Previous Next

I think I'm finally beginning to understand this lake.

Erin and I arrived around 7am. It was cold!! Frost on the windshield and fog inside the boat. Lucky for us I picked up a 4000/9000 btu propane heater at The General Store for $80. It's a Mister Heater Portable Buddy and it's by far the best heater I've owned. The last Coleman one I had didn't work nearly as well as this one. Even on low (4000 btu) it kept the cabin warm enough to not need a coat even though it was in the 30's outside.

I've found a few areas of the lake over the last few weeks that are starting to be consistent. The western end of southeast section of the lake is almost a sure thing now. Trolling Apex lures (Rainbow, size 1.5) with some worm on my downrigger at about 24' in about 35'-65' depth, back and forth, works great here. Constant 13"16" rainbow hookups. Don't bother trolling the entire southeast shore. Just start at the point on the west end of that area and troll parallel to the shore about 1/3 of the way to the other side and turn around. Speeds from 1.6 to 2.3 have worked great for me.

It took us all day to get our full limits, but we managed it. We were busy grabbing more sonar data for my depth map when the fishing was slow.

We were running 3 poles again, but I would say 8 of our 10 fish came from the downrigger. The other 2 poles were running similar lures (Chartreuse Apex and Chrome Apex) but they had divers on them to take them down to the fish. One pole had a 10' diver, no hits all day. The other had a 30' diver. Picked up 2 on that one and lost one at the boat. I think the fish don't like the diver sitting 3' in front of the lure. I can't think of any other reason these don't work as well. I need another downrigger!!

I'm saddened that this lake closes in 3 more weeks just as I'm getting it dialed in. Hopefully I can land one of the 3lb-6lb rainbows others have caught before the season comes to an end.

On the plus side, I have 20 fillets headed to the smoker tomorrow.

Anglinarcher

10/8/2012 6:21:00 PM

Great report. Down riggers are expensive for sure, and most divers have their issues. I have one suggestion for you---------------

Check into the Bud's Diver. It will allow the line to be fished out at any length behind it, it will sink/dive to any depth, will fish from straight down to out at a 45 degree angle, etc.

I have not tried one yet, but I expect to in the future. AX Tackle in Post Falls Idaho sells them. (509-993-3185)

This might be an inexpensive but useful option for you. I know it has been working for Salmon quite well this year for my friends.

Now, nail one of those big bows or Lakers for us!

Aaron

10/8/2012 6:26:00 PM

Thanks. After this weekend I should be able to afford another downrigger with all of the overtime pay...

Augwen

10/11/2012 5:51:00 PM

Hey Aaron...I had to make a quick trip to California so was not here when this report came out. I was pretty sure that was you out there as you went right to that corner and started fishing. I was on the point, out from the launch, trying to get some of the Kokanee to bite. Try fishing with a black ant or a red ant from Frisky Jenny. About a third of a worm on the top hook. I have been putting a small split shot above the swivel on my braid. I use about 5' of 10# flouro carbon as a leader. Travel between 2.3 and 3.0 mph in a pretty good S pattern. I am putting the line back between 200' to 300'. Those big boys really come unbuttoned when they hit at that speed and distance. You can see them tail walking before your pole bends to the water. If you are watching while you troll, you will see them "slurping" up the bugs off to the sides of your boat! I hope you are out there enough to finish the map for next spring. Thanx for the report...

Aaron

10/11/2012 6:32:00 PM

I have 3 weekends left and plan on being out there every weekend. I'm going out this Sat to fish and finish the map. When I take someone with me they usually want to head home before I'm done so I'm going alone this time. What depth do you think you're at when you let out 200-300' of line? Is that lead line? I've been catching everything at around 24-30' but have yet to run into anything over 1.1#.

Augwen

10/12/2012 7:31:00 AM

I am going from the 35' to 75' depths, all over the main Lake. Going that fast you can cover a lot of water. I swoop into the bays every now and then. As there are not a lot of boats on the water you can do that. The last 2 days of the season, I will actually be running planer boards with 2 lines out each side. This is QUALITY fishing and I might end up with only 2 or 3 fish in a 3 hour period, but they are all generally over 2lbs. Cruise down the middle of the Lake. Last W/E I marked more in the middle than anywhere. Last year that was where all the fish were also. I am using 20lb braid. I have used mono in the past but have had better keep results with the braid. Trout normally swat their prey to stun them, as it is going by (rooster tail type fishing/slower speeds) and then come back if the reaction was what they were looking for and hit it hard. At these speeds they just hit it the first time. At least that is my theory. Good luck and if I see you, I will swing over!!

Aaron

10/12/2012 8:21:00 AM

Got it. 200'-300' out, 2.3-3.0 MPH, braided line with a split shot above the swivel, 5' mono leader, Frisky Jenny ants, 35'-75' depths over the entire main lake. I'll give it a shot!

devyn172

11/1/2012 12:45:00 PM

That smoked trout looks tasty, Nice fish for sure. By the way i think i have seen you fishing at clear lake before.?

Leave a Comment:

Login

Flag

×

Why is this comment inappropriate?

Close Submit

Delete this comment? Provide reason.

No Yes

Edit

×

Cancel Save