there are going to be a bunch of people going there for the 1st time this weekend.  I was hoping to hit it before the tourney if for nothing else than where NOT to fish or even park.  If there's anyone willing to give a bit of advice, my 8yr old boy and I will appreciate.  We're going more for the adventure and experience, but would love to have at least a chance of catching some fish.  PM's work, but then again, if you put it here, those of us new to the lake would all still be on the same level, just with a bit of info we didn't before.  Thanks in advance if anyone does share.

I can think of 2 distinct areas that will get you onto some fish. These are the areas that most all of the tourney fishermen will fish...because they are popular well known spots.

1) Walk right off fireman's beach and head strait across the lake (east). There is a large weedbed about 1/2 way across the lake...it is prevalent all year. Maybe 8-10 FOW. Gills and pike seem predominate here. You can even head a little to the south east and find some good humps with weeds.

2) Walk strait off the commission launch (by the park). Walk about 300-400 yards and try and find the drop from 4' to around 10'. The weeds will be off the bottom up around 4' from the bottom and there can be good fishing just above the weeds. To get to the big guys IMHO, fish deep into the weeds.

3) A long walk...but worth mentioning. I am not going to mention how to access this spot from private property, but if walk off of fireman's beach and continue completely across the lake....head to the north east. There is a "point" notably visible by the flag pole. It is very close to the "Iroquois club". Find the weed edge and drop from 4-5' off the shore, to wear it goes to 12-20 FOW. Fish the ledge and move around. It is a honey hole.....but is very hard to get to coming off any public access point.

i fished there yesterday most places at least 5 to 6 inches of black ice with some white ice on top.

thanks so much for all the info, and the ice update.  that sounds like enough to get us started.  I do know the rule when it comes to fishing new ice... if there are lots of huts close together, start there.  It sounds like a good walk, no matter where.  I won't mind catching a bunch of gills with the boy while we stare at the tip-ups, even tho gils aren't on the prize list. 

Next question:  camera or vex ???   I think I've read that Conneaut is yet another of those murky inland lakes.  I've used both on Canadohta, and neither worked very well between the silt messing the camera up, and all the brush piles and junk floating there. 

Depending on the time of year...Conneaut lake can be a very clear lake. Last weekend the lake had pretty good clarity for a camera. I can only imagine that this will get better as the year progresses. A vex, for me, is always a must and the camera falls a close second. My opinion, bring both.

Also, the spots I spoke of are where most people go, but don't let me discourage you from trying a little different area. There are some excellent weedbeds all around the lake. There is also decent fishing without the walk, but for me it is hit or miss. I know the lake fairly well and these are the areas I typically focus on. Watch around the docks, the bubblers can make for bad ice quite a few feet from them. They seem to be all around the marina docks.

I will say this about Conneaut lake.....You never know where the fish are holding. Never hurts to drop a couple holes in right off the bank....it get's deep pretty quick and the fish can stack up on the ledges. And as I have said before : It never hurts to put a large shiner on a tip up 4-5' below the ice . This lake has a good population of pike....

with the cam could easily see both out lures on screen in mid to 20s.  you can see your lure till about 6 to 8 foot down the hole easily.  there are giants lurking in that lake, you just have to find them and make them bite.  

Where: Conneaut Lake, PA
When : January 29th
Time: 7am - 5pm
Entry Fee: $10.00
Prizes:Cash to the longest fish in each category: Musky, Pike, Walleye, Crappie, Perch. Tie breaker will be the weight of the fish.

Timberland Bait Shop
36320 Dutch Hill Road
Union City, PA 16438
814-694-3474
We have a full line of fishing tackle and live bait!!!

Our first Ice Fishing Tournament at Conneaut Lake! You can purchase tickets at Timberland Bait in advance or the morning of the tourney. We will have weigh-ins/setup at Firemans Beach! Please check out our website at timberlandbait.com or feel free to call our shop 814-694-3474 or Jerry's cell 814-882-8369. Don't forget to bring your walkie talkies!

For all you tourney goers....here's an old thread w/ an even older map of conneaut.
Link---> http://forums.fishusa.com/m_96416/mpage_1/key_conneaut%252Cmap/tm.htm#96416
The spots 58 fastwin mentioned are good starting points, but there's lots of options if you're up for a drag.
Many bars, points and humps.

As always, everyone use caution.
Lots of unexplored ice out there, as this was the last lake around to lock up tight.
Good luck to all.

Justin ,
          Ice is great out on Conneaut LK plenty of snow mobiles , quads and a 4x4 MULE runnin on that ice LOL all 8 inches of it . Fishin was slow for us but did catch some Perch & Pike .

Does anyone have any idea if conneaut will be fishable friday after this extened warm up this week i know the low tonight is supposed to be 13 but thursday and friday lows are only in the low 40's was wondering if the edges will still be ok to get onto the lake i havent been there at all this year was hopin to be able to go on friday but mother nature is tring to screw that up.