Pineview/Echo 1/7

[Dunn13]

Took my 4 year old out to try and get some action at Pineview on Sunday. I drilled a hole in 50' off Browning point and the flasher instantly lit up. We got all set up and started fishing and only managed a few bites from 8:30 - 12:00. I would have moved around if I was by myself but my boy was comfy so we hung out and did not land any fish. I have never seen so many fish on my finder. Both off the bottom (probably perch) and suspended crappie all over the water column. They were so thick at times I had no idea where my lure was. Tried everything in my box with wax worms and spikes but they weren't having it. Sounds like shallower was the key yesterday.

We packed up around 12:00 and headed for Echo. Ice was a very solid 6 - 6.5" west and south of the boat ramp. I fished everywhere from 15' - 50' and never marked a single perch on the bottom. Tried the usual spots where they were super thick last year, but they weren't there this year. Seems like the water is higher this year. My son did catch a 14" rainbow when he decided he wanted to mess around with the rod. Definitely the highlight of the day as he was super excited to catch a fish by himself while I caught 0 all day. The ice had me freaked out while walking on it. It was kind of cloudy on top but underneath it was crystal clear and solid. It was warm enough the top crusty layer would crack a little which was unnerving. If you find the perch let me know!
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[muirco]

I almost guarantee you were marking crappie! I spent 1 1/2 hours of cemetery point in 44 ft of water. So so so many fish! One bite. [] Then moved to 32 ft where there weren't anywhere near as many fish on the finder and started to actually catch perch off the bottom. [] [fishon]
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