Square Lake

[JBMasterAngler]

Anyone fish square in october? I might give it a go in a couple weeks. I've never fished the lake before, but have fished many designated lakes up north in the fall, so I can't imagine it'd be all that different?

[DonBo]

Square Lake will be catch and release only for trout after tomorrow.

Quote:

Square Lake (Washington County) trout: Catch-and-release from

May 9 through June 5 and from October 1 through October 31.

Remainder of the summer and winter seasons the possession limit for trout is two.

That being said, with the cooling water temps, I would think fishing should be good.

[JBMasterAngler]

Yeah, I'll skip using live bait because of the C&R rule. I'll stick with the usual spinners and spoons...but I'm wondering if any tactics out of the ordinary work?

[DonBo]

I've had good luck trolling small black/silver rapalas. Early and late they may be right up on the surface, if your electronics show they're deep, use a snap weight to get down to them.

If you see them at say 30' over 50' of water, I'll get into 30 fow and drop the snap weight down till I feel bottom, then I know how deep I'm running.

Good luck.

[JBMasterAngler]

Thanks for the info.

[DonBo]

Wanted to bump this to the top. Just a few more weeks and we'll be able to fish here again. It's the only lake I sight fish and realy enjoy it. Anybody else looking forward to the opener?

Besides, my smoker is lonely for some trout.

JB, did you get out here last fall?

[JBMasterAngler]

Nope, I didn't get anywhere this past fall I just finally got on the ice for the first time yesterday.

I'm looking to hit grindstone the first monday after trout season opens, I'll try to hit square later that same week.

[DonBo]

Hopefully I'll some reports up for you by then. I was on Grindstone just one time. I'd like to try that again.

[wooduck26]

As much as I fish trout, and as close as that lake is to my house.....Ive never been on it....Might hafta chage that!

[Swimbait2009]

When can we fish trout out here again?

[sbro73]

01/15/10

[DonBo]

When can we fish trout out here again?

Friday, January 15. Really lookin' forward to it. What a great excuse to play hookie!

[Swimbait2009]

Will similar panfish techniques and tackle work out here?

[DonBo]

That's all I use, just a small teardrop jig with eurolarvae. No luck this morning though.

[castmaster]

Was out for about 5 hours, nothing going,

[Huey]

I blanked too.

[Swimbait2009]

Thanks for the info guys. I've never fished for trout like this...what kind of structure do they prefer?

[waterbound]

I might be wrong, but I don't think trout in lakes use structure like other fish do. I was on Cenaiko this morning and it seemed that everybody was scattered around. The fish did seem to be shallower earlier in the day and then they moved deeper but it seemed that no matter what depth they were in they were suspended. I think trout mostly cruise in lakes and they can be anywhere in the lake. Just start drilling holes and fish for a couple minutes and move if you don't see anything.

[Swimbait2009]

Thanks! Are they pretty active throughout the winter? Can they be caught at any time during the day, or are there certain times that are better than others? Square Lake is pretty close to my home, so I'd love to be able to spend plenty of time out there trying to figure it out!

[waterbound]

Trout activity levels are pretty good throughout the winter. You can catch them anytime during the day, but it seemed like I was getting the most interest before the sun came up and not too long after it did. Today was my first time ice fishing for trout, so I don't have enough experience to say whether or not they are more active in the morning, though. My advice would be to fish it hard and figure out how the fish behave.

[Swimbait2009]

Perfect! Sounds like I'll be able to stumble my way through just fine!

[waterbound]

Sounds like I'll be able to stumble my way through just fine!

That's what I did!

[DonBo]

My best luck has been from before sunrise to mid-morning. I usually fish in 10' or less, though a friend fishes 40' and does as well at times. In the shallow water after it gets light (if you have a shack) don't even use a bobber, or spring bobber, or even your electronics, just look down the hole. It is the most fun way to fish I've ever done. Trout can be very light biters and are famouse for quickly spitting the hook. If you are watching your jig, you can set the hook as soon as it is inhaled. Very cool watching them move in like a pack of wolves trying to be the first to get your bait.

Whatever depth you end up fishing it seems they are aprox half way between top and bottom. At least that's a good starting place.

[Swimbait2009]

Man, this sounds like a good time!

[Swimbait2009]

Do they bite after dark?