Hard water opening. Story and Pics

[Angler]

Hello everyone!

I knew I gonna go ice fishing in November, of course I wasn't 100% sure, because first part of the month was pretty warm; but last week did the work.
I was itching for the last couple of days to go and try first ice. Today I had a day off, so I did not hesitate...

I didn't want to go far, that's why I picked Devils Lake.
I had a kind of ice chisel to check the ice before I step and my 6" manual auger. After I walked 10 meters of shore I drilled my first hole, I expected 4 to 5 inch of ice, my guess was pretty close, 3 1/2. It is still pretty thin, but "safe" to walk. Just gotta be pretty careful, don't jump or run on it.

Tape says 9 cm which is 3 1/2 inches


Using my chisel and auger I explored another 30 to 40 meters of the lake, thickness was the same everywhere. Each new hole I was checking the depth as well. When I found 8 feet of water I started fishing. Used jig and minnow at first, than I switched to spoon.
I also set one tip up. But my rod brought me my first fish of the season, I was so surprised to see, who would you think?, - Walleye!!! I fished at that lake many times, I never had one before.




Good looking little guy



But that was it, no more eyes, only pike after, which is normal for that lake.
Anyway, I had tons of fun! On my tip up and rod I landed 6 pikes, I was more than satisfied with this result. Plus I got on the lake just after 2 o'clock, so I had only 2 and a half hours of fishing.






They all were "kids", biggest one was 58 cm, but they gave me the fight I was looking for.




Beautiful opening day!

Thank you for reading!


P.S. Even though the ice held 235 pounds man(Me), doesn't mean YOU can be sure that nothing gonna happen to you and you'll be safe. I don't want anyone to get hurt, don't do it if not sure.

Please be extra careful! Have your chisel, rope and someone else with you.

[WayneChristie]

great start and pics!

[1bluZebec]

Good on you bud thanks for the update and great pics. Awesome lil walleye is sure nice to see

[fishunter77]

Great to see a walleye. Nice to get out. Everyone is getting the itch. Thanks for sharing!

[KWO]

Great job. Thanks for sharing.

[Angler]

Welcome you guys!

[waterninja]

Congrats on your first ice fish of the year. I'ts also nice to be the first to put some footprints in the snow.

[Alberta Bigbore]

Awesome! ! Haven't caught a walleye there in years. Only seen on camera in past years.

[Kim473]

Thanks for posting. I would be really carefull on that lake this early in the season. It is part of a river system. Ice could be 4" in one place and not 10 ft away only 1"

Might have to hit up my favorite trout pond next week. Fish for the smoker !

[wags]

Very cool stuff - thanks for sharing!

Cheers

[Fishslayer99]

Nice little first outing, congrats on the success and great pictures!

[spaded]

Awesome!

[Angler]

Originally Posted by Kim473

Thanks for posting. I would be really carefull on that lake this early in the season. It is part of a river system. Ice could be 4" in one place and not 10 ft away only 1"

Might have to hit up my favorite trout pond next week. Fish for the smoker !

You are right, that's why I suggest to have an ice chisel with you on the first ice, hit it before you step.

[Angler]

Originally Posted by waterninja

Congrats on your first ice fish of the year. I'ts also nice to be the first to put some footprints in the snow.

No doubt

[fishunt]

nice pics be safe /fish on

[1bluZebec]

That lake is known for taking lives. Scary lake in winter.
Kim is right. The river makes is more unpredictable and inconsistent for ice conditions so definately be very aware. Never a bad idea to Google the **** out of the lakes you plan to fish to get the best info you can to decide where it is you will access and fish a lake. That way you will most likely find out about previous and potential hazards. But great job again on the great pics, update on the ice and fish you caught

[Angler]

Originally Posted by 1bluZebec

That lake is known for taking lives. Scary lake in winter.
Kim is right. The river makes is more unpredictable and inconsistent for ice conditions so definately be very aware. Never a bad idea to Google the **** out of the lakes you plan to fish to get the best info you can to decide where it is you will access and fish a lake. That way you will most likely find out about previous and potential hazards. But great job again on the great pics, update on the ice and fish you caught

I don't play stupid on the ice and always extra careful. I have fished many times on the river at winter, so I familiar to uneven ice. I know how much dangerous it could be.
Thank you though

[silverdoctor]

By Devil's, I assume you're talking out by Onoway?

Rare to catch, but there some big walleye in that lake. Never expected that much ice yet. Good show.

[Angler]

Originally Posted by silverdoctor

By Devil's, I assume you're talking out by Onoway?

Rare to catch, but there some big walleye in that lake. Never expected that much ice yet. Good show.

You are assuming correct, the one by Onoway.

Yeah, I think I gonna explore this lake a little better this season.