How to Fish Grindstone Lake

Grindstone Lake fishing FAQ

How do you catch Trout on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Trout are transitioning from deep winter haunts to shallower pre-spawn areas, actively feeding and following smelt schools Fish are suspending and moving through the water column, particularly active during low-light periods Showing increased aggression and feeding activity as water temperatures rise above 42°F Key locations: Transition areas where deep basins meet shallower feeding flats (40-50 feet); Deep-water travel corridors along the elongated lake structure; Ledges and structural elements near primary spawning areas. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Trolling Mid Depth (10-19'), Spoons, Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Smelt schools moving through mid-water column, Various minnow species in transitional areas, Small aquatic invertebrates in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 40-45°F. Smallmouth bass are staging on pre-spawn locations near deep water access, actively feeding on minnows around structure in 15-foot depths Fish are showing school behavior on break lines off main lake points, particularly in the north end of the lake Key locations: Submerged wood and fish cribs at 15-foot depths; Tapered break lines off main lake points, especially on the north end; Deep water transition areas adjacent to spawning flats. Best techniques: Drop Shot with 3-inch soft plastic minnow imitations, especially effective when dragged along break lines, Hover/Mid-Strolling presentations over structure to trigger reaction strikes. Primary forage: Minnows (primary forage confirmed in fishing reports), Cold-water baitfish like smelt in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Lake Trout on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 38-48°F. Lake trout are moving from winter deep-water patterns into transitional depths (30-50 feet), making frequent vertical movements to hunt pelagic baitfish Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, showing aggressive feeding behavior particularly during low-light periods Key locations: Deep structural transitions where 50-foot contours meet shallower flats; Steep shoreline points that provide quick access to both deep and shallow water; Suspended areas over deep basins where smelt schools are holding. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with lead core line to target suspended fish, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along structural edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through suspended bait schools. Primary forage: Smelt schools moving into pre-spawn locations, Juvenile cisco suspended in the water column, Small lake whitefish in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Pre-spawn largemouth bass are actively staging on secondary points and shallower breaks, moving from winter depths toward spawning areas Fish are becoming more active with warming water, feeding opportunistically to build energy reserves for spawning Key locations: Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays, especially those with emerging weed growth; Creek and river inflow areas where warmer water enters the lake; Transition areas between deep winter holding areas and shallow spawning flats. Best techniques: Lipless Crankbaits worked along emerging weed edges and transition areas, Bladed Jigs slow-rolled through slightly deeper water near staging areas, Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in 5-15 foot depths. Primary forage: Bluegill moving shallow with warming water, Small baitfish schools in transition areas, Early season crawfish becoming active in rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Goldeye on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Goldeye are beginning to move from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones, particularly areas with increased turbidity from spring runoff Fish are becoming more active but still maintaining deeper staging areas between feeding periods Showing preference for areas where wind action creates slightly stained water conditions Key locations: Wind-swept shorelines with moderate depth transitions (15-25 feet); Deep water access points near tributary inflows; Submerged wood structure in 20-30 foot range. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Live Bait Rigs, Blade Baits. Primary forage: Smelt moving into shallower water, Small invertebrates in turbid areas, Young of year baitfish. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Vibrant Assorted Colors.

How do you catch Trout on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Trout are actively moving from deep winter holding areas (50 FOW) to shallower spawning areas, following temperature transitions Fish are exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior to recover from winter and prepare for spawning, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Key locations: Transitional ledges between deep basins and shallow spawning areas, particularly in 20-35 foot range; Rocky points and shoreline areas with good gravel substrate in 10-20 foot depths; Deep-water travel corridors along the elongated basin where fish stage before moving shallow. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with controlled depth presentations, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are marked on electronics, Spoons worked through suspended fish marked on electronics. Primary forage: Smelt schools transitioning from deep water to spawning areas, Suspended minnow schools in the mid-water column. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-62°F. Smallmouth bass are transitioning from pre-spawn staging to spawning, with males establishing and guarding nests in protected areas between 2-8 feet deep Fish are highly territorial and aggressive during this period, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning while defending nesting sites Key locations: Protected shallow bays and coves with gravel or small rock bottom near deeper water; Areas around submerged wood and cribs in 12-15 foot depth range for pre-spawn staging; Break lines off main lake points where fish transition between staging and spawning areas. Best techniques: Tubes worked slowly around spawning areas and staging points, Drop Shot with 3-inch soft plastics for suspended pre-spawn fish, Ned Rigs worked methodically through shallow spawning flats, Soft Jerkbaits fished with erratic retrieves for aggressive fish. Primary forage: Small minnows in 2-4 inch range, Crayfish becoming more active in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Lake Trout on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 38-45°F. Transitioning from deep winter haunts (50+ feet) to shallower spawning areas (20-35 feet), following temperature-dependent migration patterns Becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, but still showing some cautious behavior as noted in Livescope observations Key locations: Rocky points and shoreline areas with rubble bottom in 20-35 foot depth range; Transitional areas between deep winter holding spots and spawning grounds, particularly along the elongated lake's deep channels; Secondary points and rocky shelves adjacent to deeper water. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Trolling Mid Depth (10-19'), Soft Body Swimbaits (Large). Primary forage: Smelt schools transitioning to shallower water, Smaller lake trout (cannibalistic feeding). Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats, moving between deeper wintering areas and spawning locations Males actively searching for and preparing spawning beds in protected areas with firm bottom Aggressive territorial behavior around spawning areas, particularly responsive to sight-based feeding Key locations: Protected coves and bays with firm bottom composition; Transitional areas between winter deep water and spawning flats; Creek and river inflow areas with warmer water. Best techniques: Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly along transition areas, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around emerging vegetation, Spinnerbaits in slightly stained water near spawning flats. Primary forage: Bluegill beginning to move shallow, Small baitfish in warming areas, Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Goldeye on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-55°F. Goldeye are moving into shallower, warmer waters (5-15 feet) for spawning activities, particularly seeking areas with increased turbidity from wind or tributary action Fish are actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods, taking advantage of low light conditions and invertebrate activity Key locations: Wind-blown shorelines and tributary inflows where turbidity is increased; Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially near submerged vegetation in 5-10 foot range; Protected bays and coves where water warms more quickly. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms worked slowly along bottom transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs tipped with soft plastics, Inline Spinners retrieved at moderate speeds through turbid areas. Primary forage: Small invertebrates and aquatic insects, Young-of-year baitfish and small minnows, Zooplankton in turbid areas. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors, Vibrant Assorted Colors.

How do you catch Trout on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-55°F. Post-spawn trout are actively feeding and recovering, moving between deep basins and transitional structure following smelt and minnow schools Fish are utilizing the water column more vertically as spring thermal layers develop, suspending at varying depths based on comfort zones Key locations: Deep basin edges where 30-50 foot contours meet structural elements; Long points and ledges that create travel corridors into deeper water; Suspended areas over deep basins where schools of smelt congregate. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with varied speeds to trigger reaction strikes, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are actively feeding on suspended bait, Spoons worked vertically through suspended bait schools. Primary forage: Smelt schools suspending in the water column, Various minnow species utilizing transitional areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn smallmouth have moved from shallow nesting areas to deeper main-lake structure, actively feeding to recover from spawning activity Fish are transitioning to summer patterns, relating strongly to break lines and points while following baitfish schools Key locations: Main lake points with gradual tapers connecting to deep water; Break lines near submerged wood and cribs in 15-25 foot range; Secondary points with access to deep water basins. Best techniques: Drop Shot with 3-4 inch baits worked slowly along break lines, Shakey Heads worked methodically around wood structure and points, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved parallel to break lines. Primary forage: Minnows and small baitfish in 2-4 inch range, Crayfish emerging in rocky areas, Smelt in deeper water columns. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Lake Trout on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Post-spawn lake trout are transitioning from deep winter haunts to suspended feeding patterns, actively chasing pelagic baitfish (smelt) in the water column Fish showing cautious behavior but willing to chase, moving between deep structural elements and suspended zones while feeding Key locations: Deep water channels and ledges in 40-60 foot range where structural elements meet open water; Points and steep breaks adjacent to deep basins where smelt schools concentrate; Suspended zones over main lake basin where baitfish schools are present. Best techniques: Trolling Deep (20'+) with downriggers to target suspended fish following bait schools, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked near structure, Spoons worked vertically through suspended bait schools. Primary forage: Smelt schools suspending in open water, Juvenile cisco/whitefish in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, becoming more active and beginning to feed aggressively to recover energy Fish are spreading out along weed edges and near creek/river inflows, using these areas as primary feeding zones Key locations: Weed edges in 5-10 feet of water, especially near deeper water access; Creek and river inflow areas with moving water; Secondary points with mixed vegetation and hard bottom structure. Best techniques: Soft Jerkbaits worked with a erratic retrieve parallel to weed edges, Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through transitional areas, Spinnerbaits around flowing water entry points. Primary forage: Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas, Young of the year baitfish emerging in warming waters, Crawfish becoming more active in transitional areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Goldeye on Grindstone Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-55°F. Fish are actively feeding post-spawn, moving into slightly warmer, more turbid areas near wind-blown shorelines and tributary inflows Beginning to transition from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones, particularly during low-light periods Key locations: Wind-blown shorelines and points where turbidity increases; Tributary mouths and inflowing water areas; Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water (15-25 feet). Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Live Bait Rigs, Spoons. Primary forage: Smelt concentrations in transitional areas, Small invertebrates and zooplankton, Young-of-year baitfish. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Trout on Grindstone Lake in Summer?

Water temp 48-55°F. Trout moving deeper to find optimal temperature zones as surface waters warm, typically suspending in or just above the thermocline Actively feeding on pelagic baitfish (smelt) in deep basin areas, making frequent vertical movements through the water column Key locations: Deep basin areas near the thermocline, typically 30-45 feet deep; Steep ledges and drop-offs where cold water intersects with structure; Deep-water travel corridors along the lake's elongated axis. Best techniques: Trolling Deep (20'+) with downriggers to target suspended fish, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics, Spoons worked vertically through suspended bait schools. Primary forage: Smelt schools suspending in deep water, Various smaller minnow species. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Grindstone Lake in Summer?

Water temp 65-78°F. Smallmouth bass are establishing summer patterns, relating to deep structure and following baitfish schools. During early morning and evening, they move shallower to feed actively on points and break lines Fish are suspending near thermocline during midday heat, typically between 15-25 feet deep, using the lake's significant deep water as a comfort zone Key locations: Main lake points with gradual tapers where break lines intersect with the thermocline; Deep fish cribs and submerged wood in 15-25 foot range; Offshore structure near deep basins where baitfish schools congregate. Best techniques: Drop Shot with 3-4 inch soft plastics worked slowly along break lines, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along points and structure breaks, Ned Rigs worked through suspended fish near the thermocline. Primary forage: Smelt in deeper, cooler water, Small minnows in 2-4 inch range, Juvenile perch around structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Lake Trout on Grindstone Lake in Summer?

Water temp 48-52°F. Lake trout suspending in thermocline layer (30-45 feet) during summer, making periodic moves to deeper water (50-65 feet) during peak daylight hours Actively feeding during early morning and late evening, following schools of smelt through the water column Showing cautious behavior due to fishing pressure, requiring finesse presentations and natural movements Key locations: Deep water channels and ledges at 50-65 feet, especially where the elongated lake shape creates distinct structural elements; Thermocline transition zones near points and underwater humps at 30-45 feet; Areas where deep basin meets complex shoreline structure, creating ambush points for suspended baitfish. Best techniques: Trolling Deep (20'+) with downriggers to target specific depth zones where lake trout are holding, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on sonar, using slow, subtle movements, Spoons worked vertically through suspended fish, matching the flutter of dying baitfish. Primary forage: Smelt schools suspending in open water, Other pelagic baitfish utilizing the thermocline layer, Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Grindstone Lake in Summer?

Water temp 72-82°F. Actively feeding along weed edges and creek/river inflow areas, primarily during morning and evening periods Holding in 7-10 foot depths near submerged vegetation during midday, moving shallower during low light periods Key locations: Weed edges adjacent to creek or river inflows in 5-10 feet of water; Submerged vegetation beds with defined edges near deeper water; Protected coves with healthy weed growth. Best techniques: Wacky Rigs worked slowly through weed edges, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around thick vegetation, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) along weed edges. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrating around weed edges, Young of year baitfish emerging in vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Goldeye on Grindstone Lake in Summer?

Water temp 65-78°F. Fish are seeking turbid water zones, particularly during bright conditions, often utilizing wind-blown areas and tributary inflows Active feeding during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) in upper water column, moving deeper during bright midday hours Concentrating around areas where current or wind action increases food availability and turbidity Key locations: Wind-blown points and shorelines where turbidity increases; Deep basin edges near the 50-foot contour; Areas where tributaries or current create more turbid conditions. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Live Bait Rigs, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19'). Primary forage: Smelt schools in open water, Small invertebrates and zooplankton in turbid areas, Juvenile baitfish near weedlines. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Trout on Grindstone Lake in Fall?

Water temp 45-58°F. Trout are actively feeding in preparation for winter, following schools of smelt and other baitfish in the water column Fish are transitioning between deeper and shallower waters as fall turnover occurs, with most active periods during low-light conditions Key locations: Deep basin edges where 30-50 foot contours meet structure; Steep ledges and drop-offs adjacent to deep-water travel corridors; Suspended over main basin areas following baitfish schools. Best techniques: Trolling Deep (20'+) with downriggers following baitfish schools, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics, Spoons worked vertically through suspended bait balls. Primary forage: Smelt schools suspending in deep water, Various minnow species transitioning to deeper water, Young-of-year baitfish congregating in schools. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Grindstone Lake in Fall?

Water temp 48-62°F. Actively feeding on baitfish schools to build energy reserves for winter, following forage to deeper structure as water cools Transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding locations, making longer movements between feeding areas Key locations: Main lake points with access to deep water and baitfish schools; Break lines near fish cribs in 20-35 foot range; Steep contour changes where smallmouth can quickly adjust depth. Best techniques: Drop Shot with 3-4 inch baits worked slowly along break lines, Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along points and breaks. Primary forage: Smelt schools in deeper water, Minnows suspended near structure, Young-of-year baitfish. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Lake Trout on Grindstone Lake in Fall?

Water temp 45-55°F. Lake trout transitioning to shallower feeding patterns (25-45 feet) as water temperatures cool, actively pursuing pelagic baitfish (smelt) in open water and near structure Fish showing increased aggression but remaining cautious, making multiple passes at prey before committing to strikes Key locations: Deep water points and channels where depths transition from 40 to 70 feet; Suspended areas over main lake basin where smelt schools are present; Complex structural elements along the elongated basin where current flow concentrates baitfish. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with downriggers targeting suspended fish, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) working through the water column where fish are marked, Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes from pursuing lake trout. Primary forage: Smelt schools suspending in open water, Juvenile cisco/whitefish near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Grindstone Lake in Fall?

Water temp 52-68°F. Actively feeding and following baitfish schools to build energy reserves for winter, with increased activity during cloudy days and dawn/dusk periods Moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging areas, particularly around sharp breaks and channel edges Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to creek/river inflows where baitfish concentrate; Sharp break lines transitioning from 8-15 feet to 20+ feet; Wood structure and points near deep water access. Best techniques: Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to deep weed edges and break lines, Spinnerbaits worked through scattered vegetation and around wood structure, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for mimicking larger baitfish schools. Primary forage: Schooling Baitfish (Shad and Young-of-Year Panfish), Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Goldeye on Grindstone Lake in Fall?

Water temp 45-60°F. Goldeye moving to deeper basins (30-50 feet) as water cools, following smelt and other forage fish Actively feeding during low-light periods, especially in areas where wind creates slight turbidity Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with fish concentrating in larger groups Key locations: Deep basin areas near structural transitions, particularly in 40-50 foot range; Wind-swept points and ledges where turbidity increases; Areas where deeper water meets submerged wood structure. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Trolling Deep (20'+), Spoons. Primary forage: Smelt schools in deep water, Small baitfish in transitional areas, Aquatic invertebrates near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Trout on Grindstone Lake in Winter?

Water temp 34-39°F. Trout actively feeding on suspended smelt schools, moving vertically through water column following forage Fish typically marking between 30-50 feet, making periodic movements shallower to feed Key locations: Deep basin areas 45-60 feet with nearby ledges; Deep water travel corridors along lake's length; Suspended areas over main lake basins where smelt schools concentrate. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Trolling Deep (20'+), Ice Fishing Spoons, Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Smelt schools suspended in deep water, Various small minnow species. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Lake Trout on Grindstone Lake in Winter?

Water temp 34-39°F. Lake trout suspending and actively moving through water column, showing cautious behavior patterns that require precise presentation Fish are holding in deep water zones (around 50 feet) but making vertical movements to feed on suspended baitfish Key locations: Deep water ledges and channels in 45-55 foot range; Suspended zones near structural elements where smelt congregate; Deep points and channel intersections where current creates baitfish aggregations. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Trolling Deep (20'+), Ice Fishing Spoons. Primary forage: Smelt schools suspended in deep water columns, Other pelagic baitfish utilizing deep water habitat. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Goldeye on Grindstone Lake in Winter?

Water temp 34-42°F. Goldeye are likely concentrating in deeper water basins (30-50 feet) where water temperature remains more stable during winter season Fish are schooling in areas with increased turbidity, particularly near deep structural transitions where current or wind action creates favorable conditions Key locations: Deep basin areas near structural transitions, particularly in 40-50 foot range; Areas where deep ledges intersect with the main basin; Locations where wind action or current increases turbidity in deeper water. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Spoons, Blade Baits. Primary forage: Smelt schools in deep water, Small invertebrates and zooplankton, Juvenile baitfish in suspended schools. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Trout on Grindstone Lake in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Trout suspending and actively moving through water column at 50 FOW, showing typical pelagic behavior with varying activity levels based on fishing pressure Fish marking on electronics but being selective in their feeding, likely due to abundant smelt forage in the area Key locations: Deep basin areas around 50 feet of water where trout are holding; Ledges and transitional areas between deep basins and shallower water; Mid-column suspended areas where trout are actively feeding. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Spoons - particularly 1/2 oz glow spoons tipped with live bait, Dead stick presentation with tungsten jigs and wax worms for finicky fish, Vertical Jigging Shallow with aggressive presentations using Ripping Raps for active fish. Primary forage: Smelt - primary forage noted as 'thick' in recent reports, Minnows - including fathead minnows being used as bait. Best bait colors: Pink Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Lake Trout on Grindstone Lake in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Lake trout are holding in deep water (50 FOW) around ledges, showing cautious behavior with fish following but not committing to presentations Fish are actively moving through the water column as evidenced by Livescope observations, likely feeding opportunistically on suspended baitfish Key locations: Deep water ledges in 45-55 feet of water; Deep structural transitions near primary lake basin; Deep water channels created by the lake's elongated shape. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs - specifically bucktail jigs tipped with minnows worked near bottom, Ice Fishing Spoons - particularly glow patterns to attract fish in deep water, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) - using aggressive jigging to trigger reaction strikes. Primary forage: Smelt - primary pelagic forage base, Small minnows - evidenced by successful minnow-tipped presentations. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.