Lake Independence

[fly]

I would like to give Independence a shot for some eyes and some crappies. What kind of bait would I use, Leeches/minnows? Any info on this lake would be helpful. I heard it was mostly a muskie lake, but it does have some eyes. I forgot to add, are there any bait stores in the area and where are they?

Regards and Good Fishin?

[This message has been edited by fly (edited 05-28-2003).]

[Mr. Pike1]

Fly. I wish I could give you advise on Independance. I hear great things about the lake but in all the times I have ever fished this lake it has been some of the worst fishing I have ever experienced in my 25 plus years on the water. I guess everyone has their back pocket lake and their lake that they are cursed on and to this point Independance is mine. The only reason I will go there again is to try to break the curse. Concerning bait there is Erickson's right on highway 12 just past the lake.

[Mr. Pike1]

Fly, funny you should mention the big V. My inlaws just bought a place on the East side by Cherry Island. I will going up there June 7th-11th for some Walleye action. If you know some hot spots please share. If you are up there during that time frame let me know we could hook up.

[Guest]

I have not had any luck on Indy for Walleye period, I cant even mark fish and I try all of the known points and the 18ft rock pile nd absolutley nothing. I have heard many great things about this lake but I never do well. I do admit last year I caught a 48 inch muskie which I released, I know that Indy is defintley good for Muskie at least. If your gonna go there I reccomend trying Muskie by YMCA Island.

[fly]

Mr. Pike- thanks for the response, I tried it on Wednesday for some walleyes with no luck. I ended fishing for blue gills and crappies. It must not be that good of a lake with the amount of responses I got..Time to head up north to the big 'V' Where the walleye fishing is for real.

[fly]

It looks like you have to work pretty hard to find a walleye in that lake.
Mr Pike- Our cabin is on the west end of the lake. I usually fish Head O' Lakes Bay and Wakem'up bay and every once in a while I'll make the trip up to the dam. I'm sorry but I don't know any of any spots on that end of the lake, but the patterns shouldn't be any different. This time of year, I've had good luck with jigs tipped with a minnow and Lindy rigs in 18-30 ft off points and breaks. Move shallower in the evening and try a slip bobber if your in the right spot. Pretty soon they'll be hitting on leeches. Look for the baitfish and you should do fine. Good Luck. I'll be going up there Saturday-Wednesday and I will give you a report. Unfortunately I cannot make it up there the weekend your going up.

'Regards and Good Fishin'

[Darrell Larson]

Mr Pike and Fly: Don't give up on Independence so quickly, I realize that there are times when things are pretty slow on the lake searching for walleyes. Now that the recreational traffic has started on the lake, I now fish only early morning and late evening. I have been fishing the lake for 23 years now and if you would like I can certainly try and give you some info. that is if your interested. You can e-mail me at [email protected] and I will try and solve the mystery of "eyes' on the lake for you. You had mentioned Vermilion, I am originally from the Tower/Babbitt area, my Grandparents had homes on the Tower end, Pike Bay to be exact. I try and get back there whenever possible. I will be retiring to that area in a few years. I know there is no comparing a metro lake to Vermilion, but I must admit there are walleyes in the metro area. You just have to work for them a little harder than on a lake such as Vermilion. I'm not saying that you have not been working hard for them either, it's just that sometimes you have to be on the spot of the spot to find these finicky fish they call walleyes. By the way, when I said late evening, that means usually after dark. I do have one of the after hours permit which is required, otherwise they will ticket your vehicle. FYI. They can be purchased for $10.00 from 3 Rivers Park District. Good luck and hope to see you on the water.

[Mr. Pike1]

SemperFi, thank you for the feedback on Indy. I have to admit I have never targeted the lake on the prime time early morning an after dark times. I will not be far from PIke bay on the big V...The property is right by Cherry Island. I thought Pike bay looked great for Musky or smallies. One day before you retire and move up to the V I might have to meet up with you for an early morning or after hours run.

[jwilli7122]

I realize it's a different ballgame in the winter, but I've caught them through the ice around dusktime on the big obvious point.