A Very Satisfactory Day On The Ice, Lake X Does Not Disappoint

It has been far too long since I last posted on this forum and longer still since I have wet a line. Today, however, I was able to get out on the ice for the first time this season and the day did not disappoint.

Dark and early this morning, I met up with my two long-standing fishing partners and drove to Muskoka to one of our favourite access points. As we neared the access, we came across a herd of nine to ten deer -- not only a delightful sight amid the snowy landscape but a portent of things to come!

Despite 3"-4" of slush and a thin crust of ice overtop, conditions were quite good. Beneath the slop, there was a good 6" or so of black ice making the short walk out to our fishing ground quite safe. Weather conditions were overcast with a light breeze from the north and a temperature just below freezing -- quite suitable for a day outdoors and being mobile on the ice. No pop-ups of flip-overs for these hardy anglers!

As usual, Allan was the first to mark fish and had several followers and some light hits. Harold also marked fish and joined in the fun. Alas, the fish were more curious than anything. Despite having drilled several holes in depths ranging from 65 to 68 fow, I had far less to occupy my time so, about midday, I moved further out to 72 fow and immediately began to mark fish; most were right on bottom with a few fish suspending 6' to 8' higher in the water column. In the space of two hours or so, I had landed four out of five lake trout. The bite was light but a minnow on a split shot rig seemed to suit the fish just fine. All were in the 1 1/2 to 2 pound range, typical of the spot that I was on and perfect for dinner for two!

Nice catch!

Nice eaters. Heading up north this weekend. Hopefully I do as well.

Very nice !! Enjoy the eats !

Great report Michael, good to see you were able to hook into a few and were able to bring a couple home for dinner. First trip out was a success

That was a good read

Good to see MK benefit from all the tips that Al and I have given him!!

Nice report and glad to see others are getting out on the lakes !!!

Thanks for the report. I too am headed to the cottage this weekend is search of some lake trout and burbot. Hopefully all the slush tightens up as I am also a Walker.

Once you decided to "tune out" anything Harold was saying, things started to turn on for you!! You won the cash prize that Harold was holding...you got it didnt you???

Yeah ---you stay home and be a keyboard warrior and make nasty posts.Meanwhile MK and I go fishing and kill 'em. Back home early---in Barrie before 4 PM!! Eat your heart out homeboy!!!

Cash prize??? And then yesterday, I buy the minnows, do all the driving, and put Harold on fish! If I weren't heading to Algonquin for a week, I'd plan on retaliating!

P.S. Al -- we iced 5 between the two of us and marked fish for much of the morning; shoulda been there!

Couple of dandy’s. Congrats

Love lakes. Nice fish.