carlton report

[Oneicehole]

How do I begin ice conditions great 6 to 7 inches everywhere I went! That is the good part now the fishing terrible very vegitative lake good if you could find live plants.  I drilled about 45 holes today talked with a few other Fisher men assumed they were local by what they were talking about not much action. Almost all Fisher men left from around the boat launch area at 11am we fished from 8 am to 1 when the sleet really got going.  I personally will look for another lake to try.  The park was clean and looked well kept only real parking is by.the spillway or boat launch.  As far as fish go we caught a few gills no real size and that was all. No other Fishermen I spoke with had any real success either. Here are a few pics from today
 
 
 
Those are my sons and I had an absolutely terrific day today!!

[jbird68]

It's days like this that almost makes me want to quit ice fishing.

[ratsotail]

Well you had a lot to be thankful for on the positive side of the ledger; solid ice, youngsters to drill holes, quality time with the boys, and a couple of fish! What depths were you fishing? Were you surprised to see all that vegetation? Man, at least you got out...next week is looking like an ice eater, unfortunately. Fun report...thanks for posting!

tight lines,

ratstail

[74redone]

Me and my buddy were not Saturday and drilled alot of holes with only a couple of follow ups. Nice lake but don't think we will make the 1 1/2HR trip anytime soon again.
 Matt

[hnd]

well THATS dissappointing...wante d to take a trip there this year.

[Oneicehole]

Ratsotail I fished from 6' to 20.4' found weeds that grew from 14' and topped at the surface. Never fouznd green weeds all brown and dead looking. If I were you I would try somewhere else. Of course this is just my opinion.  Thinking of trying the chain when all refreezes up! What for ya think??
Jeremy

[jbird68]

The lily pass were really overgrown this past summer. Couldn't fish some of my favorite spots because because of them. I didn't have much luck on Saturday either. 2 fish.

[ratsotail]

Ratsotail I fished from 6' to 20.4' found weeds that grew from 14' and topped at the surface. Never fouznd green weeds all brown and dead looking. If I were you I would try somewhere else. Of course this is just my opinion.  Thinking of trying the chain when all refreezes up! What for ya think??
Jeremy

I guess one trip doesn't make for a full assessment, but it does leave a lasting impression! Have you ever fished Dawson or Evergreen with some success? Those lakes are also in my sights for exploring. I know the Chain gets a lot of pressure, but gives up some quality fish to the persistent ones.

Looking at the longer term forecast I came across this forecast and major change in winter weather...we can only hope :-)! I like the part that says, "brutally cold"...cool, huh!
www.facebook.com/mikemascometeorologist

The fact we will get warm next week does not bode well for the many who want the snow and cold! Look, I get it; I really do get it! When it's winter it's suppose to be cold and snowy. When it's summer it's suppose to be hot and sunny! The winter so far has been a let down for many. BWI has officially recorded 1" of snow so far (4"+ outside the city). So far we are at and slightly above the levels for 2011 which means we can only go higher from here! So what is next?

A series of things are beginning to unfold in the atmosphere. I will do my best to explain it as broad and simplistic as possible.

1. The MJO is switching to a cold phase.

2. A stratospheric warming event is underway.

3. The EPO and NAO are switching Negative supporting a MAJOR cold outbreak. Should all three come together.. WATCH out!

Things will get

a. Brutally cold

b. Historically cold in parts of the country and

C. We increase our chance for snow by 50X the level we were at.

FULL BLOG HERE: http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/weather/weather_blogs/the-great-reversal-is-coming-#ixzz2HDWkVEDs

[Oneicehole]

I like the brutally cold part!! Dawson yes good little lake caught some small gills and a ton of catfish. Evergreen some crappie and that was about all.  Would still like to make it to argyle. My boys and I camped and trout fished this fall with great success. I am game for anywhere!! Will be at rend bank fishing the 18 so we will se how that goes.
Jeremy

[ratsotail]

I like the brutally cold part!! Dawson yes good little lake caught some small gills and a ton of catfish. Evergreen some crappie and that was about all.  Would still like to make it to argyle. My boys and I camped and trout fished this fall with great success. I am game for anywhere!! Will be at rend bank fishing the 18 so we will se how that goes.
Jeremy

I'll get back with you after this warm front and the next (anticipated) cold front to make some plans. Argyle is a fun trip with lots of species to chase. Unsure what the drawdown will do to the fishing though. Good luck on Rend!

tight lines,

ratsotail

[74redone]

Me and a couple buddies went down to Rend lake in Nov. We limited out each day! It was awesome multiple 14-15" slabs! We were wanting to make a trip to Argyle but with the warm up don't know if its going to happen or not. If u guys head out and don't mind the company me and my buddy r in.
Matt

[74redone]

Oneicehole me and my buddy were the two guys that were drilling s bunch of holes with my Nils power auger on the road bed. Its awesome ur boys go out with u. I have one son son who's 15 and isn't crazy about fishing like me. Anyway good luck at Rend if u decide to look for a guide down there I can hook u up with the guide we had. With him kids fish for free!
Matt

[ratsotail]

Me and a couple buddies went down to Rend lake in Nov. We limited out each day! It was awesome multiple 14-15" slabs! We were wanting to make a trip to Argyle but with the warm up don't know if its going to happen or not. If u guys head out and don't mind the company me and my buddy r in.
Matt

Matt, do you have any other strong suggestions of lakes in your region? I/we plan a trip from the St. Louis area every year. I know we crossed paths at Argyle two winters ago and it'd be nice to hook up to do some exploring together. I can testify for Oneicehole's passion for the sport...he's as hopelessly addicted as I am  .

Here's to colder weather! tight lines

Jeff

[74redone]

Withe this warm up who knows what the ice is going to be like. My area has a lot of private ponds but not much public. That's why the trip to Carlton last weekend.. I still remember ur pics with the trout on the ice!  That's was awesome!
Matt

[ratsotail]

Withe this warm up who knows what the ice is going to be like. My area has a lot of private ponds but not much public. That's why the trip to Carlton last weekend.. I still remember ur pics with the trout on the ice!  That's was awesome!
Matt

...and I was envious of the crappie you guys caught  !

[74redone]

Here is a couple of pics from one of the days we were there. There was more still to hang but there wasn't any room on his hanger!
  Matt