SOLID ICE
I tend to make sure the lakes I chase multi species fish on are froze solid before I attempt them, which is often a week or two after the small trout lakes are safe.
Often the ice in Alberta on these stocked trout lakes is walkable during hunting season until the end of November. As always, I try and fit in both options at this time of the year!
One nice feature about fishing stocked trout is that it involves little gear. This allows you to go for your morning hunt, then make your way to the lake for a midday fish before your evening hunt begins. Depending on the size of the trout I run a few different set ups. With smaller sized trout I usually go and tackle them with panfish / whitefish gear. This means light action rods with six-pound test line.
If I am on a lake with potential big trout I beef up my set up my setup, using a longer medium action rod with 6-8 pound test with a reel that is made for a more of a lengthy battle.
TROUT TACKLE
I have fished so many different lures for trout over the years with success, but nothing beats bait. Most of our trout lakes in Alberta prohibit minnow use so I like dew worms or shrimp. I’m dead set against the use of corn because its very hard for the fish to digest properly. Although you may be keeping the fish you catch there will still be others effected by bait falling off the lure and missed strikes.
A small octopus bait style snell hook is really all you need. Jig heads work as well and are a good option for young anglers to feel the lure better as well as bottom.
TAKE A KID FISHING
One of my favorite parts about stock lake trout is there is there is no better place to take a kid fishing. Even though you must walk on this time of year your vehicle is often close by. If the kids get cold, they can go back to the vehicle and warm up. Typically, first ice the action can be nonstop which is a great way to introduce a kid into fishing.
AERATION SAFETY
One major concern are the aeration units that many stocked lakes use to maintain oxygen levels during a long winter. These units are needed on shallower lakes to prevent winter kill of fish. It is important that you stay away from these areas throughout the winter but even more important at first ice. This is specially true in early winter when temperatures are still very mild
ANGLING PRESSURE CHANGES THE BITE
During first ice the bite is usually consistent throughout the day. As the lakes get more and more pressure there is no better time then first light. Often you have the early morning first hour of light window then the bite slows down dramatically. Using an underwater camera over the years as opened the world below us. We have witnessed how big trout chase minnows just below the ice. This seems to become a rare occurrence during mid-day periods.
PRESENTATION TIPS
We are allowed to run two rods an angler ice fishing in Alberta so I position one 6 inches to a foot off bottom and the other 1-2 feet just below the ice. The one positioned just below the ice has produced some of the biggest trout I have ever landed, including my personal best through the ice.
Always position the rod which is just below the ice carefully. While approaching any rod that is getting a strike do it slowly and quietly to ensure you don’t spook fish. Ninety percent of stocked trout lakes are under 12 feet of water which makes being as quiet as possible crucial for consistent success. Another great feature to most trout lakes is they have very well-maintained facilities, parks, trails, skating rinks and more.
CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
I was lucky enough to spend most of my early childhood right up until I was a young adult fishing a stocked trout pond close by with my brother and our grand parents. Weekend after weekend they would take us there. Many times, my brother and I would convince them to take us after school a few days a week as well! This trout lake was very important to us to create our love and passion for angling being only 20 minutes away . Although I am way past my childhood I still often go to this lake and remember all the memories from over 30 years.
A MEMORABLE DAY
I will share one with you before I go that still provides humour and is brought up every trip. Years ago, it was a cold windy winter day and my grandpa had forgot his toque at home and was sitting in the car watching us catch fish after fish until he couldn’t take it anymore.
Eventually he dug around the backseat enough that he had found a towel and a roll of electric tape and taped the towel to his head. We were caught up in all the fish action when I looked over and was wondering who this very tall strong looking lady was walking on the ice, wrapped up in her bonnet.
As that lady got closer we started laughing in realization it was my grandpa. He didn’t think it was near as funny as we did! I think it was a good thing the fish were biting as well as they were or he might have made us walk home.
Until next time safe travels and trips on the ice my friends. No matter how good the ice was the day before always remember to keep checking especially in early and late season