Seems like winter has returned to Tunkwa, temps dipped down to -17C last night, and the lake could be heard groaning, making ice all night. Daytime temps, with the bright sunshine is getting back up there. Fishing pressure was relatively light this this past weekend, with reports of a few fish being caught, and some light biters letting you knwo they were still there. Some fish caught today, being caught just below the ice surface, sititing high in the water column. The rainbow trout are still out there, and being mobile to keep moving until you find them, seems to be key lately. Ice is still at 17" and holding hard. Couple of the local lakes, at lower elevations, had there ice come off last week, allowing some anglers to get a good jump start on there open water fishing.

Weather was beautiful up here this weekend, lots of sun and mild daytime temps. Cold nights are keeping the ice in great shape. This week we had the Regional Fisheries Biologist in to take oxygen readings/tests in the water, under the ice. Readings came back with excellent results, with lots of oxygen throughout the water column, in fact, water near the bottom in the deeper parts of the lake, read almost the same as the upper layers of water, typically the richest water in later winter. This really came as no surprise, as we had a big influx of water, from all the rain this past Nov. and vegetation we can see looking down the ice holes is still green and vibrant.
Fishing was tougher this weekend, and fish really seeemed to be off, some good bites and action came at first light, then reallly slowed down the rest of the day. We had the Western Canadain Rep. for Humminbird electronics in this weekend, and we had a chance to field test some of the great new fish finder units from Humminbird. Although fishing at less then peak times, these units showed us many active fish, and we could really watch on the screen, the fish coming in to inspect our offerings, but would not bite, a bit frustrating, but still really impressive to be able to see and interput what was going on under there. Ice fishing with electronics, make a huge difference, and can really add to the ice fishing experience. If any of you are at the Outdoors Show, at the Tradex this upcoming weekend, stop in the Humminbird booth, and check out the units, and you can get an idea of what we are talking about. Also, I will be helping our friends at Shimano out at the show, so please stop by and say 'Hi'.

Another beautiful weekend up on Tunkwa, sunny and clear days, with cold nights. Fishing was a bit slower this weekend, with the rainbows seemingly off a bit, but fish were still being caught. Fish are still up shallow, and taking the usual presentations. Best areas are still of the weed edges, in 6 -9' feet of water. Cold nights are still seeing ice being made during the nights.

Ice fishing reports coming in from almost all of our guests were very good, lots of rainbows being caught, including some better than average sized ones. Better action seems to be up shallower on Tunkwa, from 4' to 9', with fish suspended off the bottom in the mid range of those depths. Many fish are still feeding heavily on scuds, but we are now starting to see more bloodworms making up a good part of the fish diets. Some anglers fishing bloodworms imitators found good success. Fish are fighting good, and 6lb line is mininum one should be using, one big fish even broke a guests rod on the fight. Weather continues to be unseasonable mild, with sunny, daytime temps hitting +4, but nights are still cool and below freezing. The lake continues to make ice, and no problems with slush on top, but reports indicate Leighton is getting slushy on top. It's a great time to be planning your ice fishing get-a-way!

Fishing has been good for our guests this week on Tunkwa, the largest being 3lbs caught on cooked shrimp. Fish have been caught in Farmers Bay, off Goose Bay, Rock Bluff, Goose Island and off the Provincial Park boat launch. Temps have been +4 during the day to -5 at night. A system is approaching from the Southwest today, a slight breeze to 10km with overcast skies and snow developing in the mountains to the West in the past hour.     Forecast of 3cm is predicted late this afternoon and into the evening, a much needed snow fall.