Hotspotoutdoors

Mark your calendars for what has turned into one of the highlights of the hard water season!


When is the event
Sat Feb 28th 2009 8am


What will we be catching?
Channel Catfish with an occasional Walleye,crappie and Rock Bass mixed in

Where is the event?
Cool Cats will be on the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes located near Richmond/Cold Spring MN. Roughly 1.5 hrs Northwest of the Twin Cites. From 94 take 23 west to Richmond and then take 22 south to the lake.
We will be fishing the Methane or "Meth" hole. There are two popular points of access. The best one to use for vehicles is the winter access. Please monitor this thread closer to the event to confirm current ice conditions.








What should I bring?
First and foremost, a big smile, because you will be using it a lot
Typically we use basic walleye gear for catching the cats. We will set up one pole with an Ice Buster bobber or equivalent and a plain red hook with a cut piece of minnow (Fathead or Golden shiner) set just above the bottom, and then jig with the other pole rigged with a jigging spoon/minnow head. JB Lures Rattling Varmint in glow red is favorite among the catters.
A spring bobber has proven to be helpful for the light bite days.

Also as in years past, we will be having a potluck at noon, so bring along a favorite food item to share. Hopefully we can work out frying up some catfish as well.

Bring along the whole family and stay for a couple hours or stay all day.

We will try to get a bunch of holes punched for those that don't have an auger.

Click here to see the recap from last year


Hope to see you all there!

Count me in to help again this year. I can bring the big table again. Once we get closer I will get in contact with you.

I think Team Otter and myself are going to try to make it to this!

Mrs boilerguy and I have this one on our calendars. I've never been to this event but I've heard enough stories about it to let me know I need to be there!!!!

Cats on the ice are great. Bring your walleye rod.

I really want to try to make this one this year. Looks like you guys had a blast last year, I just couldn't make it.

I say the same thing every year but something always comes up to prevent me from going. The only year I was set to go, we got a butt load of snow right before and it was canceled. Go figure.

I'll put it down and try to be there. It'd be great to ice some cats.

This is always a fun event!

You can count me in for sure! Although Boilerguy may not show up if I do.....I have a reputation for "shutting down" lakes, especially when he is around...

For anyone that has not chased those channels with ice gear, its a great time. Bring your walleye gear and you should be good to go.

I will be there again this year. I will bring my fillet knife this time

count me in

Man I love chasing everything thru the ice with my Tica 500 and St.Croix Avid ultra light. Cats thru the ice on the ultra light, bring on the fun.

If you tie into a larger channel, the UL might not be enough.

Dang, I will be in WI over this weekend, Hopefully I can make it next year.

Looks to be a nice ride in your avatar SomethingFshy.

woohoo, we got a date. I can't wait, after last year I got hooked on fishing cats and got some fishing in this summer. Now lets see if I can pick up one this winter over the 19in mark (all I caught at last years event).

Bummer dude, sorry you cant' make it

It's always a good time!

I definitely spend a lot more time talking than fishing at this event. Lots of good folks, fishing, food and stories.

i will be there but am curious as to why not the first saturday in march like it always has been before . no biggie like i said just curious. ... paul

It has always been the first Sat after the close of Walleye season. This way, the Walleye people can come too and not miss out on that last weekend.

Usually that is the first Sat of March, but not this year.

Can not miss the Cool Cats!

This year I am going more the food, than the fish

I have fished for cats out there before and it is a blast I'm going to try and make this yr and it is marked on the calender

If all goes well, I can make it this year... been a few years now since I have been able to get there.. I miss the fun there.. We bid shifts now and I will know my schedule very soon. Can't wait.