Patterson Lake/ Hard water fishing

So, the state opened a local lake for an icefishing season, in hopes of putting a dent in the perch population. I went up to the lake this past Sunday, in a howling chinook wind. It was so windy, it blew over my heavy tackle box!

Despite the conditions, I managed to catch a few fish. Don't know if it'll help the state in their goals as most of the fish that I, and others, caught were planted rainbows. The one perch I did get was 11", and fat with roe. (I've also caught crappie in this lake, and I've heard rumors of walleye.) I didn't stay too long as it was late, and nasty. I did miss at least 3 hits for every fish I iced. Lot's of fish wiggled off as I tried to get them up through the hole. If I dropped the jig back down, right away, they'd often smash it, as soon as it cleared the ice. Was a hoot. I'll have to refine my techniques and equipement.

   I keep picturing you sitting in your rowboat on a frozen lake.   

-Allen

If I wasn't too lazy to bother figuring out posting photos, you WOULD see it!

Oh, I picked up a container of 100 mealworms at the pet store this weekend. I'm shooting for another stab at icefishing, this weekend. Company welcome! 

Supplemental report, 1/28/07-

Went out for a short period last weekend, with only 1 rainbow as reward. Ice was ~12" The plan was to have the whole family out, but MIL and middle daughter struggled in the snow before even getting to the ice. My youngest and oldest hung out, and we ate hot dogs and drank hot cocoa.

Yesterday, (Sat.) my youngest and I went out around 1:00. She iced the first fish before I was halfway through the second hole. (Ice is now around 14" thick.) It was a fat perch, and I was hopeful that we had a good school. Finally got the second hole open, and Janni ices another fish, a rainbow. I opened a third hole, which was no more productive for me, than the second hole. I ended up 0 for 2 on my rod, between the two of us we were 7/10 on her SpongeBobSquarePants rod. A 1" white micro-grub, tipped with a mealworm, was the hot ticket for 5 rainbows. A 2" chart. green power nymph took 1 perch and 1 'bow.

My Fishwhisperer!

Ahhhhh, goodtimes, goodtimes.

I read in last week's Wenatchee World, that the perching at Fish Lake is really good. Have you been out there, Matt?

No I haven't done anything except drive out to rockisland ponds and look at the frozen water. (I didn't think they would freez over, E. Wenatchee never seems to get that way except when I go out with out ice gear) Besides I have been trying to sell the home stead, that and my 2 yearold have been keeping me busy. And praying for sun and a buyer.
Matt

Nice ... I gotta try ice fishing one of these days.  I've never done it.

If my kids ever outfish me (well, once I have them), I will be a proud father!!

-Allen

I spent the better part of my life sitting on the ice waiting for a fish to bite!

It was a kick in the pants to have that lake open this winter. I'm going to try to have an auger for next year. Using a spud bar on 18" of ice was pretty slow, even though I'm use to physical work. 

It will be open with the general opener next weekend. I'm looking forward to it- the local state biologist told me, recently, that there are also bluegill and walleye in the lake,  too.