03-12-2004, 12:18 PM
[cool][blue][size 1]Hey, FB2, there are probably a few folks who read these posts and wonder if we are totally nuts, orwhat. I can't question your sanity in going out while there is still some ice...because Ihave done it myself, and I have found it to be one of the best times of the year.[/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]Anybody who fishes the ice out on most lakes will recommend fishing right along the edge of the ice. Both rainbows and browns in Deer Creek can be found cruising near the edge...both because of the imorived oxygenation of the water and looking for food. Right at daybreak I have taken some big browns at the edge of the ice...both in Deer Creek and at Starvation.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Don't bring your little dry flies. The fish want MEAT after being confined under the ice for a few months. Throw big wooly buggers and streamers. If you have any Pistol Petes (with the spinner blade on the front) they should work too.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The edge of the ice might be in 50 feet of water, but the big trout will be cruising shallow, if they are orienting to the ice. Either stay back and cast to the ice, or work your way along the edge and cast parallel to the ice line...working the fly both shallow and deeper until you find where they want it. Sometimes you will get hit right after your fly hits the water. Other times you have to count it down a few feet. Use a sink tip or full sinking line and make short strips. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]For colors, you can't beat basic black in cold water, especially if there is some color in the water. But, flashy streamers with hot colors and some flashabou or sparkles are good too.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]For walleyes, you can cast along the rocks with jigs or cast spinners, spoons or crankbaits. You should be able to find some prespawn fish wherever there is rocks or gravel going down into the water. Again, cast parallel to the shore line and retrieve at least five to ten feet deep. If they are still out a ways, you may have to vertical jig them, using jig with a piece of worm on it.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]You might try fishing shallower up in the east end of the lake. The perch will be moving shallow to spawn soon, and there might be some other fishies in with them. A little early yet for smallies, but MAYBE. If you fish jigs and worm for perch, you are also likely to hit a couple of trout. In fact, slow trolling a bugger or other big fly in the shallower water could hook you up with anything this time of year.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Dress warm, stay dry and pay attention to the weather. If the wind starts blowing even a little bit, get off the water. Once the ice starts breaking up, even a light breeze can move the ice sheets around on the surface. You do not want to risk being pushed to the bank and crushed by a big piece of ice. It can happen and almost happened to me on Starvation one time. That was enough for me.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Have fun and let us know how you do.[/size][/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][size 1]Anybody who fishes the ice out on most lakes will recommend fishing right along the edge of the ice. Both rainbows and browns in Deer Creek can be found cruising near the edge...both because of the imorived oxygenation of the water and looking for food. Right at daybreak I have taken some big browns at the edge of the ice...both in Deer Creek and at Starvation.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Don't bring your little dry flies. The fish want MEAT after being confined under the ice for a few months. Throw big wooly buggers and streamers. If you have any Pistol Petes (with the spinner blade on the front) they should work too.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The edge of the ice might be in 50 feet of water, but the big trout will be cruising shallow, if they are orienting to the ice. Either stay back and cast to the ice, or work your way along the edge and cast parallel to the ice line...working the fly both shallow and deeper until you find where they want it. Sometimes you will get hit right after your fly hits the water. Other times you have to count it down a few feet. Use a sink tip or full sinking line and make short strips. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]For colors, you can't beat basic black in cold water, especially if there is some color in the water. But, flashy streamers with hot colors and some flashabou or sparkles are good too.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]For walleyes, you can cast along the rocks with jigs or cast spinners, spoons or crankbaits. You should be able to find some prespawn fish wherever there is rocks or gravel going down into the water. Again, cast parallel to the shore line and retrieve at least five to ten feet deep. If they are still out a ways, you may have to vertical jig them, using jig with a piece of worm on it.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]You might try fishing shallower up in the east end of the lake. The perch will be moving shallow to spawn soon, and there might be some other fishies in with them. A little early yet for smallies, but MAYBE. If you fish jigs and worm for perch, you are also likely to hit a couple of trout. In fact, slow trolling a bugger or other big fly in the shallower water could hook you up with anything this time of year.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Dress warm, stay dry and pay attention to the weather. If the wind starts blowing even a little bit, get off the water. Once the ice starts breaking up, even a light breeze can move the ice sheets around on the surface. You do not want to risk being pushed to the bank and crushed by a big piece of ice. It can happen and almost happened to me on Starvation one time. That was enough for me.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Have fun and let us know how you do.[/size][/#0000ff]
[signature]