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Arrived at the lake at 7:30. Motor1 showed about 15 minutes later. A couple gentlemen we met several weeks ago, and have fished many times since, we're already holding down the fort. Another guy, Mike, who had been unsuccessful in shallow water, moved out to join us. At this spot, in 40' of water, things started slowly but by 8:15 everyone was catching perch. We piled them up as quickly as possible, knowing from experience that these fish turn off as quickly as they turn on. Many dinks were returned to the water and, of course, the local heron got his share. Sure enough, the bite died around 9:00. It picked up again for a few minutes around 9:30 before quitting again, this time for good. With anywhere from 20-30 keepers apiece, most of us packed it in at 10:00.

We used everything from Kastmasters, glow ice jigs, and Swedish Pimples to simple size 8 hooks, tipped with maggots and perch eyes. We're convinced that lure type really doesn't matter when they're feeding.

The clear ice is still hanging around 5-6" out deep. The gray ice closer to the launch varies widely from 7-12". Will be deteriorating fast this coming week as overnight lows quit dropping below freezing and daytime highs reach into the 40s.

muskyhunter

2/11/2011 11:09:00 PM

I find it interesting you are catching them on Kastmasters...i can see regular jigs but kastmasters? really? The perch should be getting ready for spawning. Usually the bigger perch start running now.. just my opinion. Big perch fishing should start now.. I know last year there wasnt much ice..looks like a fish fry there Raffen...?

The Jigmiester

2/12/2011 2:17:00 AM

They should nickname you the "Perch-Miester!" Lol I love reading your perch pursuit posting this winter sir. Great job on lacating and catching them. Jiggy

raffensg64

2/12/2011 5:43:00 AM

Muskyhunter, I initially tried a Kastmaster several weeks ago when I realized the water depth. This isn't what I expected, ie 10-20' of water. It's 40' and a 1/8 oz Kastmaster gets down there NOW! Some guys use small jigs with split shot but, with these short-lived feeds I see these fish have, I want something that drops like a rock and stays on them! We've pretty much come to the conclusion that lure type doesn't matter when they're feeding.

Jiggie, I've been after them a lot this year.....it's my hometown lake. Funny thing is, I've lived here since 2002 and didn't ice fish it until this year. I've had several people tell me it is no good through the ice.

Kfedka

2/12/2011 10:54:00 AM

reffensg64, thanks for the post.

MotoBoat

2/13/2011 7:53:00 AM

raffensg64, show your neighbors how good the lake really can be. Have them over for a local lake fish fry. You have definitely gotten familiar with this lake. Good report to read.

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