Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Why no one fishes Island lake?


Recommended Posts

I fish Island Lake all the time in the summer, but why does no one fish it in the winter? Can you not drive on the ice, is it not safe? I would think it would be a good crappie and walleye lake for ice fishing, but everyone fishes Fish, which I will only do if I'm extremely desperate, too much pressure. I want to drive to some spots on Island, but I kinda get the feeling its not safe. Any responses would be great. Thanks guys.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouldnt drive unless I knew the ice the whole way I was going. I would snowmobile or 4 wheel though. There are spots you can drive on with no issues but others can be tricky. If you have a sled/wheeler take that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

Been saying it for years. There are no roads, resorts, and the landings aren't plowed. Guys that want instant success won't find it on Island lake because theres no crowd.

Stay away from the dam, bridge, inlet, and humps caused by lowering water level and you'll be fine. Its not any harder to find fish on Island lake then any other lake that isn't crowded. Had a house out there for years and never saw anyone else.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would have to agree with ST. I grew up on Island lake and have ice fished it many times. I have had some real decent days out there. If at all posible, have a GPS with a chip that shows structure. Find something that looks good, and work the edges. Dont be afraid to work deeper water 25-35 during the day, then move shallower as the the day goes on. You will probably do just as good as some of the other lakes, with out all the pressure. Good Luck. Hope this helps.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok so wich one of you guys wants to go find some of those pig Crappies on Island. I have Thurs-Sun off. Ill be hitting the last few days of walleyes on the river in the afternoon but will be hitting crappies someplace in the mornings.

I have a sled and GPS so lets do it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sounds like it could be a great time, if ya see anyone out there in a green otter cabin might as well say hello!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Steve, I would be with ya..............but I'm heading to ATL tomorrow for the weekend.......maybe next week sometime?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Steve I would go in a heartbeat, but i have a basement to finish. I am almost done and the open water is comming soon. We will have to hook up the end of march early april. Chase some Salmon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

Steve, we'll get out on a weekday.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the info guys. I'd like to get out there for some pig crappies too, so let me know the next time you're going out northlander.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.