Motor1 and I on the ice at 8:30. Not another person out there. In fact, we had the whole place to ourselves. The 1-2' band of water around the edge froze solid overnight. While we were there we heard some slight rumblings as this cold front makes some more ice. Thank God, I thought we were doomed after last week's weather.

We moved to an south of the launch where we've had good success in the past and punched some holes. After about 15 minutes we began getting some takes. These two holes were steady for about 15 minutes, yeilding a dozen nice keeper perch with others released. As quick as it started it went dead. I then punched a line of holes running north to south, into deeper water. The first two were dead but in the third I got several takes. I told Motor1 to grab his bucket and rod and come on over, and I drilled another hole. The next 45-50 minutes were ridiculously fun as we hit fish after fish, most as soon as it hit bottom. This bite went down at about 9:30 - 10:30 before stopping altogether. Moving back to our original holes, we caught a few more before leaving.

We ended up with probably 70 fish between us, with 20 keepers apiece on ice. All caught on 1/16 and 1/8 oz Kastmasters with a size 8 single hook and perch eyes. These heavier lures get our lines down quick, and allow us to accurately gauge the bottom. I've fished Silver several times this year and can tell you, with great confidence, hit em early and hard and head home for lunch. More often than not, there's little activity in the afternoon.

The ice is improving and will only get better the next few days. I measured 8.5" near the bank. It then tapers down to 5.5" as you head out deep. We didn't go beyond that. Keep in mind if heading out.

Jay K

1/19/2011 7:44:00 PM

Nice report - ya'll are killing 'em. Ice fishing withdrawal is a terrible thing... a terrible terrible thing...

raffensg64

1/19/2011 7:56:00 PM

I'm amazed at the lack of ice fisherman on this lake! Only me and one other guy yesterday, and just Motor1 and me today! Lots of guys are still wondering about ice quality maybe? That equates to a lot of fat, happy perch going untouched.

aaron42ash

1/19/2011 9:59:00 PM

What's a "keeper" on Silver for you guys? I just got the new Vexilar and I really want to give it a go in deeper/ less weedy water and I am really considering Silver these next few weekends. Thanks for the great reports...

raffensg64

1/20/2011 6:05:00 AM

"Keepers" for us are roughly 7 -8.5" perch. We do get a very occasional honest 9" fish but no larger. We're kinda goofy and have 3 categories. "Dinks" are little fellas, say 5" and smaller. "Tweeners" are in between fish, those say 6-7". On a day where I'm keeping a few extras, some fat tweeners will find the bucket. Then there's the keepers. On this particular trip the big fish were really on it, actually outnumbering the smaller ones.

I've fished Eloika several times in the past. Unless something's changed as of late, Silver's perch are much larger (at least this year). I talked to a couple old-timers who told me in past years, Silver's perch were all dinks.

aaron42ash

1/20/2011 9:24:00 AM

I go by a very similar scale. I fish Eloika often and the "keepers" we take from there are the same size... about 8-9". Thanks for the info. I just might have to head over there Saturday.

steel_lee

1/20/2011 11:59:00 AM

Where to fish this weekend? That is a very encouraging report and larger fish to fillet saves my chubby fingers. Would take a guess as to the depth range that you fished? Or is it more location that help you catch fish?

steel_lee

1/20/2011 12:46:00 PM

Where to fish this weekend? That is a very encouraging report and larger fish to fillet saves my chubby fingers. Would take a guess as to the depth range that you fished? Or is it more location that help you catch fish?

raffensg64

1/20/2011 1:33:00 PM

Head deep, we're finding the bigger perch in 30-40' of water. After that, it's location, location, location! IMO, the key is punching a lot of holes. If one is dead, move on quickly. Keep moving until you find some and fish em hard until that hole stops, then move again. The worst thing you can do is confine yourself to one hole or area. Fishing in groups helps. Cover a lot of water until you find a honey hole then bring everyone over.

steel_lee

1/20/2011 1:54:00 PM

It sounds as if a sonar unit would really be helpful in finding deep water. I fished there one recent Saturday the 8th. I saw one fellow and his friend bring in 10 - 12, in my opinion, dinky guys barely if even 6 inches. And there was one other fellow that landed a hand full. All of these were caught straight out from the launch, so close that I could come close to throwing a baseball to shore or very close to it. I could see dark/clear ice, out a ways but did not see any of those that fished it catch anything. The catching was very slow. Also, I have not read any reports of crappie or trout for that matter for Silver, why not?

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