22 Access update

[Mykal]

Does anyone have a recent report on the ice conditions. Can we still drive out of the 22 access to the Shoe? I was thinking about going tonight and would appreciate a report before I make the trek.

Thanks.

[Flashman]

I was there Sunday, left the lake about 6:30pm....The access was a little but rutted up but was still drivable with a car, I saw a few on the lake. Good luck.

[Mykal]

Thanks Flashman.

[IceHawk]

Waters building around the access areas, be carefull driving vehicles on them. If this weather keeps up those areas may open up and allow ATV traffic only.

[Mr. Pike1]

Mykal, did you go? I am going to leave work at 4:00 today and hit the lake by my house for about 2 hours.

[Mr. Pike1]

Mykal, I hit the lake by my house from 4:30-7:30. The bite was non-stop. I had fun hammering the 7-9" perch as soon as I dropped the line. The sunfish were mixed in and were very very aggressive and hit every presentation I had. The crappie bite started at about 6:30 but the crappies bite was not anywhere near as aggressive. Very very light biters and on many occassions I could see them on my bait on the vex but felt nothihg. I would lift and feel the lightest resistacne. The biggest crappie came on a minnow head and the smaller ones on berkley wigglers and waxies.

[Mykal]

Yes I made the trek last night. The access has a good 50 feet of open water that has since refrose with yesterdays temps. There is a seconary trial running to the left (facing the lake) around this spot. I also encountered an area of heavy frozen slush and ruts about 40 yards from the island at the end of the trail. It was tough getting through but I had to try the old spot one more time. I found my old holes for Cats and also drilled a few out to 25 feet where the perms used to be. All of the perms are gone from this area. The fish were biting very light. I started at the 25 foot area and did not see the usual dusk run and my LX-3 screen light up with fish before. I moved to my 19 foot spot and caught Cats for awhile. they were not very aggressive until well after dark. Oh and Southside bait only carries Crappie minnows now so I would recommend bringing your own Cat bait if that's what your after. I then moved back to the Crappie hole at 25 feet and caught a couple small ones and 1 Walleye. Missed several. Very very light bite and the numbers and size was not there. I assume they have moved back into Horseshoe bay. I only stayed until 8:30pm and nothing really got going on either species until well after dark.
I didn't feel "comfortable" out there until I made it back past the bad area by the island. I would be very cautious out there this weekend. The ice is thick enough but there are low slushy areas that will really soften up in the next few days. I got hung up once and had to back up and give 'er. There was one other group fishing straight out from the access after I left.

[The Chemist]

Mykal, I'm assuming that me taking the van out there won't work? How about the 4-wheeler?

[The Chemist]

Mike's Bait and Tackle has fatheads. It's in Eden Valley on Hwy 55. I just talked to him.

[Mykal]

Chem, you might be okay in the Van if you are only going out to the Viking shack.and you stay on the trail or very close to it. I was about a 1/2 mile further down the trail on the otherside of Horseshoe. Just be careful as there is ponding even on the main trail. I would recommend you take your 4 wheeler this weekend.

[This message has been edited by Mykal (edited 02-26-2004).]

[The Chemist]

Yeah I know about where you were at but I tried to find that area last time but couldn't. I only plan on going out by the Meth hole. My goal is to get my dad to finally catch a cat through the ice. Should have an excellent weekend to do that. Are you still intending to be up there on Sunday? If so you'll know where to find me.

[Mykal]

I may be up there. Good Luck! Heck, you won't need it if your after Cats. There everywhere. But don't rule out shallower water this time of year.

[Mykal]

oops!

[This message has been edited by Mykal (edited 02-26-2004).]