When is the best time to go fishing?
The best time to go fishing is a debate that some people will have over and over again. Some people follow the cycle of the moon, while others go fishing based on the time of day. Although this might be true for some species, kokanee seem to exhibit behaviors that go “against the grain.” If I had to pick one factor that I’ve seen affect kokanee fishing from one day to the next (although not always the case), I would pick changing weather patterns. I’ve had some less productive days fishing when wind and rain were pushing into an area. However, I’ve also had some great days when rain and wind were threatening to push me off the lake.
Today was another classic example of kokanee fishing at it’s finest. I was able to wake up early enough and make it to the lake while it was still dark out. After loading up my sled with the help of my Energizer headlight, I starting breaking trail onto the lake. I enjoyed watching the sunrise and the moon dip away behind the hillside while walking out. The wind had blown over the main trail which was visible in spots, so I attempted to follow the path out to the “north pole” of Ten Mile. When I arrived at my destination, I noticed that I was a little too far to the right of my last trip, but I decided to give this new spot a try.
After 2 hours of watching only a few uninterested fish swim by, I debated on moving locations to where I was fishing the last time. At 0900, another member arrived to fish in the proximity of my tent. I asked him to fish off to the side in the direction I wanted to move to, about 40-50ft feet away. I managed to put 2 kokanee on the ice before he was setup and fishing, but was soon fell behind by one fish as he was marking more active fish below his tent.
I was amazed at the difference 50ft made and how much more productive it was. Without hesitation, I grabbed my auger and drilled a hole a safe distance away from the “spot to be.”
There were a few noticeably different characteristics about the new spot. The snow on top had formed a thick crust and when I stepped on a soft spot it broke and I fell thru to hard ice. Then, I cleared a spot for my chair and hole with my shovel. As soon as I removed the snow, I was able to watch water gushing up from the hole and into the area I had cleared. Sadly, I was wishing I brought my fishing net as there was enough water on top now that a kokanee would be able to swim around frantically if it came off my hook on top of the ice. I was excited and curious to find out how my new boots would work in this water and if they would be slippery on the ice or not.
After eighteen minutes of fishing, I had 3 more kokanee on the ice and it was time to go home. A mealworm and my homemade anise corn (secret blend 
) did the trick. I was ecstatic at how quickly the schools of kokanee were turning around and swimming back towards my hook. I was also amazed at how dry my feet stayed. Unfortunately, I’ll need to buy ice cleats after today. While my boots were 100% waterproof, they were 100% slippery on ice.
After some conversations with other anglers and a quick photo, it was time to pack up and head home just in time for a bacon, egg and pancake brunch. What a perfect day to go fishing. To me, the best days to go fishing are when a person can make time and enjoy the time they have when they go. I enjoy fishing for an hour and I also enjoy fishing for the day. Either way, I’ll be going back when I can, because the best time is every time.