Echo Report 1/13/2015

[captainjac15]

Well I decided to MAN UP and head out to Echo to check the ice today. Not very many good reports coming outta there lately as far as ice thickness goes. I had fished the north end by the dam a week ago and the ice was just ok- 4" most places. I fished the south end today just south of the marina/ boat launch. I am HAPPY to report that the ice was a solid 8" thick and clear. There was an inch of slush on top from yesterday's storm, but by the end of the day it was freezing into a breakable crust and by the morning tomorrow it will just be some more solid gray ice on top. I worked my way all the way out to the middle (400 yards or so) drilling a test hole every 50 feet. Crossed a few questionable pressure ridges but they turned out to be solid 8" thick on both sides. The ice was the same thickness all the way out to the depths and I would imagine its good all the way across (at least on the south end of the lake). I decided that the middle was good enough and did not go across to the far side by the highway. I found plenty of Aggressive rainbows and landed 1 jumbo perch. I marked a lot more perch on the flasher and could even see those little buggers on the aqua-vu, but could not get committed bites. Main thing is I found em, next time out I hope the bite is on. Thats the way Echo perch are, very finicky. Also watch the edges, its breakable ice for 4-6 feet before you get to the main ice pack, wear high boots or bring a 10' plank because your feet Will get wet otherwise. Good news for the "Debbie Downers" who thought we were going to lose our ice season to the good ol' January thaw. We're fine and on schedule. Best Ice I've been on all season.[bob]
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[Cowboy_43]

Thanks for the report.
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[litetackle]

Thanks for the news! What did the perch bite on and what depth did you find them in?

LT

[sharksugar101]

Thanks for the report. I can't remember but do you have to pay to get to the marina and can you drive to the boat ramp? Been awhile since I have been up there.
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[captainjac15]

The one I landed bit on spikes. I tried everything under the sun, crawlers, spikes, waxies and even perch eyeballs from the one I caught. The bite just wasn't on for them today. Found the perch in 30-35 FOW, way out in the middle. Good luck!
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[captainjac15]

The Marina is closed during the winter. Never had to pay and never have been asked by anyone during the winter. Not Sure. You cannot drive down to the boat launch, the marina gate is closed and locked. However you can park in the marina road last I knew and then walk down the rail trail to the left of the fence. I usually don't go to that spot, I park south of there and north of there. By the dam there are two pull outs with parking for 3-4 cars each. On the south side there are a couple pull outs, the biggest being on the side opposite the lake. None are plowed right now, but the snow is not too deep. Look out for the ones with mud, that mud is soft and deep. BE WARNED... the water is low and the walk to the water is a bit of a haul. I like to think that it keeps the fishing good for those willing to work a bit for it.
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[sharksugar101]

Thanks for the info! I might have to go try that place one of these days. You would think that as little fishing pressure as that place gets the fishing would be a little better.
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[Sirfilletalot]

I'm glad to hear they haven't stopped access through the narrow entrance along side the locked gate to the boat ramp. 2 years ago there was a snow machine running on the ice after coming off the boat ramp. Upon leaving we noticed that someone had used a saw to cut off a fence post to make room to get the snow machine through. [mad]
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[litetackle]

That was the case last year, lots of perch no bites. I did see some very large white fish on the camera as well, they would have been fun to haul up too.

I may have to give it a try friday.

Thanks for all your info!!

LT