Icing trout on Strawberry

[markkstanley]

Finally got a weekend to get out on the ice. Conditions were single digit temps, a bit of wind and about 8" of ice. Started out by the Ladders in 8 to 12 fett looking for rainbows. Not hing happening so we worked out slowly to deeper water. After 30 some odd holes threw in the towel and headed over to Chicken Creek area. Same approach - started shallow and worked deeper. Fish were appearing on the Marcum and the camera but just sniffing the bait. Jigging wasn't working so time for a radical approach. I'd drop the bait to the bottom, reel it up like mad to about 6 feet and then drop it to about 8 feet off the bottom and held it there. This trick has worked before and it worked again. The rapid ascent and drop attracted the fish in. Once I had a fish on the bait slowly lifting the bait would trigger a quick nip. Had to use spring bobbers to detect the bite and a quick power hookset was required. We iced about 20 cutts and one rainbow over 4 hours. A glow tube jig tipped with a bit of Gulp or earthworm was the best bait. Not one of the best days but it was nice to get out out on hardwater.

[PerchJerker]

You're killing me.

Are you sure you wouldn't rather be out by Goose Island catching 6 inch sunfish and 8 inch crappies