Coleharbor area eaters?

guywhofishes

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Hi guys. I'm headed to Coleharbor today to take mom fishing. I have galwhofishes and my long lost daughter (diver in Cozumel home for a visit) in tow.

Any advise on how/where to find some eater eyes or perch in that area would be much appreciated!

(Thinking Coal Lake or the spillway channel at this point.)
 


DirtyMike

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My father in law said they don't allow boat access to coal anymore. When we left downstream campground on Sunday, there were a ton of boats at the mouth of the spillway channel
 

Paddledogger

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Speaking of the spillway pond area or tailrace for that matter, what are some typical lures or presentations fishermen use on the river. I tried the east side of the lake last weekend and only found a couple fish. But they were some good healthy fish. I need to find more fish to have a family fish fry over the 4th. #$%^&>
 


guywhofishes

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My father in law said they don't allow boat access to coal anymore. When we left downstream campground on Sunday, there were a ton of boats at the mouth of the spillway channel

can anybody confirm this???

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(about Coal Lake)
 

tikkalover

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I have heard for the last couple weeks the race has been good. I can't tell you personally, because I haven't had my boat in the water yet this year. :( ;:;banghead
 

RustyTackleBox

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I have heard people have been doing well on Audubon... not sure where or what presentation... but east end of sak is still slow, yes you CAN catch a couple but if you are looking for more than 1 an hour it is probably not going to happen... I tried a couple places on the east end last night and came home with a 0, cranks, jigs, jigging raps all got me nothing but weeds and trees
 

jdinny

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can anybody confirm this???

- - - Updated - - -

(about Coal Lake)

unless it just happened recently ( last 2 weeks) no its false. work up there and heard there was boats in there all last fall and this spring.

I cant confirm this though. so dirty may be right

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I did drive by it on 200 yesterday and see there is a helluva trail on the east side of the lake that goes quite a ways south . not sure why a WPA would have that but it seems to me that's a good way to get it closed to the public.....
 

DirtyMike

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My FIL was there in his boat this spring as well. The last time he was there he noticed signs by the access that said no boating/pwc. He doesn't drink so I usually can rule that out. He has done well from shore there as well.

I would try to get to the mouth of the spillway early to beat some boats. I bet there were 30-40 on sunday morning. I also wouldn't shy away from bringing the waders with and hitting the downstream shoreline.
 


jdinny

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dirty, no shit huh?

well ill do Nodak angler a favor. I go up for work there tomorrow I will take my bonny on a gravel road excursion and confirm this.
 

johnr

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My FIL was there in his boat this spring as well. The last time he was there he noticed signs by the access that said no boating/pwc. He doesn't drink so I usually can rule that out. He has done well from shore there as well.

I would try to get to the mouth of the spillway early to beat some boats. I bet there were 30-40 on sunday morning. I also wouldn't shy away from bringing the waders with and hitting the downstream shoreline.

And you still trust him?
Grandpa always said "never trust a man who doesn't drink"
 

JUSTWINGNIT

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I believe the signs say no recreational boating. AKA tubing, skiing, wakeboarding that kind of stuff. and no jet skis. its for fishing purposes only.
 

DirtyMike

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And you still trust him?
Grandpa always said "never trust a man who doesn't drink"

Well he does, but not like me.

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I believe the signs say no recreational boating. AKA tubing, skiing, wakeboarding that kind of stuff. and no jet skis. its for fishing purposes only.

this is good news
 

Coyote Hunter

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And you still trust him?
Grandpa always said "never trust a man who doesn't drink"

JUSTWINGNIT is correct. The NDGF didn't want to restrict motor size or make it no wake because the lake is almost 3 miles long and it would take a while to get from one end to the other (if you are fishing or hunting). So, they didn't limit the size or speed. They did not want people recreational boating on it... so they banned that use. Good call from the NDGF!

It has been that way since the WMA was donated from the Falkirk Mine and Great River Energy and opened as a Wildlife Management Area.
 


Hookin8easy

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By early to the pilot channel is 530 ish, was there Saturday, pulled up to ramp at 5 and there was 15 in the water already and we were in a line to put in, tried chutes for a bit then went south to pilot channel, keepers is a loose term from what we had and seen, many fish under 14", busy but small
 

johnr

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I think you would fit in better over on some Minnesota waters...filthy hippie...
 

jdinny

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it seems the debate was settled last night. those guys are correct. I stopped down at the ramp just now. the sign reads
" motorized watercraft allowed for wildlife dependent activites only. no personal watercraft or jet skiis allowed. the sign next to it reads. ' there is no designated swimming areas on lake."
side ote road is god getting in a bit washboarded
ramp is gravel/rock no dock
good luck tight lines. if you se a old shitty star craft with 3 young boys acing like 3 young boys just wave its likely me

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few typos in there is see......wont let me edit it.
 

johnr

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As I read the original post, it appears as though the day of fishing happened yesterday. He has yet to report, so I am guessing the bite was slow, or he is too high...haha
 


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