Fishing Forum

I'm looking for a little direction and help so I can show the Veterans a good time this saturday.

I'm fairly new to boat fishing, and have tried to head up to strawberry a couple of times in the last month to get familiar with the lake but have had limited success. My boat is a Boston Whaler, I have a downrigger, trolling motor, fish finder. I usually try to troll with either a dodger and a squid, or pop gear and needle fish or wedding ring troller/worm I have had some success but feel like I'm either doing something wrong or in the wrong areas. I would love to get the vets to some kokanee and is what I have been trying for lately with the dodger/squid but with no luck. I have been shooting for around 35-40 feet when using the downrigger and have been trolling around 1.8 mph. When I use leaded line (w/o downrigger) I usually put it out 7 colors. I have tried drifting with a worm and drifting with power bait and put my bait or worm out 30 feet deep, but have had very little success with that. I have never tried jigging, would like to if it would prove to be successful.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! maybe I'm just in the complete wrong place on the lake, again, I would love to get into some kokanee! But really would just like to get as much fish on the line as possible. PM me if you would rather keep your secrets off the main board, and I'll keep it to myself.

Thanks!
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Although I haven't fished Strawberry yet this year, I'm hearing the reservoir is spotty at best. Perhaps someone else will share their success tactics with you. Based on the info you have already provided, I can't see you doing much better unless you incorporate meat into your presentation. I'm referring to the nightcrawler (worm harness) or red shiners mentioned in another post.

Yes it's always nice to be able to put fish in the boat but then again many of these vets have not even been on the water or fishing in quite some time. Keep them hydrated and snacked up and you'll be fine.

We'll see you there, headed up tomorrow afternoon with Mrs Smoke! Stop by Soldier Creek CG (A-14) and we'll discuss more. If you have a FRS radio or marine band be sure and bring it. Many of us share the hot ticket during the event.
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Just left out of the Soldier Creek Marina holds a bunch of nice bows... trolling or bait fishing works well. Hope the full moon doesn't hinder the fishing. I would guess that that early morning bite will slip a bit...

Good luck and God bless you for helping our hero's! Lord knows they've earned it!
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