Author Topic: Willow Slough  (Read 5253 times)

Offline Dahouse

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Willow Slough
« on: Dec 07, 2016, 04:12 PM »
Anyone heard when it opens after Goose and Duck season done when safe ice returns ? Just asking. Usually the first of the year ????

Offline fishersofmen

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #1 on: Dec 10, 2016, 08:27 AM »
I called the hq and was told there is ice but no fishing allowed yet....still goose/duck and duck season has a window this month when duck hunting is closed but goose season is still open that wk... I explained to the gentleman that ice fishermen are much nicer , kinder on the environment and just all around the nicest people in the  state but he would not budge on promoting ice fishing over the very few who hunt duck and geese....earliest open date is jan 1......sometimes they relent and open up ice fishing if the slough freezes up really well.....so I don't think it ever hurts to beg and cajole the management, reminding them of just how nice we icefishermen are...steve
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Offline northrn-duck-assassin

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #2 on: Dec 10, 2016, 07:46 PM »
Ive already been out there busting up that ice with the boat. ;)
Cant wait to walk the ice and still shoot em!
Got one goin'!

Offline seasalt

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #3 on: Dec 14, 2016, 03:51 PM »
Emailed Mike Schoof at the Slough. This is my question and his response.

Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2016 12:55 PM
To: Schoof, Mike
Subject: Slough






______________________ __________

Hello Mr Schoof. Not sure if you’re still connected with Willow Slough but I thought I’d ask anyway. Do you know if the Slough will be open for ice fishing this weekend or maybe early next week? Thanks.


Probably early next week.   We still have open water in spots and some are very close to where most people head to fish. 

Offline Dahouse

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #4 on: Dec 15, 2016, 08:09 AM »
Thanks Salt, Wednesday I'll b out there.

Offline fishinator

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #5 on: Dec 15, 2016, 09:21 AM »
I will be there as soon as they let us!
Dude.....Dude!! Greg! Wake up! You're on fire!

Offline Den58

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #6 on: Dec 15, 2016, 09:43 AM »
I'll be out there when there's 4 inches of ice I'm a full figured guy

Offline icehunter43

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #7 on: Dec 15, 2016, 12:24 PM »
Just left the Slough 5 acres of open water out there still.  I dont see it being open this weekend.
People say ice fishing is crazy, I call it therapy.

Offline northrn-duck-assassin

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #8 on: Dec 15, 2016, 12:42 PM »
Just left the Slough 5 acres of open water out there still.  I dont see it being open this weekend.
Thats more water than what there was last friday! Did you check thickness off shore a touch?
Got one goin'!

Offline icehunter43

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #9 on: Dec 15, 2016, 12:48 PM »
I didn't check at all.
People say ice fishing is crazy, I call it therapy.

Offline fishinator

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #10 on: Dec 15, 2016, 12:53 PM »
I'm only half hour away, I plan to check it sometime this weekend.
Dude.....Dude!! Greg! Wake up! You're on fire!

Offline high_flags

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #11 on: Dec 15, 2016, 06:58 PM »
 Keep us posted fishinator ...when will they open it to ice fishing?    I would think after today it would be locked up, that back area has to be frozen
If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles.

Offline fishinator

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #12 on: Dec 16, 2016, 07:52 AM »
[when will they open it to ice fishing][/quote] sounds like next week at best. I was told definitely not this weekend. I'm not going to check until Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning after the rain moves through. I will let you guys know.
Dude.....Dude!! Greg! Wake up! You're on fire!

Offline abishop

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #13 on: Dec 16, 2016, 08:07 AM »
No one is there on weekends. Who will stop you if you want to venture out. The gate in back may still be locked though.

Offline fishinator

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #14 on: Dec 16, 2016, 08:43 AM »
I'm not sure about this year, but in the past there were signs saying the lake was closed until a certain date. I'm not sure I want to start my season off with a ticket or fine.
Dude.....Dude!! Greg! Wake up! You're on fire!

Offline rcjim

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #15 on: Dec 16, 2016, 08:48 AM »
I'm not sure about this year, but in the past there were signs saying the lake was closed until a certain date. I'm not sure I want to start my season off with a ticket or fine.
Or WET, Or DEAD

Offline camshaft962

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #16 on: Dec 16, 2016, 11:05 AM »
I love duck hunting but the way the season has been and how cold it got quick I say forget the ducks, let's get to rippin lips. If there are ducks around I don't think they will be around for long unless they find NIPSCO anyways. Sunday I might venture down that way and check it out. I'll report back. Be safe out there guys!

Offline 10point

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #17 on: Dec 16, 2016, 12:46 PM »
Cheifs bait posted on Facebook that they just got word that the slough was open for fishing. Not saying it's true just posting it along.

Offline fishinator

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #18 on: Dec 16, 2016, 12:58 PM »
I just called and spoke with Nancy, they opened this morning. now let's hope for no rain tonight.
Dude.....Dude!! Greg! Wake up! You're on fire!

Offline MrHoosier

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #19 on: Dec 16, 2016, 02:42 PM »
A week sooner than I anticipated!  Everyone make sure to spud your way out there considering there were pockets still open a few days ago. Does anyone have the new hours to the bait shop? Be safe, and tight lines!

Offline icehunter43

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #20 on: Dec 16, 2016, 03:28 PM »
Chiefs bait shop
Mon-Thurs 7am to noon.                                   
Fri &sat 7am-4pm
Sun 7am-3pm
People say ice fishing is crazy, I call it therapy.

Offline MrHoosier

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #21 on: Dec 16, 2016, 05:01 PM »
Great. Thanks icehunter, I appreciate it

Offline hillbilly25

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #22 on: Dec 17, 2016, 09:55 AM »
Any reports yet? Does anyone know if the back is open for fishing? Pm's welcome. Thanks in advance!

Offline bhays24

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #23 on: Dec 17, 2016, 10:59 AM »
Anyone know if the gates to Mormon hill are open?

Offline MrHoosier

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #24 on: Dec 17, 2016, 11:30 AM »
All gates and access points are open. Maybe a dozen people in the back. Not much going on bite wise, few dinks. Had 5"-6" everywhere we drilled.

Offline shantyking

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #25 on: Dec 17, 2016, 07:36 PM »
Best buddy had 6 good gills and a few throw backs early morning today in back. Drilled a lot of holes to get them.

Offline fishinator

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #26 on: Dec 17, 2016, 09:24 PM »
slow this afternoon in front. 5 inches everywhere I went but still open water by the stick ups.
Dude.....Dude!! Greg! Wake up! You're on fire!

Offline abishop

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #27 on: Dec 18, 2016, 01:28 PM »
Sometimes I have found it is better to find your spot and stay put. Wait for them to swim thru.

Offline northrn-duck-assassin

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #28 on: Dec 18, 2016, 07:29 PM »
I fished it this evening. Good ice where i walked straight out. Seen some sketched ice from a distance on the sputh end of the phragmite, didnt go poke around with the spud as i was already running late. Was running so late i forgot the vexilar even! Been a long time since i had to fish blind. Lol!!!!
Got one goin'!

Offline panfishpopper85

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Re: Willow Slough
« Reply #29 on: Dec 18, 2016, 09:37 PM »
The Bait shop in front of the slough doesn't open until December 22!!

 



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