11 Mile - 29 & 30 December 2014

[_colorado]

Fished solo on 12/29 off Rocking Chair.  Zippo for bites.  Saw six trout all day.  Fished from 5-18 FOW.  The trout would cruise by and not even look at the baits. There was 4-5" of old snow on top with about another 1-2" that fell that day.  With the north winds the snow has been piling up on the south side of the island.

On 12/30 my buddy and I went up a bit earlier due to the weather and road conditions.  It turned out the roads were great so we got to the north shore before 6AM.  Rather than risk a skunk again I threw out the idea of driving to Antero (since we had the time), pick up a couple trout each, then finish out the day at 11 Mile.  That's what we did.  We were back at 11 Mile by 11AM and set up off Stoll.

My buddy got an 18" trout within minutes of setting up and had a number cruise by.  I only saw three fish the rest of the day.  We left at 4:30.  It was -17 when we left (only -13 at Antero when we got there).  No wind so it was actually a very nice day overall.  There is hardly any snow on the north shore - maybe an inch or so.

11 Mile is back....back to being the cruel mistress she can be.  So far I've been out to 11 Mile five times this year and have only picked up about 5 fish total.  It may be time to do some winter house projects until Granby, Blue or WF ice up.

[coboy]

Whadya mean it may be time for some home projects! I can definitely relate to the sentiment Colorado. Days like that is when you have a bottle of Crown tucked away to ease some of the
pain and frustration. Unfortunately that can create its own problems. Most days I'm happy to just beat the skunk at the Mile, but some days I NEED MORE! Hope things improve for you as
the season progresses.

[lefty2053]

The main thing is your out there trying and what a better place to be doing it in,Colorado. What I do when it is real slow is try different things, Different bait, different technique and if that all fails, I sit back a enjoy the day. That is usually when a fish hits when I am not paying attention. Then I have a little hope to stay longer.

[lvrider]

For people who have troubles at the mile I wonder if they use strike indicators. Last time I asked a guy if he did and he didn't know what they were. It's nearly impossible to catch Southpark trout with out a strike indicator. Those fish barely bite if I would even call it a bite. More like tasting the water around the bait and spitting it out. Not saying you can't get lucky and have one freight train it but that usually only happens with one fish a day if that.

[lefty2053]

Good point. Last time at the Blue Mesa I thought I had a bite and then it was gone. After that I was watching my rod tip more then the Showdown. I didn't have a strike indicator on but was able to see the rod tip move slightly without feeling a thing.  After 2:30 I finally caught 2 fish by watching the rod tip. I will be putting on my Indicator next trip out.

[_colorado]

For about the last ten years I not ice fished without these on my plastics and live baits. They are the best slip bobber for ice fishing.  You can find them cheaper at other sites.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Todays-Tackle-Ice-Buster-Bobbers-Six-Pack/1272807.uts?productVariantId=2965518&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=41-16124836-2&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03235158&rid=20

[lvrider]

i need to learn how to use a bobber. i love watching the bobber go under! with the foam bobbers do you still use a line stopper?

[_colorado]

Yes - just one of the nail knots they sell at most retail places (or you can tie it on yourself if you know how).  It slides up and down - just be sure to trim the tag ends otherwise they can freeze to the spool.

[Sawtooth]

For about the last ten years I not ice fished without these on my plastics and live baits. They are the best slip bobber for ice fishing.  You can find them cheaper at other sites.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Todays-Tackle-Ice-Buster-Bobbers-Six-Pack/1272807.uts?productVariantId=2965518&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=41-16124836-2&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03235158&rid=20

Those floats look like they will work well.  I have a similar, though adjustable (w/o cutting), float that can easily be set to neutral bouyancy so the fish has no clue there is a bobber when he bites.  I just ordered another 3 sets a few minutes ago.  They are called Venom Floats, and are amazing.  They have to ordered online, but great delivery service.  http://venomfloats.com/venomfloat.php

[elkdeerbear]

I've had the same luck at the Mile this year.