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Newman Lake Report
Spokane County, WA

Details

02/12/2011
Ice Fishing
Perch
Morning
02/12/2011
2
1551

Was in the area, so I thought I'd try the ice on Newman.

First off, I didn't realize what a shady public launch it was; Red pickup hanging out on the launch watching me on the ice - thought he either wanted to steal my car when I got farther out or was waiting to make a drug deal. I finally walked off the ice and up to his vehicle, he rolled down the window - looked like he was high, red-rimmed bleary eyes chewing dip and spitting into a pepsi bottle. He attempted to make small talk. I asked him what he was doing. Told me he lived up the street and sometimes like to come down and just sit in his truck idling. Right. I said, "Fine, but you're making me a little nervous, so I called it in as a suspicious vehicle." He says sorry and then peels out of the parking lot. Then this other dude pulls up like he's gonna go down the ramp onto the ice. I'm standing there thinking, "What are YOU doing?" He looks at me, then turns around and peels out of the parking lot. I walk back out onto the ice. This process is repeated multiple times as cars pull up. Idle for a bit, turn around, stop behind my car (as if checking it out), then drives off. Only one car pulled up, discharged a kid and his dad who took a few steps on the ice, then drove off. Weird, man... This isn't a "People's Park" "Highbridge Park" situation is it?

So, I wasn't willing to roam the ice without the launch in direct line of sight. Fished shallow then 5-6ft of water - 6"+ of popcorn ice. It's stable, but hard to drill on - the auger just slips on it as it's drilling. Caught 3 dink perch and had a lot of sniffers, but couldn't get 'em to bite.

I was actually going out to get some bluegill or crappie, but since I couldn't/wouldn't roam the lake had to settle for whatever would look my way.


Comments

BMGW
2/12/2011 9:03:00 PM
JayK, that could have just been a blessing in disguise, nonetheless people are strange, thats why I don't leave home without it.. Stay safe!
Jay K
2/12/2011 9:54:00 PM
@BMGW - Yeah, in hindsight, might have been a little dangerous to approach his car. Originally, I was gonna take a photo of his license plate, but he ended up rolling down his window as I approached off the ice. Looks like a Utah conceal & carry is in my future.
aaron42ash
2/12/2011 11:31:00 PM
JayK- sorry to hear the trip didn't go as planned. That's never a good feeling when possessions are being "looked over". But that's all just "stuff". Glad you're alright. Hopefully we can meet up at least once more this ice season and give it a go. Take care.
rentonhighlander
2/13/2011 7:20:00 AM
Sounds like a case of the "Peoples Park" or "Greyhound Race Track".
Meeks9591
2/13/2011 11:50:00 AM
I'm headed to get my conceal carry here pretty soon, Newman is like that year round for me when I'm here in Spokane. Glad to hear the ice is still holding up.. I do need a lake to get my boat out soon.
tomnordman
2/27/2011 6:44:00 PM
It is a sad time that we have worry about our stuff when we are out on the lake but it is true. I recently came to the dock at 7 bays by myself and 2 guys were standing on the end of the dock. They commented of all the nice things I had on the boat and were waiting for me to take the 2 block trip to get my truck while their truck was right there running. I did not leave it unattended and was very nervous, when another boat came in they left very fast. It always pays to have a fishing buddy in more than 1 way.
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Available Guide

Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Darrell & Dads Family Guide Service

Phone: (509) 687-0709