Ice Update?

[maxfire26]

Yeah I didn't end up going yesterday (Friday).  I didn't know it was going to be 40+ degrees all night Thursday night.  I'm going to go check it out this a.m. (Saturday). 

[maxfire26]

Ice is holding up good and perch are on (somewhat).  Mostly small...been out 4 times and caught decent numbers of perch along with a few gills.  Haven't caught a limit yet but averaged around 15-20 perch each time except for my first time out when I only caught 3.

[eye spy]

I would not say the ice is holding up good.  There has been more open water around the pump house each day and there are now several spots starting to open up towards the nw end.  Like you said, the perch are very small!  I do not understand the guys who keep the 6-7" perch and then brag about catching 20 keepers?  I have fished there a lot this year and have not caught 20 perch over 8" all season.

[Ntoiceman36]

I agree there are alot of reports of catches but they are on the small side,those fish need to be allowed to grow up before they become braggable,small fish are alot of work for little reward,just my opinion though

[OhioFisher19]

How much have you guys been fishing on down there this week?

[deerslayern]

I personallt stopped fishing for perch there. Due to lack of size. 2010 ice season on my camera I saw more 5in perch and smaller and last summer less larger size than any other year. I agree people need to let the smaller ones grow. any more that drink is great for eyes, bass and gills. very numerous and almost over populated with gills. But atleast they have good sizes of 8in to 11in there. just my thoughts though

[slabslayer]

Where is this lake at?  With bass and gills that size now I'm curious.

[mitch131]

It just off st rt 224 in huron county

[deerslayern]

willard res is on st rt 61 just north of rt 103 . gin clear water, electric motors only. ur not allowed to have a gas motor on not even in perchd position. Ive seen city cops kick people off the water 4 having them on.  I plan on doing alot of fishing there. Its a honey hole to fill the freezer fast.
      I took the wife there and in an hr she had over 100 gills over 9in. From may to oct. its like that every day nonstop action. bass r nice ranging frm 1lb to 3.5 to 4lbs and some bigger. the eyes usually range 18 to 21in. my best was last summer 28.5in a nice hawg.

[slabslayer]

That blows. My boat won't be allowed on there.  Is it worth an hour and a half drive for the bull gills just fishing from shore?

[eye spy]

Not worth that far of a drive to me. The only reason I fish there is because it is 5 minutes from my house. Lots of weeds which makes fishing from shore tough.

[slabslayer]

I see. I'll put it on my list to ice fish for next season. Or if I'm in that area I'll throw my kayak in the truck and fish it that way.  Thanks for the imput guys. 

[deerslayern]

To me its most definately worth the trip. Im only 40min to the east. If u watch my reports that will give u an idea of when is a good time to make the trip. Now... I do use my ice rod all year long there typically chartruce, green and gold ice jigs tippped with maggots most of the time. Its the way to go to fill ur freezer fast. soft craws work great 4 the gills as well as the perch.Or u can use slip bobber from the bank that works great to. jigs or a hook and split shot. No bigger than 4lb test is what I use.

[Icetester]

Probably a dumb question, but did any ice survive at all?

[maxfire26]

I was wondering the same.  I have to work a few hours this a.m. (Friday) and then I'm planning on heading down to Willard and checking it out.  If anyone knows how the ice is you could save me a trip by letting me know.