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.

Big Northerns???

Guest
 Share

Recommended Posts

Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

I will be up around Squaw Lake this weekend and part of next week. I have been on a mission for years to catch a pike in the 18 - 20 lb. class. Obviously, some lakes have a better reputation for producing these than others. Can anyone give me some advice on what lakes to try for a big pike. I have fished the 3rd river, Dixon, Winnie and Middle Pigeon. All of the pike I have caught have been on the smaller side. We caught quite a few on Round and a couple of them were 'decent', but no real 'hogs'.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
redhooks Proficient

redhooks

Posted
Posted

Hey FishinBrian86- I do all my pike fishing on the ice so I don't have much info but if your already up at squaw I'd just keep driving another hour and fish UpperRed for gators-they are in there and you might be able to find some more info on the URL forum. Good Luck,tightlines and please practice CPR!
redhooks

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Greg Clusiau Experienced

Greg Clusiau

Posted
Posted

FishinBrian86:

You're sure picking a tough time to get a big northern. Most of the real trophies are down deep at this time of year, depending on the lake, obviously. Pick a lake that has a cisco population and troll big baits down in the 25-35 foot mark and you just might get lucky.

Some of the trout lakes (Trout, Caribou, Larson, etc.) have big fish. I've got some hand-painted musky baits that look like rainbows just for this purpose.

Otherwise, pick a lake that has a reputation for big pike and soak a big minnow under a bobber. Try the Third River area on Big Winnie, Swan Lake, Trout Lake, Pokegama, etc.

Still better off to try around Labor Day.

------------------
Jaw Breaker Guide Service
Phone: 218 778-0087
[email protected]
http://fishtec.com/guide.htm

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jigglestick Veteran

jigglestick

Posted
Posted

fb86, i would have to second redhooks notion of running up to the big red. they bit pretty good from what i understand last weekend. real solid chance for fish between 12 - 20 lbs. troll very flashy baits tipped with a sucker or large shiner. tough line and proper drag set should get you in the best odds of sucess. good luck where ever you choose to go.

------------------
summer is just the dog days of winter jigglestick I.B.O.T.#5 have you clamped today???

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

Thanks to everyone that responded! I think I will take the run up to URL and give that a shot. It is always nice to at least have the chance at a big one!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • jparrucci
      water levels

      By jparrucci · Posted

      Very low, probably 2 feet lower than last year at ice out.
    • mbeyer
      water levels

      By mbeyer · Posted

      what do they look like this spring?
    • SkunkedAgain
      Ice-Out 2024

      By SkunkedAgain · Posted

      I might have missed a guess, but here are the ones that I noted:   JerkinLips – March 27th, then April 7th Brianf. – March 28th Bobberwatcher – April…. MikeG3Boat – April 10th SkunkedAgain – early April, then April 21st   Definitely a tough year for guesses, as it seemed to be a no-brainer early ice out. Then it got cold and snowed again.
    • mbeyer
      Ice-Out 2024

      By mbeyer · Posted

      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • Brianf.
      Ice-Out 2024

      By Brianf. · Posted

      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      Ice-Out 2024

      By CigarGuy · Posted

      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      Ice-Out 2024

      By Brianf. · Posted

      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      Ice-Out 2024

      By CigarGuy · Posted

      So, that was you in the camo lund? I'm bummed, I have to head back to the cities tomorrow for a few days, then back up for at least a few weeks. Got the dock in and fired up to get out chasing some crappies till opener!
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      Sturgeon Fishing is Hot

      By LakeofthewoodsMN · Posted

      On the south end...   Lots of ice on the main basin, but it is definitely deteriorating.  Some anglers have been fishing the open water at the mouth of the Rainy River in front of the Lighthouse Gap.  The rest of the basin is still iced over. Pike enthusiasts caught some big pike earlier last week tip up fishing in pre-spawn areas adjacent to traditional spawning areas.  8 - 14' of water using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring has been the ticket.  Ice fishing for all practical purposes is done for the year. The focus for the basin moving forward will be pike transitioning into back bays to spawn,  This is open water fishing and an opportunity available as the pike season is open year round on Lake of the Woods. 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. With both the ice fishing and spring fishing on the Rainy River being so good, many are looking forward to the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11th.  It should be epic. On the Rainy River...  An absolutely incredible week of walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rain Rainy River.     Walleye anglers, as a rule, caught good numbers of fish and lots of big fish.  This spring was one for the books.   To follow that up, the sturgeon season is currently underway and although every day can be different, many boats have caught 30 - 40 sturgeon in a day!  We have heard of fish measuring into the low 70 inch range.  Lots in the 60 - 70 inch range as well.   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...  Open water is continuing to expand in areas with current.  The sight of open water simply is wetting the pallet of those eager for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.   A few locals were on the ice this week, targeting pike.  Some big slimers were iced along with some muskies as well.  If you like fishing for predators, LOW is healthy!  
    • Brianf.
      Ice-Out 2024

      By Brianf. · Posted

      Early bird gets the worm some say...   I have it on good authority that this very special angler caught no walleyes or muskies and that any panfish caught were released unharmed.        
×
×
  • 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.

  I accept