Daily Herald | Posted: Monday, May 19, 2008 11:00 pm
For the past week or so, I have been in Northern Idaho participating with the Utah B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Divisional. So I was shocked to find out that Strawberry has been ice free since Sunday, May 11. If any of you fished last week and want to tell your story, please send me an email and we'll get together.
When the ice leaves Strawberry, the fish get really excited. Some, including me, believe the days immediately following ice-off are some of the best angling opportunities of the year. It is, however, a challenge to predict when the fish will make the adjustment to open water, which slows the bite. But, as of 10 a.m. yesterday, anglers were still crowding the ramps at Strawberry Bay Marina.
"There is a five-minute wait to launch," said a representative of the Marina.
So, how should you approach your fishing this week, especially coming into the Memorial Day weekend?
First, spend as much time as possible on the water. Once the fish realize they can reside anywhere in the water column from deep to shallow, they will do so. This means that the fish will eventually spread out and you could literally find them anywhere. If you troll, use standard lures, spoons, Rapalas, or even pop gear, but be sure to note the depths at which the fish are suspended. Then duplicate your efforts all around the lake.
Second, make sure you understand what other forces are at work this month in the trout world. A lot of fish will be heading toward their spawning grounds (the Strawberry River, Clyde Creek, Indian Creek, Sage Creek, Chicken Creek and others). They won't immediately leave the lake but will stage near the areas they will ultimately use for the spawn. If you want to cast and retrieve jerkbaits (Pointer Minnows or Rapalas), fan cast around your boat while staying shallow. Cocoon polarized sunglasses are a must.
Third, if you want to catch a few rainbows to take home for supper, then look to the Soldier Creek side of the reservoir in the small bays near the marina. Find 15 to 21 feet of water and use Powerbait in colors that look like eggs -- pink, yellow, orange, etc. I like to use two leaders, one shorter 18 inches or 24 inches long on which I'll try a worm with a miniature marsh mallow, and one longer -- 30 to 40 inches in length for the Powerbait.
Even though ice-off is a week old, give these suggestions a try and let me know how you do.
• Don Allphin can be reached at remaxdoa@gmail.com.