Do you remember two years ago when Scotch Lake near Cleveland kicked out so many walleye during the ice fishing season it looked like a one-stop shop for area, and non-area, anglers?
Well, I do. It seemed people were going back with their limit every outing, and I'm quite sure a few were going back with their limit and then coming back for more.
I don't ice fish nearly as much as I do during the open-water months, but one thing I've learned is a quality fishing spot in the winter is even more important to protect than a quality spot in the summer.
I'm not exactly sure why this is, but after watching Scotch Lake get fished out at a spooky, almost irresponsible pace, I'm fully on board with the secrecy thing.
Now, I think it is important to note that last year, Scotch Lake kicked out a lot less walleyes, and any time you actually caught a walleye, you didn't tell anyone but your inner circle.
Hmm, funny how lacking a little discretion, a little will power when hooking up all those walleyes had a lasting effect on the lake. I don't suppose it'll be much better out there this year.
Every year there is a honey hole that boasts quality fishing, and suddenly small towns start forming daily on the ice that holds those fish. And when you're not exactly sure where to fish, those small villages of fish houses become a beacon of light.
And then you follow the rule of 21, as fellow Free Press staffer and avid outdoorsmen John Cross always says to me — find 20 houses and make it 21.
Personally, I follow my brother-in-laws to the good fishing spot. Between Dave and Pete, they usually put me on some pretty good spots. And these two, especially Pete, know how to keep a good spot secret.
But more importantly, they know enough to respect limits, and also respect the quantity and quality of these smaller lakes in the area that produce walleye.
Lakes like Washington and Madison are gems that can go in streaks, but the numbers of fish are such that those lakes take minor dents in population during a winter season.
But lakes like Scotch, on the other hand, well, just think back to the last two years, and the tale practically tells itself.
On a somewhat side note, and just to get the juices flowing a little bit, here's a look at what Swedish Pimple has available.
