Got out on the chain here in Chetek again today. As is the story everywhere the ice is covered in slush. We managed to find a spot where the top layer had frozen solid so I poked a couple holes with my brand spankin new Strikemaster Lazer Mag (what a machine!) and set up the shack. We were in 12 ft. of water and had fish on the flasher all afternoon. It was too sloppy to get really motivated to be mobile so we stayed put. Generally the fish were much less aggressive than they have been over the course of the last week or so but we caught probably 35 or 40 and kept a dozen really nice gills apiece for a meal. Overall I have been impressed with the quality of the gills we’ve been catching on the chain. Really nice fish this year and I am hoping to see the trend continue. I wish we could see the quality of the crappies increase like the gills have. You catch an occasional edible crappie on the chain but generally they are small and paper thin. Like I said I broke the Strikemaster in today and am thoroughly impressed with the ease of drilling holes. When things firm up and we are hole hoppin a little more I’ll gladly volunteer to run the auger. It’s awesome! 
Anyway, that’s a little report from my corner of the chain. Headed to Lake of the Woods in two weeks and I can’t wait! I’m ready to jack jaws and cross eyes on some big water beauties! Good luck to all of you and be safe on the ice.
December 16, 2010 at 5:31 am
#1301885
The in-law have a cabin just down from Sunny’s Bar. Usually get out there once or twice in the winter.