LAKES

[23jhamre]

I MOVED TO THE METRO RECENTLY, AND NEED A COUPLE GOOD SPOTS FOR CRAPPIE--EYES. ANY INFO WOULD BE NICE, I HAVE A PORTABLE AND CAN TRY VARIOUS SPOTS, BUT I AM CLUELESS OF WHERE THE GOOD LAKES ARE. THANKS!

[Clayburn]

All of the metro lakes are half way decent for crappies. There isn't many lakes that are far better than the others. Some lakes have a current peak population that you'll need to discover by trile & error. This population level constantly fluctuates from year to year on the metro lakes due to constant pressure. Lakes that were said to stink a few years ago may now be at there peak period for keeper size crappies. As far as eyes go, any lake that has had stockings from the mid 90's to present are good. Finding the eyes on the particular lake is the real question. Let me know what area your looking to target and I may be able to help.

[23jhamre]

looking aroundhe north metro, like north of roseville. or around there.

[fishgutz]

Lake Minnetonka hands down is the best fishery for any species in the Metro....
Hamre, acerage wise, its huge. However it consists of bays and what not so you'll hear people talk about Phelps, north arm, wayzata, crystal, etc... Learn this lake and you'll need no other....

fishgutz

[goose89]

no doubt about it. minnetonka. intimidating at times, but great for everything.

[goose89]

roseville area - johanna has lots of panfish, not much size, but you'll do great. bald eagle - tons of small crappies, but you'll probably find some to your liking. white bear lake also. owasso, tons of crappies, small, but not much smaller than those on swenson.
later,goose

[Swamp Scooter]

I have tried Island lake in Shoreview and Josephine this year. Not anything big yet but action for panfish on island is great but small. There are cats in there as MJ5 has posted before on it. Josephine has good tip up action and has been producing walleyes, but not for me.

where in Roseville?

[email protected] I have some other places too. send me a note.

[phin101]

I agree that there a lot of good lakes around the metro at any given time, but few lakes are consistent year after year due to fishing pressure. If you don't mind the crouds, the chisago area consistently produces a wide variety of bites. I've not fished tonka or prior, but hear about consistent bites on those lakes. If you prefer smaller bodies of water, like me, keep an eye on annual lake surveys on the DNR website. Pull up the lake finder and use the recreation compass centered in the area you chose to fish. Click on all the lakes with a red dot, indicating a boat launch, first. These will probably contained stocked eyes as well as panfish. I look for crappie mainly. If a lake had a strong population of 6-8 inch crappie a few years back and the notes suggest a average growth rate, it might be worth a trip. Bald Eagle is a good example of this cycle. Many of the crappies out there this year are on the smaller side of exceptable. I've used this tactic for the last few years and have been on consistent bites everytime out for the most part. You'll have to play around with actual fish location on any one body of water, but that's the fun part.

[goose89]

hamre,

you got a boat?? might be able to hook up with you this spring/summer.

later,

goose

[23jhamre]

no, i have no boat. but yeah, we can head out and find some fish sometime. shoot me a email at [email protected]

[j]

I would agree with the Chisago area fishery. Forest Lake produces Crapps, walleye and many enjoyable afternoons chasing down flags. There are some big pike that hunt the 6-10 foot weed edges. Try 2nd lake of Forest Lake- just around Willow Point. Find a depth that you like depending on what you are after. This area holds on to Pike, crappie, and some nice eyes!!
Good Luck.

[Iceburyman]

I am interested in Forest Lake, I haven't fished except for Jaycee's contest(what a spectacle)
How do you access the 2nd lake on Forest?
Thanks for help.

MK

[j]

there is a public access on the north side of 3rd lake right where 2nd and 3rd meet-- called willow point. Drive around the point and you will see a city of houses on 2nd lake.
Good Luck!

[don of cambrige]

I had my house out to the just to the east of willow for the last three years. I had a lot of luck over that way. This lake has crops over a pound but few and far between i had no complaints about this lake. Just moved house closer to home. GOOD LUCK!

[Iceburyman]

J-

Thanks for the info on Forest lake 2. I am going to try it this weekend, I still have shiners and crappie minnows from last weekend to work with. Is the DNR map accurate for Forest?