05-24-2012, 03:59 PM
I have been itchin to go north so after 10 years I went back to Ely. My wife and I left Friday afternoon and hauled our 5th wheel to the KOA Ely. We have driven right by on our way to Cave lake or Leman campgrounds but the KOA was our destination this time. Hit Cave lake on Saturday.I caught 8 and Tara caught 4 all stockers 8 to 11 inches and that was it.
Sunday was Illipah res., I have heard over the years that it was a good fish but I never made it there until now.The res was 40 miles west of Ely and VERY remote. All BLM supported,free camping, no water, pit toilets (very clean), lots of bugs,a few rough campsites with some shade and wind structures and not too many people. Wind was around 15mph we launched at 9 and it was on like Donkey Kong! I tied on a gold/black Panther Martin 1/2 oz and started to row out right off the bat my net slipped off the boat and sunk.I have been so used ot grabbin the striper or bass by the lip I didnt think to much of the loss. I continued to paddle/troll and BAM fish on great fight got the fish right to the boat and fumbled to get it in and it came loose(now I see why I really needed the net). After 5 hours of fishing Tara caught 10 and I landed 25 and lost at least 15 due to the net or lack there of.These fish were so aggressive and fought harder than any others I can remember. All fish were between 12 and 17 inches(at least double the size of Cave) and fat.
The fishing was so good we went back Monday. Wind was 25mph and white capping. I thought I was back on Mead.
Way to rough for the wife, but I had to give it a go after the drive. I fished for 2 hours and landed all 17 (I bought a new floating net). It was a fight but worth it!!!!
We hit Comins Tuesday morning for 3 hours and got blanked, The wind was still around 15mph. I saw a few bass but they spooked easily. I threw swim baits for pike but nothing. I have never fished for pike so I really didnt know what to use.
It is a good feeling when you can stay in state and have great fishing plus stimulate local economy.
ILL BE BACK!
[signature]
Sunday was Illipah res., I have heard over the years that it was a good fish but I never made it there until now.The res was 40 miles west of Ely and VERY remote. All BLM supported,free camping, no water, pit toilets (very clean), lots of bugs,a few rough campsites with some shade and wind structures and not too many people. Wind was around 15mph we launched at 9 and it was on like Donkey Kong! I tied on a gold/black Panther Martin 1/2 oz and started to row out right off the bat my net slipped off the boat and sunk.I have been so used ot grabbin the striper or bass by the lip I didnt think to much of the loss. I continued to paddle/troll and BAM fish on great fight got the fish right to the boat and fumbled to get it in and it came loose(now I see why I really needed the net). After 5 hours of fishing Tara caught 10 and I landed 25 and lost at least 15 due to the net or lack there of.These fish were so aggressive and fought harder than any others I can remember. All fish were between 12 and 17 inches(at least double the size of Cave) and fat.
The fishing was so good we went back Monday. Wind was 25mph and white capping. I thought I was back on Mead.
Way to rough for the wife, but I had to give it a go after the drive. I fished for 2 hours and landed all 17 (I bought a new floating net). It was a fight but worth it!!!!
We hit Comins Tuesday morning for 3 hours and got blanked, The wind was still around 15mph. I saw a few bass but they spooked easily. I threw swim baits for pike but nothing. I have never fished for pike so I really didnt know what to use.
It is a good feeling when you can stay in state and have great fishing plus stimulate local economy.
ILL BE BACK!
[signature]
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