Ice Fishing near Sandpoint

[hugeinchina]

My wife and I are headed up to meet a couple of my brothers north of Sandpoint and are planning on doing some ice fishing Saturday and Sunday. Is the ice still in good condition on Cocalala, Round Lake and other nearby areas? Any lakes you would suggest we hit? I am mostly looking for some perch fishing.

Thanks!

[weigand]

I was out on Coc. on monday and ice was iffy. Most gone around sportsman's access and difficult to reach the ice. The ice I would imagine after a week of sun is 5in with lots of open/thin areas. East side of the lake I would imagine is the same. Round lake on monday was 6-8inchs soft white ice.

[hugeinchina]

Thanks weigand. Sounds like we may want to stay off of Coc. and try Round instead or possibly even Mcarthur up further north.

[Idahogator]

Monday, the ice was dry on Round Lake and new holes measured 10" of ice.  A few old holes were eroding  within 50' of the dock.  Cocolalla is frozen, but watch your step ~ it didn't all freeze at once, but over time.   Sunnyside ice is destroyed by high wind/waves   We are all still seekin' a perch honey hole.

[hugeinchina]

Thanks Idahogator.
Do you know if anyone has tried Mcarthur lake? I know that Fish and Game has periodically messed with that fishery because of the weeds but I always thought the perch fishing there was decent. Also, what about the ice in front of Condo Del Sol to the left of the long bridge near town?

[Idahogator]

I was surprised to see a lot of ice out by the condos on Monday and it was vacant, hm, maybe the three out there, that I have seen, are still looking for a fish, ha. Parking is almost nonexistent unless you fake car trouble, ha. Third Street is a hike away.  It looks good, I'll follow you, ha.         Another option is Dover, huge, long public dock and deep river water, ice or not, always fishable.

[hugeinchina]

I've actually never fished Dover. At least not that I recall. If all else fails I may check that out! Thanks

[Idahogator]

That Dover is almost a treasured secret . Good to just drive through.   

[hugeinchina]

I wonder if we could park at that Exxon right there and then just walk in....Dogtown beach would be a bit of a hike too.

[Idahogator]

Hm, maybe drop you gear off there, leave a guard, and park behind the Court House, that is free, the fuel stop may want a parking fee and most likely is no, we'll tow.