Scofield report and Willard ?'s

[fishman]

Headed up to Scofield yesterday morning with a "rookie" from work. Left at 5 and got to the pond about 7.

The east side was still locked up so we went back to the north side and started to fish. I flyfished for about an hour and a half with no tugs. My buddy was soaking artificial eggs sacs with no luck. He was using artificial sacs because I ran out of the real stuff last year. Bummer! We was there for about about a half hour and then it started getting crowded rather fast.

We met a nice guy from Helper who "helped" us by throwing some fresh sacs are way. What a nice guy. We started getting hit immediately. It lasted for about 15 minutes and it was over. While many other anglers were starting to show up, we was ready to leave.

I don't mind company at all, but lines were getting crossed almost every casts by others wanting to get there offering in the whole we were which was right on the edge of the ice that was past a shelf in the water.

So we left with only four fish all caught on eggs sacs. One 16" cutt and the rest were 14-15" bows. We got checked by a fish and game tech and a fish and game officer. Which was a good thing. I like it when there is some checking going on. Where we fished on the north side there was only about a 75 yard productive stretch that was open. Not much room for 13 plus more angelers to happily fish. But oh well, it was a good trip and the rookie got some action.

The East Side should be good by this next weekend. Was bummed it wasn't ready, I know I was.

Was wondering what the Willard locals have been throwing? I'm just thinking the standard stuff? But not sure. Also wondering what speed the trollers are finding being the most consistent with picking up eyes and wipers. It seems a little early for power cruising with the big motor?

Good luck out there,

Fishman
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[wiperhunter2]

"Was wondering what the Willard locals have been throwing? I'm just thinking the standard stuff? But not sure. Also wondering what speed the trollers are finding being the most consistent with picking up eyes and wipers. It seems a little early for power cruising with the big motor?"

We were trolling around 2 mph yesterday and catching both walleye and wipers using shad rap rapalas. WH2
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[fishman]

Thanks alot wh2! In years past I've trolled 1.5-2 mph in the spring time with shadraps with ok success. I usually throw a size 5 on one rod, and a size 7 on the other. Silver/blue, silver/black for colors. Also throw/troll rattle trap baits in same colors.

If this pattern doesn't work for me, I like to slow things down and bottom bounce or lindy rig with crawlers.

It's time to get up there. I havn't been up yet this year. Did you use planerboards yesterday?

Fishman
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[wiperhunter2]

Yes we were using planner boards but we caught more longlining straight out the back. Last time we did better with the side planners and a slower speed. Water temps are up to 56 to 58* just in case you were wondering. WH2
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[fishman]

Good deal. I will be sure to throw the boards in the boat. We usually always use two boards and have two flatlines out the back depending if the person that is in my has a second pole permit. But look out when a rod or two go's. That can be a royal pain, but afterall that is why we are there, to have that line rip off like only I wiper can rip it off. Maybe I'll see ya on the bathtub one day. I'll be sure to shoot the bull with ya bout fishin if I do.

Fishman
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[wiperhunter2]

Sounds good but this time of the year the wipers are usually a little slow on the line ripping. As the water temps warms that will be changing quickly. What kind of boat will you be in? WH2
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[fishman]

I'm currently in a 17' nitro with a black merc 90 on the back. I am in the market for something different if I can find it. Stay tuned.
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