fished it though.
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Hi icejunkie;
I am a new member to the board and have hunted and fished that area since I was a kid. Just wondering how the access to Granite was at this time. It's been a couple years since I have been in that far.
Thanks
Randy
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very accesible, we drove a truck in 2 wheel drive and the lake is a stone throw from the trail. obviously once the snow accumulates you will need an atv or sled but its well maintained and remains accesible through the winter.
.
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Thanks for the info. I do know the lake very well was just wondering if it was accessible by vehicle at this time of year. I used to hunt out of the camp just over the hill from the lake. Have fished many of the lakes in the area since the '70's. At that time Granite was stocked with specks and it was a great lake both winter and summer until the perch were introduced :(
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I hope someone is having fun and good luck on those back lakes. A couple of early season pics would be good. Best wishes and a safe season to all.
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Hi all,
I'm new to the kingston area this year and i would just like to say hi to everyone!!! I've been reading a lot and it doesnt seem like there are too many kingston people on here but i thought i would let anyone who's interested know that i spudded my way out about 30ft off the shore at kingston mills and there was about 3-4" of not so great ice. i would have been able to go farther but i felt a little uneasy out there. I may wait another week and try for my first of the year on the hardwater.
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Nice to hear from you eastcoastboy, there are a few of here from the Kingston area. Be careful out there on that slush ice.
by the way I`m from the east too (Cape Breton)
sig (Ron) VVV
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Welcome to the board Eastcoastboy.....Glad to see there is a bunch from down home...lol From NB myself and wife is from NL, I fish cause she tells me too.....lol Looking forward to getting out on HayBay soon and Loughborough Lake for lakers
Stay safe
Tim
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I'm also from NB. Chances are i will see you on the west end of loughborough when it freezes up, i'm itchin' for my first laker as i have never caught one before. Until this year i never had access to a lake that holds lakers.
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Anyone check out Dog lake by the shipyards? Any ice there yet?
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My buddy who lives on Dog near the 3 cats said he has 4" outside his house.
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Hi all,
I'm new to the kingston area this year and i would just like to say hi to everyone!!! I've been reading a lot and it doesnt seem like there are too many kingston people on here but i thought i would let anyone who's interested know that i spudded my way out about 30ft off the shore at kingston mills and there was about 3-4" of not so great ice. i would have been able to go farther but i felt a little uneasy out there. I may wait another week and try for my first of the year on the hardwater.
Welcome to the shanty Eastcoastboy! There's actually quite a few guys on here from the kingston area. Be carefull on the ice by the locks! Some of the smaller back lakes are frozen over good enough to walk on, just spud as you go.My buddy who lives on Dog near the 3 cats said he has 4" outside his house.
Good to hear that, any word on hogans/shipyard bay?
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Well I ventured out on Verona Lake yesterday for the first time this hardwater season. There was 4" of ice under a several inches of snow. There were at least 5 others out on the lake with their new ice fishing gear they received for Christmas -hahahaha! Anyway, was a good day on the lake but hope that we keep freezing temperatures over the coming days or the lake will start to water / slush up. The fish were biting well and were preferring minnows over artificial bait. By the way, the propane-powered auger I bought last year works like a charm. Screw the bottle on after a year without use and 2 pulls and it was cutting holes like a hot knife through butter! Woohoo!
Cheers for now!
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer
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(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u645/Icejunkie33/image_zps84aae2a3.jpg). not what I was after but had to snap a photo of the first fish of 2013!
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Wow! Nice fish !
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HOLY BASS!! Nice one, hope there were some keeper fish caught as well.
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(http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u645/Icejunkie33/showdowncrappies_zpsf2c997b5.jpg) An hours efforts this morning in my secret spot! ;) fished 42 FOW and the crappies ranged from 30-40 FOW! caught them on a mud bug with waxies! love my showdown sonar!
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Nice haul Ice junkie33!
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Those are some beauty papermouths! MMmm delicious!
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I heading to Dog lake, shipyards area, I will post a report on ice conditions (and hopefully fish) when I get back. Where is everyone else fishing this weekend?
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As posted in general discussions, being new to the area, I imagine I will be watching out the window to see just how many will attempt the trek out on the west end of Loughborough, with phone in hand. Be careful out there
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there might be a slight chance depending on what i looks like out there tomorrow morning i will be out. I will be spuddin one or two step at a time but we will se some tomorrow morning at about 07:00-08:00
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Waiting for a few cold days and then heading out to Verona this coming weekend. Reports indicate that there is 4 or 5 inches of ice right now but everyone is being careful not to take 4-wheelers out yet. Better safe than sorry. I expect after this week fishing will pick up as the ice firms up. Have some new toys to take out. You will find me on the ice - I will have an Ice Shanty flag up! Woohoo! Be safe and see some of you soon.
Don
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I was on verona lake yesterday. there was 6-7" of ice. there was also a 4 wheeler that was ripping around out there as well. and a decent amount of guys out as well considering the wind was blowing 50-60 km/h.
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ahhh.. but did you catch anything...? ;)
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Well then ice conditions on Verona Lake sound even better than first reports. Definitely looking forward to the weekend!
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This is a test of embedding a pic in the forum. The pic is my son at end of December when we were on Verona Lake. (http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null-1.jpg) Want to thank JZ for the info!
Don
aka Leviathan_slayer
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Here is the Team Ice Shanty flag that I have when I am fishing! See you on the ice!
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null-2.jpg)
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Megaram,
I was actually shocked... i spudded out and drilled a hole and put my ducer in and marked a fish instantly!!! so i put on a buckshot tipped with a nightcrawler and down i sent it. i was in 24fow and as soon as i had my lure above the fish it took off to the bottom and then not 5-6 seconds later after twitching the bait it launched off the bottom and SMACK... It hit the bait at the 20Ft mark. It turned out to be a 16" Pike but holy did it ever hit hard. Also caught 3 little 4" perch. I will try verona out again for sure.
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I have been using a great computer program over last 2 years to create bathymetric maps for lakes where you can not find such maps. I have mapped Verona, Howes and 2nd Depot Lakes with great success. The image below gives you an example of how the program outputs a map that I can use in paper form or even as a file on my GPS Fishfinder. The image below is the early version before I embedded it in a google map and added shoreline data. It makes fishing lakes with no existing maps a lot easier.
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/DD55D851-F085-4712-86E7-29DDAD032F04-1419-0000009BCC5B3B02.jpg)
Don
aka Leviathan_slayer
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That's a great little map. Thanks for sharing SLAYER! i now know where i want to drill some holes next time.
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I need to get out on verona, never fished it.. this has been a tough year for me hitting the ice
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Ice Junky - give Verona Lake a try. Easy access, good fishing and close to conveniences. You will not be disappointed!
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i have fished Verona many times, summer and winter.. and NOTHING.... watched others pull fish... I must have been doing something wrong. lol. Sadly my job as dictated i work this saterday, so not sure where im going to go sunday and monday..
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MegaRam - do not dispare there are plenty of fish in the lake. If you are out on Sunday look for the Team IceShanty flag and come on over. Will share some tips that work for my son and me. Stay safe on the ice.
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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If anybody is looking to head out that way Tuesday/Wednesday send a pm. Up for pike, pickerel, lakers or splake.
Cheers.
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For those tech-savvy anglers here is a QR scan that will locate Verona Lake on a map.
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/19A3AFC4-223C-48B9-8347-EC970405421F-1684-000000B27C5CF26E.jpg)
Ciao for now!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Can't say I have ever been skunked on Verona. My dads friend has a house on the lake with access to Hambly Lake as well. Some really nice fish in both lakes though they do get a good amount of pressure year round. Topwater frog fishermans paradise in the summer!
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Tip-uptwo - there is constant pressure on certain parts of the lake but if you move to areas seldomly fished you will be surprised by what you catch. During winter months the cluster of sheds is not the place to set up if you want big fish. Knowing the lake and structure will help produce some good sized fish for this relatively small lake!
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null.jpg)
Cheers!
Don
aka leviathan_ slayer
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I have been using a great computer program over last 2 years to create bathymetric maps for lakes where you can not find such maps. I have mapped Verona, Howes and 2nd Depot Lakes with great success. The image below gives you an example of how the program outputs a map that I can use in paper form or even as a file on my GPS Fishfinder. The image below is the early version before I embedded it in a google map and added shoreline data. It makes fishing lakes with no existing maps a lot easier.
Don,
Thanks a million for posting this!! Superb work! Hope to see you out there to thank you in person.
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Tip-uptwo - there is constant pressure on certain parts of the lake but if you move to areas seldomly fished you will be surprised by what you catch. During winter months the cluster of sheds is not the place to set up if you want big fish. Knowing the lake and structure will help produce some good sized fish for this relatively small lake!
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null.jpg)
Cheers!
Don
aka leviathan_ slayer
That Black Frabill in the background is mine I had my atv out on sunday in the wind I was the one that wasnt ripping around everywhere barely got on the ice someones permanent hut blew half way across the lake... the access is brutal after all the water drained down to the ramp and I have only caught dinky pike the last couple outings this cold weather means lots of options for this weekend cant wait
What program did you use to make that map? a few spots seem a little off
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That Black Frabill in the background is mine I had my atv out on sunday in the wind I was the one that wasnt ripping around everywhere barely got on the ice someones permanent hut blew half way across the lake... the access is brutal after all the water drained down to the ramp and I have only caught dinky pike the last couple outings this cold weather means lots of options for this weekend cant wait
What program did you use to make that map? a few spots seem a little off
I recall in another thread you mentioned you would not reccomend this lake for panfish to another member? What exactly is it you are fishing for because the pike are not all that big in Verona ;) ;D I've found the panfish populations in the lake to be stellar as far as bluegill and crappie go. The perch like on many lakes in the area take refuge just about anywhere on that lake.
The bluegill can be tough one to catch at times. I've found them all over and some gooduns too. The crappie are best caught early in the morning and pick up agian around dusk.
Map looks great!
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One thing you have to remember about Verona Lake is that it has active inflow and outflow points that keep the water well oxygenated. Although the vegetation in the back bays die off by mid-January there are 3 or 4 key areas that hold good populations of fair to good-sized fish. 9-12lb pike, 4-8lb walleye, 10-15" perch, etc. The key is knowing the structure of the lake, the underwater inflow/outflow channel, and the hardness level of the bottom. The fish respond to all these factors. Use the points around the lake as the fish use these during the winter months.
Cheers for and good fishing!
Don
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I fish for pike and if i can get into an eye great....as i said before the panfish are wormy and are not as good as good as they are on many other local lakes for eating....I'm not much for panfishing though i love the fight of a big pike and keep trout and eyes for the table
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Hambly has some big pike, though its tough to gain access. I've only fished Verona for eyes, bass, bluegill and crappie. Can't say I've seen a perch over 8'' but then again only fished here 3 times ;D
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I think it is probably worth planning a Verona Lake outing in the next few weeks to get as many IceShanty members out.
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IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION FOR ZONE 18 FISHING
The Ontario MNR has changed some of the regulations:
Walleye regs have been changed in Zone 18, with a new slot restriction. Catch limits remain the same (four for sportfishing licencees, two for conservation), but only fish between 40 and 50 centimetres (15.7 to 19.7 inches) can be kept.
For later this year some good news though:
Bass anglers in Zone 18 (south-eastern) and Zone 20 (Lake Ontario) get three more weeks of bass fishing in 2013. The bass opener has been moved forward to the third Saturday in June, a week earlier than its traditional start date. Additionally, the season has been extended two weeks to December 15.
FYI.
Don
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Hello to everyone. Just joined this site after fiding it on a search. Moved here a couple of years ago but did not get out on the ice. Been a long while since I have, prob back in the early 90's when I lived in Labrador. Hoping to get out some thing year but am starting from scratch with min equipment. Look forward to chatting and seeing people out on the ice.
Darryl
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Welcome Darryl, hope to see you on the ice.
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Leviathan Slayer,
Are you sure that is the correct interpretation of the waleye reg? As I read it all fish must be between 40 and 50 centimeters.
I woudl really like to know which is correct because we have been putting back good eaters due to this reg.
ZONE 18 SEASONS AND LIMITS
SPECIES OPEN SEASONS LIMITS
Walleye & Sauger or any combination
S - 4; Must be between 40-50 cm - (15.7– 19.7 in)
C - 2; Must be between 40-50 cm - (15.7– 19.7 in)
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Leviathan Slayer,
Are you sure that is the correct interpretation of the waleye reg? As I read it all fish must be between 40 and 50 centimeters.
I woudl really like to know which is correct because we have been putting back good eaters due to this reg.
ZONE 18 SEASONS AND LIMITS
SPECIES OPEN SEASONS LIMITS
Walleye & Sauger or any combination
S - 4; Must be between 40-50 cm - (15.7– 19.7 in)
C - 2; Must be between 40-50 cm - (15.7– 19.7 in)
You got it, anything below 40cm or above 50cm must be put back
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The interpretation is correct and it is straight from the MNR website.
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For those interested I am in the process of developing a website dedicated to fishing in the Kingston area. I will look to provide updates that people provide in the blog section of the website. You watch my progress in developing the site at the following web address:
http://kingstonareafishing.webr.ly/
Hopefully it will be useful for anglers in the Kingston area and those that are visiting the area. Any suggestions you have feel free to share them with me.
Ciao for now.
Don
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For those interested I am in the process of developing a website dedicated to fishing in the Kingston area. I will look to provide updates that people provide in the blog section of the website. You watch my progress in developing the site at the following web address:
http://kingstonareafishing.webr.ly/
Hopefully it will be useful for anglers in the Kingston area and those that are visiting the area. Any suggestions you have feel free to share them with me.
Ciao for now.
Don
I know your site is a little different but do you know about www.fishkingston.com ?
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Cannitro482,
Thanks from the post. Yes I am familiar with www.fishkingston.com Has some good info. Trying to expand info available to people that covers a greater area around Kingston. As well trying to come up with a site that will useful and educational at the same time. For example, providing info about boat access for back lakes, sharing baths metric maps, etc.
Thanks again for the post!
Don
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Leviathan Slayer,
Are you sure that is the correct interpretation of the waleye reg? As I read it all fish must be between 40 and 50 centimeters.
I woudl really like to know which is correct because we have been putting back good eaters due to this reg.
ZONE 18 SEASONS AND LIMITS
SPECIES OPEN SEASONS LIMITS
Walleye & Sauger or any combination
S - 4; Must be between 40-50 cm - (15.7– 19.7 in)
C - 2; Must be between 40-50 cm - (15.7– 19.7 in)
Is that zone bay of quinte? Going up in a couple weeks and just want to know
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No thats not for the Bay of Quinty, The bay is in zone 20 so the old regs are still good.
sig sends VVV
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back lake report as of yesterday 23 7-9in on secound depot this is 400 ft off launch. south end of rock off water st had 7-9in and inverary lake had 8-10. there is huts and trucks on all but secound but i would wait a few days yet for the truck heading out to load up the hut and get it on ice. Great pike fishing in inverary lake
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Thanks weaver84 for the update. The weather has definitively firmed up the back lakes. I am expecting an assault on many of the lakes this coming weekend. Charge up those batteries, stock up those minnow buckets, sharpen the hooks, and get the layered clothing ready. It is time to fish! Woohoo!
`·.¸¸ >﹤((((º>.·´¯`·>﹤((((º>
>﹤((((º> ·...>﹤((((º>
·...>﹤((((º>`·.¸¸ >﹤((((º>.·´¯`·>﹤((((º>
>﹤((((º> ·...>﹤((((º>
·...>﹤((((º>`·.¸¸ >﹤((((º>.·´¯`·>﹤((((º>
>﹤((((º> ·...>﹤((((º>
·...>﹤((((º>
Don
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The ice is firming up and looking good. The fish are showing up on th screen but hanging to the bottom.
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null-4.jpg)
Looking forward to see fellow anglers on the ice this weekend!
Ciao for now!
Don
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Happy Hardwater 2012!
Can't wait to try out my new gear. (And the new techniques I've been playing through my head for months now)
Would appreciate any comments:
I am finally going to purchase a new power auger.
Propane is looking pretty good. The only cons I have read thus far are that they are heavier and the whole 'propane does not like the cold' thing.
Need to decide in 2 weeks. Would love some input from anyone with experience with a propane auger.
Thanks
Stay Safe, Mike
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Don (aka Leviathon Slayer) runs a propane auger, I believe, he posted last year it was a great drill. I bought a Rapala one last year, it runs great, no problems at all. Like all engines, if you store it properly they generally run well for years. If you get a gas auger I would run Premium gas through it with the proper oil mixture and I always add Seafoam to every tank, it stabilizes the gas and helps keep the engine clean and deposit free.
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Hey Tight Line,
As jigncraw mentioned I have a propane powered auger and it works great regardless of the temperature. I also purchased the attachment that will allow me to refill the 1lb propane bottles a couple of times before disposing them. Will save a little $ and the landfill.
As for gas powered augers jigncraw's advice is good. Make sure you use premium fuel. Using seaform also prolongs the life and reliability of the auger. There are some good models out there and I would look to buy this year's model of Jiffy or Eskimo. They keep adjusting and updating their technology. Other models are good as well but I would read the reviews by users before buying any of them.
As for me I am hooked on propane and have sold my other augers!
All the best and ciao for now.
Don
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Heading out the door to pick up some minnows and then off to Verona Lake. I hear the fish calling our names!
Ciao for now and will let you know how he day goes!
Don
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No shortage of fish today. Although the bite was slow it was steady throughout the day. Some good sized pike and perch being caught. Watched a pike attack and devour a perch on the Aqua-Vu - amazing speed! Anyway hope everybody's ventures out on the ice were productive.
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/F28A4AA7-EF2E-44AF-9C74-25D2B6C638A5-959-000000538CBBFF71.jpg)
Ciao for now.
Don
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To Team Ice Shanty!
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/A361D0B6-0846-4C03-B69C-2B43972ACBD7-959-000000569323454A.jpg)
Ciao do now.
Don
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i also bought a rapala nitro ice drill this year i works great have had no issues. started in minus 30 easy on fuel. guess around 60 holes to a tank and 33lb weight. i have been out about ten times have not been skunked yet i did go to rock and secound with no luck but stoped in inverary and had no prob that lake takes a beating in the winter but tons off pike not bad perch and now around one ft ice.
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people have broken into a hut on inverary lake in the past week cleaned it out so i have herd. if you have a hut around this area you may want to keep a close eye. and to the theaves i really hope to catch ya at mine. hope all are haveing a good fish
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Might try inverary tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up. Good thing my 6x10 hut is mobile. Ill just take it on and off
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Not just ANY premium gas; Shell V-Power only! Zero% ethanol. Buddy and I have identical augers (Jiffy 3400STX 10", which we both think are great) and I run V-Power. I can drill 1 or 2 holes while he's still wanking on his pull-start. I am NOT exagerating!! Right GeeMan?
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i also bought a rapala nitro ice drill this year i works great have had no issues. started in minus 30 easy on fuel. guess around 60 holes to a tank and 33lb weight.
You will get more than 60 holes per tank, I just got one this year and iam at about 100 holes this year and still half a tank of gas left.
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Well started off to go to Loughborough Lake but it was really busy. So headed out to Verona again. Was a slow day but productive. Caught a few pike - saw 2 pike "hunting" as a pair on the camera - cool. Both my son, our buddy Jerry and I caught fish. Others around us were not as lucky. Overall this weekend was great for fishing. A good 13" of ice on the lake.
Hope others are having good luck on the ice as well.
Ciao for now.
Don
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/EAA6B503-C20D-4785-931A-237FD2995642-2649-00000105B74D5EB9.jpg)
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Nice Pike! Gawd id like to get into some snot rockets like those!
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for pike a decent spot to try is collins lake or right across the road inverary lake. not sure of ice on collins but seen a truck out on inverary today.both good pike ,perch crappie can be found along with musky if your lucky enough ill be out on inverary tomorrow morning farthest hut from shore seems to be good perch, closest hut good pike good luck to all
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Im really interested in ice conditions north of kingston. Anyone been out since the big melt?
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Was on Sharbot. Rains did NOTHING to the ice except make it super slippery. Snow today will help that, though.
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ice is still decent in most spots just watch for currents seen people on collins and inverary today. yesterday they still had trucks on inverary just spud and you should be safe any one heading out tomorrow never hurts to have other fisherman near bye
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Inverary Lake, that's what some people tell me is Little Collins.
Had lots of small pike there one year. Not been back for a while.
Is the only access to the lake off of 12?
Got bad-stuck, pulled up on the side of the road last time.
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The only way I know to get on is off moreland dixon do you guys still pay when you go on inverary in the winter? if so is it the house right beside the access point? Fished collins lots but not inverary know guys that do ok there tho
The fishing is definitely worse then last year this time hoping it will start to pick up again soon
despite the brutal fishing Ive managed a few decent fish but also had a few days that were just a waste going out
Got my first backlake walter through the ice just under 5 lbs in early Jan
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3LToHnuoGv8/UQv6EQB9nYI/AAAAAAAAAZY/I7cdGrCBaV0/s512/230698_10151190697335770_1366336177_n.jpg)
Tons of lil dinky pike like this to keep the skunk away but no monsters since first ice still a fun fight especially playing with them on the fish tv
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5l50lCWDWMg/UQv6EeB3PMI/AAAAAAAAAZU/fudylAtZdAc/s512/408534_10151202366890770_1714253963_n.jpg)
and a good day of fishing for the table with this bag of nice clean jumbos (All between 9 and 13')
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7za-n_Ium5k/UQv6ENKILbI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/MQ859qQTIzc/s512/602880_10151212116375770_1875221324_n.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pMoLGaiQQ4Q/UQv6E52ExpI/AAAAAAAAAZg/we1yNdVtL70/s512/62926_10151212118505770_1093833745_n.jpg)
Still need to get out for some trout maybe this weekend
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Hey guys, new to the Kingston area. But from all the great information given on the thread looks to be some great fishing. Thanks for all the great tips and fishing hot spots, I am going to have to try them all out. Keep up the great work, glad to see so many fishing enthusiast in one place. Good luck and stay safe.
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Nice 'eye SEOO, they are few and far btw in the backlakes, lets hope in 3 or 4 yrs time the new slot regs changes that.
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Hi i just joined this site lived around kingston my hole life has any one been on buck lake yet this year
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I don`t think many people fish Buck lake anymore.....If they are lake trout fishing most people go to the west end of
lorbourough lake.
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I am thinking of trying Draper Lake in the AM, anybody been there this year? It used to be good for Splake a few years back.
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I was at draper last week got one little one lost two the bite was slow we went to rock and pounded them it was non stop good ones to.
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I am look at buying a under water camera what is the best one to buy?
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Mattgreen49
I have both an Aqua-Vu Z series and the newer Aqua-Vu micro. Both cameras are great - as a matter of fact many of the cameras on the market today are great. What you should consider is buying one that has recording capability. As well, if you are going to use it during spring/summer then look for one that has a good sun shield and accessories for trolling from a boat. The technology keeps improving each!
Ciao for now!
Don
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Headed out to Loughborough Lake today. Fishing was a little slow but marked fish and watched them come up to the bait. Bit of a snow squall blew in the afternoon. Cut fishing short to get home for the Super Bowl! Go Ravens Go!
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null_zps2a33af62.jpg)
Ciao for now!
Don
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hey don,
Nice pic,
Just a question...... you trying to heat the whole outside.... Im just kidding....
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(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null_zps24b67c02.jpg)
Hey MegaRam,
Good one! We were trying to heat up the fishing today - Hahahahaha. We have been doing a lot more lake hopping this year than in previous years. Next week going to try out Deseronto for some walleyes!
Take care and good luck on the ice!
Ciao for now!
Don
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(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null_zps04e4c5cf.jpg)
A mouth only a pescatorial dentist could love!
Don
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Well, I have all my gear ready to go. I have been checking out some of the lakes on Google Earth and the MNR site. Was looking at Inverary and Collins lakes.
I dont have a sled and will just be walking and pulling my gear. Can anyone tell me the best place to park and access both of these lakes?
Also, I know Verona has a boat launch and I would guess that is the best place to get on from?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
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Hey Hardwaternewbie,
In Verona turn down Water Street and the boat ramp is straight ahead. Easy as pie. Head out onto the lake near the shacks and you should be into some fish. As for Collins Lake the best way to get on the lake is via the boat launch. However it is on private property so check with the house owner.
Good luck!
Don
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Thanks for the info. It is hard to tell if land is crown or owned. I don't have a boat either so I will have to find out where all the public boat launches are and go from there.
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Hey guys, looking to head out to Verona and Loughborough Lake, either tomorrow or Wednesday. Just wondering what I should pack in the tackle box. Any suggestions on baits and tackle. Whats hot and what fish are taking a liking to. Thanks in advance!!!!!
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celeste032
Good question. I would be interested in that as well. Heading out to both of those places hopefully this weekend. As long as the weather stays away.
HWN
Darryl
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Well for Loughborough make sure you have white tubes. That is all ive been catching lakers on. And for verona i would try to get some advice from leviathon slayer if he's willing to give up his secrets lol as he seems to do quite well on verona when no one else is.
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ECB,
Thanks for the info. I'm from NL. You?
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Im from NB and dont miss it at all. fishing isnt as good.
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Hey hardwaternewbie,
I was out on Loughborough this past weekend and as ECB mentioned the white tubes were what were drawing the lake trout up for at least an investigation (seems ECB was much more successful than me!). As for Verona Lake mud minnows or shiners seem to work the best. However, tiny rubber grubs or wax worms are great for slaying perch, crappies and bluegills. Hope this is helpful!
Don
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ECB,
I don't miss it from back home either. I just miss driving down the road and fishing on whatever stream you wanted. No fences or private property anywhere.
Don,
Thanks for the info. I actually went out to Loughborough yesterday after work to scout it out as I was never there before. Really close and easy to get to. Spoke to a few people coming off. They did not have much luck. Will be heading out Sat morning early. Maybe get a few quick ones and home for lunch.
Darryl
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debating on whether to get a portable fish finder. Seems the way to go if you want to catch anything. Anyone have any thoughts?
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I just bought the vexilar fl-8 lowest based model around 300$ or you could spend up to 800 on the fl-21. marcum also makes one. Has helped me catching smelt and perch. I believe vexilar has a better line definition using less power making the battery last longer. just sayin. hope this helps
debating on whether to get a portable fish finder. Seems the way to go if you want to catch anything. Anyone have any thoughts?
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I have the humminbird ice 35 and have no complaints at all. Its a great unit for $300. But there is many threads on here about flashers and once you start comparing humminbird/vexilar/marcum everyone has there own preferences and will always say one is better than the other. Just buy any flasher and you will be happy in my opinion and it will make your experience on the ice a lot more enjoyable and you will catch more fish. I can honestly say i would have probably only caught 1 laker this year if i didnt have my flasher.
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Thanks guys. I will take a look tomorrow. Heading out today for a couple hours(hopefully) after work. Would love to get a couple for supper.
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debating on whether to get a portable fish finder. Seems the way to go if you want to catch anything. Anyone have any thoughts?
I would be hard pressed to even consider fishing WITHOUT one any more! A flasher works better for me for ice fishing. A LOT of fun playing cat & mouse and being able to see where your bait is, and what kind of presentation is effective; or not!
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i have the vexlar and love it , I've used the marcum show down and its cool and anything by hummingbird is great (all i have in my boat)
havin a flasher unit is good because there is no guess work about where you are in the fishing column
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Hey thanks guys. Hoping to use all the info, get out in the next couple days. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. At least we are getting some cold weather for ice. Anybody been out recently?any recent ice updates. Hope to see you all out there next few days. Stay safe and have fun !!
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I will be on Loughborough tomorrow morning and staying till about 2:30 or so. Hopefully i can get into the BITE again.
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Hey everyone, just moved to Kingston recently for work, and looking to get out for some ice fishing. Lots of good information posted here so far.
Was hoping to get some of your help. I haven't seen anything posted recently about this so I'll ask - what's the best place to get bait? Is the place south of Verona still open? I've driven by several times, but it always looks deserted there and the gate is closed. I live off of Hwy 38, but commute into Kingston on weekdays.
Second - I was hoping to get out this weekend for some fishing. Haven't been on any local lakes yet. I have a couple atv's if I need to get in somewhere that's harder to access or a drive down the lake. But most importantly, just somewhere with safe ice and lots of fish. Can anyone make a recommendation?
Lastly, if anyone is ever looking for someone to go fishing with, I'd be interested.
Thanks in advance!
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Chjeff,
Check out the thread "Kingston + minnows"
I started it a while back. It shoudl have all you need.
As for fishing, Loughborough is a popular spot for trout, Collins for pike, and verona for everything.
Good luck!
KtownIce
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Yeah I would defiantly like an update in the bait situation. Around Verona where's the best place to get early morning bait. Still the hardware store? Or sumwhere else? Thanks in advance hoping to get out there Tommorow looking to be a good day. How's the fishing been? Anyone been out lately? Cheers thanks in advance
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Hello fellow pescatorial slayers! Another great day on Verona Lake with my son. Several perch and pike - more caught on rubber mealworms than on live minnows. Drove out onto the lake - there was a good 16 inches of ice but 2 to 3 ft snow drifts. Thank goodness for 4WD. Mind you met Joe who just bought an Argo and boy did it chew up the snow and ice!
As for getting minnows, the South Frontenac Rental Centre on Colebrook Rd. in Harrowsmith sells minnows. As well, Canadian Tire off Gardiners sells minnows as well. Leonard's gravel pit off Hwy 38 no longer sells to the public - he supplies Canadian Tire. Avg cost for medium minnows $5 - $5.99. Large between $6 - $7.99. If you are venturing out further Norris Sporting Goods between Crosby and Newboro has minnows as well.
Tight lines fellow slayers! If you are in Verona tomorrow We will be out there again! Look for the Ice Shanty flag!
Don
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null_zps9fe1c2cd.jpg)
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null_zps2f43dd62.jpg)
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Any bluegills or crappies being caught? Hardwood creek is infested with massive bluegill during the summer. They got to be stacking somewhere.
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Hey tip-uptwo,
The bluegills and crappies are hanging out in the back end of the south bay. There are some large schools we see on the Aqua-Vu but every time they get interested in the bait the pike move in on them. Consequently they are constantly on the move but not venturing out much further than 18fow. If you want a quick bite from them offer up small rubber grubs. They are taking to long to decide about small live minnows and then the pike move in. Lately the pike have been patrolling/hunting in pairs - it is actually amazing to watch on the camera!
Good luck, tight lines and ciao for now. Just heading out the door to Verona!
Don
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Another day on Verona Lake and although it was much slower still caught some perch and pike. It was strange watching people trying to follow our lead and driving out on the ice. Now a 4WD truck is a lot different than an AWD car with relatively bald tires. 3ft snow drifts will bring a car to a screaming halt. Our truck just sailed through the snow but others got stuck. Oh well, maybe they learned a lesson today!
Ciao for now!
Don
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I just started going out to Verona Lake, haven't had a lot of luck. Is there any good place to fish it other than the populated bay area right near the boat launch? I love the lake, easy access and great people. Just haven't had many big ones :)
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Hello everyone,
My name is Justin Smith and I'm a freelance writer with the Kingston This Week / Napanee Guide. I am doing an article on Ice Fishing in the Kingston area, and would like to interview a fisherman or two if possible.
If you are an avid ice fisher, have information to share about fishing in the area and the available lakes and such, and would be willing to answer a few questions via e-mail (or a short telephone interview if you prefer) then please e-mail me at [email protected].
It is currently Tuesday, February 12th. I have until Thursday, February 14th to write the article - so not much time. If you are interested or know anyone in the community that may wish to be a part of the story - or if you have information about Ice Fishing clubs, etc in the Kingston area, please e-mail me as soon as possible to set something up.
Thank you and I appreciate any help anyone can provide.
Justin Smith
Freelance Reporter
Kingston This Week
SunMedia Corporation
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I commend your resourcefulness, Justin. This is just the area to hook up with folks in the know AND who are willing to share. I'd like to help you out but the Kingston area lakes are still on my "bucket list". Too many lakes right here in my own back-yard that I'm still trying to work out!!
Do us all favour, and link back to your article once it's published...
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Justin
I can help with Loughborough Lake and all of Bay of Quinte, I usually spend about 45 days on the ice during the season. I made a map for the Quintefishing.com for those that do not know where to go and it gives a bit of info on each place. I usually fish for Walleye and Lakers other than that I cannot help. If you want to contact me just email [email protected]
http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=44.134715~-77.208340&lvl=11&dir=0&sty=r&trfc=1&cid=1AD446CFA8A507FA!164&form=LMLTCC
Good Luck
Tim
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Justin,
Any info you may want I would be glad to help you out. As well, feel free to post your questions in the forum and you may get more replies from many other anglers. Since I created this forum we have had over 40,000 views. One of the highest number for Ontario forums.
Ciao for now!
Don
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Weekend fishing to include a day on Loughborough Lake. Going to spend some time seeking out lake trout. Never a shortage of opportunities!
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Sometimes the sun is so bright on the lake that the reflection off the ice is so blinding that you miss some of the sights! Lol
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null_zpsda32e443.jpg)
If ice fishing was always like this many of us would never be allowed outside of the house!
Tight lines to all this weekend!
Ciao for now!
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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Anyone fishing in the Storrington Derby? I'll be on Buck Lake!
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Ya i am going in storringtons derby i am going to try devil lake we did good there last winter.
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Out on Loughborough Lake today. Several lakers coming up from the bottom to the white tube jigs but no takers today. A little excitement today when home-made plane taxied down the lake and then took off for a flight over the area. Came off the lake with a bit of a sunburn - it was a great day overall.
Tomorrow, back out to Verona Lake for some fun with the pike and perch and maybe an elusive walleye. Hope others are enjoying their time on the lake.
Ciao for now!
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/7DD03C0B-A00A-4A94-AC05-54DE4A4A0B9E-15907-00000F0037A6D05E_zpsc2173a6d.jpg)
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Ya i am going in storringtons derby i am going to try devil lake we did good there last winter.
Welcome to the shanty mattgreen!
What do fish in devil, pike?
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Had a great day yesterday was fishing in the Derby. Caught a 9lb 7oz Pike, had a friend of a friend go weigh it in just before 5 (hoping he was trustworthy now, LOL) we continued to fish for and got into the crappie. Can never leave a hot a streak! Haven't heard anything yet, don't know what won it. I had a blast and that's what counts on the lake in my books ;D
Caught on my tip up, baited with herring
(http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y539/Dave_Mayo/267949_268594213273922_416971292_n_zpsf0c76e0c.jpg)
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Thats a beauty fish man. I'd be very surprised if it doesn't win you something. Good on ya...
Cadeuses
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Thats a beauty fish man. I'd be very surprised if it doesn't win you something. Good on ya...
Cadeuses
Thanks man. I'll hear back Tuesday if there was anything won.
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Looks like I won third place;
My friend John is a local and here are the results and prizes if interested he sent me an email;
1st was 10.2 lb, He won a Vexlar flasher, valued at about $500.
2nd was 9.8lbs, He won a 4 man popup tent, valued about $300.
3rd prize was your fish, prize was first pick of the prize table
Overall it was a good day would have been awesome to get a flasher though, I really want one. The prize table apparently was just little things, so nothing big. But had a blast and thats what its all about!
(It was a Pike derby if anyone didn't know)
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Nice Pike Dave! Congrats on the 3rd place, too bad you just missed the flasher prize...best ice fishing tool other than a rod/line.
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Weekend is here and ice fishing adventures are being planned! Heading to new spot on Verona as it looks real promising based on Aqua-Vu pics.
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Im new on this site love the blogs fellow anglers took the boys to 1st lake today for a day of fun and fishing got some crappies and a snow ball fight good times cheers for now boys keep it DIRTY !!!
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Weekend is here and ice fishing adventures are being planned! Heading to new spot on Verona as it looks real promising based on Aqua-Vu pics.
Well another successful fishing mission on Verona Lake. My son and I moved further east than most of the villagers on the lake. We found an ice honey hole for perch, bluegills, pike and crappies. While it was slow around the "ice village" we were in constant fish. The smaller the bait the better the bite.
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/353D0E2E-FF4B-493A-B676-23D36B586FC4-2402-0000016428199A9C_zps3bb13a7f.jpg)
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/6495CE92-CE8F-4801-93BF-6FFFA8C6F11B-2402-000001639AB969C4_zpsf6e4b75f.jpg)
Tight lines to all!
Don
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Hope everybody is having a good time fishing the back lakes this weekend. Weather is as good as it can be for end of February.
Actually taking a break from fishing today - got a new toy to play with - a Lowrance Elite-7 HDI. I am just trying to configure a portable base for it and will try it on the ice before putting it on the boat. Will have to wait 2 weeks though as I am heading out to BC for a week starting Wednesday so will try to get some soft water fishing in between work engagements.
Here is to Tight Lines and look forward to reading the posts about everybody's adventures.
Ciao to now.
Don
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Kingston area ice fishing highlighted in Kingston This Week!
http://www.kingstonthisweek.com/2013/02/19/ice-fishing-in-kingston-a-popular-sport
Ciao!
Don
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Hey all ,nice to see some great pics on here . We were out on pearkes lake(also referred to as elbow lake ) on saturday just before lunch til about 3pm . We got 4 fish ,2 sunfish , a crappie and a largemouth bass . I released everything but the black crappie ,which was delish cooked in lemon juice with a little garlic . Well worth the trip as it put big smiles on my sons face . Lots of slush on top of the ice but still plenty of ice left Nothing ventured , nothing gained ,til next time ,Bill420
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Well I am back from being out in BC and all geared up for the last few weeks of ice fishing. Time to hit the ice hard for those last few great frozen outings before the transition to soft water season. Hope to see some of you this weekend.
Ciao for now!
Don
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Every now and then you come across some interesting information regarding fishing or even the fishing environment. This depiction of the flow of water through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean is extremely interesting and useful.
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/null_zpsc96c6b94.jpg)
Ciao for now.
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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That is a really cool picture, thanks for sharing it.
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Any ice reports for th back lakes this week
Don
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Checked out Loughborough Lake today. Several anglers out on the ice. Fishing looked slow but will give it a try tomorrow. Ice still good for walking on but not consistent enough for motorized vehicles.
Picked up tickets today for the Kiwanis Walleye World tournament at the beginning of May! Preparing for transition to soft water time!
Safe fishing and tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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Nobody fishing anymore? Well I hope to get out this weekend on a few back lakes looking for some splake.
Just got the cast off my leg yesterday,and let me tell you its been a long winter not fishing >:(
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(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/2666D4C2-3E40-498C-84C5-63E2C78DD8BA_zpscz8isgz2.jpg)
We are slowly getting to that time of the year. It is important to remember about checking the ice before venturing out. The above guide is a minimum reminder of what you should consider. Looking forward to this season and hope to see some of you out on the back-lakes of Kingston.
Ciao for now!
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer
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(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/944CD5CE-EF58-480C-9A78-C7835E617BCA_zps9mw2djna.jpg)
Great summary of impact of weather and sun on ice formation and melting. The more you understand, the safer you will be.
Ciao for now!
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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nice infographic!
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checked out a few lakes the other day, most still wide open because of the wind but if you can find a sheltered area the ice is forming. Eel bay was pretty much ice covered I suspect you will see people out there soon. I am going to check some smaller lakes later in the week hopefully I will have a report to post.
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Maybe with this cold weather we'll have some decent ice by next week. I haven't ice fished in December for a few years but maybe this year.
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Well Kingston keeners time to do a lake check around the area. Will be doing a drive-around tomorrow and Sunday and will provide some ice condition reports. Taking the inflatable life vest with me just to be safe. Looking to get some icefishing in before the calendar year ends! It is looking possible!
Ciao for now.
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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was up in smith falls yesterday. One the way back through Portland, there was a guy about 200 ft out on the ice drilling holes.
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thanks for the report!
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Has anyone checked the ice on Dog or Loughborough?
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Whole thread dedicated to Loughborough..
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I'm new to this forum but I was out on inverary on Monday and there was 6" of good ice.. Didn't catch anything it was just nice getting out for the first time..
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I'm going to try to get out this Friday depending on the weather. Not sure what lake yet but will try to update on ice and bite.
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Welcome Flag Chaser!
Thanks for the report.
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I'm going to head out Friday to dog Lake from Hitchcock dr try for some pike.. I'll leave feedback on ice conditions..
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I might do some scouting around this weekend, will post if I see any good ice. Anyone been out on dog yet? Maple hill area usually freezes up early
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Hey Flag_chaser...I was looking to head out tomorrow as well. Interested in some company.
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I'm going to head out Friday to dog Lake from Hitchcock dr try for some pike.. I'll leave feedback on ice conditions..
Looking forward to the report, never fished the south end before, usually go out at the shipyard or hogans.
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I'm heading out to Dog tomorrow (Maple Hill). I will be there late, probably around 2:00. have to fix my snowmobile in the morning. I'll be the one in the red portable hut. My name is Ryan if anyone plans on coming out.
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I've just been to Dog off Burnt Hills. About 2 1/2 inches maybe 3 of black ice. Snow and water covered. I think it's dangerous. The roads are terrible too due to freezing rain in the area.
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Hi i herd dog lake was good for crappies were on the lake is the best place to get on and be close to good ground
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You can get to Dog on Burnt Hills Road. There's a parking lay by that's plowed by the municipality. Or by the bridge between Dog and Cranesnest. There's a campground there and the large weedy bay out front which is only about 15ft deep and it's probably a good place to try for Crappie and Pike. I really only fish for trout but catch the occasional "slab" (I love that term). You can also get on the lake at Shipyard Bay boat launch or Gilmour Point beach. Perhaps someone else knows accessing the south end of the lake (shallow and weedy). Good luck slaying slabs. It's just a suggestion but I would wait for colder weather before venturing out. I checked this am (dec 20) and the ice was dicey.
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thanks keenej for the info and ice report.
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Ice up and around Verona was looking good. Then ice storm hit today so could not check it out much. Probably a couple of days before getting back on the roads given the skating rinks on roads.
Don
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You can get to Dog on Burnt Hills Road. There's a parking lay by that's plowed by the municipality. Or by the bridge between Dog and Cranesnest. There's a campground there and the large weedy bay out front which is only about 15ft deep and it's probably a good place to try for Crappie and Pike. I really only fish for trout but catch the occasional "slab" (I love that term). You can also get on the lake at Shipyard Bay boat launch or Gilmour Point beach. Perhaps someone else knows accessing the south end of the lake (shallow and weedy). Good luck slaying slabs. It's just a suggestion but I would wait for colder weather before venturing out. I checked this am (dec 20) and the ice was dicey.
Did you go out by the bridge or right at hogans? People have been on the bay at hogans since early dec surprised set the lack of ice or are you saying it was only a couple inches out beyond the bay?
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at Hogan's. There was a lot of water on the ice. Took about six turns of my hand auger and I was through. Looked to be about 2-3 inches of actual ice. That was the ice in the bay. I didn't go too far out.
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was out on Verona Lake this aft with a few guys from work. Ice was 5 to 10" of solid black ice covered in slush with a frozen top layer. The top could sustain the weight of a man in some places, but others it was weak and would break. Made for tough walking in some spots.
Fished 13 to 22 FOW and went 0 for 2 bites. Saw a few fish on the finder but didn't get many takers.
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I haven't fished Verona Lake. What species are in it? Walleye.?
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I just picked up my new flasher a marcum showdown 5.6 dual beam can't wait to get back out.. Is the bite on anywhere? I have had no luck on inverary so far..
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supposedly it has walleye, pike perch and crappie.
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Went out at Hogan's (North dog lake) yesterday. 9-10" of ice in the bay and out past the point about 100yrds. Fishing was slow and the roads are dicey
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How about the parking along the road are any spots cleared yet, Gotta watch that brass point bridge road they plow right over the ditches and it looks like it is flat but you will drop down into the ditch is you try to pull over.
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Two days ago I parked on Hogan's road just past the main gate. The road to the docks was not plowed although and was IMO a bit dicey to try.
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It was a little sloppy on the lake today. Hard to walk on the lake as you would break through the snow cover with every step. Some watering up under the snow cover, however, good black ice underneath the snow. By tomorrow with the temperature it may be a little easier a go.
Ciao for now.
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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went out with my boys for a fish today had a awsome day of perch fishing on verona lake non stop action for about 2 hours little sloppy though but good black ice under it.
tight lines
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Been out on Collins lake twic since saturday both times had plenty of action landing 13 pike from 2-4 pounds. Fishing about 15 feet of water. Unlike most years there im having more success jigging rather than still lines. 8 inches of solid black ice with another 5 inches of white ice. Yesterdays frigid weather really helped the ice and the fish were on.
Craig
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Got out on Long Lake and a back lake near Arden last weekend. Landed lots of perch with a few big misses. Ice was looking great with a good 8 - 10" of black everywhere, not to mention a hard pan of ice on top of the snow. The ice should be even better with the -22 temps we have been having the past couple days. Fish were all caught on tip ups with live minnows.
Cant' wait for the weekend!
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Howe the ice fishing on devil lake. I own. Cottage there for 30 years and have never really iced fished it. Thinking about going up next weekend and give it a try. I'm assuming pike is about all I'm going to get. Is there any crappy
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I was out on inverary lake today and caught 11 pike. The fishing was strong in the morning and lasted until 1sh. We used meadium shiners on tip ups.There was a good 10" to 12" of ice.
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Not sure about the crappie on Devil. Supposed to be some big pike in there. I would expect there is also good perch too.
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Perch fishing isn't good. Pike get them before the mature. I have tried for years to get perch during open water and never much success
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I have fished devil for years there is great perch and big pike through the ice the crappie are few and far between never been able to find them in big schools like other lakes.
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looking to try the crappie on first depot lake but never been there is the a good spot to start fishing them
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Just moved to Kingston area and was very happy to discover this site and this thread on lakes in the area! Thanks for the great info!
I'm Primarily a walleye fisherman by winter and bass by summer but anything on a line will do just fine. I'm looking to get out fishing in the area ASAP so this gives me a few leads. Looking for fishing partners too.
Question: I've seen many previous posts on bait shops but what is the current situation? where are the reccomended bait shops in the Kingston area that sell minnows in the winter.
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three and a half options:
The white house just off highway 38 near Parham (turn off at the little sign)
Boundary Bait and Bow on harrowsmith road near Sydenham
South Frontenac Rental, on Colebrook road west of harrowsmith
Ive heard of CT selling some minnows so that's the half.
Further north you got Norris' by Westport and past that I don't know.
Hope this helps!
Cheers
Albert
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Brown Bear tackle in kingston is the best option IMO. $6 a dozen and they give you a great count. I was in a couple of days ago and they had some small muds and med size suckers. Very lively, I bought some back in Dec and with water changes every couple days they lasted until I ran out, over a month.
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Brown Bear tackle eh? That's good info. Didn't know he had them. I'll definitely have to get up there!
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Catch All, formerly Mark's Bait shop in Battersea has minnows. They sell three sizes. I think they're open 7 til 4 everyday. They're on Battersea road about 1 km south of the Hamlet. Big sign on the West side of the road- it's a log cabin.
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Great Thanks!
Anybody getting any eyes around Kingston? Any thoughts on what time of day they are biting and depths?
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SFRC in harrowsmith has minnows now too
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Hey Guys,
I was just down to Brown Bear Tackle Box on Development Dr. Awesome spot. A real Mom and Pop operation. Met the owner and he was a really nice guy. Includes a Military discount and he gives a little extra of the dozen. ECB was right though, those little suckers are just swimming in my container. Very lively.
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Hey Kingston Back Lake Anglers,
For those looking for crappies on Verona Lake try these spots. They have produced some good sized slabs. The crappie population in Verona Lake move around quite a bit but they show up in this 4 spots quite regularly.
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/Fishing/0F9C3134-897D-4D35-A342-287C52C754E6_zps3ntlwfco.png)
Good luck
Don
Aka leviathan_slayer
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Ever wonder what a fish sees just before you pull him through the hole in the ice. Having fun with my GoPro camera!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/Fishing/5AA3BB82-1D1B-4C2F-8819-0E5391880484_zpsl843zehm.jpg)
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No shortage of fish on Verona Lake! The bite has been hard and fast. Using a different approach this year and fish 3+ feet off the bottom. More bites and bigger fish!
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/Fishing/E63F5906-1ED3-4E4F-BD22-D6008AB0F03B_zpslhuwyfxh.jpg)
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Nice!!! How's the snow? I'm headed up that direction middle of next week.
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The snow is quite manageable. Easy to drive out on the lake.
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Excellent!!! Thanks.
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That's a really cool picture from under the ice! I'd frame that and put it on my wall.
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I have my shack out there, a friend told me that if I go across the lake from the water street entrance to the white house that there are walleye there...any truth to this? I'm happy with my wormy perch, but eye's would be nice too!
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Verona Lake was all the fishing talk at work today. Lots of wormy perch apparently. I'd also like to find some pickerel.
Slayer, where do you get the depth map like that??? is that an App??
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Thanks. I used my GoPro camera to take the picture from under the ice. Great way to pass some time when the bite is slow.
Don
aka Leviathan_Slayer
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Hey Caygeon,
The depth map was made with a program that I have and it uses slg data collected from my fishfinder when I am on the lake. I have made several maps of lakes where you can not easily get bathymetric maps. I have produced Verona, Howes, 2nd Depot and a few other lakes. The maps have proven to be highly accurate for structure. I can then load the map into my gps equipped fishfinder or I can even download it into a GPS equipped smartphone.
Don
aka Leviathan_Slayer
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Hey 9am53,
During this time of year the walleye can be caught in 3 spots: directly out from Water St. towards the White House and between there and the creek entrance; out in the 40ft hole about middle of the lake; and up near the north end of the lake in the 20ft area. Last walleye caught from the lake was 5lbs the other day close to the White House.
Hope this is useful.
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/545DC947-C01A-4ACA-82BE-46BFAF212122_zpsxq5gvisp.jpg)
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/0E99E413-B897-4262-AED3-6CD87C6C919D_zpscbtohqvt.jpg)
Great day on Verona Lake yesterday with my long-time fishing buddy Jerry. Caught a 5lb pike and a lot of perch between 10" and 14" long. Great day !
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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I went there last night, lit up my newly welded up woodstove, and quickly had to go home as the paint fumes burning off were too much lol. No fish, but the stove gets nice and hot at least!
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Be careful 9am53! Those fumes can be deadly!
Don
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Some people have been asking about whitefish in the Kingston area. There are 4 lakes in the greater Kingston area where you can catch whitefish: Bobs Lake, Crow Lake, Devil Lake and Eagle Lake. Eagle Lake is good but lakers can be quite active for an out-of-season fish - hahahah! The deep hole in Crow Lake holds whitefish, as well, Bobs Lake has some good whitefish in the deep holes. Devil Lake has whitefish as well but they are a little more elusive. Hope this is useful.
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Yeah, the fumes were bad! I plan on being there tomorrow morning for V day with the wife, hopefully I can crank the stove with no stink as she wouldn't be happy bucket fishing! (I can't complain though, v day ice fishing is about as good as I can imagine it)
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Anybody else going to be in Verona in the morning? I wont have time to grab minnows before the morning and wouldn't mind buying some from you ..
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Yeah, the fumes were bad! I plan on being there tomorrow morning for V day with the wife, hopefully I can crank the stove with no stink as she wouldn't be happy bucket fishing! (I can't complain though, v day ice fishing is about as good as I can imagine it)
If by "V Day" you mean Valentines Day, that's not until next week.....but better EARLY than late, that's for sure!
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Oh Geez!!! you're right!
Well, I guess I will fish alone then, and REALLY have the paint burnt off.
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I wasn't sure, thought maybe it was a special Canadian holiday you have!
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oh no, I am just a homebrewer and drink a lot of beer...but as you said it's better to be early than late!
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i'll be heading out to verona sat/sun got some tips from a great guy on this site, gunna give them a shot and see if i can get this skunk off, i will be in a mr2 sherpa rapala 2 man pop up shelter if your out stop by and say hi.
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cool, I will be in the Ontario style hut, gray/yellow with the black tarp roof.
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Hey 9am53.
Where you getting onto verona lake from? i'm heading out from water street, and will be fishing up near the mouth of the river leading to howe's lake, straight out from water street my hut is black and silver.
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I am getting on right on water street too, like I said I am the Ontario style hut. That's where I will be fishing, but if you are having luck at the north end I may join you (if my RWD truck will make it there)
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i'm walking on 9am53 the mouth of the creek / river is not to far from where all the perm a huts are, you got facebook or a messenger or somthing maybe we could chat sometime if so pm me your name, keep your line's tight and good luck out there.
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Hey Kingston area backlakers,
For those looking for whitefish here is some info to help you out.
If you have a GPS, here are some coordinates on Crow Lake and Bobs Lake where I have caught Whitefish before.
Crow Lake 44° 41.615 N 76° 37.151 W
Bobs Lake 44° 39.883 N 76° 37.041 W
Hopefully this is helpful
Tight lines!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Hey Thomas, was that you pulling the sled out on the lake? We were in my shack getting skunked today...
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Hi Everyone,
I'll be out on Verona or Loughborough (sp?) this afternoon. After walleye or crappie on Verona and lakers on Lough. Verona is just so easy to get on / off...
I'll be in a red FX4. Usually have an extra can or two if anyone wants to stop by and swap lies.
CJC
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ya that was me, i got 4 pike biggest about 3 1/2lbs and 26 jumbo perch
(http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj94/thomasvankoughnett/GEDC4100_zps041b375f.jpg) (http://s270.photobucket.com/user/thomasvankoughnett/media/GEDC4100_zps041b375f.jpg.html)
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crap, attached boy! We traded, we got skunked! Did you just fish by the creek?
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Ya 9am53 i was about 30 feet from the creek entrance, i seen a cleared spot with a sick frozen in the ice for a dead stick rod was about 20 feet from it drilled hole's stayed in same spot all day :)
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Way to go Thomas! Great day for you!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Just in case you did not think the ice was thick enough .....
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/Mobile%20Uploads/B605FE89-9F89-4D8C-8724-2BBE1D6D219B_zpso0qefqxm.jpg)
Tight lines!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Yeah, I sure am glad I left the 8" at home and took my 6". Cutting 8" holes would suck.
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heading for verona lake in a few mins gunna try it again and see who it goes this trip. ;)
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feel free to leave some perch at my shack ;) Mine is the one with the black tarp roof and a chevy exhaust pipe chimney.
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will do mate
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Just got home from a 4 day camping fishing trip near Plevna. Caught a bunch of stocked lake trout and enjoyed the outdoors. Little cool a couple days and the snow was right at the limit of my 4 wheeler but it was a great time. Wish I lived closer so I could play more often.
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If you are looking for the spots on Verona Lake that are producing fish so far this ice fishing season try out these areas identified with red circles. So far, this has been the best February fishing in over 25 years.
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-01/2C9E47FA-1B5F-4B68-BB85-D6976FBFFF38_zpsoaogk4ae.jpg)
Tight lines my friends!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Weekend coming up so going to Verona Lake and Loughborough Lake. Going to be e great weekend for ice fishing!
Hope to see some of you out on the ice!
Tight Lines!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Heading out this weekend. Hope to see fellow anglers enjoying the last few weeks of ice fishing!
Tight Lines!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Got out for an hour today. Only marked three but one of those was really hungry and chased the tube for twenty feet before slamming it. He came home and enjoyed a good BBQ supper.
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Hey , I'm thinking of going out for some Pike on Sydenham lake this weekend....anyone know of the ice quality and best spots?
Thanks
Dave
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Scraping up a few nice lakers on louborough for any of you looking for a few last bites now that the walleye season has ended. Easy access off the Sydenham road end (http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u645/Icejunkie33/5670FC18-CE84-4E86-8AD8-6D8436211CC1-3663-000002CD429F34FD_zps517c1c14.jpg)
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Are Pike still open season? If so, can anybody point me in the direction of a Pike spot? ;D
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pike are open until Mar 31 around kingston
you can find pike in almost every lake around here just look for weeds near deep water
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Anyone been out on dog lake recently? Generally speaking how are the ice conditions?
Going to try my luck for some crappie this weekend despite the cool temperatures (compared to the two previous years at this time). Going to be targeting some of the deeper weed lines and staging areas
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I was on Dog on sunday and there was 26 inches of ice, but no splake where harmed in my group.
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As we get closer to hardwater season, now is the time to check your gear and get things ready. Changing the oil on your auger, sharpening blades, getting your winter tackle sorted out, checking your portable electronics, charging batteries, etc. better to start geeting things ready now before the weather turns to -20*C!
Talk to you all soon.
Don
aka Leviathan_slayer
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As we get closer to hardwater season, now is the time to check your gear and get things ready. Changing the oil on your auger, sharpening blades, getting your winter tackle sorted out, checking your portable electronics, charging batteries, etc. better to start geeting things ready now before the weather turns to -20*C!
Talk to you all soon.
Don
aka Leviathan_slayer
You said it. If it wasn't for this stretch of warm weather forecast for early next week I think we would be on the ice here before Dec which would be a first for me. Still, probably going to be an early one, iam guessing small shallow lakes and protected bays on big lakes will have walkable ice the first week to 10 days of dec. Not all lakes of course but there are always lakes that ice up first.
Having said all that the boat is still out and ready to go, I would love to have a weekend where I was in the boat one day then on the ice the next.
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JZ, did just that about 8 years ago on 3rd depot fishing walleye on Jan. 7th from a boat than two weeks later fishing the same spot on the ice. Bring on the cold weather it would be great to be on the ice in another couple of weeks, all my gear is ready and I'm .driving the wife crazy.
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you wanna talk about driving the wife crazy.....lol i get yelled at weekly because its almost ice fishing season. i get reminded that its another day shes stuck at home with the kids. but she gets told shes more then welcome to come along. but wont. i normally just say be thankfully i only go once or twice a week and don't play hockey 3 times a week and get tanked in the parking lot after like her friends other half's. i took a couple pitchers down and put up rod holders in the living room so i can star at my ice rod collection all year. she still hasn't figured out how to chew my head off about that one yet.
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you wanna talk about driving the wife crazy.....lol i get yelled at weekly because its almost ice fishing season. i get reminded that its another day shes stuck at home with the kids. but she gets told shes more then welcome to come along. but wont. i normally just say be thankfully i only go once or twice a week and don't play hockey 3 times a week and get tanked in the parking lot after like her friends other half's. i took a couple pitchers down and put up rod holders in the living room so i can star at my ice rod collection all year. she still hasn't figured out how to chew my head off about that one yet.
she will brother she will lol.
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(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y503/dhead3/2666D4C2-3E40-498C-84C5-63E2C78DD8BA_zpscz8isgz2.jpg)
Remember in the rush to get out on the lakes when they freeze, keep in mind these basic guidelines for ice thickness.
Safe lives to fish another day!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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First time logged in for the season, and anxiously await the ice also. Boat is sleeping, and although JZ snuck out in his yesterday, It's too damn cold!!!! LMAO. I'm ready for my nice toasty warm hut!!! Come on ICE!!!
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(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-12/2DCB7F63-8BB3-4000-87D7-1BFFF07A58C0_zps5hjxpags.jpg) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Don_Head/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-12/2DCB7F63-8BB3-4000-87D7-1BFFF07A58C0_zps5hjxpags.jpg.html)
Remember, be safe this ice fishing season!
Don
Aka leviathan_slayer
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anybody been on any back lakes in the Kingston area who can shed some light on the conditions ???
herd of some ppl out on salmon lake near Frontenac provincial park for some crappie and its been good I here ..... they say 6" and in some spots 8"
I haven't been out yet at all so I cannot verify that
hope everyone stays safe this year and use caution going out on unfamiliar ice
Rob
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Rob, I've been out a couple times on a few different back lakes within the last couple weeks..but always checking. Not much action. But this cold spell should tighten things up nicely. I'm on loughborough and it's looking good. Saw somebody out there Saturday but didn't look good to me. After a two day deep freeze, maybe tomorrow. I'm not going first. For sure by the weekend...and its last to freeze around here if that gives you any idea.
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thanks BigBassMan I drive by lobo every night and stop by to look to see if anyone is out .... always said when lobo freezes and theres ppl out there then I know most of the well known back lakes are safe.. didn't notice too many boys out there tonight when I was coming home lol.... going to try bass lake north of Parham for some eyes with a buddy from work on sat,,,, then Collins with a good friend of mine for some pike and crappie action.. he just got a hut and he cant wait to put It on the lake
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Hey Kamaro, how are you getting on Bass lake via the gated cottage rode or is there another way, I have fished it once many moons ago in the spring and did all right would like to give it a go when I am at the cottage on Eagle this winter.
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Pierced lip, I have to ask, do you fish the whities on eagle through the ice? My friends and I tried several times last year and came up empty but lost a few fish which leaves us interested...
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hey pierced lip ....
my buddy has a trailer down by the chalet that's there so he has axis down past the farm house I guess.. I know the road crosses the track bed or the snowmobile trail if that helps
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I have found fishing for white fish to be slow and luck is my only secret, the locals that fish Parham landing can be as tight lipped as the fish. All I can say is put in the time in and you may get lucky. Where the cottage is has some big pike and the odd laker that gets put back right away been on the lake for 15 years and still trying to figure the white fish out but when I do I will let ya know. Thanks Kamaro think I have put in at that chalet with a friend of a friend across the old railway line/drive way.
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Hey guys , I am new to posting but often follow your information on fishing and find it very helpful. Has anyone been out on Lake Opinicon for crappies yet this year?
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hi guys, I'm Andy from Kingston and im an ice fishing junkie :) have been out a few times on dog this year , the night crappie bite has been just ok , heading to quinte tomorrow, let you know how we make out on our return.
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hey guy's.
Anyone know ice conditions for verona lake and area or a good place for crappie? i'm itching to get out but would like ice conditions for lakes out near verona or a good place to ice fish for crappie thanks for any help or information
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Well this weekend coming it will be time to drill some holes and drop some lines. I will be out on Verona Lake and if anyone is out that way just look for the big in camo.
Ciao for now!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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hey Don, you being from the area I am going to take my 2 children for some perch this weekend and was thinking of 1st depot, is the fishing better in rock(Verona) or 1st ?
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Thomas, I was in Verona Tuesday after work, 12" of ice, I had my truck out there. Not much luck though.
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I hope to get out to Draper or upper rock this weekend. Does anybody know if they have been stocked lately?
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http://www.giscoeapp.lrc.gov.on.ca/services/MNR/Aquatic/Fishing/StockingList.aspx?diagnostics=true&json=true&lang=en&stockingaddress=kingston&proximity=50&species=Splake
Draper is no longer stocked according to this link.
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I couldn't access that link, but I found this:
http://www.web2.mnr.gov.on.ca/fish_online/fishing/fishingExplorer_en.html
apparently they stocked 10400 splake in 2014.
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Hey Pierced Lip, Verona is much better for perch than 1st Depot. The best spot for perch is right off of Water Street in the bay about 100 yards from shore. I will be out Sunday morning around 9am - if you see a big guy in Camo that is me. Will be glad to show a few of the better spots. Cheers!
Tight lines to everyone!!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Hey leviathan, do you have any minnows? I am heading but want to catch some pike today without having to drive out to battersea first...
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How much snow are you guys seeing up there. I will be headed up towards Plevna in a couple weeks for a camping and fishing trip. The snow last year really slowed us down as we didn't bring snow machines only ATVs. Just trying to plan ahead a little better. Also how much ice are you seeing on the back country lakes?
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Well Verona Lake is quite active with pike and perch. Getting them to bite is a little challenging but they are there. Heading out again tomorrow for some more fun on the ice. Some stills taken from my underwater camera.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-01/9A55D631-4CE5-424D-A6FD-FFF0EDC60E10_zpsje61o26h.png) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Don_Head/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-01/9A55D631-4CE5-424D-A6FD-FFF0EDC60E10_zpsje61o26h.png.html)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-01/B8E1A72D-F9B4-42AF-A77E-5592C3BF337F_zpstu4guq1g.png) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Don_Head/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-01/B8E1A72D-F9B4-42AF-A77E-5592C3BF337F_zpstu4guq1g.png.html)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-01/87D64315-3A54-4D9B-906C-7459930C0B9B_zps4ffgha4v.png) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Don_Head/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-01/87D64315-3A54-4D9B-906C-7459930C0B9B_zps4ffgha4v.png.html)
Tight lines to all!!!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Went for Crappy the other night there , caught perch, pike, walleye and sunfish, no crappy....lol Oh well still nice to get out to a new location..
Tim
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Morning Guys, I am going to purchase a 2 man flip up ice shelter and I would appreciate some opinions on what make and model you would recommend. Thanks.
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Hi Jackster, welcome to the IceShanty Ontario Board.
If I may make a suggestion, in order to get more reply's to your question about which 2 man flip up ice shelter to purchase, start a new post as this one is for Kingston, Ontario, Back Lakes.
I would recommend a Clam Nanook or a Fabrill Predator or Guardian. Otter has some 2 man flips as well but they are spendy.
Cheers and good luck.
Cadeuses
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Thanks Cadeuses, I appreciate the advice.
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Made it out to Second Depot this past weekend during the cold snap on Saturday. We set up in 15 to 30 FOW with set lines and active jig lines. Lines were set with live minnows, dead bait tipped on the jigging lines and set anywhere from a foot of bottom to mid range. Fish appeared to be coming in around 20 FOW during the morning and seemed to retreat to the weedy bays in the afternoon. We managed some crappie, rock bass and pike. Not a bad run for an uber cold day.
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Lots of snow on Dog Lake. Was on the ice for 4 hours yesterday without much luck. Did land a few crappie which were great but overall very slow. Had one heavy strike that totaled my lure - not sure what it was, just knew that I lost the gold dropper chain with single octopus hook and glow epoxy bead that was attached to the main nomad spoon. ???
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Just wanna say thanks to everyone whos contributed to this thread, lots of valuable info
Will be at verona on friday and syndenham on sunday
Good luck
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This cold weather and snow is playing havoc with the fishing. Snowfall in the greater Kingston area is making it a little harder to slog out to the favourite spots on the ice - not impossible but a little more effort than usual. Anyway, once out on the lakes fish are hanging pretty tight to the bottom. But on days when it is very cold for several days in a row, fish are moving to areas with some structure. This little guide below has been helpful for me more times than you can imagine. Thought I would share it with all my Brothers and Sisters of the Angle.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/E9989368-F54E-4CCA-AF2C-4869E47707BB_zpswxotkfwu.jpg) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Don_Head/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/E9989368-F54E-4CCA-AF2C-4869E47707BB_zpswxotkfwu.jpg.html)
Tight lines to all!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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To all those who enjoy angling in the lakes around the greater Kingston area feel free to check out the webpage I am creating for the area. Please send me any comments or suggestions you have to enhance / improve it.
Ciao for now.
http://kingstonareafishing.simdif.com/index.html
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Great work, a well needed site, It`s on my fav list now, looking forward to updates.
Thanks sig(ron) sends VVV
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I put it in my favorites as well Good Job!
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Well hopefully we can squeeze in a few more days of ice fishing before the ice starts to disappear. Looking to get out on the ice this Sunday.
Tight lines to all!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Hello out there! Great thread I've picked up some good info with this being my first serious hardwater season this winter. I'm wondering if anyone has an update on ice conditions for Verona area lakes - and predictions for Easter weekend? Supposed to get up to 14 degrees Thurs/Fri. Are you going to get out one last time or will this warm weather shut it down for good? I was hoping for one last kick at the can before open water and spring crappies:)
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Hello,
Decided to make a account instead of just lurking. im in Trenton Ontario and frequent BOQ, Trent river system and Rice lake. Looking to get some info on 2nd Depot. every year we try and head on out for ling. we have tried early ice and late ice and have not seemed to get into many. our most was 7 between 3 guys ovr 10 hours. we normally go off the beach in about 28-35fow just because we don't know it well. we tried around the corner of the beach on the west side the once in 25ft of water and what seemed to be a rock bottom and caught 3 off tipups behind us in 30ish ft. we know there is a highspot just further around the corner that people hit pike off and behind us in a big 40-45ft flat.
curious if anyone could be nice enough to lend a hand is directing us to where we need to be. and hopefully for early ice because in late feb-early march we find it always has a ton of water on the ice. this is going to be our first year with a flasher but in the past with old fish finders we have marked a ton of fish in the 45ft water suspended about 20ftbut never tried catching them because we just learned that crappy are in the lake and figured it would be them. we have also tried ice fishing 3rd as we were told more ling were in it but didn't get any and just had to settle for walleyes @). any help would be appreciated and after reading this forum it appears I need to frequent more lakes around the area and buy me charts.
figured with -1 in he forcast for Saturday its time to start dusting off the gear
thanks Rob
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Hello I'm from Kingston , I grew up in Godfrey ,
I grew up fishing the depots
I've always found out afternoons are much better ,
Splake I've fished Upper Rock and Draper
Speckles paddies lake ,
Sydenham lake fish eel bay for pike and crappies
Walleye Wolfe lake , BOQ, depots,
As for Verona Rock,Howse,Silver great populations of pike perch crappies with the occasional walleye ,
Want numbers of walleye but there's a slot size Centennial Lake off 41 lots of fish but slot size is bigger than 19 3/4 inch
Stoco lake in tweed is another great place to fish crappies pike walleye worth the trip
Love ice fishing great times
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Hey I live around dog lake north of Kingston. I'm looking for a good spot for crappie or other pan fish during hard water season. I want to take my 3 year old out this year and have him excited to go. So any good spots around dog, Loughborough, Sydenham etc. thanks.
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To all those who enjoy angling in the lakes around the greater Kingston area feel free to check out the webpage I am creating for the area. Please send me any comments or suggestions you have to enhance / improve it.
Ciao for now.
http://kingstonareafishing.simdif.com/index.html
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
thanks brother, bookmarked.
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Crappie perch pike on Collins Lake Dog lake buck Lake
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Well my piscatorial colleagues, it is time to check out the leviathans lying below the frozen layer of H2O. Ice conditions vary around the region so caution must be exercised before wandering out in pursuit of the first fish of the new year. I will be checking out a few lakes this weekend and letting you know what the conditions are like!
Ciao for now!!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/2113-03/606C2E18-6552-48EF-9597-13165003B855_zpsdfakq5xg.jpg)
The delay in the setting of the ice can only lead to bigger catches!! Hahahah!!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Verona3D_zpsqa4foppu.png)
Here is my latest version of the 3D map for Verona Lake using my latest software and the data from my fishfinder!
Ciao for now!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-12/00000000-0000-0000-0000-00000000010E_zpsvnsfmvn7.jpg)
Make sure to be safe out there on the ice!
Ciao for now
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-12/00000000-0000-0000-0000-0000000000F2_zpsddhvbhlo.jpg)
Just another one focused on your safety!
Ciao for now!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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Hello everyone,
Just did a tour of several local lakes in hopes of finding fish-able water. Beware that some of the remote roads are snow covered but with slick ice underneath, making them quite challenging and unpredictable to drive on. Can be done in well equipped vehicle but take your time.
Here is my report, spudding every 3-5 feet as I went out. I measured thickness with ruler so there is no approximation here.
2depot is not safe, lake is ice/snow covered except for the open water patch to the left of the launch. Ice is fairly thick right at the shore but it rapidly goes into 1 1/2" and I did not venture further (stopped about 8-10 yards offshore). 3/4depots pretty much similar, slightly more ice on the 4 but thickness varies greatly as I went to the left and right. No more then 3" and quality is not consistent, my foot went through 3 feet to the left of 3" ice - giving me a bit of a start.
13Island is not safe (fist size rock went through so I did not bother with spud), same for 30Island.
Verona looked not bad at the shoreline and I saw no open water (water St.). I ventured about 30 yards offshore punching as I went, theoretically you can fish there but ice is very inconsistent - never hit anything more then 3" and it went to under 2" at the end of my spudding trail (straight out from the launch). As I worked to the right (southerly direction) - it became very thin and spud would go through in one good hit.
Checked out desert, Gould, Cronk and parts of Sydenham and a couple of other smaller places many of which had A LOT OF OPEN WATER! The rain last week raised the headwaters considerably thus reducing whatever solid ice there was in the previous week's cold spell.
You can probably find a small area to fish but there is nowhere that I found (in 7 hours of driving around and spudding away) which I would consider safe enough for me.
Good luck if you find safe zone (and let me know.........I so wanted to fish today......).
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Thanks for the update! Appreciate it.
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Thanks farmerk for checking out the lakes. Be safe out there!!!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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Thanks for your ice report, with the freezing rain this am looks like an other week to be safe.
Cheers sig (Ron) sends VVV
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I fished 1st depot this past weekend. It has 4-5" of black ice. Got loads of bluegill and a couple crappies each day. Also managed a suprised walleye which was just over the slot. Was good to be out.
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Great work bigbassmon! This coming weekend looks like it will be time to hit the Kingston back lakes. The temperatures this week are perfect. Just remember to be safe when venturing out on the lake.
Tip up and tight lines to all!
Don
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Here is the hyperlink to this year's MNR Fishing Regulation Summary.
https://dr6j45jk9xcmk.cloudfront.net/documents/4955/2016-fishing-summary-english-accessible-final.pdf
Tight lines to all!
Don
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Thanks Don. Yep hoping this freeze will open up more opportunities elsewhere.
Rick
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Going to head out Friday to check the ice thickness at a few lakes. Hopefully will get a report posted in this forum so you can all make your decisions about heading out this weekend. The "ice itch" is getting severe!
Ciao for now
Don
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(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/922294E1-DB55-4242-B9DB-F17688BD63CE_zps8l6ah8u7.jpg)
Did some reconnaissance today and the prospect of ice fishing is still a little "thin" this weekend. Loughborough Lake was iced over but not fully safe to walk out into the deep water. Sydenham Lake was iced over and snow covered. Verona Lake was iced over but near shore was only 3" - 4". Go out about another 30 yards and it was barely 2" thick. Not fully safe yet. Better to wait one more week and be safe!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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A helpful graphic from In Fisherman for hunting walleye under the ice!
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/27589027-FFFE-41ED-8253-8C14909F9CB3_zpsc8wkdtbx.jpg)
Good luck!
Don
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(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/5F609F3A-A3DD-45E5-8BF8-B90935BCDD6C_zpsyipvodpx.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/A2326334-AAE0-44FD-AA55-C493860EA313_zps4jhwinot.jpg)
Looks good but not quite enough yet to support the annual ice fishing village that shows up on Verona Lake. Hopefully by next weekend the fun in the sun can begin in earnest. Even if you do wander out BE SAFE!
Ciao for now!
Don
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Heard two guys went in on Inverary, one didn't make it?
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Yup driving UTV on the ice at this stage is not smart.
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Man..
http://www.thewhig.com/2016/01/23/rescue-crews-searching-for-missing-man-on-inverary-lake
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If you have never checked out the OFAH fishing awards website, check it out today.
http://www.ontarioanglerawards.com/
Your chance to enter your catches and receive a certificate as a keepsake for your most memorable hook sets. The table below shows the minimum sizes to enter your catches.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/87C2D5DA-2429-4722-ABB7-C91AFC4574E0.png_zpslhqgu6as.jpeg)
Ciao for now and tight lines to all!
Don
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Had 6 - 7" of ice on 2nd depot this afternoon in the bays. Not sure about the middle. Seemed to be lots of water on top of the ice in spots. Caught a rock bass and a perch which kept the skunk away.
Stay safe on the ice folks.
Al
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Be careful out there.
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Any word on how the ice in Verona held out. Looking to take the youngster.
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Don't know if it's any help to you, but I was on 4th depot tonight and the ice was the best it's been all season, and it was popping really well this evening so it's only getting better
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Went out this past weekend to Verona Lake. There was 12" of ice - a little difficult walking on the lake as it was almost glare ice. Fished in the southern part of the lake in 14' of water. Marked several perch and blue gills on the camera. A few decent sized pike drifted into the area. Had a few good strikes on the tip-up. Had one hook-up that bent the ice rod in half and then it just snapped in my hands - wished I had a chance to see what took the line. Anyway, some fish are starting to bite. There has not been much fishing pressure on the lake this year so lots of activity under the ice. Anyway, may head out again this weekend depending on the weather.
Ciao for now.
Don
(a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer)
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Hi all, I am from the states, but have been fishing Frontenac Provincial park in the summer for the last 20 years. Can anyone tell me if Devil Lake has a public boat launch? One of these years I am going to come up in the winter and go after those huge bluegill and crappie that hit 4" lipless crank baits.
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Hey HookEDUP24
There is a public gravel ramp off of Perth Road which runs on the east side of Devil Lake. This picture shows its location.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/3A51B398-CB7D-4912-AC38-4CE3268EE615_zpsh5zwnogo.jpg) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Don_Head/media/Mobile%20Uploads/3A51B398-CB7D-4912-AC38-4CE3268EE615_zpsh5zwnogo.jpg.html)
Hope this is helpful.
Ciao for now.
Don
(a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer)
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They are down there .... Just waiting for the right bait!!! Click on the picture for the video.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/th_87B8B8A9-1641-4939-B538-570622339043_zpsl5vzpnj8.jpg) (http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/87B8B8A9-1641-4939-B538-570622339043_zpsl5vzpnj8.mp4)
Ciao for now
Don
(a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer)
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Hey Everyone! I'm new to the Kingston area (here for a year of school at Queen's) and I am VERY excited for the hard-water season! I Just want to quickly say thanks to everyone in this thread, it has been so helpful and informative for me as I plan out the winter and spots I want to fish! I hope I will be able to contribute this winter and give back to the community.
Now just a watch for safe ice! By the looks of the weather forecast it could be coming soon to small lakes and bays :P
Cheers!!
Eli
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Welcome Elijah to the forum. Anything you want to know about the area just ask. If you are interested in ice fishing anytime just post on the site and we can arrange opportunities.
All the best.
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer
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Just moved in next to Loughborough Lake, Looking forward to hitting some of the back lakes in the area if anyone needs company , retired so any day is a great day to fish...lol
Tim
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Some small lakes starting to lock up and protected bays on big lakes also icing over in the kingston area, should be fishing this weekend!
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Has anyone been out fishing yet? Looking for reports on ice thickness on the lakes!
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I got out on the weekend about 4" of ice over 20fow couldnt go any deeper because it got soft and thin really quick. Normally I dont have a problem posting body of water and helping people find ice but I will wait a couple days before I do. We were on really solid ice and totally comfortable but when a guy in our group ventured out another 50 ft the spud went through real easy. Find a sheltered back lake or bay and start spudding! Super cold again last night so should be lots of scouting opportunities this weekend.
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Any hard water enthusiasts hear anything about Sharbot or Bob's lake? Can't wait to get out!
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Still too warm in the area for good ice?
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Hearn... there is solid ice around, any small bays or lakes should be safe. Was on 8 inches of ice on Dog lake yesterday... I'm sure I dont have to say be careful cuz ice condititons can be variable!
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Hey guys time has come to replace my floater coat, has anyone had the chance to check out the new Frabill I float suit?
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Hearn... there is solid ice around, any small bays or lakes should be safe. Was on 8 inches of ice on Dog lake yesterday... I'm sure I dont have to say be careful cuz ice condititons can be variable!
Was that the sunbury bay on dog lake?
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Mustard... it was the one closest to battersea... i believe referred to as the shipyard launch
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Hearn... there is solid ice around, any small bays or lakes should be safe. Was on 8 inches of ice on Dog lake yesterday... I'm sure I dont have to say be careful cuz ice condititons can be variable!
Thanks for the info. It's a big drive for me to get up that way so I just want to make sure.
Last year I got out once on Dog. Walked out from Burnt Hills Road where it narrows between Cranesnest Lake and Dog Lake. Where do you access the lake?
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To all hardwater anglers,
Be careful out around the Kingston area right now. the warm weather over the last few days and the rain has taken what little ice there was down quite significantly.
Be safe, be wise, stay alive!!
Don
Aka leviathan_slayer
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Michael (MichaelAngelo)
Here is a map with two locations where I have successfully caught burbot on 2nd Depot Lake. I will put up a map shortly for 3rd Depot Lake as well.
Tight lines and be safe heading out on the water!
Don
Aka leviathan_slayer
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/IMG_2197_zps61f68nh7.jpg) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Don_Head/media/IMG_2197_zps61f68nh7.jpg.html)
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Michael (MichaelAngelo)
Here is the map of 3rd Depot Lake that shows a couple of spots where I have successfully caught burbot.
Good Luck!
Tight lines and be safe on the water!!
Don
Aka leviathan_slayer
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/IMG_2199_zpsmir5mkpd.jpg) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Don_Head/media/IMG_2199_zpsmir5mkpd.jpg.html)
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Hearn...
I accessed at the shipyard launch near Battersea. The smallest amount of ice I found wandering around was 6 inches. But I'm sure that has changed given the warm and the rain.
Leviathan Slayer... question for you regarding the Depot lakes!
I have fished dammed lakes before and I know levels can fluctuate, causing slush and choppy shorelines for ice, but I heard from a buddy that you can't ice fish the depot lakes because they fluctuate too much... true or false? Have any experience with ice on the depot lakes?
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Elijah.adair,
I have fished the Depot Lakes for 30 years now. The fluctuation has been minimal unless there have been several days above 0*C and/or a few days of rain. Then they let water out of 2nd Depot. Normally no issues at all until early to mid-March. Have caught several decent pike, burbot and walleye through the ice over the years. Hope this info is helpful.
Tight lines and be safe on the water.
Don
Aka leviathan_slayer
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I have ice fished depot lakes 1-4, there is a bit of water moving in most of them and I have had times where water has swamped the ice, making for miserable conditions. This can happen on any lake if there is a large amount of snow weighing down the ice however in this case I believe it was cause by a planned rapid increase to the water level. I have also heard stories of water being taken out rapidly creating a 1-2 foot air pocket underneath the ice. This has never happened to me personally on the depot lakes (and I hope it never does!). These water systems are still very fishable in the winter but it is something Iam very mindful of so I take extra precautions i.e I stay well away from the dam or any flowing water. If I can hear it Iam too close! I dont venture out on 2nd or 3rd until later in the season and even then with a foot of ice under me I always spud my way out, wear my floater suit, and dont usually go out solo. Fishing dammed lakes is up to you and your comfort level on the ice. The depot lakes dont bother me much my fear factor comes into play fishing rivers or high current areas of Quinte. The nice thing about living around here is if there is a lake you are unsure about there are about 1000 other lakes with easy access and safe ice.
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Remember everyone be safe out there.
Ciao for now.
Tight lines to all.
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/2017-01/DDD5DE4E-B7CF-433B-B311-386320C3E95D_zpsz3yfkjtc.jpg) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Don_Head/media/2017-01/DDD5DE4E-B7CF-433B-B311-386320C3E95D_zpsz3yfkjtc.jpg.html)
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Hearn...
I accessed at the shipyard launch near Battersea. The smallest amount of ice I found wandering around was 6 inches. But I'm sure that has changed given the warm and the rain.
Is this the shipyard launch?
Google Maps (https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Beach1/@44.431703,-76.3541142,16.15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x8e96297dc30019b9!8m2!3d44.4320982!4d-76.3548464)
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thats the beach at gilmour pt, you drive by the shipyard launch to get there its about 300M west in that little bay. The beach is a better spot to walk out from but if you are taking a sled or bike use the launch it will be easier.
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Thanks Don and JZ! Your info is very useful, myself and a buddy would like to try targetting burbot through the ice this year at some point... Cheers!
Hearn... the above reply is correct! that spot accesses the same bay as the shipyard launch.
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Thanks guys...I'm waiting for 1 foot plus to get the little guy out.
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Ahh right right JZ, now I remember.
We walked out off the beach last year (no luck...probably should have headed to the little hump/island just north east of the beach ~400m). We were looking for splake but came up with nothing.
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I decided to head out to Verona and check out some lakes. Verona Lake has enough ice to walk on - it is straight ice so wear some spikes for the walk out. Ice thickness varies but seems to be between 4 to 6 inches. Walking on to Verona Lake is possible from Water Street or Salmon Lane.
2nd Depot Lake has similar ice but because of rain and some run-off the water level is rising and pushing up on the ice sheet. Consequently the ice around the shore is broken up making it a little challenging to get on the ice bed in spots.
Tight lines to all and be safe out there!!!
Ciao for now.
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Looking for crappie spots on dog. I would like to get my 4 yr old out and interested in ice fishing. Obviously it helps landing some fish. Anyone be willing to let me know where to find them?
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Thanks for the 2017 updates fellas. I haven't had much time to get out but I have my pack and gear all set. Went to Huff's on the weekend and wasn't comfortable with the ice (4") and cranking or shifting isn't my cup of tea.
Waiting for 8+. Warmer water temps all fall are what likely is causing the slow ice build ups. Fingers crossed it starts to come build up now days.
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I was out on Dog Lake at the Shipyards Friday afternoon. There was at least 8" of good ice everywhere I drilled. Caught a small perch and a nice sized crappie (and 3 bass including a nice 3 pounder, too bad it isn't August).
Away this weekend but hoping to get out there lots this winter.
Good luck everyone!
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Well I will hopefully get out this weekend to check the ice conditions on a few lakes and report to everyone. This is the slowest start to a hard water season I have seen in many years.
Ciao for now.
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Thanks leviathan. Might have the chance to head up to the area next Wednesday to Friday so any ice reports would help a lot, it's a big drive for me.
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Also, where can I pick up some minnows around Kingston? I know the CT had em last year...
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Thirdly, just looked at the stocking list for splake and came across Cronk lake. Looks like it might be a fun lake to fish...Anyone have any insight? Easy access point?
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Thirdly, just looked at the stocking list for splake and came across Cronk lake. Looks like it might be a fun lake to fish...Anyone have any insight? Easy access point?
there is a small launch right along bedford road, never fished it but it is on my list for this year, let us know how you make out.
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JZ... We were on Cronk last week, 3 guys and all we got were perch, there is splake but there hard to find even though it's not a big lake...
Tim
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Dang not what I want to hear! Ah well, any help locating minnows? What depths were you trying?
Edit: how was the ice?
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There is tonnes of ice on Collins lake. About 12" of solid black ice. Trucks and sleds were out there. Pike were biting too! Caught about 6. Biggest was around 4
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JZ... We were on Cronk last week, 3 guys and all we got were perch, there is splake but there hard to find even though it's not a big lake...
Tim
Thanks Tim I will scratch it off my list I guess! I went out on Upr rock today for a few hours caught a bunch of splake but they were all small
Jon
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Any help with the local minnow situation?
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Hi Guys,
Long-time listener, first-time caller.
I checked out Collins Lake today. One truck was there (Black GMC) - I think they were fishing Inverary Lake. I was curious as to the parking protocol there. I imagine it can get busy. Do guys park on the road or do they move to the boat launch on the southern side of the road (in-between the two houses)? Is there another public access point for Collins Lake?
Is anyone willing to PM or share some good spots to try to Collins Lake?
Thanks,
CJC
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Going to check out Cronk lake today and maybe hit Loughborough on the way back, will let you guys know how we do.
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Was out last weekend on Verona Lake and there was a good 13" of ice in the middle of the lake. An easy walk on given very little snow on the lake. Marked a lot of fish in the 12' to 18' range on both the fish finder and the Aqua-Vu. Heading out again on Sunday.
For those looking for live bait, South Frontenac Rental Centre on Hwy 38 in Harrowsmith had good mud minnows and suckers (very lively bait).
Ciao for now and stay safe out there. Tight lines!
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-01/P_20170129_152109_vHDR_Auto_zpsqqvwjixi.jpg)[/URL][/img]
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Picked up some shiners and mud minnows at South Frontenac Rental Centre in Harrowsmith this afternoon. All set for fishing tomorrow on Verona Lake. Heading out to the north part of the lake - easier access and less traffic. Drop by if you are out that way. Will be the big guy in camo.
Ciao for now.
Don
aka leviathan_slayer
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Any help with the local minnow situation?
Been getting minnows at Brown Bear Tackle for the past several years. He has a great setup and the minnows last a while. Mud minnows and Dace. He's at 836 Development Drive.
http://www.brownbeartacklebox.com
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That is a great local spot for minnows bassin4life.
Don
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Change of plans today. Heading to Loughborough Lake and going to try for some Lakers.
Ciao for now.
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Going to check out Cronk lake today and maybe hit Loughborough on the way back, will let you guys know how we do.
Hey guys, sorry for the delayed reply.
Got out onto Cronk for a few hours. Picked up minnows at Brown Bear Tackle in Kingston, nice and healthy, and headed to the boat launch off of Bedford Road. Decided to fish the mouth of the little bay on the northeast corner of the lake. Didn't find any splake but we managed a bunch of crappie. Was a nice day. Locals say it is tough fishing for splake, hit or miss, haven't seen many recently, yadda yadda.
Next day hit up Upper Rock Lake. What a beautiful spot. Parked at the launch on the north end (looks like there might be another access about halfway down the lake?) and setup shop due east out off the far point; kinda near the perma hut that is out there. Fished anywhere from 5' to 40' and only managed one first or second year splake. Had a bunch of flags fire but no hook ups....might need stinger hooks? Tried both dorsal and tail hooking but nothing worked. Was a great day out there, saw some other groups/atvs dunno how they did.
Somewhat discouraging, but I'd like to give it another go next time I'm in the area.
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Thanks for the reports guys. We are headed up that way in 2 weeks
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Anychance I could get an update on ice on 2nd depot? anyone know if its flooded yet? were making our way up Friday night and want to know if I should leave the bike at home and pack the water wings for the water on top.
any help would be appreciated as we have never caught many burbot there but always try.
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Anyone been out on the lakes near Plevna? I'm guessing this warm weather is going to shorten the ice season.
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Is the boat launch for howes lake on the west side?
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Got the skunk at verona this morning. Lots of fish marked but none would commit. Still a bunch of ice out there but sloppy on top
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2419p9t.jpg)
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Going back out in the morning
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Anyone been out on the lakes near Plevna? I'm guessing this warm weather is going to shorten the ice season.
Hi Roberz, where are you headed near Plevna? I am thinking of visiting my camp on Cananto Lake on Saturday. Might drill a hole to see what the ice is like, but will probably just sit by the fire and head over to Wheelers Pancake House - I'm sure they will be boiling SAP and making syrup.
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Wish I was going anywhere near there. Had to cancle my plans to go north this winter. I'm from Ohio and our season was about 5 days long this year. 61 degrees at 1030 in February is crazy. I'm just enjoying watching you guys post pics. May try to go up for some spring trout if I can make things work. We normally fish the schooners and some of the back country lakes when we do make it up.
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That has been my season too, vicarious.
Good luck up there, it is a special corner of the world.
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Still lots of ice around folks. On Thursday I fished a lake just North East of Verona that had over 2' of solid black ice. There was some water on top, looking at the long forecast these Lakes should be in play for a while. I drilled 6 different holes in 25-20' of water. In 2 holes the bottom 4' was full of small perch in another I found Blue Gills from bottom to 5' below the hole my Vex was a mess of marks. The one hole produced big perch but was slow.
Then night came & I decided to sit in the hole that produced all the Gills, at 6:30pm the gills receded to the bottom & out came the Crappies. I ended up catching 27 Crappie 90% came from 4' below the hole in 24' of water. The took everything I threw at them as long as it glowed.
Anyways get out there & be safe boys! Fingers crossed March is the coldest month of this winter!
(http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i398/forttown76/Bass%20Opener/8C93839C-F674-4CAC-8355-6BEA524A9E34_zpsmvg2qlw7.jpg) (http://s1091.photobucket.com/user/forttown76/media/Bass%20Opener/8C93839C-F674-4CAC-8355-6BEA524A9E34_zpsmvg2qlw7.jpg.html)
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Nice Crappie!
We went out to a small backlake this morning. The good news... no snow or slush so easy walking with cleats on, 14.5 inches of ice still. The bad news... after 40+ holes and 3 hrs we only found dink perch.
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Went to the same lake a week later and still 13"+ of ice. This time I was actually looking for the schools of the small perch because I had my youngest daughter with me and wanted her to catch something. We found them and they were finicky but Claire still managed to get a couple before she got bored. Now that she has figured out the sonar doesn't look like Iam going to get a chance to use it again!
(https://s8.postimg.cc/q494k8m0x/IMG_3429.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/q494k8m0x/)
(https://s8.postimg.cc/9t90o0h9t/IMG_3424.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/9t90o0h9t/)
Jon
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That's awesome JZ! Kids really don't care about size vs fish caught! Great job!
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Anyone fishing up north of Highway 7? How's the ice up that way? I'm considering heading up the 41 this weekend to hit a few small trout lakes.
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I figured with the cold weather I would see more Posts on here. Is the ice in bad shape?
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I figured with the cold weather I would see more Posts on here. Is the ice in bad shape?
it's starting ,could be end of December ???
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Just drove down from Ottawa, lot of ice skimming the lakes along the way.... And cold in the near future
Tim
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I went to a couple of my usual early ice lakes today and they aren’t ready yet, couple inches of ice in the shallows couldn’t get more than 10 ft from shore. Going to take a few more days for these lakes anyway, might have to target some shallow bays and stay close to shore if I want to get out this weekend. Stay safe
Jon
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Does anyone out there have a list of Kingston back lakes that are frozen????
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Good morning everyone,
I have been slow this year in getting out as I have been preparing for retirement and as of this week I have completed my 40 year professional career and I am now ready to start 365 fishing. Hahaha.
Getting some good reports from friends going out on the ice on several different lakes. Lots of opportunity for slaying the ice monsters. Some great reports from Dog Lake for splake. 2 - 3 lb’ers the average with a few in the 4 - 6 lb range.
Will start to post more info over the next few days.
Tight lines to all.
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer
(https://s14.postimg.cc/kg4sxnx0t/64_CB06_C6-41_AA-4_F9_C-83_EB-3_BB08_C3_FB4_E8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/kg4sxnx0t/)
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For all those interested in fishing Verona Lake, here is a bathymetric map I made using my using my sonar a mapping program I bought a few years ago. While the depths vary slightly with the water levels it has served me well both during soft and hard water seasons.
Good luck and tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://s9.postimg.cc/qqy8j8j97/1_A052450-_F6_AC-4_F8_B-_ABBE-_D830_D9732_EEC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/qqy8j8j97/)
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That time of year for the gentle reminder about ice conditions. Be safe out there and tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
(https://s20.postimg.cc/xgpk3m13d/9043_B553-7132-4_CE8-_A433-_F48_FDB44_BFA9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/xgpk3m13d/)
(https://s20.postimg.cc/s5aniw7ax/A7281_DDD-_DB86-4_AFB-_A88_A-_A44_B37_D5_E779.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/s5aniw7ax/)
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Enjoy your retirement Don, well deserved I am sure. Stay active and interesting!
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Thanks Otto. All the best to you this fishing season.
Tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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Hey everyone, anyone know how to access Draper Lake?
And they haven't stocked it in a few years (since 2007), anyone have any luck?
Park on the side of hte road here? (https://www.google.ca/maps/place/44%C2%B028'59.3%22N+76%C2%B030'27.6%22W/@44.4831454,-76.5096109,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x4cd2bd4b2c00999b:0x4364ecdd2ba6bd59!2sDraper+Lake!3b1!8m2!3d44.4832138!4d-76.5144136!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d44.4831423!4d-76.5076614)
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Really quiet around here these days...everyone bail to another board??
Heading up north Kingston-way in a few days, how is travel on the lakes?
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Lots of snow up here in Westport. Will be trying to get out on the bike maybe Wednesday night. Will know more then.
Travis
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Was out checking the back lakes yesterday. Snow is melting well and access to the lakes seem to be very good. May get a little slushy today but will start to freeze up again tonight/tomorrow. Will be heading to Verona Lake on Saturday to wet a line. If you happen to be out look for me. Will be the big guy in camo.
Ciao for now.
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Went out to Verona Lake today. A good 20" of ice on the lake. Lots of people out today and that was great to see. It was mid-February fishing - meaning it was a little challenging to get them to bite, but they were everywhere. We got a perch and the school under the ice was huge. It was great meeting "Kaden" on the ice today. He was out with his family and dog and they looked like they were having a great time.
Will head out again late Monday for a little evening fishing!
Tight lines everyone!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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(https://s14.postimg.cc/4tlwk99ql/P1000038.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/4tlwk99ql/)
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We had the Wolfe Howl yesterday. Ice was still pretty good at 16" In the back bays. Got a little slushy Friday night and those tracks froze over the night making getting around rough, but still manageable. Thinking of heading over to Indian Lake splake fishing here this afternoon. Will report back with ice conditions.
Travis
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16" over on Indian lake as well.
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Hello Kingston area ice anglers! The lakes are starting to get a base of ice on them. I am heading out to Verona this morning to check a few lakes and the thickness of the ice. Will report back later today. Remember to be safe heading out on the ice as weather conditions have been up and down over the last week or so.
Anyway talk to you later! Be safe and tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Went out today and checked a few back lakes up around the Verona area. Verona and Howes lakes had a few people out on them but ice thickness was only around 4 inches. The ice around the shore was not consistent and therefore you had to be careful where you went out. Also checked 2nd Depot Lake and the north end was around 4 to 6 inches thick. However, there was moving water under the ice so you have to be careful. If the cold weather holds through the next week then heading out on the ice will be a good possibility.
Stay safe and tight lines!
Don
><)))) °>
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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Appreciate the info
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Seen a few people on both Sand and Wolfe. Was tempted to get on the ice for some fishing but figured it's best to wait a bit. Drove by Crow lake and didn't see anyone.
Anxious to get out!
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(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Don_Head/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/09730EAF-72DE-45C2-AB5C-55BCC78C482D_zpsoen3i9vr.jpg)[/URL]
Looking forward to lots of good, thick ice this winter!
Be safe and tight lines!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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Happy New Year!
Lots of small back lakes are iced up. Been out 4 times on three different lakes since Dec 9th on anywhere from 3” to 7” all within an hour of Kingston. One lake was in the interior of Frontenac, Moulton, it is a hike with gear so I have no problem mentioning that one. The others are small lakes that could be fished out easily so I don’t post about them but they aren’t secrets by any stretch they are all visible from the road with easy public access. I found them but taking a drive with a spud in the back of the truck. Look on google maps for small shallow protected lakes with little to no current i.e pothole lakes vs one that are part of a major system with rivers flowing in and out. Once you find an early ice lake you are set, the fishing may vary as it gets more pressure but the same lakes freeze first year after year.
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Thanks JZ. It is great when everyone adds there info to this forum!
Thanks again and tight lines!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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Yes thanks to everyone for sharing some info! I know the lakes online tool is excellent but it is not easy to tell where to get on a specific lake so this where it becomes useful when many of you have helped. My wife and I recently bought a cottage last year on Farren Lake and it doesn’t appear to be stocked any longer so getting on to other spots in the area is the challenge. We are planning to fish louborough as weve never caught a laker or splake and have a few other lakes close by for walleye. Still looking for a brook trout spot and continue to gather as much info as possible.
Anyone have suggestions that would be great. Somewhere that has atv access preferably to haul gear. I have one spot I’m going to scout out next week.
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Hey Fellow Ice fishermen and fisherwomen.
Anybody been fishing on Sharbot or Bobs lakes yet. Thinking of going up this weekend. Any info on ice conditions on either of these lakes. Appreciate any input
Kevin
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Hello all.
I am sure with the cold snap we are having most are getting 'the fever' to get out on the hard water. ;D
Remember, no fish is worth your life - stay safe! Buddy up, picks, spuds, floaters.
That being said - I was hoping someone may be able to advise of any attempts to angle Garter Lake. I am heading to Upper Rock soon - which I see is stocked with splake. Garter is nearby but is not on stocked list but I believe had natural trout strains. Is it worth the 45 minute walk in?
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Upr Rock has decent splake population but they are generally smaller. Never fished Garter so not sure if there are any splake there.
Also if Garter is not stocked with splake then the natural strain is most likely lake trout which are closed sept-May except for a handful of lakes that are year round out and take fisheries.
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Agreed. I understand it has bows which remains open all year.
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Agreed. I understand it has bows which remains open all year.
Oh cool that might be worth the trek in then I wasn’t aware there were any natural rainbow lakes around here.
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Good day all Kingston Back Lakes Anglers!
Went out fishing today on Verona Lake. There is 12 “ of good ice. There are several shacks in the South Bay and I was surprised to see 4 vehicles that ventured out onto the ice. While it seems thick enough for vehicles there are numerous pressure cracks and a few more days of ice making would probably be safer before venturing out with a full size vehicle. Anyway, it was a cool, brisk morning when the north wind started to blow. Several bites in the 15 FOW range and a few perch brought to the surface.
It is glare ice so be careful walking out there as I found out that I am still quite top heavy and smack, bang, crack down I went on the ice. Luckily my body broke the fall - hahahaha!!!
Anyway, ice fishing season is now in full swing and look forward to running into some of you out on the ice.
Ciao for now
Don
(A.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
(https://i.postimg.cc/sMq0wzDM/0-B56-A5-C2-CF16-4-DA2-8775-AF976-D4-C0808.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sMq0wzDM)
(https://i.postimg.cc/gXPtbKhd/1474-BCA5-6-B19-4-ED4-8423-CE91-F315-D2-E5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gXPtbKhd)
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(https://i.postimg.cc/RWND7h9r/D08-D43-DB-853-A-497-F-BA60-136598-A23-CDB.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RWND7h9r)
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Good solid ice on the back lakes! Time for some fishing!!
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An anglers out on the back lakes this past week. Share your news with us!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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Great day on the ice. About 20 some odd anglers all looking for the big lake wolf for the derby!
Lots of ice and great weather today!
Ciao for now!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SXx7xwCC/20190209-100029.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SXx7xwCC)
(https://i.postimg.cc/BPH2zsf9/20190209-112636.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BPH2zsf9)
(https://i.postimg.cc/68YngYg3/20190209-100100.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/68YngYg3)
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Any snow reports? Seems the Kingston area got a good amount of snow, just wondering who has been out and how tough is it drugging through the snow. I'm thinking of Quinte tomorrow or may hit Loughborough.
Was out today at Wolfe lake, didn't fish but wanted to check out the derby. Lots of snow but thankfully the organizers plowed a few good lanes.
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Back lakes all have good solid ice in the 20 to 24 inch range. Easy access onto most lakes and snow is easy to navigate through on foot. Fish are hugging the bottom of most lakes. Lots of opportunity to land some good ones. Good weekend with a few good bites. Out with my wife and my long time fishing buddy!
Tight lines to all! Be safe out there!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
(https://i.postimg.cc/4KG56Y1f/20190217-133148.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4KG56Y1f)
(https://i.postimg.cc/GTtz46xv/20190217-133133.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GTtz46xv)
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For all of you who fish Verona Lake, here is a depth map that I made with one of my charting programs. It continues to be accurate and gives you a good sense as to where the drop offs are and where the depths change.
Tight lines to all!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HJ5jpwvp/veronalake.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HJ5jpwvp)
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Thinking of trying Verona this week. Any suggestions on depth for fishing crappie. Newbie ice fisherman. Great map Don. I make my own in the summer and enjoy it. I use my lowrance and upload to insight genesis.
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Hi I am from montreal and want to try some lakes for crappie fishing before ice out. We fished successfully at lake stoco. I know in this forum lots of experienced helpful anglers. Thanks
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Hey Kingston_dunk,
Glad to hear you may be getting out to Verona Lake. Right now the Crappies are holding in 2 spots: the south bay where you find the most ice shacks. You will find them primarily closer to the back end of the bay although they move throughout the whole southern basin. The second spot is across the lake near about 100 yards north of the entrance to the main creek exiting the lake. There is an underwater hump and they circle this area quite frequently. Hope this helpful!
Tight lines!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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Hey Preettiwana,
Bonjour et bienvenue á Kingston. J'espère que tu attrappe beaucoup de poissons comme des marigane noire. Glad to hear you may be getting out to the Kingston area. You can find crappies in Verona Lake, Dog Lake, Loughborough Lake, Cranberry Lake, and almost any lakes long the Rideau. Hope this helpful! If you would like more info please let me know
Tight lines!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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Thanks leviathan_slayer. I am really impressed by the kind people in this forum. Always ready to help.
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Hey all. Missed most of the winter but hoping to get out this week with the kids. Any suggestions where I can find some action for the kids and SAFE ice?
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Okay Back Lakes Anglers and fans, time to get out for some of that great tasting crappie action. A few lakes reporting some crappie action. Verona Lake is producing some in the 10" range right now with a few bigger ones hiding in the mix. A few crappies in the south end of Howes Lake and some as well in the Rideau in a few spots. Ice is still good but some ice around the shore line can be a little thin.
Tight lines to all!
Don
(a.k.a. leviathan_slayer)
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Hi folks any ice conditions update of beveridge locks lower Rideau lake, Davis locks. We will try this weekend few lakes for crappie fishing. Any help for more fishable lakes will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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Upper Rideau/Sand lake are still in decent shape. Shores are getting a little rough anywhere there's mud or any sort of runoff. But once you get past that they are still decent. Wait and see what the next few days brings with all the heat and the rain as well.
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Don,
I did get out to Verona last year but didn't have great luck. Will be back again this year when ice is safe. Going to try for some lake trout this winter. It will be awhile until those lakes freeze safe so Crappie fishing in the meantime. Maybe I will see you out at Verona one of these days.
Andrew
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Good day Andrew,
Hope to see you this winter. Looking forward to the hardening of the lakes to get back out ice fishing. Fishing conditions should be good this year as the water levels during the summer made regular fishing a little harder which means that fishing pressure was less which means more fish for the winter! Woohoo!!
Ciao for now!
Don
A.k.a. Leviathan_Slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/fJrv8Bw2/559-F6-B01-7-B37-43-B2-B4-F2-382-EDBE7-F10-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fJrv8Bw2)
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Normally hit Lough for lakers but this year I want to explore for Crappie, suggestions for early Ice Lakes? Not for today but in the future say maybe Christmas/New Years if the ice gods permit.
Have a good and safe season everyone.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3dwDF8n6/013288d20dd730a50f108c1a0570fd38c144aff39b.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3dwDF8n6)
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Fry Flier,
Verona Lake is usually an early freeze up lake and good for crappies. Look for them at the south end of the lake where they tend to school during the winter. There is also a healthy school fo crappies that hang out on the east side of the lake near metal wall by the house on the point. You will find bluegills are plentiful in this lake.
Good luck and tight lines (when it is a to do so!)
Don
Aka leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/pySMnz2w/AD57-F0-AE-79-CB-499-C-B3-FD-560-C08-E8-E47-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pySMnz2w)
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Hey There
Anyone been fishing near Bobs lake or Sharbot. How is the ice?
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I’m near Westport and I think ice is still sketchy. Mild temperatures on the way as well. Too early to venture out I think.
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I know there's been talk of Verona Lake for Ice fishing. The problem is it's such a small lake and it's just overfished.! This small area at the south end of the lake is fished 7 days a week by the locals in Verona. It's hard to catch anything anymore. I'd try some lakes that were a little more off the beaten path.
Good luck everyone!
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There are no shortage of fish in Verona. It is all about how you target them. The underwater camera shows there are plenty of fish for winter fishing!
(https://i.postimg.cc/0bpqKPJm/FB-IMG-1580238256954.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0bpqKPJm)
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It is probably time to get some ice reports for the back lakes and share those who follow this thread.
Right now Verona Lake has about 11 inches of ice. The shore ice has been off and on during the last week or two but should be firmed up again for this weekend.
If you have any ice reports for any other lakes please add them!
Thanks and tight lines!
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Lots of good ice on Upper Rock as of last Friday. I was able to catch several keeper sized spake in the morning.
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Hey Jackster, did you walk out from the boat launch or a privet place? Never fished it in the winter and curious where to go as I don't usually fish splake.. Nice pike in there too.... I live about 10 min away.. Thanks. You can reach me at [email protected] if you like
Tim
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Hey there Tylercurt. I walk on from the boat ramp. I would try straight across from the ramp near the high white rock face or further down near the only cottage on the far side. Good luck.
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Thanks. I'll give it a go next week.
Tim
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Remember you can post pics in this forum a lot easier than a few years ago. So if you are catching any fish while out on the ice feel free to post a pic or two of your trophy!
Tight lines and be safe out there!
Don
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(https://i.postimg.cc/kRVyb6H4/Snapchat-1070233887.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kRVyb6H4)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PNB7MTQc/Snapchat-1933631928.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PNB7MTQc)
Hey all, first check in of the year, I would consider the season a little slower than years past but still putting fish topside. Been using alot of the lakes in the north of kingston area and for the conditions we have had I have found better ice than I was expecting. Good luck everyone!
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Hey IceJunkie33, great stuff. Good pics and well done. Any info you have about any of the back lakes feel free to post it. There are a lot of people that stop by this forum page for advice. Thanks again and enjoy your time on the ice!
Don
(https://i.postimg.cc/N5WhhsnY/75-C763-C2-0-C88-44-EF-86-AD-097-FA7-CA3998.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N5WhhsnY)
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Fished Verona yesterday from 2 till 6. The boys caught a dozen small perch but the surprise came at 30 min after sundown with a beautiful full moon in the background. What I thought hit my tungsten jig tail hooked minnow that sat in the hole for 3 hours was a small pike. To my surprise I landed a 2 lb. Wally. Clean fish and the boys were excited to get it on the stove. Big thanks to the gentleman in the ice shack that came over immediately to punch some holes for us when he saw me pull out my hand auger. Probably saved a year on my life. Lol. Ice conditions: at least 11 with vehicles on the ice.
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Great work Medeiros!
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Hey IceJunkie33, great stuff. Good pics and well done. Any info you have about any of the back lakes feel free to post it. There are a lot of people that stop by this forum page for advice. Thanks again and enjoy your time on the ice!
Don
(https://i.postimg.cc/N5WhhsnY/75-C763-C2-0-C88-44-EF-86-AD-097-FA7-CA3998.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N5WhhsnY)
Awesome photo! Very clear!
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Planning to bring the family out to Verona on Sunday along with some newbie friends. Any tips on area and depth to get the kids into some perch or crappie? Hope to see Don out there again.
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I will be out there this Sunday! Stick to the south end for the Perch and Crappie in about the 10 to 12 foot depth. They are hugging the bottom. A good tactic is to drop a lure to the bottom and bounce it a couple of times. the small dirt clouds it creates draws them in quickly as they think another fish is eating. Have a great week and see you on Sunday.
Tight lines and be safe out there!
Don
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Have gotten out a few times this year.
Went to Verona and caught some Pike and Perch but no crappie. Thanks for tips Don. Hope retirement is going well.
Fished Moira with some friends just after that bad rain we had. Caught my first walleye through the ice. Best part of weekend was seeing a very nice musky swim in and check out my bait on the camera. Very very cool.
Hit a local lake to try for a splake for the first time. Never targeted them before and got a nice one the first day. So that was awesome.
How do I attach a picture?
Have a week off work next week so maybe have some more to share next week.
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Hey, wondering if anyone fishes Sydenham Lake? Anywhere I can access the main lake on foot? Any walleye caught in the winter?
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Preettiwana,
Here are the maps I promised you.
(https://i.postimg.cc/hfpX4YJT/850-C52-DB-08-F0-4581-8225-C0-B827-C99-D02.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hfpX4YJT)
(https://i.postimg.cc/TKshgWJP/F80-FF881-3735-4503-AA42-B270-C796-E144.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TKshgWJP)
Don
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Hey Kingston_dunk,
Glad to hear you have been having some success. If you are looking for other places to catch splake check out Upper Rock Lake off of Opinicon Road or Dog Lake near Battersea. There are some decent sized splake in both these lakes with easy public access.
As for attaching pictures if you look right below the box where you type text is a link to “Add image to post”. Just click on it and you can add pics.
Stay in touch! Tight lines and be safe out there!
Don
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Hey Caygeon,
Here is a map for Sydenham Lake showing where to access the lake on foot and a good area for fishing.
Stay safe out there and tight lines!
Don
(https://i.postimg.cc/TKshgWJP/F80-FF881-3735-4503-AA42-B270-C796-E144.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TKshgWJP)
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Well got out to Verona Lake last weekend and it was not very productive. However had a great time on the ice with my long time fishing buddy Jerry. Jerrry and I have been fishing together for 31 consecutive years. I have to say that having the side-by-side sure makes life a lot easier going out on the ice. Hopefully will get a couple more days in fishing before the ice starts to get less safe.
Tight lines and be safe out there!
Don
(https://i.postimg.cc/8fTdYPPx/5-DC9390-D-3412-421-A-A3-ED-D2-D4-C0-C3-D431.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8fTdYPPx)
(https://i.postimg.cc/v4T4NdYD/70236-EC3-6-BCF-4-C6-A-A04-D-47665-BD4-D9-CC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/v4T4NdYD)
(https://i.postimg.cc/grpKj4q4/9-CFC0-F2-D-CBA3-4481-A5-E1-548-F095-AF8-E7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/grpKj4q4)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xJvygbYK/C8-AD4-BA1-5-AA1-4-C5-E-B81-C-5193-B74181-BC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJvygbYK)
(https://i.postimg.cc/yWTyZ9LK/E68023-D9-DAF6-4-A54-9605-B7-E123799556.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yWTyZ9LK)
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The ice isnt gone yet guys but it is going faster than I hoped, got last night on a search mission and found enough for a good feed! Verona area, cant give it all away, just be careful of shorelines most importantly!
(https://i.postimg.cc/75t0wnSz/Snapchat-839880259.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/75t0wnSz)
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Nice haul!
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Well Ice Anglers, it is getting closer to that time of year when we can get out on the hardwater and start the hunt for those leviathans that have been resting for a few weeks. Although there is not enough ice to head out now, we will keep our fingers crossed. Remember to check the ice thickness before you venture out.
Tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/sBPDsb7c/ice-thickness.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sBPDsb7c)
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To all the Kingston area anglers, wishing you all the very best this holiday season!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/WtK3jGtx/Lumii-20201224-220603065.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WtK3jGtx)
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Well Kingston area ice anglers, I hope that the holidays have been good to you. This year I received an ice auger case for mounting on our side by side making for easier transport out onto the hardwater. An amazing gift!
Hopefully the cold weather will remain and we can build up a decent layer of ice to at least walk out and start our piscatorial hunting efforts.
Stay safe, stay healthy and tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/8s2MRdGF/20730-kolpin18-wyoming-2-0239-800x-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8s2MRdGF)
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A little ice, the right equipment and teamwork is all that is needed to land the big one!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/TpfV7FQ8/133893300-10160744757192782-3260575405728112361-n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TpfV7FQ8)
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It is all in the equipment....
(https://i.postimg.cc/1nxTBx0C/icetrolling.gif) (https://postimg.cc/1nxTBx0C)
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Anyone been out to Verona lake yet behind toppers or down off water street? Just checking for ice conditions before I travel down there
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Hows it looking at Verona and lough guys ?
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I'm debating trying Verona or Collins tonight actually
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I'm hoping to get out this weekend let me know what ya see thanks
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I was on Verona lake on Sunday. shoreline is thin, 3" of good ice off water street. A couple nice pike came at about 4:00 pm.
I went for a look at 2nd Depot, didn't look safe, no tracks, and I've never fished it before.
1st Depot had sled tracks and fresh holes on it but I didn't risk it myself.
Hoping to find some walleye on the back lakes on Saturday. Anyone else going out?
Ryan
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Thanks for the ice reports everyone. I’m near Westport and will check out Wolfe and Sand tomorrow if I have a chance. Will report back here. Nice to see the nights are getting cold. 👍
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Checked out Wolfe today and still open water. Ice starting to form near the Southwest corner but still too early. Sand lake in Westport has ice. Someone has a pop up close to shore by the beach.
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Didn't make it out to Verona or Collins, had a family member pass suddenly so I wasn't feeling it.
Will be going out somewhere this week after work once or twice.
I've been working in Belleville for the last few weeks so I have headed north towards Kaladar for my ice fishing after work, found a small lake with good ice and just full of crappie so I might head back there. I won't name said lake but if nobody has found safe ice around Kingston area it could be worth your time to head Kaladar direction.
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I’m going to take a look at fifth depot this morning, try it if the ice is good.
Plan b is second depot. Third is back to Verona. Need to find some back country walleye.
Is there an access point to elbow lake?
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Dropped by Verona lake today after hiking with wife. Was nice to see guys on ice. Think I might go out tomorrow.
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5th Lake had generally good ice off the boat ramp. It varied between 3-6” of black ice. Only 3” close to shorelines and along a big pressure crack in the middle that convinced me to alter my destination. A braver group traversed it without issue later in the day. Lots of people out there today but the fishing was pretty slow by all accounts. Only 1 pike for me.
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25+ holes in Verona last night didn't mark a single fish. I can say I fished it but I likely won't be back.
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Hi everyone!
This is my first winter living in Kingston, as I moved here for school. Appreciate all the helpful tips on this thread to get me started in the area. Hoping someone can point me in the best direction to buy pinheads and shiners since many shops are closed right now. Thanks!
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Have you tried Brown Bear Tackle Box?
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Sorry the Brown Bear is closed...no minnows this year.
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Hey Anglerholic, welcome to the area. There's a bait shop in Battersea, Mark's (Catch-All) Live Bait at Battersea Road and Noble Lane. They are open.
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Went and checked Verona Lake today. 8” of good solid ice. Will be hitting the ice tomorrow. Tight lines to all
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/NLBMcMh9/5-AD1-DF0-E-E7-F4-44-A7-9968-6-B90-D68-EB5-B0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NLBMcMh9)
(https://i.postimg.cc/YLrqfXNf/D07-AC214-3-D84-4760-9-C3-E-E8-A510-D1-A05-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YLrqfXNf)
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Sunday was quite busy on Verona Lake. Quite a few anglers out and a number of people making ice rinks in the middle of the lake. Snowmobiles and side-by-sides and ATVs running up and down the lake. With all the noise I was surprised to see the fish even show up. They were biting short yesterday so the key to success was small baits/hooks. There was 9” of good ice on the lake but the weekends are becoming busy with the number of people heading out. May have to start fishing Verona Lake during the week.
Anyway, tight lines to all and stay safe on the lake!
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/0MVYWwv6/2-D9768-AC-1-AAD-4799-8136-BFA040-D63-DE2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0MVYWwv6)
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I was on verona the previous weekend. Ended up catching some perch, a small pike, and a walleye on the Saturday. Tried a couple different spots the following day and didn't even mark a fish over 4 hours. Like Don said, minimum 7" of good ice everywhere I tried.
Braved the cold weather and went out on loughborough this past weekend. I encountered 4-5" of good, clear ice. Marked ~15 fish on the Saturday afternoon but none would commit. Talked to guys who caught a big laker in the morning hours but they seemed to have the same issue with getting bites. Went to the same area yesterday and marked 1 fish in 5 hours.
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Going to be heading out a few different days next week. Going to be fishing around Verona/Parham/Seeleys bay ish area!! Not concrete plans yet just a couple of target species in mind! Anyone who is looking to get out next week and wants some company, give me a holler. I have some good spots with safe ice!
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Good luck MattPike. I will be at Verona Lake tomorrow and going to try a couple of different spots away from the crowds. The ice is good and the fish are awaiting some nice minnows! Hahaha!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Had a great afternoon on Verona Lake yesterday. Caught over a dozen perch and some pike. Ended up fishing away from the crowded sections in an area we have never fished during the winter. A good 12" of ice.
Stay safe and tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/2VfTVFgr/20210212-144643.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2VfTVFgr)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mcF8PXZZ/20210212-135320.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mcF8PXZZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/wy8FLX3X/20210212-160410.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wy8FLX3X)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nMx0LGyZ/20210212-152248.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nMx0LGyZ)
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For all those interested in entering an ice fishing tournament that runs from 13 February 2021 to 7 March 2021 read the following. If we can get enough active anglers from Kingston we can compete as a community as well.
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ONTARIO ICE FISHING CHALLENGE
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Feb 13 to Mar 7, 2021
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RULES
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1. Getting Started
A. The 2021 Ontario Ice Fishing Challenge is an online tournament run through Angler’s Atlas website and mobile app MyCatch.
B. Anyone can participate in the 2021 Ontario Ice Fishing Challenge and it is for all ages. Registration is per individual, and not per team.
C. There is a $20.00 registration fee to enter the tournament.
D. In order for catches to be sent properly, you must use the same login and password for both Angler’s Atlas website and the MyCatch app.
E. All contestants must register for the tournament through this URL: https://www.anglersatlas.com/tournament/470/ontario-ice-fishing-challenge-2021
F. You will receive an automatic email confirming that you have entered the tournament and that your payment has gone through.
G. Once accepted into the tournament, download the free MyCatch mobile app which is available for both iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play Store) and login to activate the tournament on the app again using the same login email and password that you used to register in the tournament. (https://www.anglersatlas.com/mycatch)
H. Protecting anglers’ privacy is a priority, and any location data collected during the tournament will not be released to the public. Our promise to anglers is “Secret Fishing Spots Stay Secret”. See Section 6 below for further details.
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2. Catch Reporting Rules
A. In order for each catch to qualify, a photograph of the fish must be taken using the MyCatch app, and cannot be uploaded from a photo gallery or other source.
B. All contestants must have GPS enabled on their cell phone for their catches to qualify. All location data will be protected. For more information, see Section 6 below.
C. All length based prize categories require the use of a ‘bump board’ or other measuring device that clearly shows the length of the fish. The nose of the fish must be aligned with the start of the measuring device, with both the nose and the tail clearly visible in the photograph. Measurement is based on the tip of the tail and not fork length. A pinched tail is allowed.
D. The photo must be taken from directly above looking down on the fish.
E. Fish must be placed as close to the measuring device as possible, without covering the measurements for verification.
F. The fish must be measured belly-to-belly (the belly of the fish facing the belly of the person/angler holding the fish).
G. The mouth is allowed to be open, closed, or anywhere in between, so long as the fish meets the other above requirements.
H. There are to be no fingers placed in the gills or mouth of the fish. Any fingers in the gills or mouth of the fish will disqualify that fish.
I. Blatant abuse to fish or the resource is reason for disqualification.
J. The app works out of cell range, and catches will synchronize with the server once the user opens the app when back in cell range, or via a wifi signal. If the catches are not synced by the end of the tournament, they will not qualify for prizes.
K. Catches will be reviewed within 24 hours of submission.
L. A great resource is the MyCatch video that shows how to complete an entry:
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3. Tournament Location and Times
A. Tournament boundaries are anywhere within the Province of Ontario. Given concerns with COVID-19, we strongly urge anglers to “Stay local, fish local”.
B. Rules meeting will be held on February 12, 2021 at 7:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time through Facebook Live on https://www.facebook.com/Ontario-Ice-Fishing-Challenge-105220404871644.
C. The tournament starts February 13, 2021 at 6:00 am, Eastern Standard Time.
D. The tournament ends March 7, 2021 at 12:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time.
E. All catches made within the start and end times must be synchronized with the Angler’s Atlas server by March 7, 2021 at 12:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time to qualify.
F. Awards ceremony will take place on March 7, 2021 at 3:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time through Facebook Live on https://www.facebook.com/Ontario-Ice-Fishing-Challenge-105220404871644.
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4. Awards & Prizes
A. Prize amounts are based on a full field of 500 anglers. If the tournament doesn’t fill, the payout for each paid position will be adjusted based on the number of entries.
- 1st Place longest overall Northern Pike — $1,000 cash prize
- 1st Place longest overall Yellow Perch — $1,000 cash prize
- 1st Place longest overall Walleye — $1,000 cash prize
- 1st Place longest overall Trout (any species) — $1,000 cash prize
- 2nd Place longest overall Northern Pike — $500 cash prize
- 2nd Place longest overall Yellow Perch — $500 cash prize
- 2nd Place longest overall Walleye — $500 cash prize
- 2nd Place longest overall Trout (any species) — $500 cash prize
- 3rd Place longest overall Northern Pike — $250 cash prize
- 3rd Place longest overall Yellow Perch — $250 cash prize
- 3rd Place longest overall Walleye — $250 cash prize
- 3rd Place longest overall Trout (any species) — $250 cash prize
- Most number of fish caught by a participant — $500 cash prize
- Greatest diversity of fish caught by a participant — $500 cash prize
B. The 2021 Ontario Ice Fishing Capital award will be given to the community that has earned the most points from its participating anglers — i.e. anglers who reside within the community.
- Only participating communities are eligible for this award. To participate, please contact tournament coordinator Jim Clarke at [email protected].
- Postal code will be used to determine residency of anglers.
- Point system is calculated from all leaderboards and based on the total number of entries within each leaderboard. For example, a leaderboard with 100 entries, first place angler receives 100 points, second place receives 99 points, and so on, to the last place that would receive one point. So enter all your fish as every fish entered can count towards a community's point total.
C. More prizes may be added as they become available.
D. A participant can only win one prize placing per leaderboard.
E. Winning anglers will be contacted directly using the contact information provided in the tournament registration process.
F. In the case of a tie, the tie break will go to the person with the highest number of fish reported.
G. Tournament organizers reserve the right to adjust entries.
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5. Other Rules
A. By registering and participating in the tournament, all participants agree to abide by the rules and regulations they have received as set out in the 2021 Ontario Ice Fishing Challenge Event Rules.
B. Anglers can only submit catches that they have caught themselves. This is an individual tournament, so you cannot enter as a partnership or team, and under no circumstances can you share fish with any other angler. Anglers are free to fish alone or with other tournament or non-tournament anglers, but each registered angler may only enter their own fish.
C. Each contestant must have in their possession a valid fishing license for their respective jurisdiction or be exempt under regulations of their jurisdiction.
D. Each contestant must conform to the fishing rules and regulations that are in place for the jurisdiction in which they are fishing.
E. Promoters, organizers or sponsors assisting in the tournament operation are not responsible for death, injury, damage, liability, theft, fire or any loss to any contestants.
F. Any angler found to be cheating will be disqualified from the tournament. Angler’s Atlas also reserves the right to ban anglers from competing in future events.
G. In the event of disqualification, any entry fees will be forfeited and not refunded.
H. All rules have loopholes. It is our intention to provide an honest sportsmanlike tournament. In the interest of good sportsmanship, contestants are reminded the spirit of the rule will prevail in all judgments.
I. All questions or problems relating to the rules of this tournament are to be referred to Jim Clarke by email ([email protected]). His decision will be final in all cases. No other person can be considered a spokesman for the rules during the tournament.
J. Any contestant has the right to make a protest against another contestant by contacting Jim Clarke through email ([email protected]) prior to the close of the tournament. His decision will be final in all cases. A $100.00 dollar protest fee may need to accompany the protest. The fee will be returned if the protest is found to be valid.
K. All Covid-19 Public Health orders and Gathering Restrictions at the time of the event must be followed by all participants
L. This is an ice fishing event. Practice ice safety at all times! Fishing is only allowed on a minimum of at least 4 inches of ice.
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6. Data Privacy and Fisheries Research
“Secret Fishing Spots Stay Secret” — This is our primary commitment to anglers who report their catches through MyCatch. So what does this mean in practise?
A. Angler’s Atlas does not release MyCatch GPS data (latitude and longitude) to the public. It is treated as confidential and is provided to fisheries researchers under strict conditions.
B. Every research team we work with must sign a data sharing agreement that sets the terms of use for the data.
C. Data is anonymized before it is provided to the researcher.
D. Researchers agree not to share the data with anyone else.
E. Researchers cannot use the data for any purpose other than the research specified in the agreement.
F. Exact location data cannot be published as part of the scientific research. Instead, it has to be generalized to a larger region so the location cannot be reverse engineered.
These data privacy rules are designed to protect our angler’s private data, to conserve the fisheries, and to make sure we maintain a trusting relationship with our anglers into the future. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to reach out to Angler’s Atlas President directly by email ( [email protected] ).
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Another successful day on Verona Lake. Dozen perch and few pike. The key to success the last few days has been staying away from the crowds on the lake. We have hit a few spots now that are never fished in the winter and they are proven to be very productive.
Anyway, stay safe and tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/gXGj3ybW/FB-IMG-1613346903998.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gXGj3ybW)
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Would someone be able to tell me where I can park and walk in to Paddy's Lake? Just pull over on Devils Lake Rd and bushwhack north? Or is there a trail heading back to the lake? Thanks.
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Would someone be able to tell me where I can park and walk in to Paddy's Lake? Just pull over on Devils Lake Rd and bushwhack north? Or is there a trail heading back to the lake? Thanks.
It's been few years since I've been there. The only road actually leading to the lake is private and on private property. There were couple of cottages there. Bushwhacking is your only option, that is if you can even find the trail in the snow - it can be tricky and it is a good 40min walk in with no snow. Surrounding land owners were putting up 'no trespassing' signs around where the trail starts - which (at the time) were not justified - they just did not want people going in. Do yourself a favor and check with the township office if the land is private or public or other. It is South Frontenac township. Stuff like this can change easily enough, what is one day public or private but owners don't care if anglers go through - can just as well change or change hands etc. Unless you live in that township - you might not know or hear of changes.
I used to park on the side of the road there.
Good luck.
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Thanks farmerk, I ended up getting back there after a tip on navigating the trail. Fished for 6 hours without any luck so I can't say I'll be going back there before trying out some other lakes next year.
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Well ice fishing season has definitely come to an end for the 2020/21 season. I am going to keep posting in this forum throughout the coming months and hopefully it will give some ideas for ice fishing this coming winter.
Will be picking up my first fishing kayak next month so this will give me opportunity to try some different lakes that I would normally not got to as my boat is not easily launched from some of the smaller lakes. As well, it will be a good opportunity to try out the Deeper Pro+ sonar and map charting device I bought which will help with creating bathymetric maps for some of the smaller lakes that are not charted in Navionics.
Anyway, stay safe, stay healthy and tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/d7gHFMgL/WS-20-21-Recon-120-Mesa-Camo-Side-2.png) (https://postimg.cc/d7gHFMgL)
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Started my 2022 season on Fourth Depot Lake today. Pretty consistent 5 inches of good ice everywhere I went. Fished two of the main lake points 12-25 feet of water.
Pretty slow. 1 walleye below slot, 1 pike, 2 perch.
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Good day and Happy New Year to all,
Ice is slowly becoming safer each and every day with some lakes already seeing anglers out and a few shacks in place. However, the up and down temperatures mean you should always be careful heading out.
I did a drive around the area between Kingston and Perth and most lakes were frozen over with between 4-6 “ of ice. There are shacks out on Verona, Howes, Elbow, St. George, Eagle, Silver, and Wolfe Lakes.
Be careful, be safe and tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/rDx8S5Vq/0-CE3-B29-A-A0-F9-4-FB5-94-CF-B1-B4-AC318-D34.webp) (https://postimg.cc/rDx8S5Vq)
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Good day to y'all,
Heading out to Thirteen Island Lake tomorrow afternoon to do a little ice fishing. With just over 12,000 yearling walleye being stocked there in 2018, it should be interesting to see what we can find after 4 years of growth/survival. Will keep you posted
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/pyQ4JmvK/Screenshot-3.png) (https://postimg.cc/pyQ4JmvK)
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Good luck!
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I was considering heading out either there or on Verona tomorrow afternoon too. If you see a lone guy with camo pants and a black coat, feel free to say hello. Good luck.
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Don, thirteen has been on my list of lakes to explore. You have a much better map than my navionics gives me so that sure helps. Hope you’ll let us know what you find. I didn’t get much on Verona last weekend so thinking here or back to 5th Depot this weekend.
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Good day Ice Praetorians,
My son and I ventured out onto 13 Island Lake and it was quite enjoyable. There is 8" of good ice from the shore out to the middle of the bay accessed from the north end ramp. It was pretty well bare ice so good footwear and spikes are in order right now. We marked a number of perch, bass and walleye on the camera at 15 to 20' but could not entice them to bite. However, it was a great day to get out!
Be safe, be smart and tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/YLt5H1Pr/20220113-145127.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YLt5H1Pr)
(https://i.postimg.cc/YjkKYHC5/Screenshot-20220113-201405-Fish-Deeper.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YjkKYHC5)
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To all Ontario Anglers,
This is just a quick reminder that there new rules in place for the use of bait fish on Ontario. Some of the key elements include:
New rules coming into effect on January 1, 2022:
- establishing four Bait Management Zones (BMZs) to limit the movement of baitfish and leeches in Ontario
- restricting the transportation of baitfish or leeches, whether live or dead, into or out of a BMZ with some limited exceptions
- anglers fishing outside their home BMZ must purchase baitfish and leeches locally, retain a receipt and use or dispose of their bait within two weeks from when they were purchased
- harvesting of baitfish and leeches by anglers may only occur in their home BMZ
In talking to a few people this last weekend, Ontario Conservation Officers have been enforcing these new rules. Consequently, it is important that you inform yourself of these rules.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/sustainable-bait-management-ontario
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Hi all,
New to the site and hard water fishing.
Decided I’d like to give it a shot so bought an auger and a few rods and tip ups.
First question is whether to use live bait, hooks, jigs, spoons?
Always like use the Berkeley big gulp and see they have maggots thought they might be a good option.
Guessing live bait is fairly hard to come by around Kingston maybe other than worms. Did see a kijiji add for some shiners and mud minnows.
Second, normally fish back around Cloyne all summer so not to familiar with what lakes are where and access points around Kingston. Is there a map or app that shows locations and access points?
Used to fish a little lake we called Paddy’s Pond for brook trout north of Sydenham but haven’t been there in years.
Looking to fish pickerel, bass, perch, crappie
Any suggestions or input welcomed and very much appreciated.
Thanks, Doug
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@dnj1964
Live bait or a minnow head is pretty much a must in combo with small jigging style spoon, body baits or the good old jig and minnow. Tons of options to try. MNR has whats called fish online. It’s shows all the species in each lake. Even surveys and stocking.
https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/fishonline/Index.html?viewer=FishONLine.FishONLine&locale=en-CA
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@dnj1964
Welcome to the forum. There is a lot of useful info on this overall thread so feel free to go back over all the earlier entries.
You will find minnows and jigs quite useful on most lakes around Kingston. You can buy minnows at several spots around the area including SFRC in Harrowsmith, a supplier in Tichborne and one in Sharbot Lake, Norris in Newport and Wings in Lyndhurst.
As for lakes there are a number around the area that easy public access. Verona Lake, Second Depot Lake, Sydenham Lake Bob's Lake, Crow Lake, Sharbot Lake, Thirteen Island Lake, Wolfe Lake, Lougborough Lake, Dog Lake, Devil Lake, etc. all have easy public access points. If there is any specific Lake that interests you can I can send more info/maps.
Hope this information is of interest.
All the best, be safe, be smart on the ice.
Tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Hi Don,
Thanks for the reply and information.
Doug
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Don't forget Catchall Bait & Tackle in Battersea.
PS bass is CLOSED through the ice on all back lakes
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Hi there,
I haven't posted on here, but have been a peruser of everyone's posts for a few seasons. Firstly, I wanted to thank people for the sharing of both stories and strategies.
This is my third season ice fishing... I've never had much luck haha.
Having been concentrating my efforts on westport lakes in search of a walleye but to no avail.
I am considering trying thirteen island lake...
Don - as usual you have already been forthcoming with info. Just great!
I have saved your map and found another old one online.
My question regards what to look for on a map? (I have a garmin striker)
From my understanding walleye like the deeper water with close access to shallower around darkness.
I read about shoals and midlake flats...
Im just interested in what sort of depths you guys fish?
How common is it to catch these fish in the middle of the day?
Any information / advice would be greatly appreciated!
I am also considering one of the depot lakes?
For some reason I cannot send PM's on here, maybe I have to earn that!
Thanks just now.
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Hey Duffer,
first I'll say that I tried 13 island lake last weekend for the first time and I have never seen so few fish on a day of fishing. Not sure if it was the bitter cold or if I had the wrong idea for that lake. I fished around the obvious saddle between the main island an the mainland closest to the launch and covered a lot of water and depths over the day. Didn't even mark a single fish on the Garmin.
To do some research on the basics its probably best just to look for YouTube videos "where to find walleye ice fishing" I like Tom Boley's videos. I find though that the lakes around here are very different. In some the eyes suspend, others they stick to the structure. There's some good articles to be found by google searching the same.
My read in most cases is that we are now getting into the "mid-winter" situation where the walleye tend to be in deeper water during the day and come up in the shallows in low-light or darkness. So I'm finding areas with structure at 20-30' range, close to the deepest parts of the lake. I have caught some mid-day but most are within an hour of sunset.
I'll be on the depot lakes this weekend again where I've had some luck but have yet to catch a walleye above the 40 cm slot size. Mostly small pike too. Only thing I've iced are perch, which have been a good size. I'm always looking for new spots, yet to find a consistent location. So take my advice with that in mind.
Otherwise, like Don does so well, I intend to be an information sharer here not holding my secrets. win or lose.
Good luck
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I also had zero luck on 13. 5 hours and just a small school of perch to show for it. Might check out Loughborough or Dog sunday afternoon.
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Going to Dog again tomorrow, caught a nice pike last week. Hear the crappie are starting to hit if you can find them.Lots of bait in Battersea.
Not sure how all the snow we got will change things, I don't have a sled but a 4x4 that doesn't like deep snow/slush like most and walking far dragging my gear isn't my thing.
Stay Safe
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Good day Anglers Extraordinaire,
Heading out today to check a few lakes and then decide on one to hit tomorrow. Going to drill a few holes on a few lakes, check ice thickness and use my Deeper Sonar and Aqua Vu to check out structure and bottom surface.
Remember if there are some lakes you might be interested in I can post a few bathymetric maps if I have them.
Just stopped by Verona Lake, 4 trucks out on the ice.at the south end. Getting out there seems relatively easy. Mind you, the south end is becoming more and more busy. Access the Verona Lake via Salmon Lane by Toppers store - deeper water and less busy.
Well off to a few other lakes and will let you know what we find!
Tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/K1wbMYR0/20200222-115233.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K1wbMYR0)
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How are the Kingston back lakes doing this yr? Looking for lake suggestions for family day weekend in Feb.-- also access points.
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My son and I headed out to 2nd Depot Lake for some late afternoon walleye. Took the SxS out and was able to get through the snow quite easily. The ice is a good 13" thick. We fished along the east shore where stone wall in 30 FOW. Bryan pulled in a nice 27" burbot (have never caught a burbot in the day time before). I was quite amazed at the amount of "lake fleas" that surrounded the camera but more interesting was the darkness of the lake at 30'. Normally our cameras would see at that depth but it was pitch black where we were. Anyway, a good day on the lake.
Stay safe and right lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/sBVYHcyS/20220123-150706.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sBVYHcyS)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Dmtq3Fn7/20220123-154137.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Dmtq3Fn7)
(https://i.postimg.cc/T5Wg5Nq8/20220123-154151.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/T5Wg5Nq8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rzdSHz6h/20220123-154234.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rzdSHz6h)
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Slow day on Dog for me. About 14 inches of good ice and 4 inches of slush where I was. Lots of sleds and a couple trucks out.
I caught one 30 inch pike. I'm fairly certain that he hit the tip up rig four times within 10 minutes. The first time he wasn't hooked but he held onto the bait until I pulled him up to the hole. The second and third time I ripped it out of his mouth. I let him run with it for a good minute and finally hooked him on the fourth try. I reckon the 10 inch sardine was too big for him so he never had the hooks in his mouth the first few tries even though he was running with it.
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Great work Anglerholic!
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Fished 5th Depot Lake yesterday. More than 30 cm of ice. We caught 3 monster Smallmouth. Back down they went of course. Lots of action on the Garmin came after 4:30. One bite on the dead stick minnow, but dropped it. Nothing biting aggressively. No walleye :'(
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Looking for some advice on who locally I could bring my eskimo auger for repair..
It starts and idles fine...
But on full throttle it dies every time!
Its 3 years old.
Seafoam added last season.
Tank emptied and ran dry aswell.
I only use the 50:1 premix from Canadian tire.
Any suggestions appreciated!
Thank you.
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Duffer500
Had Eskimo augers before i bought my Jiffy propane Pro4. I enjoyed the Eskimo augers but had similar problem with each one. Depending on the model can usually be solved by:
- adjusting the jet screw on the auger
- changing spark plug if needed
- replace air filter if needed
- add some Seafoam and run for 5 minutes in idle - let sit for an hour and start again
- clean carb
One or several of these steps always worked for me in the past.
As a last resort there is a fellow in Verona who does magic with all types of small engines for really reasonable prices. I can give you his coordinates if needed
Hope this helps
Don
a.k.a. Leviathan_slayer
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Hello all,
I had a request from Caygeon for some maps for 2nd Depot Lake and 5th Depot Lake. I do not have anything right now for 2nd Depot but hope to have one completed this Spring.
As for 5th Depot Lake, here is what I have right now that should be helpful.
Be smart, be safe and tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/RJv9pxVf/5thdepot.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RJv9pxVf)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nMf42FB5/5thdepot1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nMf42FB5)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8sdhn2bC/5thdepot2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8sdhn2bC)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qzj2p2SV/5thdepot3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qzj2p2SV)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZCTrkwfx/5thdepot4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZCTrkwfx)
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We ended up on Cranberry (less traffic) and was also surprised to see slush under the snow in places.Guess the weight forced water up where ever it could.As for fishing we had multiple tipups but only a couple of flag that had the shiner robbed and I jigged for hrs trying different spoons for pike. Missed three, may have been bass but they didn't show there faces.
Stay Safe
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I'm quite the novice and not really good at reading the ice. How is there so much water on top of 12"+ of ice? I cleared a spot and made snow walls, but when I drilled holes, they all flooded. Did I do it wrong? Or was it just a bad day/spot? You All are so helpful. I've been reading backwards. So much knowledge in these pages. Thanks in advance.
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It's the weight of the snow. water will come up through the ice through pressure cracks and your auger holes. You're not doing it wrong, although more time on the treadmill will probably be good for most of us! The ice will settle eventually and this will be less a problem. I've seen guys use cattle mats or workout mats on top of the snow to help keep the feet dry.
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Just curious if any one has hunted for splake in our area, not looking for your spots just wondering about walking conditions on the few lakes I know they exist sometimes. Thanks
Stay Safe
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Went to a local pike lake today with a buddy and we waited till mid-morning hoping the wind would die down NOT!! Access is good and walking ok with many ruts from atv/sleds, no one else was as silly as we where but we tried to hide behind a hut on the ice, Thanks, but only lasted 3hrs with one 6" perch to show for. Had to clean the tipup holes every 10 mins, got sick of that. Weather will get better next week but will return this weekend cause it's better to try and complain than not. lol
Stay Safe
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Made it on the board today. A bait of a perch but still counts. Pike are lively on Varty Lake. Ice is solid (and no more water gushing up lol thx)
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Good day to all,
Went scouting walleye spots around the BofQ area yesterday. Lots of "villages" around different areas: off Beach Drive near Shannonville, off the Deseronto boat ramps, off of Huff's Lane on Long Reach, and off the boat ramp at Sherman's Point in Hay Bay. Atv and SxS heading out on the 12" plus ice. Snow cover on ice is not too bad.
May have to put ice gear away for a few weeks as I am suppose to go in for a knee replacement sometime this week - if not, I will be fishing again next weekend.
Tight lines to all
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Went back to the pike lake on Sunday and Tuesday, there where several popups set up from the end of the road access and the rinks by the parking area had lots of kids playing hockey and little ones skating, nice to see. We actually caught a medium pike and some mudcats on both days. Not nearly as productive as last year . ???
Stay Safe
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Where is the best public access to Pike Lake?
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There are two access point
1- bottom of the hill through the gate
2- end of the road snow plow turn around
3- surprise it's Collins Lake which I've heard is fished out as per my comment earlier :(
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I've been out 4-5 times fishing three local lake with friends and we have only caught 1 pike and several small perch. We did have several drops on tipups so is Feb a slow month, i can't recall from past years. According to the fish calendar I believe next Tues, Weds and Thurs are best so will hope to try then. Anyone noticed this. :unsure:
Stay Safe
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Hey stukkie,
February can usually be a slower month but it just takes a little for patience and a few more techniques. We are finding the fish are hanging on the bottom more and slower presentations are working better. Also find that fishing smaller baits tipped with fish heads working well.
Tight lines!
Don
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Went a little outside our normal fishing zone to the Bay of Quinte just off the Deseronto public launch. Fished in 17 FOW and found some good sized perch. As well used my Deeper Sonar and worked well even to the point of capturing the bite on the screen.
Heading back to BofQ on Sunday and going to fish Long Reach off of Huff's Lane.
Tight Lines to all!
Don
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZvWkXKsN/20220208-153339.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZvWkXKsN)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HJdqdtPd/IMG-20220208-202012-01.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HJdqdtPd)
(https://i.postimg.cc/4mcqc0DX/IMG-20220209-141116-590.webp) (https://postimg.cc/4mcqc0DX)
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Thanks Don will keep that in mind I usually jig quite aggressive till the fish shows on the flasher. :bow:
Stay Safe
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My son went to Long Reach on BofQ this morning. Walleye have been few and far between but the perch are putting on the weight. Everything is deep between 20 and 30 FOW.
Tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/30GKQ9R3/IMG-20220213-132714-01.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/30GKQ9R3)
(https://i.postimg.cc/w3RxNxkn/IMG-20220213-132716-01.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w3RxNxkn)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rDMq71LL/IMG-20220213-132724-01.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rDMq71LL)
(https://i.postimg.cc/06Hx6hK8/IMG-20220213-132721-01.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/06Hx6hK8)
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I've been hitting Varty Lake hard. Pretty much since last spring. It's just the most convenient, as my boss lives off the shore. I've had no luck. Pretty much embarrassing pulls. I'm targeting Pike and/or Perch as the day allows. Am I just doing it wrong or am I in a rougher lake? I was thinking of going to Vernoa next weekend as I've read reliable success there. I just don't know if I really am bad at this, or if I've just hung around a poor lake too long?
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Hey GD Mosey,
Saw your post about Varty Lake. It can be a challenging lake to fish in the winter as it is a shallow lake at best of times. You find Verona more productive if you hit the right spots. The south end is productive but can be quite busy. Mid-lake holds some bigger fish id you hit one of the 2 shoals. The north end can be productive as well and is less fished.i believe your angling skills are not in question, just the lake you are fishing.
Tight lines and be safe!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Thanks Don. The motivation is well appreciated. Is it bad that, only makes me want to try harder haha? Maybe one more go on Varty before Verona. Does anyone know of any events held for Family Day weekend? It's a free weekend to fish as I understand.
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Hey everyone,
It's been awhile since I've hit Dog lake on the hard water. I'm hoping to take the kids and another family out on Monday (Family Day) and wondering if access from Hogan's lane (off Burnt Hills Road)at the trailer park beach is still allowed?
Any info on access would be much appreciated as I'd love to get the kids on some pan fish.TIA!
Cheers!
Andrew
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Andrew, it's been a while since accessing there but Battersea is always an option, I was there a week ago and all i caught was a few perch. There was a video posted from 2021 on You Tube catching splake/pike and i'm sure it's just outside the bay in front of Hogan's. :unsure:
Stay Safe
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Hey Stukkle,
Good to know, thank you. I'll give it a go and if it doesn't work out I'll check for access in Battersea.
Thank you!
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Hope the wind dies down! Went with family/friends this morning to Cranberry and we lasted 1.25 hrs, crazy winds. I'm sure lots of people hope to get out tomorrow and most local places will be busy. Went to the pike lake on Tues for a midday fish and we where surprised to catch 3 nice pike to take home as I need practise in cleaning them and one went back to grow, two 4# and two 2# bass (guess) which didn't see daylight long and one small crappy. Was hope for more crappy but that didn't happen.I rarely catch bass threw the ice and obviously don't target them, I know there is a season in the US not sure why not here? :(
Stay Safe
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Hey Stukkie,
Yah that wind was brutal yesterday - I stayed home because of it.
Should be nice today, and you're right, will be busy.
Nice catch! Good luck out there today.
Cheers,
Andrew
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Good day to all,
Went out to Verona Lake on Monday, as Sunday was a regular hurricane. Ice was a good 15-16" thick right across the lake on the north end. Fishing was a little slow but some perch and pike were around. Talking to people on the lake and it has been slow for everyone lately. Not sure whether it is the weather or February lock-jaw, but there is no question the bite has been slow. Having said that, all the fish we marked and caught have been in 15 - 20 FOW and hugging the bottom. Going to go after some walleye this coming weekend at a few different spots.
Hope with the few remaining weeks of hardwater fishing left you enjoy tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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I might check out Wolfe tomorrow for the first time. Maybe get into a walleye but preferably my first burbot. I've never targeted burbot so if anyone has any tips on depth/bait I would appreciate it!
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Hey Anglerholic,
Good luck on Wolfe Lake. Some good walleye get pulled in there every year. However, had not heard much about this year.
As for burbot, the 20-30 FOW range is good this time of year. Spawning season for them is right now. If you can find a gravelly bottom you might have some luck. They stick to bottom so keep your bait as low as possible. Since they have a very refined sense of smell dead beats are just as likely to produce a strike as a live one would. Have always had luck this time of year on Second and Third Depot Lakes for these denizens of the deep. Snow cover on the ice helps as well - as it keeps it a little darker under the ice. Sunset is a great time for active burbot under the ice.
Hope this info helps.
Tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Well was able to convince my wife that my son and I could start helping to save the environment by investing in an electric auger. Sooooo, headed to Cabelas in Ottawa yesterday and bought an Ion G2 8” auger. It is amazing. Half the weight of my Jiffy Pro 4 propane auger, extremely quiet, and fast. The blades are some of the sharpest I have ever seen. Truly it is a slick piece of machinery. Now it is time to sell my propane auger!
Tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/yW3tSkXV/4-E7-DDAC3-8-DB7-47-F8-845-E-EEC680-CF0-D4-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yW3tSkXV)
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Thanks for the tips Don!
I also purchased an Ion this year and it is awesome.
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Don't want to make this a thread about Ion, but I suggest getting a spare set of cutters and keep them with you on ice, as well as the wrench. They tend to dull quick if you drill into frozen weeds, debris, etc. Also good to clear slush from blades and shaft on cold days as soon as you're done drilling.
Other than that, I love my G2.
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Howdy folks. I'm heading up to Petawawa this weekend. Any thoughts? I lived there as a kid, but never really had the opportunity to fish there. Tons of rivers. There is a lake in Cobden I always see loaded with shacks. Either way hope everyone has a great weekend.
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Well this will be last day of ice fishing for me this season as I have knee surgery later this week. So going to head to Verona Lake. If you see 2 big ol' boys in camo with a side x side on the lake this afternoon that will be my son and me.
Tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Got a call to go to a local pike derby on Dog on Sat so of course the answer was YES! We had several tipups and a couples of us where jigging. First fish on in the first 10 mins on a tipup (a buddy) and I got a 5# plus about 20 mins later jigging, we thought it was going to be an excellent day but only 2 more decent fish caught between us. 1st and 2nd where 7# plus and I was in the top 10. Fun was had by all. I will get my cleats ready as I hope all of this water will drain off the ice as there is still 20 plus inches and we may be able to fish till the season closes this month. ;D
Stay Safe
ps Don, good luck and make sure you do your EXERCISES.
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Is there a place similar to this site for open water fishing talk?
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Hey GD, yes this site has an open water forum on Myfishfinder but the Ontario thread it's really used but you can start it. I use Walleye Central under Canada Eh heading. More local but mainly the Ottawa area is Fish-Hawk and I believe there is a site focused on Quinte region but I'm not sure. :thumbsup:
Stay Safe
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Thanks. I'm just waiting for the approval to myfishing. I'm heading out to the mills now. Wish me luck haha
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Hey all,
Just wondering if anyone knows if there is ice on Dog Lake yet? :)
TIA
Andrew
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I heard the narrows on Loughborough's west end skimmed over last night. On Dog, the bay off Sunbury Rd is probably also skimmed but it was the first cold snap we had which didn't last long. With this up/down temps and the storm coming I hope we will have good ice by the new year :'(
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Got it, thanks for the info Stukkie, I really appreciate it.
Cheers!
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Good day ice anglers,
Winter is slowly starting to take hold in Ontario. Time to remember about ice safety. Hope to see some of you this year out on the lakes when it is safe.
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/646tp1yX/icesafety.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/646tp1yX)
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To all anglers around the Kingston area,
With the upcoming weather be very careful going out on any ice. Conditions are going to change very quickly.
Tight lines to all,
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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To all anglers around the Kingston area,
With the upcoming weather be very careful going out on any ice. Conditions are going to change very quickly.
Tight lines to all,
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
Or you could go out to the Bay of Quinte and fish with these people. https://inquinte.ca/story/group-of-eight-rescued-from-unstable-ice-near-big-island
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???....They Really should have brought Paddles
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Anybody been out to check the ice, I went by Dog by Sunbury the other day and was happy to see very little snow on the ice and Collin's look ok from Div st but the heat wave coming after the worst storm I can remember may prevent going to check any time soon. :-\
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Good day all,
With the late start to freeze up around the Kingston area, it is going to be even more important to share ice conditions as the coming weeks unfold. While it is always important to check conditions yourself, the more info we share on this site will help to keep everyone safe.
I am looking forward to getting sometime in the near future to try out our Garmin 95 sv with Live Scope + .
Anyway stay safe and tight lines whenever you can get out on the ice.
Don
à.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Great point Don.
I am hoping to head to either Quinte (Big Bay) on Sunday or Dog lake but I'm struggling to get any decent ice reports before making the trip. Hopefully someone updates somewhere...if I make it out I will update here. :thumbsup:
Andrew
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Sorry but no idea about the Bay (make SURE you wear a floater suit) but in the case of Dog there is very few guy's going out, little ice and 15-30+mm of rain coming then cold for two days then in the +'s for several days, going crazy, haven't even tried to check the ice and i'm within 10 min's of Dog, Collins, Lough, etc. :%$#!:
STAY SAFE
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Thanks Stukkie,
I always do when going out for the first few times until I'm certain the ice is "safe". Yah I'm going stir crazy haha. My father in-law lives in PEC and drove to Belleville to check out Point Anne and said there was no one out on the ice. So my guess is it isn't ready yet and after this rain it definitely won't be.
Sucks to hear that Dog probably isn't ready. Was hoping to go there as a fall back but that doesn't sound like much of an option. Let us know if you manage to scout it out before Sunday. :)
Thanks everyone.
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Good day piscatorial colleagues,
Well ice fishing this year in the area continues to be elusive. I am going to go out this weekend to a few lakes and hopefully get a reading on ice levels, if any at all. If anyone else heads out to check the ice, be safe and let us know so we can hopefully get out safely over the next several weeks.
Tight lines, be safe!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Heading and checking Silver, Sharbot, 2nd Depot, and Verona Lakes for ice thickness today. Will post info later. Just drove by Verona and a couple portable ice shelters out on the south end.
Tight lines and be safe out there!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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On Verona. 5 inches of good ice on the south end. Huts out this end and on the mid-lake hump. I’m going to give it a try.
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I was out on Verona today (Orange hut) on south end. Ice was fantastic considering. Caught a bunch of perch nothing to exciting. Just nice to be out.
If you see the orange hut out on the ice say hi!
Cameron
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So it appears the average ice thickness seems to be around 4 to 5 inches on most lakes around Verona and as far as Silver Lake. A few portable ice shelters on Verona, Eagle, Silver and Elbow Lake. Still lots of open water on west side of Sharbot Lake. We ended the day at Verona and marked a lot of perch on the Livescope+. Even hooked into a 3lb bass - sent him back down the hole quickly. Anyway conditions are fine for walking on the ice but never assume it is safe everywhere.
Tight lines and be safe out there!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/xXkkccbw/20230114-160026.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xXkkccbw)
(https://i.postimg.cc/LYShCD0S/20230114-155335.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LYShCD0S)
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Good bite on Verona today. A few perch and first walleye of the year.
(https://i.postimg.cc/GTG2KLnV/B264-FC2-F-3921-4-EBD-8-A67-2-DB1-F3915376.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GTG2KLnV)
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Well done caygeon! Nice catch.
Tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Good bite on Verona today. A few perch and first walleye of the year.
(https://i.postimg.cc/GTG2KLnV/B264-FC2-F-3921-4-EBD-8-A67-2-DB1-F3915376.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GTG2KLnV)
Fantastic catch!
My goal this winter is to catch a Verona walleye. Caught enough pike and perch.
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Fantastic catch!
My goal this winter is to catch a Verona walleye. Caught enough pike and perch.
Beauty Walleye!
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Nice work on the Verona Lake Walleye! I realize this is for Kingston Back Lakes, but I managed to hit Big Bay yesterday on BOQ and it had 6 inches of ice where we were. Some pressure cracks with just a skim over them as they just popped so as always, be careful.
-Andrew
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Upr Rock had 4-5" of ice over the 20-30fow range, I didnt venture out over the deeper stuff. Only got one small splake.
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Fished Verona yesterday on about 8 inches. Pretty slow - caught one small crappie. Lots of marks but probably fish too small to eat my lures as I was hoping for walleye/pike.
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Nice work folks!
Has anyone ventured out on Dog yet?
Thanks!
-Andrew
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Heading to Verona Lake tomorrow. So if you see 2 big guys in Eskimo Ice Fishing gear it will be my son and me. Feel free to stop by and say hi!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Good day all,
Was on Verona Lake yesterday. 8 inches of ice. Hooked a few fish including one of the biggest smallmouth bass I have ever caught (sent him right back down the hole)!.
Will be back out on Verona Lake today. Taking the side by side as Lake thickness seemed pretty good.
Tight lines and be safe!
Don
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It was slow for me this weekend on Verona
Caught a black crappie in 36ft of waster, so that was interesting
(https://i.postimg.cc/rKyRfVDh/8-F0-A9-D52-9-EE3-48-A9-AAA7-9557-E935-A6-C7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rKyRfVDh)
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Good day all,
Well my son and I had a great day on Verona Lake. We landing just over 40 perch in varying sizes. We also had a pike on the Liveacope + and camera that was about 30" in length stalking our baits for for about an hour. There was a good 8 - 9 inches of ice so we took the side by side out. The perch were truly in a feeding frenzy today!
Tight lines to all and be safe out there!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/RNvmbpff/Video-Capture-20230122-194914.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RNvmbpff)
(https://i.postimg.cc/nCTx8KYW/Video-Capture-20230122-195047.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nCTx8KYW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/683XB7Mp/Video-Capture-20230122-195117.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/683XB7Mp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/MnF8HWLb/Video-Capture-20230122-195149.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MnF8HWLb)
(https://i.postimg.cc/DJVkQxnS/20230122-113137.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DJVkQxnS)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9wV6Kz4V/20230122-120118.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9wV6Kz4V)
(https://i.postimg.cc/bDQXm1w3/20230122-121022.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bDQXm1w3)
(https://i.postimg.cc/30BsT7pG/20230122-125607.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/30BsT7pG)
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I've been to Verona a few times this year and always had goodluck with perch and the odd pike flying in. Only ever got 1 crappie but seem to not venture far from a couple spots that always produce.
Good to see lots of ice in alot of the back lakes, took long enough ;D
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I've never made it to Verona. Not sure why. I think someone mentioned to me before, you can park at a grocery store and there is a bait store right near by?
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I would love to get out on the deep end of Loughborough to look for some lakers. Anyone know if it’s consistently frozen yet, and any good access points? It’s a long haul from the Perth Road launch.
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Good day all,
Heading to BofQ today to check out ice thickness near Big Island then back up to Verona Lake for some fishing this afternoon and tomorrow. Next weekend should have safe ice on 2nd Depot and go and try for some walleye and burbot.
This coming week the freezer up should be good as we move into February.
Be safe and right lines to all!
Don
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Where’s everyone fishing this coming Sunday? I’m thinking either 2nd Depot for Walleye or Loughborough for Lakers. 10” of ice on Loughborough, I’m told, some wet cracks on the shoreline.
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Going to check 2nd Depot Lake out this weekend. As long as they have not been letting too much water out of the lake it should be relatively safe to fish this weekend. Will be a good time for walleye and burbot. Also, Verona Lake continues to be producing well provided you can locate the drop offs. Using the Garmin Livescope+ has made "hunting' for hotspots a lot easier.
Last weekend fishing in the snowfall was a little slower, my son and I did find a ton of perch and landed a pike.
Anyway, be safe wherever you go and tight lines to all.
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y4dTGFR1/20230129-104600.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Y4dTGFR1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/1n42pz7b/20230129-104608.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1n42pz7b)
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Keep me posted on 2nd depot I’ve never fished it and want to get out this year
I understand that the ice can be a couple feet above the water depending on what the damm is doing
Anyway to check or just go out and hope for the best?
Do you park at the launch or in the conservation area? Is the parking free for the winter? Appreciate the info
I’d like to get out Sunday
Thanks
Cameron
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Good day Cameron
We will definitely be checking out 2nd Depot Lake tomorrow afternoon, at least to ensure there is safe ice. We park in and around the regular parking area and we do pay the $5 fee (even though I find it ridiculous in the winter time). We started charting the lake last year and have completed almost half of the lake so far. So this year will be a good opportunity to fish some of the drop offs and channel that we have found. The walleye, pike and burbot in the winter are relatively good fishing in this lake. The key to fishing this year at 2nd Depot will be making sure that the there is no significant gap between the ice sheet and the water. Anyway, we will post whatever we find tomorow.
Tight lines to all and be safe out there wherever you go!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
`·.¸¸ >﹤((((º>.·´¯`·>﹤((((º>
>﹤((((º> ·...>﹤((((º>
·...>﹤((((º>`·.¸¸ >﹤((((º>.·´¯`·>﹤((((º>
>﹤((((º> ·...>﹤((((º>
·...>﹤((((º>`·.¸¸ >﹤((((º>.·´¯`·>﹤((((º>
>﹤((((º> ·...>﹤((((º>
·...>﹤((((º>
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Well finally got out to Collin's, there is approx 14+ inches of mostly snow ice and the walk was tough due to the snow and slush underneath which will freeze with the -20+ temps and melt with the rain next week ?? Did well if bass was open and we got a few ok pike but sent them back to grow. Hope to get out on Dog next week as the word is "good ice" in areas I go (Sunbury). Will report. :tipup:
Stay Warm
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Thanks Don
Appreciate the information.
Look forward to your report on 2nd depot.
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Good day all,
Went out to 2nd Depot Lake today. Drilled several holes. There is 4 inches of black ice and 4 to 5 inches of snow/white ice. Relative easy walk out but would not take any vehicles out as there still is a fair amount of water being released from the dam and ice consistency varied between the holes we drilled.
Went out on Verona Lake and we were surprised to see 4 full sized truck on the ice. The ice is the same about 4 to 5 inches good black ice and 4 to 5 inches white ice. ATV or side by side would be safe but the full size trucks were take big risks on the ice.
Probably will take the side by side out on Verona tomorrow provided the weather is fine.
Be safe out there and tight lines to all.
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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I want to try BoQ. Somewhere closer to Kingston. I've never landed a walleye. Any suggestions? I'm hoping to go out on Wednesday.
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I would suggest Hay Bay Boat ramp 2401 south shore road / hay bay Church.
Be very careful as its warming again
I would have gone today but some nutcase slashed my tires.
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Oh dang. People suck. My van windows were all smashed out last week. Today seems like it might be a little yuk with the weather. I will try Hay Bay tomorrow! I hope you can find the craps.
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Got out today in the sunshine on Dog by the three cats with several hits on the tipups but no keepers.Several people/ huts out including one suv/car looking to go swimming as there was only 6-8" of snow ice with some black ice holding it up. Will try again on family day with the family, good luck to all and stay safe. :icefish:
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Is the public boat ramp on dog the best place to start out?
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There are multiple ramps but just look for the huts is a start or with this weather open holes. Looks like Monday's a wash, may try tomorrow. :unsure:
Stay Safe
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Good day to all,
hopefully this weather is going to allow for some last few days of decent ice fishing on the back lakes in the Kingston area. Will be heading out this weekend to check some lakes and hopefully get some fishing in.
Over the course of the last week spent the down time building some 12V 10A power boxes. Turned out to be a lot easier and cheaper to build than buying a pre-made one. Quite happy with the end result.
Anyway, tight line to all and be safe out there.
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/LYybMpNn/20230219-120302.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LYybMpNn)
(https://i.postimg.cc/z3t9snc0/20230219-163051.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/z3t9snc0)
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZBYMgRPG/20230219-163056.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZBYMgRPG)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y4zPbgFN/20230219-163113.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Y4zPbgFN)
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Had a good day yesterday on Verona Lake. My son and I caught approximately 40 perch - released them all. Watched 2 pike hunt as a pack on our electronics. Heading back out to Verona today, about 11" of ice. Safe enough for ATV or SxS but I would not suggest anything bigger.
Tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/sBbxdYBp/20230225-134123.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sBbxdYBp)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qNbgQV4D/20230225-134157.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qNbgQV4D)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PLCJR3qX/20230225-140637.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PLCJR3qX)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0z2bp2RJ/20230225-171514.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0z2bp2RJ)
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Anywhere safe for this weekend?
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I came here this evening in hope of some advice...
This is my 3rd winter fishing loughborough but I have yet to catch anything!
I have tried everything, dead bait, smelt, white tube jigs, jigging raps, spoons.
Fishing at every depth of the water colum. Early morning. Sunset. Snow storm. You get the just!
I have no problem finding fish on the screen and can often get them to chase. Sometimes winding real fast, other times not at all. Sometimes let the lure fall. Bumping bottom etc.
But I've never had so much as even a bump or a knock from a fish
This past weekend, I tried some small 1" crappie lures and focused on the bottom.
Plenty fish there but nothing doing.
I also see people with fish on most occasions which is great.
I am not looking for personal secrets. I just feel I must be missing something!?
Any info / experiences appreciated!
Thanks in advance
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Hey GD Mosey,
Going to check out some lakes tomorrow. Will post some info tomorrow.
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Hey Duffer500
Loughborough lakers can be quite finicky this time of year. While we have drawn many up from the bottom with white tube jigs they truly have to be hungry to go after them. They are well fed in that lake so that can be quite choosy. Early morning and late afternoon have been the best times in the past. If you can fish around the 40-50 ft range you might have some better luck
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Ah thank you for this...
I am glad to hear the word "finicky" used.
I have hope that one day I will be there when they are on!
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So where do we chat in the summer? Heading to Battersea/Loughborough for the first time with my baby kayak. I am intimidated to say the least.
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Well we got snow last night enough to cover everything but doesn't look like it will stay but we can only wish. Deer hunting next week, then more goose and with any luck ice! :icefish: :clap:
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Well we got snow last night enough to cover everything but doesn't look like it will stay but we can only wish. Deer hunting next week, then more goose and with any luck ice! :icefish: :clap:
Good luck hunting buddy! I might get a chance to drop a slip bobber for walleye in the next two days but temps are in the minus most of the day here now and double digit minus most nights. Should be walking on the ice in three weeks, fingers crossed 🤞
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I went and checked out one of the brook trout lakes in Frontenac PP today. Only about an inch of ice so it was a no go.
Jon
P.S iam too old for hiking
(https://i.postimg.cc/F7G68MF2/IMG-9920.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F7G68MF2)
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Chomping at the bit to get in the ice with new toys. Any good ice out there yet? Looking forward to a good season.
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The bay on Dog Lake off Sunbury Rd is frozen over (just drove by) but NOT SAFE yet but maybe a week or so,i'm sure there are some bays around that would be OK maybe ? but haven't been to look yet. Will get serious in a the next week or two. :-\
Stay Safe
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If the lakes could freeze over soon, that would be great. Temps look good after this rain comes in. Fingers crossed.🤞
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Got on a first ice lake Saturday before the snow had 3.5” of black ice managed a few perch. Hopefully the snow doesn’t sink the ice too much.
Jon
(https://i.postimg.cc/FfkztR4D/IMG-9995.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FfkztR4D)
(https://i.postimg.cc/XpnrZ4fY/IMG-9997.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XpnrZ4fY)
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How far north of Kingston were you for 3” of black ice?? I heard Verona and Howles just froze over last night? Inquiring minds!
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If anyone can share ice reports for surrounding area it would be greatly appreciated. Save some time and gas driving around praying for a frozen lake 😂😂😂 happy fishing 🎣
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I checked out a couple lakes yesterday. Verona Lake had 2” black ice at 3 different entry points, no tracks, no go.
Bob’s lake I found 3” good ice on a back bay in front of a friend’s cottage. I fished it for a bit but stayed close to shore.
Fifth Depot Lake had 4” close to shore but as I ventured out 50m from shore it got pretty thin down to 2” and inconsistent. I setup just out front of the crown land launch. Within an hour I had 3 other huts setup right beside me. They also chose not to go out further. Guy next to me got one nice walleye.
No luck for me besides staying dry but it felt good to get out there.
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How far north of Kingston were you for 3” of black ice?? I heard Verona and Howles just froze over last night? Inquiring minds!
maybe 25 mins north of Kingston, I went further north and some lakes were wide open still. 3 keys for first ice lakes around here. 1) little to no current 2) relatively shallow 3) most importantly, protection from the wind.
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Thanks for the updates and information. I’ll be out this weekend. Happy fishing everyone
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Verona was great today
4 pike
Solid ice 6-8” of the good stuff
(https://i.postimg.cc/DS7Q8RS4/IMG-7686.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DS7Q8RS4)
(https://i.postimg.cc/dhn2dnCH/IMG-7693.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dhn2dnCH)
(https://i.postimg.cc/2VQFjCSf/IMG-7698.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2VQFjCSf)
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Good day to everyone,
Did a little scouting of lakes today. Fifth Depot Lake and Verona and Howes Lakes all around 8 to 9 inches of ice of which 5-6 inches are black ice. Very little snow on the lakes today so makes it easy to walk or pull a sled. Will be heading out to Verona to fish. Our minnows are ready to be devoured! Haha!
Right lines to all and be safe out there!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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I also had a good day on Verona yesterday. No walleye but good pike action. I'm the blue/grey Clam.
Anyone know good access points for Sydenham (other than main launch) or Hambly Lakes?
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Access to Sydenham is either the west or east launches, the beach or from the village but the creek there usually stays open. Otherwise you have to access via private land with permission. Humbly use to have a public access point but it was closed off years ago by some of the residents in the area. There is a creek access but it rarely freezes enough to access the lake.
Stay safe and tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Good day pescatorial enthusiasts,
Heading onto Verona shortly. Will be in the grey Cabelas tent up near the mid-lake shoal. Stop by if you are on the lake today.
Stay safe and tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Good day pescatorial enthusiasts,
Heading onto Verona shortly. Will be in the grey Cabelas tent up near the mid-lake shoal. Stop by if you are on the lake today.
Stay safe and tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Went out yesterday on to Verona lake. Caught several pike - no record setting size but they ran under the ice extremely well. There was a consistent 8” of ice on the lake. Safe for walking but would be careful about taking any snow machines out right now. The weather this week is not favourable for making ice but we will see. Anyway, enjoy the moments you can get out this winter but remember to be safe.
Tight lines to all!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/vgFSTjsv/Pike-Verona20240121.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vgFSTjsv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mtHjzjmX/IMG-20240121-130515.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mtHjzjmX)
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Finally got out today on Collins with about 6/7 inches, no four wheeler track and one sled. We missed 4 and caught two decent pike but didn't stay long due to the cold high winds, better than watching fishing video's. @)
Stay Safe
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Good day,
Hope that some of you have been able to get out on the ice. The next few days around here will be questionable. Remember to be safe out there. The more we all can share ice condition reports for lakes the safer we will all be.
Stay safe and tight lines.
Don
a.k.a.. levlathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZCX8Chkt/icethicknesssafetyforfactsheets.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZCX8Chkt)
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Good day to all,
Remember if you are going out this weekend, be safe. The weather is playing havoc with ice conditions. If anyone does venture out please share any ice conditions you experience while on any of the lakes. While it is always an individual responsibility to check the ice before you go out yourself, any info that others share is helpful in making sound and safe decisions.
On another note, will be picking up my Aqua Vu Quad camera tomorrow. These cameras have been few and far between to get and have been quite pricey in Canada (approx. $2600 CAD). However, Aqua Vu has a limited quantity of refurbished cameras, with a 1 year warranty, for $999.99 USD. Anyway, looking forward to playing around with the new toy along with our Livescope!
Be safe and tight lines to all.
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/YjML13PC/IMG-0077.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YjML13PC)
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My son and I went out on a lake we have not fished before - 5th Depot Lake between Parham and Tamworth. Easy access to the lake. There was about 8 to 9 inches of ice (half of it black ice). There was about and inch or so snow slush on top of the ice so not to bad for walking out on. We marked fish on the Livescope all hanging out at the bottom in 17 feet of water. A couple of bites but landed only one tiny Pike. Nice lake and going to explore it more in the kayak and boat in the Spring time.
Stay safe and tight lines!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
(https://i.postimg.cc/pyQ38BQQ/20240127-153509.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pyQ38BQQ)
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Went out Sat to the shipyard on Dog with no luck but about 9" of ice (2-3 snow, 6-7 black) and 2"of slush/water on top. The splake area didn't look very good at all so no going near that, some guy's that came later though it was open water as it was black compared to the rest of the lake all around it. Sunday was my go to spot with much better luck with the same ice conditions. We where surprised by the lack of people, sled's or atv's on the ice but I'm fine with that. :tipup:
Stay Safe
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Hopefully this weekend will be better for ice fishing enthusiasts.
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Went out Friday morning to check ice on Verona Lake. Still about the same thickness but you definitely need cleats on your boots. There were some areas around the shore where street run off had weakened the ice thickness. Be careful if you go out.
Tight lines and be SAFE!
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Appreciate the update. You saved me a drive up to Verona today. I’ll be out tomorrow and I might check out some lakes further north too. Jump around and see what happens.
Cameron
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Anyone going out today!?
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If anyone is going out next weekend and can tolerate some company, please let me know. I've gone out twice on Lake Ontario but I need some ice. I have all my own gear. Just tired of fishing alone.
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Got out to the go-to lake Friday and today, bit slow Friday but today much better and quite a few families out which is good to see the kids having fun. Ice is about 9"s but you need cleats to walk safely. Saw two 4 wheelers drive through the west narrow area??? They came back several hrs late so may have a check that out on foot. Should be a nice week. @)
Stay Safe
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Hi there. Looking for ice conditions on Dog Lake if you’ve been recently?
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I haven't been lately but I can say Battersea beach, Milburn Bay will have good ice to walk out so I would think the Three Cat's is also good but if your after splake I would be very careful. :non
Stay Safe
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Well fishing the back lakes is in my calendar today but of course I’m questioning the ice conditions. I’m hearing lake edges, access points are problematic. Any insights out there?
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Well I’m out on Sydenham Lake. Just by the main launch. Only fool out here. 5” black ice with 3” of punk on top. No action yet.
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Hey there folks I’m going to be in the Kingston area for the weekend I was hoping somebody could give me some info on ice conditions. I have never fish in this area so any help would be greatly appreciated.
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I was out in Verona vesterday
Great ice, top layer is a bit crusty but 8” of black ice underneath where I was
Pike were hungry yesterday
Caught a nice fish but lost my cell phone down the hole 🥲
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Good day to all,
Saw the report from yesterday about ice at Verona Lake. Going to check it out today with a tentative fishing day on Monday. For those heading out over next few days tight lines and be safe.
Will post later today the ice conditions.
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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Good day to all,
Checked out Verona Lake yesterday. The lake was snow covered (a couple of inches of loose snow). Drill several holes off of Salmon Lane out towards the mid-lake shoal. There is about 8 inches of ice - half of it black ice and the top 4 inches snow-pack ice. Relatively safe for walking on but taking any drivable machines out is not advisable as some pressure cracks did not seem as solid. Anyway, may try tomorrow to walk and fish provided the winds die down.
Anyway, tight lines to all and be safe if you do venture out this Family Day weekend.
Don
a.k.a. leviathan_slayer
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I was on Loborough yesterday near the west/south end. Consistent 5-6 inches of black ice across from bank to bank where we went. Marked ton of fish after sunset between 25-75 feet but could even get one to move towards a lure or minnow. Frustrating.
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Was thinking of trying out that way soon. Was that out from Davidsons?
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Thinking of heading out to Verona shortly. Anyone know the current ice conditions?
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Went out to Verona this morning. I saw two guys out there. Didn't get a chance to speak with them as I was too scared to walk out on the ice. (if two guys were fishinging on Verona this morning and saw a guy lingering and smoking that was me hahaha).
I then drove out to Dog lake and again, saw some people on the far side from the boat launch. I drilled some holes. 4" of black, 4" of white. I sat for maybe 15, and the noises scared me off haha. Hope everyone else had a better go.
Stay safe.
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I was on Verona yesterday just for a couple hours at sunset. 6” black ice with another 4” white on top. No snow and slick so kids were skating all over the lake. I was surprised to see only a couple others out there. Fish were lively.