Courthouse pond Chaska

[erikwells]

I was just wondering if it is worth my time to fish once the ice comes off? After ice out do you find more success with a bobber or throwing small raps/spinners?

Thanks

[JBMasterAngler]

As is the case with most trout lakes, the DNR usually stocks the lakes right before the opener. So there should be plenty of trout to catch. I don't know if the open water opener is as popular as the winter opener on courthouse, but I would imagine you better get there very early, and be prepared to be shoulder to shoulder.

[erikwells]

JBMasterangler, thanks for the info I'll pass that along to a co-worker. The shoulder to shoulder thing is something I personally can't do anymore.

[outdoors247]

Just an FYI ~ Streams opened on April 13th. The lake season doesn't open until until opener (May 11th).

[slipperybob]

If you don't see everybody catching fish constantly and they're all lobbing bobbers, then throw a spinner/spoon. Even sometimes the person with the flyrod will outcatch the bobber rig setups.

[Feathers Rainin]

Your best bet is to call the dnr and figure out what brand of fish food they used on those trout then get yourself some of that and fish it on a small hook on a fly rod. Tetra fish pellets will work too. It's just like fishing for gold fish in your rich neighbors pond. Good luck

[R. Miller]

Courthouse opens same as regular MN fishing opener. I've done well out there the first week of the season in the evening with small raps/spinners etc then it slows down quite a bit, but the first couple nights can be fun.

[DrJuice1980]

Anybody know how many times a year they stock this lake?

[MnCatGuy]

Anybody know how many times a year they stock this lake?

3. They also stock Holland a few times most years which is right in your area.

[DrJuice1980]

I havent seen a stocking report on Holland for a good year or 2. I know they use to do it every other. That hill can be a bugger climbing back up afterwards. I've never caught any trout out there either. I did drop my keys down the hole last time I ice fished Holland. Is there a good site to view stocking dates? DNR lake finder is never updated its always a year or 2 behind.

[JBMasterAngler]

I usually e-mail the DNR directly. Anyway, they only stock holland once a year now, and not with too many trout. I'm assuming they stock it in the fall, but am not sure.

[RiverDewey]

I hope I am not beating a dead horse here, but watch the expiration date on your license. Those of us who get trout stamps used to be included in that little phrase that says "Expires February... unless noted elsewhere". Then under your trout stamp it would say the license was effective 'til April 30 or something.

Not any more. For 2013, the license ends today. So if you are fishing Courthouse tomorrow (March 1, 2014) you need a 2014 license.

Good luck,

[DrJuice1980]

After about a month and half, what are the odds there's any left in there? Is it worth it?

[monger]

Never fished Courthouse before, do guys only do well at the dock or is it more of a shoreline bite for open water trout. What's the depth and drop breaks like; is it pretty close to shore.

[JBMasterAngler]

I would say after opening weekend it won't matter, should get fished out pretty quick.