02-11-2023, 09:23 PM
(02-08-2023, 12:31 AM)BearLakeFishGuy Wrote: Fished BL today. The ice is significantly thicker and growing since there is no snow on it and it is exposed to cold nighttime temps. It was 5-7" today and there were several snowmobiles out on the rockpile and east side too. Wish I could say it was as hot it was a week ago, but it wasn't. We all caught fish and I think I knew everyone on the rockpile today and there were about 20 people out there. We ended up with several nice whitefish (who were dinner guests this evening), a couple of cutts and we lost several (too many) other trout. We had a couple of really big fish on but just couldn't get them up the hole. We had our best luck in 68-69' but caught the WF in about 38' right on top the pile. Ice is in good shape, even though I've heard some rookies whining about pressure cracks. The parking situation at the public access on 250 E. Loop Road is a bit challenging. Right at the bottom of the ramp people are trying to drive around the ice/water and they are getting stuck/high centered. The water is about 12" deep, but its a hard, sandy bottom so just go through the middle and keep your momentum and it won't be an issue. I understand that Garden City may try to fill this a bit with road base, but it wasn't done today. You could also pay $5 at Ideal Beach Resort for parking, but they don't open to 8:00 am or so. One guy was high centered so we parked back on the edge of 250 E. Loop and hoofed it the entire way. Not sure how he got out but he did. There were 6-8 trucks that had already went down on the beach and parked, so I'm glad he didn't trap anyone on the lakeshore. I never put my jacket on today since it was so sunny and calm. Great day, great friends, and decent fishing! What more could you ask for. Oh......the whitefish were great for dinner too!
Great report, I'm new to BFT so I'm still learning stuff. Thanks, always loved big blue. (Bearlake)