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Ok, what was I thinking this morning? As I left for Heart Lake at 4:15 am it was cold and cloudy. The trip is 45 miles one way for me. By the time I reached I-5 in Mount Vernon it was 38 degrees and almost snowing. I am usually a fair weather fisherman so going fishing at the crack of dawn when it’s darn near freezing and pouring rain is a clear indication that I really want to fish on my week off from work. I almost turned around as it was trying to snow but decided I was up and half way there so I continued. I arrived at the lake about 5:15 am not realizing it doesn’t get light out till about 5:45 so I launch without a soul in sight. Kinda creepy to be there in the dark with no one around. The temp gauge on my vehicle said it was 41 degrees F outside. After launching I decided to get out on the water thinking it would be light out soon, and began trolling in the moon light which was dim due to heavy cloud cover, but at least it wasn’t raining. Long story a little shorter, I trolled two flatfish, one red w/black dots, the other brown w/light green belly. I even tried tipping them with bait. I trolled and casted a green Roostertail and blue fox spinner as well, and 4 hours later, hands and feet frozen, I had 2 fish in the boat, both caught on flatfish. Now that is poor fishing! I spent the fifth hour trolling a flash lite and wedding ring with power bait and landed the third and final fish of the 5 hour fishing trip. Wind was added to the mix for the final two hours of the trip which made controlling the boat and lure speed a challenge. Folks on shore did okay using power bait. One guy I spoke with told me he had two and had been fishing for 1 hour. Another gentleman in his 70’s told me usually he and his other retired friend’s limit here almost daily using power bait but so far this year it has been super slow. So, I think this is a real hit and miss lake at the moment. Water was 51 when I started and 54 when I left. A bald eagle was also working the lake but despite his continued efforts overhead, I did not see him take a fish. I guess it was slow for everyone, even the expert in the air. Good trip, bad weather, and very poor fish bite. Rating based on the bite is a 2. The weather was a 1. Next trip will be Thursday when it’s supposed to be a little warmer and dry.

Demonknight

4/29/2008 4:05:00 PM

Sounds about the same as when my son(Nicolas) and I hit it... I have the next two days off and plan on hitting a few lakes myself.

Rollin with Rolland

4/29/2008 4:21:00 PM

at least you didn't get skunked Dave, that would have been far worse!! way to persevere through the elements, hats off. i may have to try this heart lake, never been there but it can't be to far for me....

Dave

4/29/2008 8:02:00 PM

I wasn't going home without a fish! I really wanted to limit which is why I stayed so long. I really think the water is just too cold yet for these 10,000+ RB they planted. The bellies of the three had mud and believe it or not, pine needles in them. I'm thinkin there isn't allot of natural feed in this lake for them. If you are familiar with Jameson Lake there is and always has been a ton of natural feed in that lake. Lots of fresh water shrimp ECT. I don't think that is the case at Heart Lake which takes it's toll on these fish over time. Anyway, thanks for the replies. It was a cold trip for sure. I believe I am going to try Lake Ki on Thursday, maybe in the late morning. It's closer to home. Thanks again. Good luck on the water.

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