jimmer

If there were rainbows stocked a few years back they should still be there if there is any depth to the lake. 20' would be fine. I find that the rainbows will stuff themselves with the freshwater shrimp, especially in the winter. However, if you throw a minnow or a worm down there, they should go crazy over it. Look for a large shallow flat that drops off into the deeper water, they will move up and down onto that flat looking for food. Hold on if you hook one, they go nuts.

I agree with singdog. They will be scattered all over the lake, but should be near the surface. The spinners should work, but if you mark some on a fishfinder and they don't bite, try throwing out a micro twister, let it sink to the depth they are at and then slowly retrieve. Let us know how you make out!

They can be tough at times. I have had luck with jigs, worms work also if you can find them.

I wouldn't think that finding an antler shed is illegal, it's what you do with it after that. It could be that you can sell them, just make sure, so you don't face unwanted charges and expenses that you didn't count on. You can't claim ignorance.

It's illegal to sell any part of a game fish or game animal shot, found on the side of the road or accidentally killed. All songbirds are off limits unless you have a salvage permit. Birds of Prey require you to bring the bird to the local MNR office and get a permit, they will check to ensure that it was an accidental kill, some use x-rays. Fur bearers fall under a different license. A local taxidermist got caught selling fish and his defence was that he was selling the plaque or driftwood that the fish was on; it didn't fly. My suggestion is to always check with your local MNR office, especially if you ever plan on selling something, even if you feel you are selling the art. I believe they are trying to prevent a black market with our local game. You can buy animal parts such as capes, hides and antlers from other countries and provinces, you just require proof of purchase. Still, there are a lot of grey areas and I would always check with the MNR and get their decision in writing before proceeding. There was a big ongoing story in the Toronto media a while back about someone selling an old moose head mount at a garage sale. It went on for over a year and I can't image how many tax payers $$$$ were wasted on this case. Not much leniency with the sale of our game.

I loved it that I didn't have to listen to the fans sing their annoying song when the opposing team is losing near the end of the game. It was quiet actually.

That means I might still get out in the boat this weekend

Take these guys that have the part up on their offers. Jiffy engines (you can get parts locally) are separate from all the other parts on the machine. I have replaced the clutch and main gears a couple of times and had to order them through a company in Mississauga and then they shipped the part to a local authorized dealer. Both gears were over $100 each, so if you can get your needed part for around $125, get it! The blades are worth around $50 alone.

Best to hope for no snow before the lakes freeze to a good thickness. I have been hesitant to go out on opening for the last couple of years due to the amount of snow. You get 3-4" of ice then a foot of snow, which makes for a lot of slush and weight on top of the ice. I was out in the boat a week ago fishing for lakers.

I third the seafoam. That gas we have now really does a number on the outboards. I use it regularly now. I also had a problem last year and tried this, but it didn't fix the problem. I have a 25 Yamaha. I eventually took the carbs off and found a tiny sliver holding my float pin open. It would run like crap at slow speeds but great with the throttle open. One of the signs was some gas on the water surface after starting.

If we're talking about fishing for panfish, we should all be using tiny micro jigs and the hook should be set right away as soon as you feel a bite. That should eliminate any deep hooked OOS fish. I also catch plenty of pike on Simcoe fishing this way, yes you get the odd bite off, but better than throwing a minnow down there, hoping a Pike will bite and that the walleye or muskie will choose to ignore it. If you're going for pike try jigging large spoons and avoid the minnows; that's where we get into trouble with deeply hooked fish. There should be no problems releasing fish in the depth of water you are planning on fishing. Make sure the hut is big enough for all of us to fit into it. LOL

It's definitely getting harder to watch the games. I keep questioning why I do it to myself!

I hope you're right Mike. Have you been out on Simcoe lately. I just have to shake my head at times when I see what some people do out on the ice. I think their minds freeze, preventing them from making safe decisions. Anyone that lives on the lakes should keep an eye out for anyone that is poaching walleye/muskie/bass and call the TIPS line.

Does this mean that Scugog is closed for walleye in the winter now?

I heard that also, carry the TIPS phone number around with you when you're out there.

That's actually an interesting point. Does this mean the walleye winter season on Scugog is now closed?

I think anglers will still go to scugog for the walleye, since they are closed in the other lakes.

Sorry, hadn't read the other post yet.

I haven't seen any confirmation about year round fishing in the kawarthas yet. I live on Pigeon. Where did you hear this? It would only be panfish if it did open.

This is one out of Nipissing. It tasted okay.

And you get to fish Eagle Lake for them!!!!

They are generally in the deeper cooler lakes. However, some in the kawarthas, but tough to target. Mostly incidental catches. Simcoe is a big lake and again tough to target. Some of the lakes in Haliburton County might be a better bet and night time would be the time to target them.

That's cool. I was just talking with a buddy the other day about going out into the Pigeon Lake catails and fishing down through them for monster bass (as a lark of course), now.....Hmmmm.

A great year for bass fishing in my books. These are a couple from the kawarthas. Largemouth at 6.4 and the smallie at 4.11.

Lots of good educational stuff in the replies. My buddy and I use a frabil in my 14'er. Yes, it's a little large, but it is amazing when handling a fish and removing hooks. Then the release is very easy, because of less stress on the fish by leaving it in the water.