03-26-2004, 06:39 AM
I checked with my friend who lives in Ely and the ice is coming off fast at Comins. There is some limited bank fishing going on and they are whoopin' a$$. I'm gonna hit the lake first weekend of April from Sun - Tues. That's providing the ice is off. I've been following the weather quite closely and the weeklong warm spell that Ely is over. The ice should continue to melt but not at it's current pace. If the ice is not off then I'll be hitting Lee's Ferry.
I was reading some of the other posts concerning Comins. I've fished that lake 20 - 30 trips in the last few years and to my experience that lake has outperformed any other fishing spots within a 4hr drive of Vegas(I drive fast if you were wondering) for quality fish. First and foremost, you need a boat to really explore it's potential. I and other friends have done fine from shore at times, but access is limited, and usually crowded. The most accessible parts of the lake are the poorest for fishing.
I'm going to list some observations as statements about the lake to assist you who haven't fished it before. These are personal experience so take them for what they're worth.
*The far end of the lake, away from the road, is the most productive.
*The lake can turn on and off like a lightswitch. The best day I ever had their was an afternoon followed by one of the most unproductive mornings I'd ever had.
*Fish early/late. The best bite is usually at this time, but more importantly these are the times the wind is usually calm. Consider yourself an unusually lucky person if you can fish there between lla - 3p wind free or in a slight breeze. The lake usually has a LOT of wind during these hours most days.
*Do not be too concerned with technique. I've seen alot, and big, fish caught with every method imaginable. Many days all seem to be working at the same time.
If I think of any more, I'll certainly follow up this post with them.
A few other things to consider... there were not many, but a couple of 30" pike were creeled this winter by NDOW. I'd think the majority of the pike are smaller, but there won't be many good years left for Comins. My biggest rainbow to date (7lbs) was caught there and I can't even begin to count 5lbs and less fish. The first fish I hooked there jumped several times and he'd of gone better'n 10lbs. I was using way too light of tippet and he eventually broke me off in the weeds. My heart still skips a beat when I remember that guy.
I've been following the lake closely for a few years now, and according to NDOW biologists the growth rate is an inch a month from May - July. This is because the lake is so abundant with food. Many days I've seen several full stringers at the boat launch all consisting of 3lbs+ rainbows. That lake definitely has big fish.
I truly love the lake and I would dearly love to meet the guys who keep putting pike in there. I could always claim the whoopin' I give 'em was a citizens arrest now couldn't I?!? I wish these idiots would do a bit of reading and actually understand that the lake won't support a premier pike fishery. For a few years nice pike will be caught, maybe even a new record, but inevitably the pike will eat up the fishery and they'll stunt. It's a shame too, 'cause with the mine closed the residents could probably use an influx of fisherman to help out the local economy. A trout fishery would accomplish this, the pike never will.
I've rambled on, but if any of you are interested in meeting me there to fish let me know. I'll be traveling with a buddy and we usually fish our float tubes, though I may bring the boat. If you don't have a tube or boat, I know a few good bank spots, though they're not secret and they're a first come/first serve basis.
Later guys,
Mark
[signature]
I was reading some of the other posts concerning Comins. I've fished that lake 20 - 30 trips in the last few years and to my experience that lake has outperformed any other fishing spots within a 4hr drive of Vegas(I drive fast if you were wondering) for quality fish. First and foremost, you need a boat to really explore it's potential. I and other friends have done fine from shore at times, but access is limited, and usually crowded. The most accessible parts of the lake are the poorest for fishing.
I'm going to list some observations as statements about the lake to assist you who haven't fished it before. These are personal experience so take them for what they're worth.
*The far end of the lake, away from the road, is the most productive.
*The lake can turn on and off like a lightswitch. The best day I ever had their was an afternoon followed by one of the most unproductive mornings I'd ever had.
*Fish early/late. The best bite is usually at this time, but more importantly these are the times the wind is usually calm. Consider yourself an unusually lucky person if you can fish there between lla - 3p wind free or in a slight breeze. The lake usually has a LOT of wind during these hours most days.
*Do not be too concerned with technique. I've seen alot, and big, fish caught with every method imaginable. Many days all seem to be working at the same time.
If I think of any more, I'll certainly follow up this post with them.
A few other things to consider... there were not many, but a couple of 30" pike were creeled this winter by NDOW. I'd think the majority of the pike are smaller, but there won't be many good years left for Comins. My biggest rainbow to date (7lbs) was caught there and I can't even begin to count 5lbs and less fish. The first fish I hooked there jumped several times and he'd of gone better'n 10lbs. I was using way too light of tippet and he eventually broke me off in the weeds. My heart still skips a beat when I remember that guy.
I've been following the lake closely for a few years now, and according to NDOW biologists the growth rate is an inch a month from May - July. This is because the lake is so abundant with food. Many days I've seen several full stringers at the boat launch all consisting of 3lbs+ rainbows. That lake definitely has big fish.
I truly love the lake and I would dearly love to meet the guys who keep putting pike in there. I could always claim the whoopin' I give 'em was a citizens arrest now couldn't I?!? I wish these idiots would do a bit of reading and actually understand that the lake won't support a premier pike fishery. For a few years nice pike will be caught, maybe even a new record, but inevitably the pike will eat up the fishery and they'll stunt. It's a shame too, 'cause with the mine closed the residents could probably use an influx of fisherman to help out the local economy. A trout fishery would accomplish this, the pike never will.
I've rambled on, but if any of you are interested in meeting me there to fish let me know. I'll be traveling with a buddy and we usually fish our float tubes, though I may bring the boat. If you don't have a tube or boat, I know a few good bank spots, though they're not secret and they're a first come/first serve basis.
Later guys,
Mark
[signature]