I fished Burke today, but only a few casts with a Kastmaster after limiting on my favorite of the smaller lakes in the Quincy Wildlife Area. Hit the lake at about 6 and found it iced over at the usual end so I hiked around to the opposite side. Had the lake to myself at first and missed a few bites while waiting for my brother-in-law to arrive. He finally showed up and landed the first fish at about 7, but I caught and eventually passed him, limiting at 10:30. We both used Rainbow Powerbait, mine about 10" off the bottom. I C&R'd 4 more waiting for him to limit. Used a Rooster Tail (green body, green blade which I call the (secret) lake special) and then a rainbow Kastmaster, both fished slow and low with a twitch here and there. As usual, all bites came within about 15-20 feet off shore. I've always loved watching folks cast their 2oz. weights to the middle and then getting frustrated when they get skunked. More fish for me when they leave, whining the whole way.

All 10 and all the released fish were about 14", not much variation. They were pretty plump for their size, but nothing like the 5+ pound holdovers I've landed there in the past. I was told later that that particular lake hasn't been stocked in a couple years, so I guess holdovers won't come until next year.

Only one other fisherman passed, claiming to have caught a 6 pounder on the lake above. Seemed trustworthy.

Stan Coffin was mostly still iced over, Quincy a little clearer, and Burke was pretty much ice free. Not sure if the ice or the fact that the opener was on a Tuesday kept people away, but it was almost deserted out there. The only concentration was at Burke where I counted about 20 people within sight of the boat launch and one pontoon boat.

It snowed all morning but who cares? Awesome day.