Bead lake freezing

[Florida_Native]

Does anyone know when Bead lake usually freezes enough for ice fishing? I noticed some of the other year round lakes are frozen already with the early colder temps.

Thanks!

[Ridgeratt]

It's making ice as you read this. Being were it is it should get stiff pretty quick. Some of the other lakes sound like they are getting close to hard Water fishin.

Here's from todays paper.


Ice fishing
Those trying to fish the winter lakes opener found some open water in the middle of Hog Canyon but not enough ice to venture out. On Wednesday, I found it to be frozen all the way to the end. Ice at the access was about 3 inches thick. My guess is Hog Canyon will be fishable through the ice by the weekend, but be sure to drill test holes as you venture out. You needn’t go far from shore. Trout on Hog Canyon will be a variety of sizes with the likelihood of catching a limit of five before catching two more than 14 inches.

Fourth of July anglers found open water on the opener on the west side from the first narrows south. Plunking Power Bait from shore enticed numerous rainbow to 22 inches with few smaller than 14 inches. On my visit Wednesday, there was no one fishing, but a short walk confirmed open water on the west side where shore fishing would be possible. By Saturday, there may be ice fishing. Again, test the ice frequently.

I also stopped at Eloika and Silver lakes on Wednesday. Eloika has an ice cap, but the ice appeared to be only a couple of inches thick. Eloika is shallow and protected from the wind. It could be ready by the weekend. Silver was iced over on the north and south ends with open water in the middle. The bay in front of the public access had clear ice about 2 1/2 inches thick 10 feet from shore.

There were no reports from either Williams or Hatch lakes, but it must be assumed that considering their small sizes and their more northerly location, they will support ice fishermen. The trout in both lakes are healthy, running from 11-17 inches with a few even larger.

In Idaho, some of the lakes north of Coeur d’Alene may be ready to go by the weekend, next week for sure. Check out Round, Gamble and Avondale. Fernan is probably a week away

[mainer78]

I didn't even know you could Ice fish in WA... I should have my dad mail me my traps!!
 

[Ridgeratt]

I didn't even know you could Ice fish in WA... I should have my dad mail me my traps!!
 

Yes but some times it is a short season depending on weather. Also cuts down on Wake Boarders, Jet skiers and Tuber's. 

[Florida_Native]

2 trips to the lake and I still haven't got on the water. It's not frozen.

[Ridgeratt]

2 trips to the lake and I still haven't got on the water. It's not frozen.

Well you have to realize just how large a body of water it is.  The depth reading says it is over 170 feet deep and that takes a while to bring down to frezzin!!

Maybe you should pick another battle.   

[Florida_Native]

I have. It hit Eloika on the way back and caught a few perch.

The first trip was not to hard water fish either. I've just had bad luck with that lake and it's #1 on my wish list of lakes to fish!

[Ridgeratt]

So whats the interest in Bead? There are a large selection of winter lakes in the area. Including Roosevelt

Sullivan is a year round lake as well.

[Florida_Native]

I want to try and fish for Burbot and lake trout. My boat isn't registered so I can't fish Roosevelt. Also I thought Sullivan was a lot farther north.

Does it freeze with all the others or does it take longer like Bead?

[goosegetter79]

Sullivan is about 45 min-1hr north. If you go to Sullivan I've seen a lot of people fishing the north end of the lake between the launch and the first dock on the east side of the lake (just so happens its my families dock and cabin) kind of in that cove. They usually catch quite a few in there. In the summer the south end seems to do better for us but ice fishing it seems like everyone fishes the north end. Good luck.

[Ridgeratt]

Well here are some alternate choices to fish them.

I know they do catch some off the beach as well in Roosevelt.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/washington/Species/1301/

[Ridgeratt]

I want to try and fish for Burbot and lake trout. My boat isn't registered so I can't fish Roosevelt. Also I thought Sullivan was a lot farther north.

Does it freeze with all the others or does it take longer like Bead?

That's easy just register the boat slap some numbers on it and go Floatin. 

I did look up the laws and have found out my 12 footer I haul on my jeep is not legal, But I have seen others just like mine floatin.
So Mine is been put in dry storage. Just like hunting then choose another weapon.

If you think that it would be just about a tank of gas to go some place to fish it might not be such a hard thing to justify.