Fishing around the Hat
 

Looking to get out tomorrow for the first time in a while.
Torn....got walleye tags for Newell.
Sorta want to try 40 Mile.
Anybody been out to either lately?
Dont know anyone who has been out lately

Was at Newell yesterday. First time out there. Ice was 18", but as others will tell you, the lake is too dangerous to ever drive around anywhere out there. Had one fish during a 1-5pm window...never marked anything nor saw anything on camera other than that one fish...

Hi Madatter from another hatter. Im kinda in the same boat as yourself. I have tags for Newell that I havent used yet. I have fished Newell alot and have no trouble getting walleyes from my boat, but have a real hard time ice fishing for them. You know they are there, but I cant seem to find them. Over the last 20 years I have driven on Newell alot, with no issues. That being said, you do have to be extra careful on this lake. 40 mile has never been kind to me, but I havent ice fished it much. Might even give rattlesnake a try just for the convenient location. Good luck!

Yeah I've fished Newell alot over the years....like you walleye from the boat were consistent.
Sold the boat tho.
Never had a chance to get out in the fall with a shutdown at work,never really fished for the eyes on hard water at Newell....was always pike.
Its indeed a scary lake in the winter,you just never know.
Think I'll try 40 Mile....at least I can keep a pike.

Thats true. Not many lakes where you can keep a fish these days. Good luck and let me know how you do at 40 mile.

Well that was interesting....
Perch....perch....perch
I had heard there were alot of small perch in 40 Mile
Now I'm a believer.
Also found open water....
Ice was 8" to 14.....and a guy drove on
Crazy

Open water!! wow. Not a great year for driving on lakes. Any size to the perch or were they all little guys?

Have fished most lakes around the hat but never Newell. Where's the best access for Newell in the winter? Not planning on driving on just curious where most guys access the lake.

I'm new to the place, but my understanding after being there Sunday is the boat launch/sailing club area at the north end of Kinbrook PP....but it sort of depends on where you want to fish, too.

Open water on 40 Mile was by bay just south of spillway....

Size is not very good....biggest was about 8"
Tons in the 5" area.
Didnt matter depth....they were everywhere.

Access to Newell used to be very good.
I believe the south end gates are closed now(to Little Rainier).
Jackfish Bay you have access to always(large bay to south of PP with island in middle)
The bay to the north of PP is good to get to as well(usually a bunch of shacks in there)
Greenwald Bay(north end by Lake Newell Resort) has good access.
West side south of spillway has good access(Pumphouse area)
Look at google map....you will see roads/trails that go to water.....unless there tons of snow they are all usable.

Thanks for all the info!