Lake Minnewaska Fishing Reports - Ice Conditions

[basssmasher*]

Crue. i have a 1 man portable that can squeeze 2 in but its tight, I plan on walkin probably, seeing I have the in-laws van (better not take it out) was going to chase pannies, and try n find a spot i found by accident last yr that I think may be good about now. I'm leavin early, but will check back later, or if ur on here txt me 3202660481

[spear foot 1]

Hows the ice looking on the north side by the private accesses? Planning on coming up friday with f=150 and permanent house . Im guessing they have to be driving all over now?? how thickis the ice??? Thanks for any info.

[basssmasher*]

Spear, I went off the north side and the snow was piled up pretty good but they were drivin thru it, Once ur twenty ft offshore its smooth sailing. I had approximately 13-14 inches of ice in 10 ft of water

[sunniewally]

how much snow did you get up that way?

[Hammertime0802]

How is the ice. Is there enought to pull a 8 by 16 ice castle out with a half ton pick up? Thinking about trying off the private access this weekend.

[spear foot 1]

Thanks tjay thinking by weekend it should be no problem then. Where did the fish house go thu two weeks ago? I usually go on by the donation can, Shucks access{SP} Just wondering hate to drive over those holes.

[LandDr]

Ice looks great...mostly 14 to 17 inches is what I am hearing. I think I had 14 or 15 two days ago. Good ice though.

I seen a truck use the Glenwood Beach access this mornin so they must be using that again. I have been using the Lakeside Ballroom access which is in good shape. I have heard the north accesses are also in good shape but I personally have not been over there.

There are a few drifts around now but nothing you can't drive thru or just go around them. Once on the lake you can go pretty much anywhere you want to.

Should be no problems with 16 ft houses and half ton trucks. Not sure about 1 tons...that is up to you.

Seeing a lot of eyes on the camera but they sure stare down the bait and chase it around...biting is another story. Good panfish but definately worth spending some time locating them before fishing.

Fish On!

[Hammertime0802]

How has the pan fish bite been. I have been talking to a few people and all they say is very slow and alot of little ones. For example a buddie of mine was up there for three hours and only put 3 in his bucket.

[LandDr]

I finally got some time on the ice yesterday...just been really busy. I did some drilling and found some fish, so I moved the house over. I probably drilled holes and looked for nearly an hour before I set up.

I started catching fish right away and had them on the camera most of the time. I caught some really nice perch, small bass, pike and even a small mouth that was around 18 inches. I finally got set up for the gills and crappies after all of the excitement of the rattle reels slowed down. I pretty much marked fish the entire time and was having crappies chase. I estimate I was able to catch 4 out of 6 crappies that came in. But...it was definitely a technique. If I didn't do the slow slow slow rise with them and the jig I was using, they wouldn't bite. But if I played them, they would usually take it. I could only stay out til 6:30 due to other obligations so I only had a couple hours but it was good and I think it would have gotten better going into the evening.

Fish On!

[perchlips]

Hey Landdr

what are your store hours?

Thanks

Perchlips

[Hammertime0802]

So the way it sounds you gotta find the fish and go after them and not let them come to you?

[spear foot 1]

Seems like every time I try the run and gun method I end up in the same holes I started with. I have had some my best luck just sticking to a small area maybe 4 holes and just keep going back and forth. Just my 2 cents.

[LandDr]

M-F 8-5 or 6

Sat 7-6

Sun 8-5

I located them and then fished that same area. I think you are right in having a few holes in the same area to move around to...but if that means moving the flasher every time, then that may be more of a hassle than it is worth. I use the camera to find'em and the flasher to fish'em. Some of the fish I had to raise 3 to 5 feet before they would take it...but it was effective.

Fish On!

[perchlips]

Thanks Landdr,

I pm you about some maps about landing locations do you have any?

[LandDr]

Sorry...I am just not good at seeing those PMs. We have a free map in the store that we highlight the accesses and some general locations to try for fishing. From the Lakeside Ballroom access you can pretty much go anywhere on the lake since there isn't that much snow. Really a good opportunity to try different spots on the lake that you probably wouldn't have access to at this time of year. It's a big lake with lots of area to explore.

Fish On!

[perchlips]

ok thanks,see you around 7 Sat. morning, so they are driving out

with wheel houses and trucks out of the ballroom landing?

[LandDr]

Got out again for awhile last night...my son is starting to realize that it is fun to go fishing after school. I like that...I fished every day after school growing up so it is good to see him getting into it.

Started picking up nice perch right away and a couple of walleyes. Then started getting some gills and crappies as well. Worked crappies until 6:30 and had to leave for basketball. Again I was getting about 3 out of 5 that would come in and there was usually always fish on the flasher. The "slow rise" technique was still the ticket with the jig I was using. I would really like to stay out later one night to see how late the bite goes...it seems to get better but then I have to leave. I would think it would just keep getting better up until 10 or 11 at least and maybe even later. In the short while we were out we ended up with a half doz crappies, a few nice gills, half doz nice perch and three smaller walleyes.

Fish On!

[hamrej23]

Got any slick jigs yet?

[Hammertime0802]

What are the ice conditions like 16+ inches?

[LandDr]

Can't find slick jigs in my catalog so I don't think I will be able to get any...but they are very similar to Ken's Flyers anyway. I have been getting my eyes on a plain red hook with a fathead or small shinner. Seems when I put more hardware down I just get more pike.

Ice reports are 14 to 17 inches. All accesses are in good shape except for the Glenwood Beach which I am not sure of current conditions. Several full sized trucks on the lake and bigger houses.

Fish On!

[s2h]

Got any slick jigs yet?

Yeah I like those Slick Jigs also. They sure give a lot of action down the hole.

[TheBigHam]

s2h,

I've found they work best with a slow but steady rise and fall technique.

[hamrej23]

Big ham and s2h..get your heads out of the gutter...the slick jig- will outperform action wise any other lure...but its an aggressive lure..small movements work best. Just to get that tail flicker if you know what I mean.

[Hammertime0802]

So it sounds like pulling a 16 foot fish house out with a half ton truck will work for the weekend

[tak933]

Just make sure the truck windows are open.

[rjenniges21]

What are the ice condition like heading out today just wondering where the northers are biting.

[wetaline1]

About the same as yesterday. maybe another quarter inch, got cold last night. pike are in that 10 to 20 foot range biting on minnows...

[rjenniges21]

Thank you for the info

[whitetail_freak]

10-20ft is like half the lake. haha love it wetaline!

[BLACKJACK]

So hows the ice on Minnewaska?? Are people driving all over the lake?

Dumb questions but I have to ask, is it possible to find a location on the lake that would produce a few sunfish during the day and still have a possibility of getting a walleye on rattle reels at night?? How many feet of water would you look for?