Ice fishing Mackay

Thanks for your interest in ice fishing Mackay Reservoir.  As you note, the lake does not always freeze completely over, which means there can be thin ice in certain areas, and possibly around the edge.  The reservoir is generally filling during the winter, which means it is increasing in size.  As such, there will likely be thin spots in certain areas.  You should be careful when accessing the ice, and pay attention to where other anglers are.  Check the ice conditions as you progress by drilling holes periodically to judge the ice thickness, and avoid areas with less than 4 to 6 inches of ice. Mackay supports great populatins of both rainbow trout and kokanee. Both species are vunerable to ice fishing techniques, and can readily be caught when they are actively feeding.  For trout, try a small jig (1/16 oz to 1/4 oz) tipped with a mealworm, nightcrawler or waxworm.  Drop the jig down to the bottom, and then reel up about a foot.  Actively move the jig up and down, and experiment with the speed and magnitude of the movement until you figure out what the fish are looking for.  For kokanee, use a flashy spoon (like a swedish pimple or similar spoon) with a very small pink jig tied about a foot to 18" below.  Tip the jig with a small mealworm.  Start fishing about 10 feet below the ice, and work your way progressively deeper unitl you find the school of fish.  They can use any depth, so experiment until you find where the kokanee are.  Jigging followed by periods where you let the jig hang motinless for a few seconds can be very productive for kokanee. If you have additiona questions, feel free to call the IDFG regional office at 525-7290.