BredMan

Watched Phil Lilley and guides snake up to the dam many times and use their paths as a reference for myself when I had a 16' jon that would make the trip in real skinny water. Now have a larger boat and don't go unless there is plenty of water running. Knowing Phil is up to 7 props just made me more cautious. I have even wacked a few of those large snags that exist below Fall Creek even knowing they are there and the location.

FYI - Was out to L-28 late on Friday afternoon (3-20). Not a nibble for the couple hours I spent. Met two guys leaving that caught a couple trout with fly rods. That was pretty impressive at this time of year on L-28. Most of the trout have been caught but there is always enough stragglers left over that's worth the effort. Busch is rather close for me so its always good to get in some fishing, good or bad.

Very nice pictures......helps relieve some of the cabin fever!

PJ's Marabou Jigs Charles Buoyant Dardevle (yellow/red diamonds) Panther Martin (yellow/red dot - black/yellow dots) Little Cleo Jakes (Spin-a-Lure/Lil Jake) Rapala Floater/Countdown/Husky Jerk Pins Minnow

Shockers in my heart. Loved watching them play this year but getting through the Midwest Region is going to be a shoot out. Definitely the toughest region and eliminating some top teams.

Nice brown and nice video.

Not sure how shallow you may think the Busch lakes are. They are somewhat shallow in spots but deeper in other spots. I personally know of one person that has gone through the ice in the past. Lucky for him he wasn't that far out but still needed help getting out. Oh yes, paramedics and fire truck arrived too. He was very embarrassed in the end but it could have been worse. We certainly have had a long cold period and the ice should be thick enough. Just be sure before going too far out. Going to be a while before we see any open water there.

Checked out Busch today. L-28 and L-21 solid ice.

Having fished Busch for the past several years on New Years day I made an attempt today but there was very little water and lots of ice. A few were trying to fish the couple small spots that were open. Wasn't enough breathing room or worth the effort. After today it will all be iced over once again.

Lake -21 and Lake-28 are solid ice. Checked them out at 8:30 this morning. Expected to see some open water but not the case. Ice at the edge of Lake-21 was about 1/2" - 3/4" thick and as always someone has tossed out some rocks and sticks to break the ice and all laying on top of the ice.

My guess would be they are frozen. I live close enough but have no desire to look knowing how cold it's been. Maybe some fishable water late next week after the meltdown and water run-off.

Been wondering about the quality of these Asian brands. Anyone know where they stand in the outboard food-chain? My fear would be parts and service/support.

Thats a very good assessment for the winter trout lakes. Initial frenzy last about 10 days or so and then it becomes real fishing. Some days can be real tough. Its that way year after year. Too bad there isn't a 'no fishing' period after the stocking that would allow the fish to get acclimated to their surrounding. They are pounded pretty hard the first couple weeks.

Another great report Phil. Always enjoy reading them and seeing your pics. Your reports are a good learning tool which definitely helps me.

I have no clue about cameras other than the quick and easy shooters. Those are great pics and the video was fantastic.