Got out to Birch Lake the first time this season last Saturday, I didn’t get anything but a buddy and his kids did great. I didn’t care I got skunked, I got all the fun I needed watching those kids(7 and 9)catch their first cold fish (and I think first fish ever)!!
Most of those are rainbow trout, a couple small silver salmon. They could have limited out, but put a lot of little ones back.
I had Something about twice that size on the line once, as did my buddy… Bugger got off just shy of the ice both times, stayed just long enough for us to see him each time! Bloody teaser!
Getting ready to hit another favorite spot this coming Saturday. About 13″ of ice according to F&G ice reports, up from the 8″ last week. Usually a lot more by this time of year but we’ve had the mildest fall/winter so far that I can remember in 25 years..
He got a new auger, one of those gear boxed suckers that goes on a cordless drill (works phenomenally! ).
They wanted to give me something as a thanks for helping out with some stuff last month, so they gave me his gas auger. Absolutely floored me!
8″auger, 43cc motor, Eskimo, came with an extension bar too.
I’ve been ice fishing 3 or 4 years now and have Never had an auger, even a hand one or even a ice chisel! Always go with someone that has gear, or use a hole already open that someone’s vacated, ask a favor of someone to drill me one etc.
Big game changer for me, really opens up where and when I can go now!
Sizing up to be a good season. Got a couple gear mods to make posts for soon, and some other new gear too.
Should be back with another trip report in a couple days, hopefully with at least one fish of my own this time!
Alaskan, Adventurer, Engineer. 
Great! And good luck!