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.

Recommended Posts

How's the lake doing after the mighty winter we had last winter. I haven't got out there since the ice left so just wondering if it's worth it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 137
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • jigginjim

    13

  • 20lbSloughShark

    13

  • RuddyDuck

    11

  • RumRiverRat

    10

Top Posters In This Topic

Posted Images

I'm planning on trying it. I haven't heard from people who have been out, but I have seen boats out there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

my take on it is this. yes there was the big winter kill but I have to believe that some fish made it. the other thing is the fish that did make it will have less pressure out there then in the past. If I was to fish the lake I wouldn't say anything to anyone if you do find them. I think you will see people out there here and there but it won't be like it was, atleast not for a few years. as for the draw down. I don't think that will hurt anything, it actually might help hold the fish to certain deeper areas only.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My thoughts exactly, there is no way in a lake that big every fish died. The pike that lived aught to be well fed. Definitely don't post your catch here if you do find any.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Giant Pike are still being caught from what my sources have said.

Something about a ditch connected to another lake that allowed the Giant Pike to escape and survive the low Oxygen levels.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The numbers are down but hey the pressure is down! But you are out there because you have seen others out there-spray on your invisible spray, wait no such thing so others will see you and think they should give it a try. Or give it a break by giving it a break-Denial is part of the grieving process. Not just being flip, I've had a couple of gems freeze, both great crappie lakes close to home-now I can choose size or #s (not both) Couple might have both on the right day-Oh well part of the sport.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If I find some nice crappie and norts out there this winter I'm not saying nothing! Lol. That lake was nuts with ppl the last few winters

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Me and couple other guys been hammering them out there. Head strait to the east side of the south bay and hold on tight, I can get you coordinates if I need to. You can use corn for bait it don't matter they will hit on just about anything. Don't say anything to anybody.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Giant Pike are still being caught from what my sources have said.

Something about a ditch connected to another lake that allowed the Giant Pike to escape and survive the low Oxygen levels.

Haha that will never get old

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Me and couple other guys been hammering them out there. Head strait to the east side of the south bay and hold on tight, I can get you coordinates if I need to. You can use corn for bait it don't matter they will hit on just about anything. Don't say anything to anybody.

You're secret is safe with me...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The secrets out, giant pike are still there! I was out last night and got one of them from the secret hole. He sure battled.

full-39012-48132-pike_080714(450x600).jp

Ok, back to reality. Me and my Black Lab fished for a few hours last night and that is the only fish we got. I saw very little surface activity compared to the past few years. Well, I did see one freshly dead bullhead floating and I did see one big group of minnows with something smaller chasing them, which I assume was probably another one of those little pike. In past years I would hear alot of panfish snapping in the cattails and shallows and last night I didn't hear a one. Did hear and see a loon though! It was peaceful out there. I saw quite a few ducks and some geese in the evening.

There were two other boats out, but they didn't stay too long.

Good luck to those going out and chasing the giants! I'll be crossing it off my list for the rest of this year and probably next year too. My guess is that what survived was probably a few small pike and other smaller fish.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On another note, turns out I was on TV. On Minnesota Bound, they did an episode about pelican lake (episode 700). At one point they are interviewing one of the guys testing of oxygen, and you can see my fish house and truck right over his left shoulder. I thought it was pretty funny. Its a black hub house and white ford.

Edit:

14:06

We caught plenty of fish that day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I guess what happens is fathead minnows explode on freeze out lakes making fishing even more difficult but actually helps the fish. Let it heal, learn to duck hunt!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have seen lot of small gills, and minnows to no end, give it 5 years, history will repeat it self.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have seen lot of small gills, and minnows to no end, give it 5 years, history will repeat it self.

Give history a chance? That's not in the plans for that lake is it?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wait 5 years? Go ahead but if you have another nasty winter within that 5 years reset your wait clock to zero. Lotta great lakes that don't freeze out too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If winters get light again, with normal snow falls, it could happen. All the talk about draining lake is long over. The lake is almost higher this year than in many years past. If the duck production is low, they can't blame boats, there was enough water.

I think the gills that have made it, will grow fast, maybe be 1/2 pounders in 3-4 years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Why wouldn't they now? If they are going to do it, it should be this year, or never. Water levels are down, little risk of flooding, most of the fish are gone, now is the time to do it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You dont just decide one day to start draining a 5000 acres lake....

Its in process and is on a timeline.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • 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.