Aquare anybody

[mattkimk]

Been out to Grindstone and I got the big goose egg so far this year. Every time I went last year I did well for Rainbows, Browns , and Lakers. On the other hand my wife has done pretty well this year for rainbows. Anybody have any luck on Square this year?

[DonBo]

Square has been slow this year. I've got 4 in 5 trips, all 13" - 15". A good friend has been there 6 or 8 times and only scored 1 fish. For what it's worth, the fish I've got have been in about 10'.

[mattkimk]

oops, meant Square.

[snatcher20]

Donbo-

What's your take on Square being slow this year? My group has been out 3-4 times this year with no fish. We aren't even seeing many. Fishing in 6-20 feet.

Last year we'd hit square at lunchtime, get our 2, and leave to go crappie fishing elsewhere. This was also later in the year towards the end of February. Even on slow days we saw plenty of fish.

I can understand not catching, but the not seeing is confusing me. Are they deeper? Staying in different parts of the lake? Less fish?

I don't have a theory. Anyone?

[DonBo]

I have no clue. I have only seen maybe 2 fish that I didn't catch...As this is my first year ice-fishing it I can only go by what others say. Fish 10' and under, bla, bla, bla. Maybe they are deeper for some reason, I haven't tried anywhere other the so called prime areas near the beach.

I know the fish are in there, I did real good there this summer right up till the season closed.

As it is, I guess I'll keep targeting crappies elswhere as long as that bite holds up.

Anyone else figures them out, please give us a tip.

[DonBo]

Was on Square last night. I saw one...10 fow.

[BRULEWADER]

i have been on square about a dozen times this year the catch has been fair, nowhere as good as last year comparing numbers and size. This year they seem to be in deeper water suspended anywhere from 5 to 20ft in the water column. Try fishing right below the ice, if you don't have any hits move deeper, and try to keep your jig perfectly still, the slightest movement will scare them away. good luck!

[DonBo]

Thanks for your input, and welcome to FM!

How deep of water have you been finding them in?

If you see the truck / shack in my avitar on the ice, stop and say Hi!

[BRULEWADER]

30-35 FOW seems to be the ticket right below the ice, dont use a float and sight fish them so you dont have to move your jig until you set the hook when its in thier mouth. also i use two lines one with flourocarbon and the other with reg. mono and i catch 95% of them on the fluorocarbon. i'll be out there saturday, youll probably see me an a red park ave. with a rack for my shack.

[DonBo]

If I'm out Sat., I'll look for ya.

[DonBo]

BRULEWADER, I saw you this morning. You just turned north on 15 from 36. I was headed to the St. Croix. Didn't do so good. Should I have gone to Square instead?

[BRULEWADER]

really??? yeah i got out there a little late but we still did good. my girlfriend came with me and we had our 4 by about 1:30. caught 7 all within about 45 min right before that big front came through.

[DonBo]

Darn it. When I saw you, I almost followed but, oh well.. Maybe I'll get out one night this week.

Still in 30 - 35 fow?

[BRULEWADER]

YUP! right below the ice.

[DonBo]

Tried Square again this weekend. No trout, but I did catch 4 nice crappies. Didn't even know there were crappies in this lake.

[BRULEWADER]

there are some slab crappies and bluegils in there. i have caught some nice crappies while trolling for trout. too bad that your not getting into any rainbows, i havent been out there for a few weeks, been spending all my time on grindstone this year.

[DonBo]

I would love to try Grindstone. If you don't mind my pickin' your brain, send me an email. Address in my profile.

Thanks