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Canoe friendly metro lakes


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I was looking for some advice for any good lakes, preferably north metro, for fishing out of a canoe. No motor, just paddling and usually by myself, so I prefer smaller lakes in case the wind really picks up and I get caught on the other side of the lake.

I have seen people mention Lake Calhoun. Is it decent for northerns? I thought I read somewhere they require a city permit. Does anyone know anything about this? If it matters, I never keep any fish, I just enjoy catching them.

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First of all, welcome to FM - it's an awesome site, with some really cool guys (and gals).

Secondly, we need more packers fans around here grin.gif. Great name - GO PACK!!!

Lastly, in regards to lakes to canoe - you really should check out the mpls chain of lakes (Calhoun, Harriet, Isles, even Nokomis) There are no motorized boats allowed so it's very low chop, unless it's a really windy day. All of the lakes are great ************ lakes (bass, musky, walleye, crappie) And if you have a canoe they are small enough that you can cover most (if not all) of the lakes. Hint - head for the milfoil mats and weedlines.

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I heard Lake Winnebago is a good spot for canoe fisherman wearing green and yellow.

Try a brat under an empty old drill can rigged like a slip bobber.

GO PURPLE!!!

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Forgot....Go Purple!

(did i just help out a packers fan???)

shame on me....

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Try Cedar Lake off of Isles/Calhoun. This early in the season it will have received NO pressure at all as it's a good 30 minute electric troll from the Calhoun launch for boats.

(Plenty of parking around Cedar w/ a few different drop areas for you).

The NW corner where it leads to Brownie is said to be good for pike/muskies and the NE corner for bass.

Probably a few walleyes in there too.

DB

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I don't like the Packers, but that's cool if you do. (I have some family from WI) Anyways, welcome.

Where are you willing to drive? Here's my .02.

Lake Rebecca (West on Hwy 55) is trolling motor only and has bass and muskies. May need to pay a couple of bucks, but it's not too big.

Eagle Lake in Maple Grove isn't that big either with bass, muskies, and pike.

Bass Lake in Plymouth has carry in only (unless you live there) and I've heard of rumors that its a great lake.

Lake Smetana in Eden Prairie is real small trolling motor only.

Otherwise you can stick to the small bays of Tonka, but the boaters will annoy you with all the wake they give.

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Nothing can get a conversation started in the Midwest like fishing or the NFL, or in this case both.

This Packer fan does appreciate all the advice I am getting from both Packers and purple fans alike. I am going to try to get out this weekend and I will let you guys know how I do.

Thanks again and any other thoughts would be appreciated.

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Try Big island on Minnetonka any weekend in June,July,or August. Wear your green and yellow outfit and you will find all of your new best friends.
Plan B would send you up to Mille Lacs for a little R&R on a nice weekend. You can tuck into any of the numerous bays for some good fishin'.

Just Love helpin out my packer pals !

Lakeman

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North Metro? I'd thinkl you could do pretty well from a canoe in Coon Lake. Pike, bass, panfish all pretty easy to catch this time of year. I plan on getting my canoe on Martin lake this weekend sometime. If I do any good, I will let you know. Coon, though would probably be good bet. Put in at the county access and you're already close to some decents spots.

Good Luck,

HB

P.S. again, go purple!

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I'd second the Mpls lakes, especially Cedar if you're into bass.

I'd also recommend looking at the "Recreation Finder" on the DNR website for smaller lakes. There are plenty of them in St. Paul with little pressure, no motors, & small acreage. Several I know of have some doggone good multi-species fishing too.

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Packers suck! Boo, but I will still try to help a Packer fan anyway. I'd try Ryan Lake. It borders Brooklyn Center/Robbinsdale/Minneapolis. From Brooklyn Blvd (Osseo Rd) & 49th Ave in Brooklyn Center you can see it on your right hand side as you go over the bridge into Minneapolis. There is a city owned spot on the NE side. You'll see a small concrete building (it's a pumphouse or something). You could launch a canoe from there. Believe it or not there are alot of fish in this tiny lake (crappie, sunnies, bass, pike). Out in the middle it gets to 30+ feet deep. The lake can and has easily been fished out at times, so catch and release would be nice. Plus, I'm not sure if the fish are safe to eat due to some contamination by a nearby business (I used to live very near the lake and got city newsletters on some leak). But if you want to go catch some fish and have fun, this is a great little lake. FMers, please use restraint if fishing this TINY lake. Thanks.

P.S. The Packers aren't really that bad.

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I'd wear a big green "G" sweatshirt and fish right above St. Anthony falls. I hear the fish are really biting there. You have get in current though and drift. You might want to wear the "G" helmet, too...
\
Just kidding, GOOD LUCK

Go Vikes,

HB

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First of all, Go Pack Go! Okay, starting to get a little excited for football, but it's still 3 months away. So on with the fishing, I recommend trying Phalen Lake right off of Hwy 61 in St.Paul. It is a small lake with a variety of species. Only electric motors are allowed in it.
Good luck and God Bless those Packers!
GF

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Calhoun and Harriet. Lots of fish and a great view of the city. No motors except for a few of the sailboat regatta people. I'm not sure why they get to buzz across the lake to pick up buoys.

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