Thursday, January 3, 2013

ice fishing pistakee lake


A short report from new years day. We fished Pistakee Bay working our way from the south end up. It actually worked out well catching bluegill in the shallows progressively working are way to deeper water for crappies as it got later.

In the shallows it took many holes to get on a single fish but once I found that first good hole, it was really good. Some of the best bluegills so far this winter came to hand.

Pistakee lake bluegills
As we worked into the deeper water a few more crappies were caught along with a few nice whites (not pictured) and plenty of sheephead.

small crappie from Pistakee lake
Those not familiar with the chain or Pistakee lake in specific should note that Pistakee Bay is one of the few deep spots on the south end of our chain. The depth here provides a huge wintering pool for multiple species and the phrase "community hole" hits the nail right on the head. I don't think its such a bad phrase because at least people fish here for a reason. The reason is because there are fish here, Duh...

Knowing that brilliant revelation, now you just have to be smarter going about catching the fish. I've had some of my best success fishing plastics here. Showing the fish something different and once they are interested, take it away with reckless regard. Ice depth was over 4 inches and growing like crazy while we were there.

16 comments:

  1. Nice trip, I am headed out this weekend!

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    1. Glad to hear your getting your shot. Good luck and be safe.

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  2. Sheephead through the ice sounds like a blast, but if you are dipping your line in a community hole...make sure you're wearing your rubbers.

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  3. Another brave ice fisherman. Thanks, I'll still stay on the shore. Leave it to John to take a good post south.

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  4. Blake
    4" of ice is a stable platform for the tent and all the works that go with it. Do you ever use a tent on the ice to cut down on the wind? Seeing those bluegill makes me want to be on the water with the small poppers; but that is at least 4 months off here. Thanks for sharing

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    1. Yeah, sure do... I spend most of the season fishing from inside the shanty. It get down right hot in there sometimes with that propane heater. Are you gonna take the bluegill challenge again?

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  5. Love seeing the ice fishing posts, keep em comin!

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  6. Blake
    Yes hopefully I will make the 100 mark this year. I think I will begin the quest the middle of March and end as I did last year the week after the 4th of July. Can't wait!!

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