Birch or Crane lake in June

[Eagles21]

I am in the process of planning a fishing trip in mid June and have the opportunity to fish either Crane (sand point,etc.) or Birch lakes. I would like any opinions on either of these lakes. Would like to fish for walleye,northern,smallies primarily. Don't like to navigate lakes where wind my keep you off the lake. Thanks for any advice/information or opinions.

[finnbay]

Both lakes are big enough that wind from certain directions could make a rough day. Can't speak to Crane, but I live on Birch and here's the skinny:

Birch is one heck of a fishery. When the DNR test nets, there are good walleye numbers, it is being managed as a trophy northern lake and the smallie fishing has improved 500% in the last few years. That said, it can be one of the most frustrating lakes to fish that I know of. It is seldom consistent. Walleyes are either hot or cold, not much in between. Northern hunting can be a blast - there's lots of fishy pike water. The smallies are getting there, but have a ways to go before it would be considered a "good" smallie lake. Mid June would be one of the better times for walleyes on Birch in my opinion.

Hope that helps a little. Maybe someone can chime in about Crane.

[Northlander]

If smallies play a big role in the decision I would say crane. Otherwise its a toss up to me. Maybe lean towards Crane as far as resorts too.

[FISHINGFARMER]

Depends on what type of experience you and if your going with family, you would want in a Northern Minnesota fishing vacation.

My 2 cents worth was that Crane was way to busy for the liking when we went there one year. It is a plane base for alot of fly in lakes in that area. Just didn,t enjoy the thunder that they produced in the early hours of the day and all the boat activity. Eventually had to go up thru the narrows to get away from it all to do any worth while fishing. Resorts are more of an option tho on Crane.

Birch as said before can be off and on for fishing. Resorts are kind of limited to chose from. But the fishing we had that year more than made up for the accomidations. Some truely big Northerns can be had if you find the right areas with live bait rigs.A tip from one of the local kids in rigging this was a blast to watch and to catch them with.

Have a good time, Try both. One lake one year and the next the following year. Just another reason to go back North.

Farmer