Christmas Lake

[Clayburn]

The ice should be safe but, don't quote me on that, I've never fished Christmas before. What species are you looking for out there?

[fishhollwood]

I've fished the lake for the last 3 years, and have had good luck with the panfish and bass. I've never caught a trout out if that lake before though, and would love too. I don't even know the first thing to catch one. I assume setting up the house on the break line, but after that I'm clueless. What do you even fish with for trout? Presentation? I have a stamp and would love to set a hook in one, however help is needed from anyone who has knowledge.
thanks for all the future help!

[Iceboy]

Christmas is about the last lake to freeze in the metro, so be very careful! It is a lot of fun to fish, especially sight fishing since it is so clear.

dan

[Renneberg]

I checked it out today. Lots of black ice out there. I'd give it another week or two before the ice is safe to walk out on.

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"Study to be quiet"

[schr0563]

I fish Christmas Lake quite a bit. Probably a couple dozen times every winter. It froze over completely last Thursday night. The bays were covered about a day earlier. I would guess there is about 4-5 inches on it, similar to Tonka, but check as you go just to be safe. As far as where to go, a sure bet is to walk along the shore into the western bay, the ice should be decent in there and there are typically fish in there too. The fish are always spooky at first ice, and snow cover seems to make a huge difference.

I tend to go after bluegills, but it seems like I always end up getting five or six bonus crappies (typically 10 inchers, some bigger), and every now and then a bass, northern, or trout will grab your jig. Two winters ago I really slammed the trout but this last year was really slow. I only managed one 20 incher. IF you have never been to the lake before, don't be surprised to find fish in 3-4 of water, right in the weeds. Look for other people fishing. If they aren't moving around, then they are probably catching fish.

Also, most people have a difficult time on this lake for the first time. Patients is everything, and pay attention to what works.

[Powerstroke]

For those who've never been on Christmas before theres a very good reason that the fish are spooky and snow helps......the water is SOOOOOO CLEAR!! You can see a jigging spoon 20ft down.

Last winter we could see fish prolly 10-15' away with the aqua view. Csught a few crappies and big pike in the hole straight out from the launch. Lots of people fishing panfish hang out in that west bay.

[fishin9911]

Just wondering if you need a trout stamp to fish the lake. I have the book of metro lake maps that I have had forever and it states that you do not need a stamp. Is this still true?

[fishhollwood]

Has anyone checked out Xmas Lake yet? Would love to get an idea of the ice before I make the drive up there. I know this is one of the last lakes to freeze due to the springs, but the bays I would think might be safe?
Thanks for any help, and good luck!
Happy Holidays

[schr0563]

Nope, no trout stamp is required to fish there. It's only needed if you plan on taking home a trout, or I guess if you specifically fish for them.

[fishhollwood]

Come on guys, someone has to have some advice regarding catching some trout this winter. Bait / technique / depth /time, any help would be appreciated!!!
Thanks guys!

[fishhollwood]

Thank for the fast response, that information will definitely help! Here's a follow up question, what depth should I be in and how far under the ice should I be fishing. I've heard right under the ice, but also to drop the bait or jig to the bottom and jig it up to the surfice. Are any of those corrrect?
Thanks again guys!

[schr0563]

Vern explained exactly how to catch Christmas trout. As far as depth goes, I have caught most of my trout in the shallows, like 3-4 feet of water. I have caught several right on the drop-off, but these too I caught just below the ice. This doesn't mean they aren't deeper. Many people fish the bottom out beyond the break, and I have seen them cruising on the bottom a few times when I am searching for suspended crappies. Basically, like vern said, you just have to be quiet and keep jigging. They love small ice flies tipped with waxworms. When you finally see one, or better yet, get one on your line, your heart will stop, and you will be in for the fight of your life. I like to compare it to deer hunting, or even muskie fishing, those big rainbows can become addicting!

[vern]

Get in a fish house & try sight fishing for them in shallow water. Block out as much light as possible. Try to stay quiet & away from the crowds. If you're patient you should see some trout cruise through, especially if you're set up near shoreline structure like some wood or a point. I like jigs with some action on the tail like a Ratso or Shrimpo. Small spoons work good too & the flash will attract some fish. Just a minnow on a jig or plain hook will work where it's legal on non-designated trout water. Most of the stocked trout are just cruising the lake in a circular pattern & you'll see them if you're quiet & patient. Vern

[Renneberg]

Fishhollwood, I have never caught a trout out on x-mas on waxies. All of them have come on crappie minnows. While yes they do cruse just under the ice they while swim up or down to hit a lure.
I don't believe that the trout are just crusing under the ice and angler get lucky from time to time and see one (If that's the case then I should of gotten a few powerball tickets the day me and a friend seen 8 in two hours)
What's happening when a trout cruses by your hole is the trout came over to check out your lure and rejected it as it got closer and countinued to swim right under your hole.
If you have had this happen to you then, great! You have won a big part of the battle (getting them to show interest in your lure) If you were fishing in the wrong area or with the wrong bait you would never of seen a trout swim by.
Now getting them to bite is the really hard part. This is where putting in time on the ice and a little luck come in.

The lures that work best for me out on x-mas are green, blue and pink colored tear drops tipped with a crappie minnow. I have had many trout show interest in jigging spoons and Angle eyes in the same colors, but have yet to catch a trout on x-mas with one. When I fish with a jigging spoon I usally tip it with two or three waxies.
These colors and lures will catch trout on any trout lake in Minnesota.
Time of day doesn't really seem to matter much, but they are most active early and late in the day, cloudy days and just before a storm.

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"Study to be quiet"

[fishhollwood]

Thanks for all the great advice, it will definitely help me in my quest to land the illusive trout.
Has any fished Xmas yet this year?

[SportFishin']

Just a friendly reminder that Trout is closed until Jan 17-2004. Don't want to see anybody get in trouble out there.

Haven't fished it yet this year, But my success for trout has been right out from the landing on the first break in about 7-9' of water. "Away from everyone & quiet!!" Jigging from the bottom up with a Green Moon-Glo #10 tipped with euro larvae. When you see the trout come through try to get your presentation up to the depth that they came through at & jig some more because they will turn around to make another pass at your bait. If they take your bait give them a free line for a few seconds or they will spit it when they feel resistance. Then set the hook & get ready for the most adrenaline you've ever experienced.

They are big Girls in there. I have been fortunate enough to land three 31" so far over the years & many 24"+ fish.

Good luck out there.

Chris

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"Fishing is an addiction, Anybody got some more?"

[Matchman]

Does anyone have ice condition information on Christmas Lake?

Matchman