East Canyon Bright and Early

[Jig-fisher]

1st trip of the new year and 1st time out on the ice this ice season.   This morning I arrived at the state park at about 6:15.  1st person there.  It was balmy 5 degrees upon arrival.



The park had plowed the roads and also one lane all the way to the bottom of the boat ramp.  No snow on the ice, slick conditions, but did the shuffle.  I drilled a test hole and found 6" of solid ice.  Went to the 1st spot and caught a couple of small ones then got this 19" beauty.



It slowed after that so I took a walk/hike over to one of my favorite spots that isn't too close to the ramp.  Found at least 5" of ice when I drilled as I went.  It was a good move on my part and I found some very willing fish of the larger variety.  These came in succession:







They were full of fight and the 3 largest took a lot of drag especially that last one.  If I could have squeezed the tail I'm sure it would have broken the 20" mark.  But a 4 fish limit of nice bows over 17", I'll take that any day.  I was back in my truck headed home at 10:00 am.

[Therapist]

No Crappie ??? How deep were you fishing (FOW) and how far down in the water column ???

[Jig-fisher]

No Crappie ???  How deep were you fishing (FOW) and how far down in the water column ???

I never saw any crappie marks.  I like to fish fairly shallow, 15-28'.  Didn't get out any deeper.

[Jmorfish]

Nicely done..good to get a report on E.C...still no one there when you left?

[Jig-fisher]

Nicely done..good to get a report on E.C...still no one there when you left?

There were others that showed up, but most just fished in the vicinity of boat ramp.  One group arrived about 1/2 hour after I did.  I briefly spoke to one of them on my way out and they had only caught a couple of small ones.  Only about 8 vehicles in the parking area.

[Fritzfishin]

nice job! I dont think ive ever ice fished east canyon.. or open water fished it actually??? maybe we will have to meet up there next time!

[Springbuck1]

Thanks and good on ya!

[JArner]

Great report. Those are some nice catches.

[SkunkedAgain]

Nicely done.... Sounds like a fun morning... Later J