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West Metro Lakes


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Hey All,

Just looking for some information. There is alot of great lakes in our area. Just wondering what you all think are the best lakes out there this summer so far that are clear and are great pike lakes. I have had some great pike bites over the summer when im out bass fishing, but just want to get some information from you guys.

Thanks for the help.

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Tonka is one of my favorite lakes for just about everything, pike included.

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Many good lakes to the west, hard to top tonka unless you dont like the crowds and you cant get out early. What kind of lake are you looking for when you say "great pike" lake, that will vary depending on if you want numbers or size. Lots of lakes choked with snakes, some lakes with few yet big pike.

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BnS,

I do not have a boat and have little expertise but I have seen some nice 30+ inch pike pulled from Mitchell Lake - small lake, few boats, what more could you want ;-).

BobbyK

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I've always liked Pierson because it's kind of secluded and you usually catch 24-30 inch Pike fairly consistently. However, this year I'm absolutely striking out on that lake, not to mention everywhere else I seem to go. I guess it's the cooler summer and I just can't figure out the pattern--I only get out a few times a month now that I'm a proud papa. another cool thing about Pierson is that when you're fishing for pike, there's always a good potential of a Tiger Muskie on the the other end of the line.

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I think wasserman is a good little lake. You cant go wrong just trolling out there. Lots of plus size northerns and a good shot at a tiger muskie too. Minnewashta is another good lake if you can get out early enough to beat some of the recreation boaters. Anywhere along the weed lines out there hold lots of fish. Pretty clear water too.

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BnS,

I do not have a boat and have little expertise but I have seen some nice 30+ inch pike pulled from Mitchell Lake - small lake, few boats, what more could you want ;-).

BobbyK

thanks for the information. Is this a clear lake, with no slot?

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I believe you are correct, no slot on Mitchell but clear? Right now it is green with maybe 3 feet of visibility at the most. Last year at this time it was quite a bit clearer.

Good luck if you go.

BobbyK

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Mitchell lake 10 hp motor max. only one part of the lake is deep i would start there.

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Independence is a good choice also, big pike and big muskies.

Waconia puts out some monsters too.

If numbers is your game, and size isnt too important, there is Lake Martha just north of rockford. Small lake but full of pike from what I have heard, read, and experienced.

If you want clear water, Little Long Lake just west of mound is amazingly clear, stocked with trout, quite a few small pike and a few monsters lurking in the deep(good luck finding them!) This lake is popular for spearing.

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I think there were a few spear houses out last winter when i was out on Mitchell sunfishing. Saw a huge pike come through on the cam, must have been atleast 33-35 inches as it came right up to the camera. Dont overlook it as a bass lake either, its got some potential there too.

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Its been a few years since I've fished Indy. but last time out there it was insane. We always fished it during week days and it was always packed. Last time out a storm squall came up and the landing had 20+ boats waiting in a hail storm. That was 3pm midweek.

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I have fished Indy one time. One of my friends took me out there in his boat about 10 years ago. The first spot we hit was the point to the right of the landing. I caught a 24" walleye and a 38" muskie within about 15 minutes of each other. I was throwing a silver rattle trap. We fished around a few other structures, including a couple mid-lake areas with only a few small bass to show for our efforts. I drive by it once in ahwile during winter on my way to spear other lakes and it looks pretty active out there. I know they took the spearing ban off a few years ago, but I have only heard limited reports, but a few nice fish have been seen for sure!

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Bavaria for a few pike, Waconia for a little of everything, Auburn or Whaletail for bassing, and Steiger and Medicine for pike, bass, and panfish. And the many other lakes listed.

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ya i was going to say. That and Hydes gets smoked in the winter time.

Anyone know anything about Zumbro in Victoria? Pike lake?

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I fished parley for the very first time this past winter, so was curious. Marked lot's of fish, but only caught 1 pot bellied perch. Wanted to fish it this spring, but it didn't workout.

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Zumbro has some pike but more of a bass lake. Minnetonka pike bite is going pretty good. Cranks and 20ft depths. For cranks use Rap DTs, Warts, or some other fat bodied lure. Minnow type baits are not as productive.

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I'm with markstanley on the Zumbro comment. I've never boated there but have fished near shore and had some good luck on the weedlines with the bucket's.

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Zumbra isn't worth your time for Pike BnS. Zumbro is down by rochester Zumbra is in Victoria.

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