Slower but steady

[backcountry]

Got on the ice earlier than normal and was fishing well before sun hit the lake. I focused on the northern portion of the lake today and it was nice to get away from the "crowds" on the southeast shallows. It's a crazy dry year so you can easily access parking areas that are normally deeply covered in snow. The lake is so low you can still drive gravel from the receding shoreline.

Had pretty fast action for medium sized rainbows early on and then healthy sized cutthroat and rainbows steadily trickled in every hour. Averaged about 2-3 fish an hour which is better than I've often done during this period.

Used my Eskimo tent alone for the second time and it was so nice in the morning's artic chill. But even better I got to really watch the 20" cutthroat play my line before he allowed me to land him. Absolutely stunning fish and a great memory to savor in the next few years as I'm more homebound doing my househusband duties of child raising. It wasn't a record breaking fish but the sight through the ice, watching it play out line like crazy and then being such a gorgeous fish is one of those "keeper" memories. In the photo you can see a previous lure still attached and an injury that aggregated. I cut the line much shorter, hoped it the best and released the great little slot sized fighter.

I'm finally getting to know the lake better and exploring more. I'm trying to target new areas each trip, ice or float tube. I'm learning real quick that the lake has a ton of territory in the 15-25" depth range (with accommodation for the low level this year). It will take a long time before I get to know the features well though.

I moved after having a slow period. It was a lucky choice as soon thereafter I limited out with a great 20" rainbow on a baited ratfinke. She was a little skinnier than many that size but it was a blast. It's always a thrill to catch fish in that range. She was also heavy with eggs so I get to make some for a meal as well as make some more bait.

Great day at a great lake.

[backcountry]

She also had a few of those yellow remnant eggs that appeared to be reabsorbing.