Trout through the ice-newbie w a winter plan

[gordy28]

So...

Some early planning for a winter outing-a first for me-walking into a lake in the Bancroft area to try for splake and perhaps rainbows.

I have scouted a few lakes using the 2008-2011 stocking lists and chatting with a bug who summer fisheds in the area

Looking for tips and tricks on best spots/structure and tactics

Plan is to go in late Jan/early Feb

So far I get the sense that both speices will cruise relatively shallow flats during low light conditions and that dead sticking minnows is a good splake tactic and slow jigging w a small hair jig can be effective for bows

Any other generally startegies I should think about employing? We will be hoofing it-so run and gun will be more like shuffle and spit

Anyway-all tips appreciated as always

Gordy

[Joeytier]

Rainbows can and will be ANYWHERE in the water column. Don't be afraid to go to super tiny for the bows, and just treat splake like specks in the winter.

[gordy28]

Rainbows can and will be ANYWHERE in the water column. Don't be afraid to go to super tiny for the bows, and just treat splake like specks in the winter.

 

Thanks although I must admit-I have equally no clue on how to fish for specks. Winter or any season for that matter

So what would be likely structures? Noticeable points? Steep breaks etc?

I'm barely a bass and walleye guy lol trout are foreign to me

[Joeytier]

There's plenty of good articles available online written by people more qualified on the topic than me.

[gordy28]

Okay cool - will check it out

Thanks

[northernpike56]

yes I have also heard of people catching specks, splake, and rainbow trout in less than 4 fow