Palisades Ice?

[jefstod]

Anyone been up to the Blowout lauch? Just wondering if the ice is coming off yet between launch and Alpine for some early ice out fishing.
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[fairweatherman]

Ice is still on soft water to McCoy cr. some open water in spots to Indian cr its going to be a couple weeks with the cold front coming in
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[jefstod]

Thanks for the info. and welcome aboard. This is great for replying, saves me a trip too soon. I think you will enjoy most of the post on the forum with topics of interest for everyone.

I don't have much experience with Palies but want to venture up and try to learn how to fish it with the John Boat. My wife has turned into a fishin Nazi since I first took her fly fishin with a license when she was 38. Thanks again
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[jaklakmak]

Why would you want to fish that dead sea?
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[fairweatherman]

I haven't had much luck on that pond! 15 years ago we did really good right at ice off fish it a few time more and gave up on it. I wish I could learn it better also because I live 5 minutes away .You have to go early before the run off otherwise fight the logs in the water
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[jefstod]

Wow, the dead sea? These replies cause some questions about the lakes fish catching viability with the gas prices and all.

I hear you about the debris in the spring run-off having experienced it a couple of years ago. Trees and junk in the water were a little spooky and somewhat dangerous. Timing would be important since conditions could change overnight.

Was hopein there might be some spawners off the gravel banks to cast to.
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[jaklakmak]

Palies just isn't what it used to be. I remember growing up and being able to catch dozen of lakers, browns, and natives in just a few hours. I go there once and a while just to see if there is a chance it might pick up but i always end up kicking myself in a a*% for wasting my time and money on that waste of a lake.
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[jacksonlaker]

Palies can be an excellent lake. Right after ice-out can be fantastic, try trolling rapalas with downriggers or lead core. You can also catch fish by flatlining. This will last at most a few weeks. Then the lake will start to fill, and the water is off color and full of debris. This will last until mid to late june. July and August are great months to fish the lake. The thermocline sets up at 30 to 40 feet deep. Troll small spoons or jointed rapalas. Get out early before the water skiers !! You can catch Kokanee also if you use Kokanee gear...dodgers and squids or dodgers and small spoons. The lake starts to turn over in mid September, and the fall fishing can be tough. The problem with Palies is water flucuation. If you can get a steady slow release in the summer, in will be good. There are tons of baitfish in the lake and the trout population is very good. Keep trying and watch the flows out of the dam...Good Luck
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[water-walker]

I have fished palies for the last 50 years. I consider it one of the most beautiful lakes we have in s.e.Idaho. I think it is a shame what it has become as far as fishing. Woyoming up until 1978 planted lots of browns / macks and bows. Then Idaho f&g got on the native cut kick and thats all they think about. They drop the lake each year and they are against the chance of any real fish getting into the mighty south fork. It brings in tons of money from out of staters and they advertize the native cutts. Thats why they pay you to kill all the bows in the river.Getting back to the lake. There are still a small noumber of large bows/browns/ and macks but you have to Know where and with what to fish with to get any.The lake has been invaded with trash fish . I trolled from the damm to alpine and back and cought 37 chubs NO trout whats that tell ya It could be as good fishing as Jackson lake if it were maintained corectly. It sucks when it was just sick it was excellent fishing now I agree it is a DEAD SEA.
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[fairweatherman]

Well with what J.L. said I think I will hit as soon as the ice is off I will give updates at that time
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[Nipes]

Two years ago my brother, dad, and I had several 20 plus fish days including a couple lakers that were 6 lbs. plus. We have always had good luck up there. I live in New Mexico right now, but I am planning a trip up there in early May so I can fish before physical therapy school starts in June. Good luck and if you want some pointers just PM me.
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[jefstod]

It sounds like its all about the timing in the spring before the run-off junk starts comin out of the mountains. Still want to give it a try early and see what some flatline rapalas will do.

There are quite opposite opinions on this fishery. Its great for the people catchin'em and poor for them who aren't. I guess fishin never changes.
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[jaklakmak]

Just spoke to a buddy of mine who drove past the lake 2 days ago. He said the only ice that is left is a little bit between Blowout and the narrows so there is a good chance it might be gone by now. I think I will wander up there tomorrow morning and pull the boat behind me and maybe get skunked again.
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[jaklakmak]

Just got back from Palies and yet again it lives up to its name Persnickity Palies. Not one bite all morning! Not wasting my time there anymore. Jackson here I come!
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[cpierce]

That is a bummer, but at least you got out. Thanks for the report, and I hope the luck is better next time.
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[curt69]

Were you able to launch a boat ? Is the ice all gone ? Curt G.
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[fairweatherman]

You can put a boat in there is still some ice by the dam Im going in the morning! Boats being put in at Blowout
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[curt69]

Thanks , thats great news . Curt G.
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[jaklakmak]

There is no ice at all. I was there today.
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