Has anyone been on Fishtrap?

[somann]

Curious what the sentiment is about ice fishing this lake. Is it worth the time? Whats the best advice for walleye or crappie on this lake? What depths should one set up at for walleye? Any info would be helpful, from anyone with experience with this lake.

Thanks.

[irvingdog]

Welcome Somann:

Let me say that people in these types of forums (and rightly so) are very reluctant to divulge lure colors or types, bait choices, depths and locations. From your last post, I see your family has a place on Fishtrap. You'll love the lake if you are ok with it's frustrating nature. I've fished it for many many years. Recently, someone posted about catching back to back limits on the lake; I'm skeptical. It can be a wonderful bass lake if you are a good bass fisherman, and sometimes panfish are good also, but can be spotty. Northerns run smallish, but I landed a moose there a few years ago (I'm afraid to say how big it was....).

So like I said, no one will give you much info due to pressure issues, especially when 2 far more productive lakes are within 1 mile. I suggest you "blow a lot of holes" and keep moving; just like any other lake. Then, oneday, save the hot spots for your kids.....

Good luck, and again, welcome to FM

[rockman]

but I landed a moose there a few years ago (I'm afraid to say how big it was....).

Don't feel afraid,because in the latest issue(February 2008) of Minnesota Sportsman magazine there is an article on fishing pike through the ice, and one of the lakes listed for bigger,decent sized pike is Fishtrap.Sorry.Sad, but true.

[irvingdog]

Amazing!

I landed it on bass tackle I happened to have in the boat with me, in about 3 feet of water. I saw it under my boat, and cast, and cast, and cast.

Big, fat 41". 7-8 years ago.

[rockman]

That reply of mine was a definite tongue in cheek reply.Nothin' like having a outdoor rag expose what is a bit of discreet info. you found out on your own fishing the lake.Now everybody and his brother knows as well.That is what I meant by sad, but true.Hope you catch another big one out there sometime.

[ANYFISH]

The best advice That I can give you is that the crappie fishing has been on the slower side this winter. The people that fish regularly are getting some but have put too much time in to divalge locations. but here are some tips:

fish sharp breaks that fall in to 25 to 40 ft on off shore structure or points. You will find walleyes and crappies quiet often in the same spot. Crappies high, walleyes low.

Caution though there is a lot more structure that one thing thinks on fishtrap once you start looking around that you will not find on a map. If you work at it you will find fish Hint# 2 you can find the crappies with electronics during the day but you may have a difficult time getting them to bite.

good luck

[somann]

Thanks for the replies, I was not really expecting I would get much for specific information, I can understand that. I just wanted to know if its worth while spending the time to try to find them on this lake. Judging by ice traffic, Sham, and Alex are probably more productive lakes for the fish Im looking for. I will at least give it a try.