Quick question about Pelican for those who are familiar with it. I am planning on heading over next week. But I will be staying overnight, since it is about a 4 hour drive for me. I have a popup camper that I am planning on bringing so we can sleep in. Any nearby campsites or areas that could be suggested for me? Mooncricket suggested just setting it up in the parking area on the east side. Nothing fancy needed. I am just using it to sleep in. Thanks for any info!
[signature]
The lake level at Pelican is very high right now. When I was there last monday we had to drive through a good sized pool to get to the parking area. If you are headed there during the week, there should be plenty of room, but on the weekend, it might be a little crowded but do-able. I would recommend camping in the campground on the south side of the lake near the boat ramp and then driving to other access points for fishing.
Lately the bite has been better closer to shore and reeds. Some of my traditional spots further out in the lake have been slow.
[signature]
The campground by the ramp will likely be empty except for you and it will be a lot quieter. Oil traffic going down the east side highway is noisy. Fishing can be pretty fair over there too. To get there (going down SR-88) take a right at the bottom of the hill by the gas pumps go a little over 2 miles and watch for a sign directing you south to the ramp at the southwest corner of the lake.
[signature]
EDIT Hey Ben, when are you planning on going? I'm trying really hard to get out there before the ice quits, but haven't been able to link up with a buddy for gas $$$ sharing. Sounds like you're better equipped than I am, but if you could use company, shoot me a PM. I work every day until tuesday, then I'm off for 7 days.
Otherwise, might as well park and camp by the toilets, etc.. on the south west corner. Only a few minutes from there to any of the other access points.
BTW, Most people seem to prefer that east shoreline, but I've had my best icefishing luck out from the boat ramp jetty.
[signature]
Does anyone know the status of the parasites in the fish at Pelican? Last year my cousin caught a bunch and tried to clean what parasites he could from the fish filets. He soaked them in some salt water overnight and when he removed the filets from the bowl the next day the whole bottom of it was filled with parasites and he claimed it looked like rice. Needless to say he threw them out which would gross me out and I would have done the same thing. I know they are'nt supposed to hurt you but that is just unappetizing.
[signature]
Most of the fish have the parasites. You are right they wont hurt you...remove them then cook your fish.
[signature]
[frown][:p]A whole new meaning to Fish and Rice
[signature]
when my friends and i were out there we brought home about 50gills and only had about 5-10 that had them in them so not to bad
[signature]
The plan is to head out Wednesday early afternoon in time to get there with a little light left. Staying the night Wednesday and fishing hard on Thursday. Still trying to solidify things up with my friend. I hear you on the gas $$. I have been wanting to do this for a while now, and have decided that it's gotta be next week. Keep in touch and I will let you know for sure by the end of the weekend if we are gonna make it.
[signature]
Yes, let me know. We have even tent camped out there in Feb. (my 10 y/o girl and I) and were prepared for the cold, it was just a lot of trouble to bring so much gear and set a tent up in fading light, etc..
And, yeah, I don't kow how some of these guys around me do it. I have tiny SUV that gets 30 mpg and a 6 hour round trip still cuts deep, and you can't sleep in it.
Wed night to Thurs might not work with me, I just found out I have a mandatory meeting thursday morn. Don't plan around me, of course, but keep me posted.
[signature]
Well crap. Looks like our long awaited trip is going to have to wait even longer. My wife's car's windshield got busted and the wiper motor went out, all within the same day. So I get to use that fund to repair all of that. The joys of cars. But I think we are content with it. We have been fishing Newton up here and having great success. So we decided just to keep it close to home for now.
[signature]
Never fished newton what they catching up there
[signature]
Perch and tiger muskie
[signature]
Bass and Crappie are in there too. Even heard rumors of some cats roaming abouts. The bass are healthy, and plentiful little ones for sure. Crappie have been harder to find there, for me anyway. The perch have been average dinkies. Seems like 9 inches is a good one.
Gave it a try last Sun but after a night of rain, seemed like the edges needed one BIG step, or more like a plank. And I figured by midday - might need an even BIGGER plank. So I took other ventures.
These warm days are probably NOT helping our ice-hopes. Might have to head for higher elevaton!
I haven't fished it for quite a few years but I have caught some nice crappie and a few cats thru the ice there.
[signature]