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<p>Hey guys. With the early freeze-up here in MN/WI, ice fishing is already hitting full swing in the Northern regions. Of course, one of my favorite ice trips of the year is pounding some pout up at Gooseneck Bend! Anybody interested in fishing for eelpout as a group should chime in on what date they think we might hit the peak of the run...</p>
<p>Let's pick a Saturday in December that works the best. Here is what the moon is doing in December, in case you think the burbot follow the moon...Would that full moon about the 6th be worth trying?</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://roughfish.com/sites/default/files/dec_moon.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 400px;" /></p>
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<p>Anyone is welcome to join!!!</p>
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In my opinion the 6th will be too early for the peak of the run. That said if people go then I'm sure fish will be caught. My experience has been that early is usually better than late. The 20th and 27th would be better bets. I'd put my money on Jan 3rd for this year for the peak, just from what I know. If I were to make recommendations I'd go 1/3, 12/27. and 12/20 in that order. All my sources in the TP say right around Christmas for the peak, most are of the opinion that the full moon closest is best but they all agree to stay close to Christmas (which unfortunately is a pain for many of us)
Personally the 27th is out for me, 20th probably is too. If anybody wants to hit it Jan 3rd I'd be up to fish with ya.
The later dates would be more likely for me.
It would be December 27th or Jan 3rd for me.
It is all perspective!
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The 20th wouldn't work for me. The 27th or Jan 3rd would be better. Jan 3rd would be perfect. Hopefully I can actually catch one of those wily bastards this year.
I think the first of the year might see the burbot run way past peak this year. A contact of mine from up there thinks so too. It's going to be interesting to see what we can learn from the burbot run this season - personally I am leaning towards trying the 13th.
Could be, I wish we could figure out concretely what triggers the run. Either way, like I said better early than late. It seems progressively gets better on the front side and ends very abruptly.
I might be able to swing the 13th or 20th. The 27th is out and I don't see the 6th working for me
I'll change my vote to the 13th!
I'll also give a nod for the 13th of December. I like the thought of not being too late.
Looks like I'm in the clear for the 13th also.
Seems like your guys are getting all the right weather. We'll be lucky to even be walking on water by the 13th:(
Eli
The 13th is right around the corner, is a date decieded yet?
Yeah, I'm in for the 13th. It's a go.
I plan to be there on the 13th then. That is only a few days away!
It is all perspective!
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nearby is a resevoir containing burbot that i visit in the summer, do you guys catch burbot in the summer?
Yeah, their activity goes way down in summer but they can be caught. Especially early summer (in WI/MN June is much better than the later months). You just need to find 3 things:
As far as bottom goes I've caught them over sand, mud, gravel, and rock so I don't think that really matters to the Burbot. It might matter to your forage though. Figure out what kinds of cold water baitfish or crustaceans are available. Much of the year Burbot prefer smelt if available. Crayfish are important in a lot of waters, as are mysis shrimp. Ciscos and whitefish too. That said they likely are feeding on whatever is available there.
Best strategy is bottom rigging close to some kind of structure with whatever they are eating. Dead bait works fine, no reason to bother with live.
We're looking at some mild weather moving in just in time for the weekend. Forecast looks like low 40's and a chance of rain. I hope this little warm up doesn't affect the ice too much - we will need to be careful and check ice conditions. An up to date report on ice conditions on the river would be appreciated if anybody has a contact up there.
If we can safely fish, which I believe we will, it should be PRIME! For those of you who are first-timers to this spot, all you really need to bring are large glow spoons(Buckshot Spoons are great), tipped with some shiner or fathead parts. Whatever kind of cut bait you have works. Use pretty stout tackle, since 12-15 pound burbot are possible. Tipups have never worked real well for me, but you can always have one out just in case.
I'm looking forward to a the sweet sound of 'pout flopping on the ice!
I was in Duluth today and I saw an ice shack out on the estuary.
My contact is no longer in the area so he isn't of much use on current conditions. From what I hear the harbor is 5-6" - so I would highly advise avoiding the harbor. Unlike most places 5-6" in the harbor often means you are damn close to thin ice, broken chunks, or drifting sheets.
Fortunately the ice at Gooseneck seems to form better, I can' t vouch for the conditions at the moment so be sure to check. Also don't go upstream from the main hole, up by the island the ice gets thinner very fast.
I'm still not 100% sure I can make it, my time this weekend will be tight.
Thanks, Tony. That is very good advice about staying below the island. I have ventured up to the island when there was over a foot of ice in the main spot and ice was sketchy up there like 9" here and 4 there. I heard similar stuff as you did about the harbor, and also that nearby lakes have 13" and guys are driving trucks on them. Gooseneck Bend should be somewhere in-between. I believe we will be fine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcySEfSP_5U
Just wish it was longer - what a sight!
Gonna bring a grill so we can cook some brats and stuff. So y'all bring some meat if ya want...
Thanks Andy! That is a big help at staying on the ice. Warm food in the belly!
It is all perspective!
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See you all at the burbot grounds tomorrow!
Dang I missed it, hope you guys do good, can't wait for the report. I just got laid off work yesterday for the winter. So if anyone wants to go this week sometime I just may head up.