Report Date:
http://www.ndow.org
The dock is out of the water and the main boat ramp is closed for the season. Those with small craft may launch at the gravel boat ramp at the north end of Jet Ski Beach between campsites 49 and 50. The water has cleared of algae and aquatic vegetation is quickly dying with the colder water temperatures. A bit of skim ice has formed at the backs of coves but the main body of water is free of ice with just a bit of ice at the south end. Water temperatures range from around 36 to 41 degrees depending where you are on the lake. Trout fishing has been fair to good depending upon the day and time of day. Anglers report catching trout between 15 and 20 inches when they are biting using pink PowerBait. Shore anglers are reporting success on Jet Ski Beach one day and slow fishing in the same spot the next. Fly fishermen report that fishing for trout had been good using an intermediate sinking line with buggers or leeches. Black or red snow cones with white beads and contrasting red or black wire ribbing, fished under an indicator are also working, but the active presentations of stripping buggers and leeches seem to catch more fish than those relying on still tactics with an indicator. Flashback pheasant tail nymphs, red copper Johns, hares ears and scud patterns may also produce fish. The use of an indicator seems to work best when the wind picks up a bit. Spin fishermen have had good luck from shore using rainbow trout colored rooster tails, small spoons and minnow imitations. Boaters who are able to launch should do well trolling these same patterns as well as flashers tipped with worms.