Water Dogs

Question
Hello,
I live in Colorado and I am new to ice fishing. Last year I went to try my luck at Elevenmile Res. near Fairplay. I didn't catch a darn thing. When I went to the local bait shop to ask for tips the guy said to buy a water dog. Where might I find one for ice fishing. Do they make a lure, or do I have to buy the live ones? I don't think anyone stocks live one in Denver. Thanks- Lewis

Answer
Hi Lewis,

I think it's going to be nearly impossible to find a live waterdog at this time of the year.  I am guessing that you are going after Northern Pike with a bait like that.  I'd suggest a large golden shiner (live) or a frozen smelt, both fished under a tip-up.

I'm guessing that Colorado allows multiple lines, so you could have a baitfish out on a tip-up (or two) and jig with a second (or third)rod.  I know that there are Kokanee in that Res. so you could try a small jigging spoon like a Swedish Pimple or a Kastmaster.  Something in silver with an orange stripe.  You can fish it bare or tip it with a minnow, minnow head, wax-worm, or a Gulp product.

Back to the waterdogs, the only place I know where they use them on a regular basis is in Texas.  There was a place in TX that would Fed-x them to you a dozen at a time (about $3 a piece) in a cooler but the last time I talked with them they were closed.  Here in WI I used to be able get them in the '80's.  Now there are all kinds of amphibian licenses that the dealers need and it's too much trouble to carry them, so they stopped.

Drill lots of holes, stay at it and you will catch some pike.  They are very active in winter.

Good fishing,

Marc