CJ-cottonwood

[Duck-Slayer]

well went out today, a few people out for a Monday.... did very well myself, got 42 keepers, all over 11", threw back that many small one's i'm guessing, was there for 4 hours... off the hook.... but somebody keeps saying that there is crapy ice, its good too me, measured 9 1/2" of solid ice, slicker than snot thou, not mushy at all.... I might go again on wednesday, may need a plank, edges are going away, but as of today only about 12" at the ramp, all the other edges looked fine from where I was....
Matt

[PACKFAN-UT]

Congrats on a nice catch, I'm sure it makes alot of difference when there is not so much noise on the ice with augers and Atv's running. I also like setting out there and listening to the ducks and geese talking while I'm fishing. Wish I could make another trip up before ice is gone. May have to be a warm water trip in the boat though.

[Iceflyer]

I got a couple of dad's out there who want to bring their boys out on Friday, camp overnight, then fish Saturday.  I know the ice will be good enough by Friday but I'm worried about water on top the ice.  Any thoughts on this?

I love ice fishing!!!!

[mooseymo]

Nights will be cold shouldn't be that big of a problem

[fishnfred]

Has anyone heard of any fish being caught anywhere else at CJ beside cottonwood.  Will be there Saturday but would like to get into some trout as well. Thoughts?

[66birdman]

Black sands for trout.  No ice there anymore but lots of trout.  Also the guys with 4 wheelers have ruined the ice at the ramp out at cottonwood.  Gonna have to find a new place to walk on.

[IdahoFisher87]

Killswitch,

If you are willing, would love to pick your brain a little bit on some tricks of the trade.  I'm pretty well versed in most the other fishing venues, somewhat new to perch thru the ice and would greatly appreciate a few pointers.  Was out there @ Cottonwood on Tuesday...did alright, but probably only 40 fish between 2 guys and only a few big ones, 6 hrs.

Thanks.

[66birdman]

dont fish shallow.  Move out to the 30 ft deep flats and fish the bottom with cutbait.  Pretty simple stuff.

[Duck-Slayer]

Killswitch,

If you are willing, would love to pick your brain a little bit on some tricks of the trade.  I'm pretty well versed in most the other fishing venues, somewhat new to perch thru the ice and would greatly appreciate a few pointers.  Was out there @ Cottonwood on Tuesday...did alright, but probably only 40 fish between 2 guys and only a few big ones, 6 hrs.

Thanks.

what 66birdman said, also getting poles/jigger totters where you can pick up the slightest bite is the key, and don't be afraid too move if the action is slow... also space your holes out, cover some ground till you find them than start stacking your holes closer together...
Matt

[IdahoFisher87]

Thanks.  Jigs recommendations?  Some guy was using a "Paddle Bug" out there and was doing very well.  Others?

[Dakota-Wildcat]

Could you all enlighten me...  I hear quite a bit of talk about "cutbait" being used for perch.  I'm not familar with the term, what are you using as cutbait?  My old standby is going to a perch eye, so this one is new to me.  Thanks.

[curt69]

Cut bait is cutting up a fish into hook size pieces . Most people will use the first small perch they catch and fillet it into small pieces . Sucker meat is good for trout . Curt G.

[66birdman]

Could you all enlighten me...  I hear quite a bit of talk about "cutbait" being used for perch.  I'm not familar with the term, what are you using as cutbait?  My old standby is going to a perch eye, so this one is new to me.  Thanks.

 
I usually scale the belly of a perch and cut it out.  Its percect because its white which is already the hot color on cj and it dances real nice when jigged since its pretty thin.  Plus you dont waste any of the fillet

[codeman]

i was using the smallest little krokodile spoon they make.  Single siwash hook.  1 inch or so chunk of nightcrawler on it, and the perch were absolutely destroying it.  I would just barely move it, kinda dance in in place if you will, and slowly reel up every 10 sec or  so.  Most fish caught  between 2 and 6 ft of the bottom in about 30 ft of water.  They hit it very aggressively.  My spoon was in rainbow trout pattern.

[Perch Freak]

Fished Cottonwood today. Super windy! The ice is still in good shape with 10 inches. Depth - 30ft.  Lots of action on cut bait.

[fishnfred]

Nice Freak Thanks,

Looking to haul in a few tomorrow minus the wind. Still need a plank or was access to the ice still available?