Banks Lake Winter Tactics

[rl206]

Hey everyone,
A buddy and I are doing a spur of the moment trip to Banks Monday night through Tuesday despite the forecast
of High 19* Low 6 hahahaha
I have only been there once before.
I have read the previous threads but was wondering if any one had some pointers for that lake or for just this time of year.
We plan on launching from Northrup Launch ( I believe?) just north of Steamboat, we have a small motor so will be sticking around that area the whole time.
Were targeting smallies and largies if we can find any, anything is appreciated.
I was there last Sunday and did pretty good from shore but am syked to be in a boat!
Thanks!

[Fish-N-Fool]

All I can say is, Your nuts!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wish I was there NOT
Hope you dont freeze to death. Good Luck I think you will need it. :cyclopsan

[basspro]

If I had the guts to fish in this weather I would be fishing in the 32-45 foot zone. If your coming out of Northrup I would head over to Steamboat Rock and work the point and back side of steamboat. Sometimes smallies will just stack in this area. My best luck has been wth 176 Yamamoto Hula Grubs on 1/2-3/4 oz football jig heads.

Be safe.

Russ

[rl206]

Well, I made an attempt, I talked w/ someone who lives on the lake.
He said the fishin was on fire even though the weather wasnt.
I attempted to go but, decided after a few close encounters w/ other drivers I didnt have good enough insurance haha
Ill probably head there next week., thanks for the info and good luck lol

[Amx]

Good that you didn't attempt it. Fishing can wait a week until the snowing stops. :-)

[BMGW]

God, I hope your boat is an ICE BREAKER!

[rl206]

I was wondering...
but I was there Sunday before last and the water temps were still somewhat close to 50.
Does anyone know if its frozen over?

[afk]

I would suggest a call to Big Wallys.

[skeeter bassin]

Try Coulee Playland

(509) 633-2671

[mav186]

I would suggest a call to Big Wallys.

FYI...the south end (Coulee City) will typically be the first to freeze. I'd call Wally's first and ask if Donny's in the tackle shop by chance. The trout will be showing on the Wall side during winter.

[rl206]

I gave up for the year
My heater core went out and after seeing Spokane, I decided it was a dumb idea hahaha, not that it wasnt in the first place...

[Amx]

Good choice. I was worried about you trying to go over there in that weather. Spring is coming and the fishing should be better then anyway. And WARMER!

[rl206]

Yeah, I did go out during the snow around here and after 40 mins on the water our line froze on our eyelets and line guider on our reels.
it was pretty nuts lol

[Anonymous]

That's why I don't go fishing during the winter anymore, too cold for this old dude. And I use to do a LOT of dog sledding and have driven in stuff like that, not anymore if I can help it. I'm wimpafide. lol

Maybe on a WARM day, say about 50 degrees I might. Did last Feb and March. But then I usually start fishing again in March anyway.

[rl206]

I totally understand,
I had another strike against me as my waders got a slow leak in them, THEN
another slow leak, in the other leg hahaha
so its def. out of the picture lol

[Anonymous]

I acually thought about going bass fishing today. The sun was out. Woulda had to dump in 5 gals of lawnmower/generator gas, but that'll work too. lol