Crane Prairie/Wickiup-report

[lone willie]

The slowest I've seen it in over 20 years! Whats the deal? Ten rods in our fishing derby and a sixteen incher takes the trophy.

[The Sturgeonater]

We were there a couple of weeks ago and did quite well, about 40+ kokanie in our party, averaging 14 and as high as 16 inches. Got 5 browns, but on the smaller size, largest was about 5lbs. Fished for kokes right across the gull point campground in that little weed bay. Marked lots of fish and had several bites, hard sometimes to land. Trolled using a home made lure tipped with white corn dipped in tuna oil.

[lone willie]

We were targeting trout at Crane and Browns at Wickiup. I probably should of been looking for a seventeen inch kokanee.

[The Sturgeonater]

Lone Willie...

Our trip was the first Wed after the opener, we fished until that Sunday. Yes, browns were a bit slow at Wickiup during that time. Was kind of disappointing that the ones we caught were not bigger. After we left the weather turned cold and I hear the bite went off. I plan on heading up there again real soon, buddies trying to talk me into going this weekend.

[Hottamale1]

Lone Willie,

You're initials wouldn't happen to be F.P. would they???

If not, they are probably the initials of someone in your group because I heard from Mr. Peters and the same story applied!

What is up with Crane Prairie??? It's gone downhill for the last 3-5 years?? Does ANYONE know what's going on in that lake?? Are the Bass taking over?? Are they not planting fish anymore?? Was there a "Kill" in the Lake we are not aware of???

That lake WAS so awesome..hanging out amongst the Stumps, kicking back in the Sun, watching your Bobber go under by some 24"er!

It's a real travesty to see that lake turn into nothing better than a "Gawking Big Bird" refuge, if you know what I mean.

Scott

[Jimmy]

I have to disagree with you guys that Crane Prairie has gone down hill the last five years.Yes the fishing has changed, no longer are the fish holding in the same spots feeding on the bugs off the stumps.I think that between the bass and the stickle fish that some one put in the lake that they are gone forever.I think that who ever did this should be hung,but for now I have tried to adapt the way I fish Crane.This is my start of my 6th year at Crane and the fishing has only been getting better.Instead of tying up to one stump or a log try trolling.I see some boats spend most of one day tied up to one log and not catch anything all day long.I am not saying that I am a expert on Crane but there has only been one trip in the last year that we did not catch a trout over 5 pounds.I have been trolling size 7 rapala for rainbows and brook trout.Opening day I caught and released a 6 and a 7 pound rainbow and my buddy caught a brook over 5 pounds.I am going to Crane with my family this weekend if you see a old 15ft smokercraft trolling that will be me stop by and say hi. :cheers: