Augwen
3/3/2009 9:25:00 AMIf you want to try for the Macks, I would try using a "Flutter Spoon". Tie it on and let it drop to the bottom. Bring it back up about 2' and let it drop back down. If you are not getting anything, move it up in the column and try again. They seem to prefer something with green on it. If you have a "glow" lure and/or spoon, that will work also.
Anglinarcher
3/3/2009 10:52:00 AMIce fishing for the lakers can be difficult without a fish finder, but Augwen's comments are dead on. I might suggest a variety of jigging options, to include soft baits like Sassy Shads, spoons like the Cyclops are great jigging spoons, and don't be afraid of tipping them with some bait. In Colorado we would use sucker fillets, but I suspect that any meet would work just fine.
Also, I found lakers through the ice to be different then summer, their locations can change a lot. Look for any structure, in 40 to 60 feet if Deer has that depth and structure. Lakers can really hold tight during tough times, like HIGH BARAMETRIC PRESSURE. Yes, high pressure, or low pressure, can really put the ice bite off, especially with Lakers. Other times, I have caught the smaller lakers, the two to 6 pound youngsters, in as little as 10 feet, especially if there is a food source for them there. This spot seems best when you have had low, but stable, pressure for about 3 days or more. This Thursday could be hot.
I find the suspended lakers to be the hardest to find, but some of the biggest ones are found suspended over deeper water. The problem is that they are often neutral to negative feeders, and are hard to provoke.
Also, I found lakers through the ice to be different then summer, their locations can change a lot. Look for any structure, in 40 to 60 feet if Deer has that depth and structure. Lakers can really hold tight during tough times, like HIGH BARAMETRIC PRESSURE. Yes, high pressure, or low pressure, can really put the ice bite off, especially with Lakers. Other times, I have caught the smaller lakers, the two to 6 pound youngsters, in as little as 10 feet, especially if there is a food source for them there. This spot seems best when you have had low, but stable, pressure for about 3 days or more. This Thursday could be hot.
I find the suspended lakers to be the hardest to find, but some of the biggest ones are found suspended over deeper water. The problem is that they are often neutral to negative feeders, and are hard to provoke.
nycfishguy
3/3/2009 5:50:00 PMI want to thank both Augwen and Anglinarcher for their tips. The lake in the center is about 75-80- feet deep. (my original post had a typo) I'm actually planning a trip out this Thursday - so - we'll see if my luck changes. I'll let y'all know if it does with a NEW report!
Anglinarcher
3/4/2009 8:34:00 AMAfter last night storm in Spokane, I hope Deer Lake was not impacted. If they had the thunder storms, with all of that hail and rain, fishing could be pretty bad tomorrow as well.
Fish shallow early in the day or late in the evening and look for a forage bite. Fish near sharp drop offs, near any structure you can in deeper water if the shallow early bite does not materialize.
And most of all, good fishing;-)
Fish shallow early in the day or late in the evening and look for a forage bite. Fish near sharp drop offs, near any structure you can in deeper water if the shallow early bite does not materialize.
And most of all, good fishing;-)
rhodes
4/7/2009 11:33:00 AMlearning summer techniques, and locations will aid greatly for ice up. Location, Location and location. There are some nice vertical
drop offs, 50,60 feet that probably would produce. your pictures did not show me that area.
bye Bob
drop offs, 50,60 feet that probably would produce. your pictures did not show me that area.
bye Bob