I'M DRIVING 10 HOURS. WHATS THE SNOW LIKE ON THE LAKE. ARE SLEDS NEEDED.

[DIXIE CUP]

CAN A GUY GET TO THE FISH WITH A TRUCK OR SHOULD I BRING THE 700XC UP. HOW THICK IS THE ICE, I MADE A FEW AUGER EXT. LAST NIGHT FOR ME AND BUDDIES. WHATS THE BAIT OF CHOICE, COLOR,DEPTH. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT I'M STAYING AT THE SPORTSMEN'S ANY PIKE HOLES NEAR THERE, NOT REAL FAMALIAR WITH THE LAKE YET. ONLY MY SECOND TRIP. THIS YEAR I WOULD LIKE TO FIGHT SOME OF THEM BIG OLD NORTHERNS TOO, BUT THE WALLIES COME FIRST ON THE LIST. THANKS<P>------------------<BR>Cupper

[New Yankee]

Dixie....<P>It's been a while since I've heard Dixie....away, away, away down South in Dixie!... I'm not trying to start the war again so I'll try to help with your questions.<P>One of the moderators - Fiskyknut- posted a comprehensive guide to LOW ice fishing. You can find the post by using the search option of all topics using the post words "things to do on the big pond" (from memory). Last year I read it and found it very helpfull.<P>There is also a post on this page re: secret weapons that will answer some of your lure selection issues.<P>Any of the posts by the moderators are good to catch info from as well as many that are frequent posters - the vets of this place share what they know.<P>Far as the ice goes, can only tell you mid Feb I drove a two wheel mini van on the plowed roads. Since then I don't think there has been that much snow but don't take my word - call Sportsmans and ask if you'll be OK w/a 4X4.<P>Hope you have a good trip.<BR>Bob

[bturck]

Bob: For just a minute there I thought you were going to give us a history lesson.LOL Bill

[sledhead]

dixie,<P>Got back for the LOW on Tuesday, and the slush was getting deep. under the snow it's at about 3 inches. If your using your own house don't shovel out down to the ice. or you'll be standing in water all day. The water is coming up through the holes when drilled. but if you leave the snow on top ne problem. They got about an inch or or two on sunday of last week. We caught a lot of fish in 34 feet. gold jigs and red plain hooks worked best. the fishing picked up on mondya and tuesday, so you should get into them. We fished out of long point and used both the sled and truck but didn't pull off the road. there was upto 12 inches of water on the road in spots. If you bring the sled you can pack it down to fish on. just my 2 cents<P>sledhead

[New Yankee]

BT - no lesson But, down in LA (Lower Alabama) crappies will be gettin' ready to start. My personal best was 17.5", buddy caught one at 21" that weighed 3.5 lbs - nice slabs! The record is in the 5 + lb range from memory - long growing season down South.<P>The old timers say when the dogwoods are in bloom you should be jigging! <P>Guess ice fishing is the next best thing.

[Wiskers]

Well I just got a report today from some friends that are up there now.. They said that the water is 10" +. the snow is getting very heavy now so we are heading up to get the houses off the lake.. <P>Heck I might just bring up the RP... Wow would that be a sight.. A RP driving all over up ther on the roads in 10" of water on top of the ice LOL LOL .. That woudl make a good vid... <P><P>------------------<BR><A HREF="http://wiskersguidingservice.com" TARGET=_blank>Wiskers Guiding Service</A><BR>Red River, Red Lake River & Minnesota River,for Channel Cats, Flatheads & Walleyes<BR>Crookston, MN<BR> [email protected]<P>218-280-0442

[bturck]

New Yank: Talked to my son last night it looks like we're gooing to head back one week earlier than planned and try and stay ahead of bad conditions with a lot of slush and water. At least thats the plan for now.<P>Sounds like you had some good fishing down south as well. I used to dream about getting down that way for some bass fishing. I fished bass tournaments up here for years and kept trying to visualize 8#-10# bass than Martin and Dance talked about. Must be the growing season eh??? Bill

[shadboy]

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me the condition of the snowmobile trail from Baudette up to the Angle? Thanks.

[hanson]

Hey Guys,<P>Spent yesterday up at Lake of the Woods. First time heading over to the east side & Adrians Rd. The previous posters are right, its getting kind of icky. The snow is still deep with some slush & water underneath it. If you're not used to driving through water, the road might surpise you. There are many spots where the water is up to the bottom of your vehicle. Some of these stretches are pretty long to 40 yards or so. Forget about driving your vehicle anywhere other than the road. The plow banks are deep and even if you got through to the less deep snow, there are so many surpises- water, slush, crusty snow, soft snow- you'll get yourself an all day shoveling job.<P>I had to wait while 4 idiots on snowmobiles were riding down the road and basically water skipping through these areas. The first one that was coming at me was all over the place and thought he was gonna plow into the front of my pickup.<P>Anyway, sled travel looks good. Lots of bombers & sleds were running up the trail out of the River.

[DIXIE CUP]

Thanks for the reply Hanson. I'll bring the sleds and portables then. You never said if the fish were bitting. Has any one heard lately. Well two night to go and I'm on my way no matter what.<BR><P>------------------<BR>Cupper

[DIXIE CUP]

hanson I found your report. sorry about the bad luck. I hope things pick up by Thurs.<P>------------------<BR>Cupper