Winter Whitefish

[Reddog]

I'm going to try my hand at icefishing some whites this year for the first time. My target lake is sherburne near grassy lake. I have heard so many different methods. Any advice would be helpful. Depth? Lures? Time of day? Presentation?

[MuleyMonster]

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=9114

Trying the same thing and jrs was wonderful in helping me. Going to try 40 Mile first as I hear that they are a little easier to locate there than Grassy. Once I get it a little figured out then I will try Grassy.

Let me know how you make out and anything I learn I will be sure to pass along. Good Luck!

[Versatile]

Hey Reddog I am in Taber and although Sherburn has them They are hot right now between Chin and Stafford.

My buddy has been using a Red Wire Worm tipped with a maggot. He then uses a bobber to hold the hook at the same depth and to detect bites.

I'd second Chin, Sherburn is great for perch and has Whitefish but they're not nearly as thick as in Chin. And when I've been on the reservoirs I've noticed whitefish can be really really shallow in the morning (5-6 feet). They feed all day though, makes them a great fish for ice fishing. I'm hoping to see some pictures of some jumbo whites after this weekend..... Longest one I've ever seen alive came out of the Chin system, was a 27'' inch male, probably weighed 6-7 lbs. If it would have been a female full of eggs it would have been a true monster. Looked like a tarpon, i have digital photos of it somewhere but haven't been able to find them, it was 4 or 5 years ago we got it. Not sure what the sizes will be like this year, stafford has a really really strong age class of little ones (14-16''), not very many big ones compared to past years. Should be great in 2-3 years again.

[Versatile]

jrs when are you guys heading out? I am still unsure if we are heading for Rainbows or if I am going to fish for some whites maybe we can meet up somwhere.

[brett01]

i hear gull is murky and the action is slow but i dont know as i havent ventured that way yet

I'm stuck up here this weekend as everyone at home was busy and i can't operate outside yet (too sick). I'm building another little ice shack tomorrow at our shop that fits in the back of my 1/4 ton. Picked up all the stuff at the Home Depot this evening.
Looks like i may be getting a full two weeks off for Christmas though, I'll let you know when I'll be fishing (hopefully lots) and we'll see if we can meet up. I got a local pike spot that's usually pretty sweet but otherwise I'm always up for anything (whitefish/perch/trout). I'll know for 100% sure Friday, I'm about 90% sure that's how its going to work out though.

[Reddog]

Do you guys fish them that shallow,thoughout the day? Thanks for the advice on chin I'll have to give that a shot. Without giving up any spots that you might not want to, could you send me in a certain direction on chin. It's a long resevoir. Also you guys know of any good lakes down south here that hold some populations of burbot?

[Versatile]

At the Cranston hall turn south and it will take you to the dam/ spillway fish right there.

[sbtennex]

We're farther north than you, and though there are several lakes with good fishable whitefish populations, the couple that we like to target hold really big fish. Not tullibees, razorbacks, but big fat whites. They're tricky to hook and trickier to land, but our best luck is usually with a PLAIN red colored small walleye hook with a single maggot. All morning you might see a dozen moving by, but worth the wait if you hook them - typically 8 - 12 pounds and fat as pigs! Also switched to fluorocarbon line, 6 lb test. Seems to handle the abuse real well.

i find the lakes around here like a wireworm in either yellow/orange wrap, or a yellow/green wrap. if those arent working ill use solid yellow or solid green.


oh......and buy a Marmish, unreal for whitefish and perch, ok even trout. if you cant find one at wholesale or fishin hole due to sell outs , i know where some are hiding inside the city