Big Watab Lake

[Dooley87]

Since Trout are kind of on the run all the time, maybe the pike are getting more agressive trying to grab a meal before a Trout flys in a grabs it? Most of the pike I had seen were small and I'm sure the hungery Trout give them a run for their dinner?

[LundProAngler]

I do not want to start a spearing debate here at all.

I think one of the reasons there are so few big pike left is from spearing pressure. I know not all people who spear take all the big pike, but I think there are many taken each year via spear.

I also know there are big pike are taken by anglers also.

So with that said, harvest the smaller pike (under 24") and let the big boys live. If we police ourselves, both with the spear and hook and line, we can once again have bigger pike in all our lakes.

I for one would be in favor of a 24-36" protected slot on all lakes that have the potential to grow big pike, Big Watab Lake included.

This is just my opinion and am not bashing spearing at all.

To each his own.

I released a nice 28" pike yesterday I caught on a tip-up and it felt great releasing a pike of that size.

[merkman]

I think one of the reasons there are so few big pike left is from spearing pressure.

....

I released a nice 28" pike yesterday I caught on a tip-up and it felt great releasing a pike of that size.

Sorry you feel that way LundProAngler....

While I totaly agree with you in your statement to let the big ones go and take the little ones to eat.... I couldn't disagree with you more in your thoughts that it is easier to let a fish go that is in your hands caught by hook and line, rather than one swimming under you while darkhouse spearing....

[leech~~]

Wow that is hard to let them swim away like that but glad some people do!

[merkman]

Wow that is hard to let them swim away like that but glad some people do!

Not any harder than when they are in your hands, and that is what we all have to remember.

.

[terrible_fisherman]

I have never met an avid dark house fisherman that targeted big ones. Most I have ever met take out little ones and let the big ones swim through.....who wants to clean and eat something like that!

[silverbulletguy]

Nice video merkman!!

[leech~~]

I think I may give the Rainbows another try this Sat or Sun. I'll be on a Polaris 2 up pulling a Clam Voyager if anyones out there stop by.

[Dooley87]

I think I may give the Rainbows another try this Sat or Sun. I'll be on a Polaris 2 up pulling a Clam Voyager if anyones out there stop by.

I think I'm going to try it Sunday, I've got an Eskimo quickfish and a grey chevy 2500hd with a beat up front end.

[leech~~]

It sounds like they upgraded the cold temps for tonight so thinking i'm going to go on Sat. Good luck out there Dooley87. I'll try and post Sat evening with a report.

[leech~~]

Change of plans again. I'll be out there Sunday sun up until about 3pm to get back before the game starts!

[Dooley87]

Change of plans for me as well, speared Christmas lake in the cities today after I found out medicine was dirty (I normally spear on medicine a few times a year with my grandpa who lives down there) didn't get on Christmas until around 2 so I want to try it again tomorrow morning, another lake that's super clear and stocked with rainbows. Let us know how you do leech.

[leech~~]

Well it was a pretty nice day out there but a big skunk on Rainbows for me!

Even with a few lake tips from the local CO after he checked me.

[Tom Sawyer]

Any resent reports on the trout bite?

[JeremyCampbell]

Heading out to big watab possibly tuesday,going to switch line on reel to 2 lb test and maybe hook up a spring bobber.Having a little trouble feeling them bite.I quit smoking 40 days ago so my arms and hands been real twitchy.Hard to tell a bite from a twitch

[pushbutton]

Good luck on kicking the nic. If you can afford it ....about 70 bucks......check out the tripwire at thorne bros.....there will be no wondering wether it is a bite or not!!!

[JeremyCampbell]

Heading over to big w tomorrow ,maybe a good day for sunnies,

[Rick G]

Good luck and let us know how it goes. Neve had much luck on the bigger sunfish in that lake, Crappies yes , sunfish no. I have seen some big ol' bulls in there, but they always seem spooky because the water is so clear.

[JeremyCampbell]

Started on big watab ,nothing.Moved on to another lake 10 minutes away ,nothing.It was a day of hiking in snow.Big watab has some pockets of water at the access and snow tread at access is sloppy.Wouldn't drive it.

[Lusid]

How much ice was on the lake?

[JeremyCampbell]

I can't remember that far back.3-16-13 . Look again in the different topics.Someone started a newer watab thread.

[LundProAngler]

Three weeks ago there was at least 28 inches.

Probably need your extension now.

[wetaline1]

No extension needed. However, plowed roads are pretty much nonexistent

[Lusid]

No extension needed. However, plowed roads are pretty much nonexistent

Walking out from my friends house. So roads are not required

Thnx for the report guys

Auger bit = Auger Length : 42" so i hope it's enough lol!

[JeremyCampbell]

Hope to make it out before ice is gone.Good luck all!

[JeremyCampbell]

Ok you talked me into it.I'll be out tommorrow scopeing out panfish while my uncle is looking for trout.I guess driving is a no go on watab .I'm sure il find some road like tracks to get around by foot.

[JeremyCampbell]

Drilled like crazy for awhile today.Then started checking other people's open holes for life.Hardly a mark.Stayed by the crowd for the last hr and a half.I think In four hrs I seen 4 good marks.Talked to a couple of the fisherman and they shared similar results.Bummer!

[JBMasterAngler]

Showed up to the launch at 5 AM today. Was already busy. Caught 11 Rainbows. Lost a few others, and had a ton of strikes. Was done at noon. Was kinda' funny seeing such a small lake so busy with boats. Everyone I talked to had good success as well.

[jigginjim]

Do the rainbows get fished down like, some of the other trout lakes? The first week is good fishing then if you catch another trout your lucky.

[JBMasterAngler]

This was the 1st time I had fished the lake in the spring. Been there a couple times in the fall and caught trout. I contacted the DNR about this lake and they told me it's only stocked in the spring, but it does fairly well with hold over trout.