Fished BL today. The ice is significantly thicker and growing since there is no snow on it and it is exposed to cold nighttime temps. It was 5-7" today and there were several snowmobiles out on the rockpile and east side too. Wish I could say it was as hot it was a week ago, but it wasn’t. We all caught fish and I think I knew everyone on the rockpile today and there were about 20 people out there. We ended up with several nice whitefish (who were dinner guests this evening), a couple of cutts and we lost several (too many) other trout. We had a couple of really big fish on but just couldn’t get them up the hole. We had our best luck in 68-69’ but caught the WF in about 38’ right on top the pile. Ice is in good shape, even though I’ve heard some rookies whining about pressure cracks. The parking situation at the public access on 250 E. Loop Road is a bit challenging. Right at the bottom of the ramp people are trying to drive around the ice/water and they are getting stuck/high centered. The water is about 12" deep, but its a hard, sandy bottom so just go through the middle and keep your momentum and it won’t be an issue. I understand that Garden City may try to fill this a bit with road base, but it wasn’t done today. You could also pay $5 at Ideal Beach Resort for parking, but they don’t open to 8:00 am or so. One guy was high centered so we parked back on the edge of 250 E. Loop and hoofed it the entire way. Not sure how he got out but he did. There were 6-8 trucks that had already went down on the beach and parked, so I’m glad he didn’t trap anyone on the lakeshore. I never put my jacket on today since it was so sunny and calm. Great day, great friends, and decent fishing! What more could you ask for. Oh…the whitefish were great for dinner too!
Sounds like fun, appreciate all the details so we know what to do when we make it back… Jeff
Great report Scott. You said, “public access on 250 E. Loop Road is a bit challenging. Right at the bottom of the ramp”, is this ramp you are talking about new or is it a dirt ramp?
I went out to big blue yesterday. Ton of people on the beach and parking was at a premium. If you head out to the lake. Get there early. because the parking will suck. 4WD is essential, because some of the snow will melt leaving a mud bog at the bottom of the hill and you might need it to park and get out of your parking spot.
Fishing for trout was very slow for most anglers on the rock pile that I talked too. A lot experienced the trout looking at the lure and not biting. Whether it was a dead stick or a jig, the trout were not hungry other than a select few.
Those that wanted to catch Whitefish on the rock pile had more luck. No size to the whitefish though.
I fished for trout for a few hours and then ended with a bunch whitefish and a cisco.
1/16 oz White curly tail jig with a gulp wax worm was the winning combo. I caught on a buckshot spoon, but the jig was the ticket.
The bites were light and came from bouncing the jig on the rocks in a slow raise and fall. If you jigged too fast, they would not hit it. A nice and slow raise and fall. Hits came on the raise and fall. The speed was the most important thing.
Do people catch cisco on hook and line? If so, how, and when?
Hey Craig I got 4 cisco last Friday on the pile, two tried to take it so I hooked them in the mouth, the other two were snagged one in the tail, one in the belly… They are still there and active in between whitefish… Problem is if you get messing around with whitefish and cisco, you don’t catch the trout… I’m guilty of liking to play with whatever is biting best… Later J
Fished Saturday - lots of folks in popular spots but could separate will a little sled dragging. Started at 75 fow which and caught a mac on first drop, 7am. Several more fish came through but didn’t want to dance. A buddy caught a mac dead sticking after fish appeared on graph around 8am. Then slow. Moved to 85 fow and found a few more fish in the mud, hooked up once at 11am but came unbuttoned first series of head shakes. Tube jigs. Solid 7" of ice.
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Cisco Slut…
Maybe she was TOO easy looking…
