Going to seagull lake in end of feb for some lake trout. We are hiking to the west side of lake into motorless territory. My question is would a cordless drill and auger set up be legal? By buddy seems to think not because the drill would be a “motor”? I would say the motor restriction is to prevent pollution and noise caused by combustion engines. A cordless drill has neither so why shouldn’t it be legal? Your thoughts?
not legal. hand augers only.
It’s not allowed in the BWCA and would pretty much take an act of congress to get it allowed. I promise the ice won’t be too thick, but you’ll get a good work out. On the up side, if you start in a good spot, you won’t have to drill many holes. If you’re camping, put snow in the holes and pack a mound around each one, then mark them with sticks. When you’re ready to fish, spoon out all the snow and slush and you won’t have to drill them again the next day.
Thanks for the advice Ben. This is the third year in a row I’ve made this trip and we camp for 2 nights. It’s a blast and hand drilling holes isn’t bad, just thought maybe I could find a spot quicker. Oh well, makes each fish more rewarding. If you have an insight on areas to try, it would be much appreciated. I have put 3 fish on the ice in the last two trips. Not bad for the first few years at it, but I’m hoping to do better this year.
I am out of the Ely side, so I don’t have any spots to tell you about, but all my fish this season have come off a red and silver Jigging Rap. My clients have caught fish on jigging raps and silver spoons and all of the fish have been from 25-42 fow. I don’t know what the trout feed on in that lake, but if it’s smelt use small flashy baits and if they’re after ciscos use larger baits like 4-5″tubes or larger spoons and Ripping Raps.
not legal. hand augers only.
That is a real bur in the side of some people up there. The owner of an Ely tackle shop I was at last year was furious about that law. That and no snowmobiles. Bad for business.
His opinion was that sled dog poop was a lot worse than a snowmobile track.
Dare you to ask Joe why Wenonahs are better than Souris Rivers.
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