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.

2020 Forest Lake-Hinckley-Lindstrom-Pine City-Rush City Fishing Reports


Recommended Posts

Caught a bunch of crappies on Comfort Lake today. All little ones, but they kept my son entertained. They liked minnow heads a little more than eurolarvaes. Ice was about 16 inches, and travel conditions were easy going.

 

11BD3DE0-D37D-40B3-AE2A-3B820A2C6E83.jpeg

89C00BB2-3498-4C37-B92A-D2F966D00B39.jpeg

4423F012-1641-42BE-851C-D6351921C3A1.jpeg

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • l Love It 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went to Little Lake today, and was surprised how much slush was out there. I was even more surprised that the ice was only about 14 inches thick, with the top 1/3 being white ice. Had I known that, I wouldn’t have driven out there. I was only out there a few minutes. Just wasn’t getting a good vibe from the lake.

 

Swung over to North Center Lake and found little to no slush, and 18 inches of excellent ice! Caught 55 total, mostly all crappie, with a few sunnies and perch mixed in. No size to any of them. Neither color or bait seemed to matter. I could have stayed and caught plenty more, but I had enough fun.

 

Someone plowed quite a nice road system on the lake. Whoever it was, I very much appreciated it  ?

  • Thumbs Up 3
  • I Like it 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

JB, I am guessing the difference in ice conditions between Little and North Center was probably because Little froze over earlier than North Center and a good amount of snow fell on it which insulated the ice causing it not to get thicker very quickly. North Center probably didn’t have as much snow on it so the ice was better. 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I went to South Lindstrom yesterday, and I found out why I haven’t seen anyone fishing out there all winter! I drove to every corner of the lake, and everywhere in between, and I didn’t find anything! Finally caught a few dink perch towards the end if the day. Drove over to Chisago, but by then my auger battery was toast. 

  • Wow, ❤ 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Didn’t fair too much better on Green Lake today. Caught 11 little perch and 5 sunfish. Only had a couple hours to fish, so not much time to search.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On Green try the area in the picture I posted right on the red mark for panfish on south center try the spot I have marked there is shack groups in both locations and they should be easy to find. As for the spot on south center try that at night I went out there last night and slayed crappies we probally caught 70-80 crappies in 2 hours most were about 9 inches some were over ten. Tugsten jig with larva or a minnow head worked best and you needed a spring bobber cause they were biting pretty light.

 

spacer.pngspacer.png

  • l Love It 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went to South Center today. Was confident I was going to find crappies over the deep holes. I did not. Went to the shallow side of sunset point and the crappies were thick! Finicky though. I only had minnows today. I have a feeling if I had euros, we would have caught a lot more. 
 

4D1998A4-AA8D-4590-ABE0-99148A5F6675.jpeg

033DB5B6-B4E5-43FF-99B6-9C309F57F01B.jpeg

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • l Love It 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lol I fished the same spot last weekend it is by far better after dark though so diffently try that spot for crappie after dark. Because it was good during the day but insane at night. There are some 12 inch plus ones in there to. 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

FYI

Saw car thru narrows between lil green n green last night.

Please think.  
 Never driive thru skinny narrows as these lakes do have pretty steady current.

Scattered carp holes will start showing up also - so BEWARE. BE SAFE. HAVE FUN!

18” here.  6” there.   
Keep on Rocken!

T

 

 

 

 

EEFA2A84-0117-4554-AE9B-EB14319625FE.jpeg

Edited by TomWehler
  • I Like it 1
  • l Love It 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

FYI:  Few hours ago an ATV went thru narrows under bridge between North n South Center. 
Zero - no injury’s n ATV out of water.
 

Odd to see fire crew wrap Caution tape around THIN ICE signs been there long time.

Fun. Ok but come on man......THINK!

 

Do a lil recon n homework before heading out...each time.

Might save yer life.

Water is Dang COLD under that ice.

Relax - have fun - be safe.

 

keep on Rocken!

 

T

 

 

54924643-65A3-436C-9A43-12F5AD2AE3B1.jpeg

  • I Like it 1
  • l Love It 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Made a return trip to North Center today, hoping the crappies would be in the same place I found them last month. They were not. Perch had taken over. I didn’t feel like catching them all day, so I moved around. I only caught 4 random crappies that would show up about 10 feet below the ice. Used bigger baits to keep the perch at bay. 

  • I Like it 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Crappie were 15 to 22 feet on north center when i was out this week. Thick  schools mixed with sunfish. 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators
2 hours ago, metro fisherman said:

Crappie were 15 to 22 feet on north center when i was out this week. Thick  schools mixed with sunfish. 

Thank you sir!

 

Anyone else getting out?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey guys thinking of going out this week how late will there be safe ice do you think right now? 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was out in east central this morning. Ice was good enough for me to drive all over. Holes wont be refreezing for several days. And water draining down them could make big holes quickly. At one point it sound like running water.

Fishin however I found tough. Crappies that have been suspended stacked for weeks have moved on. They did not simply move shallower as that was my first try.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Tried the Snake River today. West of Pokegama...I think it was called little walleye landing, or something like that. First time I’ve ever taken a boat out here. I thought it was a pretty cool stretch. My 6 year old had a northern splash at her lure right at the boat on her very first cast, and she was done after that! I ended up catching 10 little ones, with a bunch of other hits. Also 2 walleye and a smallie.

 

82306808-BD88-43E0-AAD1-1A076030B4F0.jpeg

D789C512-11F4-416A-9180-9FF7924BEB77.jpeg

991CA029-5BB8-44E8-8F4F-95F767A266BF.jpeg

811D1548-1DF5-4A3F-8173-140CD3310E23.jpeg

  • Thumbs Up 3
  • l Love It 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some of my very favorite places to fish are up there are the smaller lakes such as lewis lake and lory mud lake and the very small knife river my favorite strech of the snake is by mora probally its a fun place to go cause you never know what you will catch very nice fish also

  • I Like it 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Did some Crappie fishing in the area over the weekend the bite was on. Grandson had a blast. Wife also had a good day fishing for once. They were some very nice sized fish. Plain hook and minnow and ice fishing teardrop lures in green did the trick with minnow. One day plain hook ruled next day green jigs did.

Crappies.jpg

Ryan Crappies.jpg

  • l Love It 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Had been contemplating fishing the Kettle River at highway 23 crossing for years. Well, finally did it today...got skunked! River was probably about a foot low. Was probably only able to go upstream several hundred yards. Was able to go downstream aways. Found some holes as deep as 12 ft. But not a single bite! Only highlight was coming across the biggest bull snake I’ve ever seen in my life! 
 

ADFD4A3D-4457-4D9E-8CF3-0851BD4C5A3D.jpeg

7868C2C4-B290-42E9-98A0-268631177E76.jpeg

  • l Love It 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 7 months later...

Fished Lake Eleven, just west of Sandstone. Probably about 10 inches of ice, lots of frozen slush. Did pretty good, 20 crappies, most being right at that borderline keeper size. Seemed to be traveling in pairs back and fourth. Definitely wanted minnows over euro larvae. Sounded like everyone else on the lake was having similar success.

 

C7D32235-9B6F-4401-9491-1B75EF8AA76F.jpeg

69B64264-961C-4F33-AFDD-3E52EE0B5B0E.jpeg

  • Thumbs Up 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Took the kids to South Center today. 12 inches of ice in sunset bay. Not much happening, only caught 6 sunnies.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Went to North Center yesterday. First time driving truck on the ice. Was surprised by the lack of activity on the lake. Ice was about 16 inches. Drove to north end of lake. Didn’t find much. Very first fish was a shiner! I think it was a spottail shiner. There was a big school swimming around, so I put a tiny ice jig on, as I’m thinking walleye bait at this point ? they wouldn’t touch it! Put forage minnow back on, they swarm all over it! But hooks too big. Only caught 3 perch, 3 crappies, and a bluegill. Didn’t really feel like drilling more holes or switching up baits, otherwise probably could have caught more.

 

6C0A4B7E-F6F3-40BD-950E-D39363197F75.jpeg

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Banner day on Rush Lake today! Me and my son hammered a good mix of perch and crappies. They didn’t care weather it was minnow heads or euro larvae. Cooked hotdogs on the lake, with lake water of course. We left at about 5:30, but they were still biting! Best day of the season!

 

4549129D-974F-4C42-AAB1-DB8C08A460F8.jpeg

81C1A594-8799-4139-8A27-37CC3EE42E75.jpeg

B022236D-5F5F-420F-82E3-4EA4CF829F6E.jpeg

30FDB2D3-0B23-4F31-82E8-885389EA49BC.jpeg

DF8C3B73-FD3C-47AD-AA94-28480DD44371.jpeg

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • l Love It 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...

Went out to a small local lake today, with new tackle in tow. I challenged myself to use ONLY the new tackle! Which consisted of drop shot rigs, jig and craw, and wacky rigs. All rigs that I have never used before. I’m happy to report I caught fish on all three! ? caught 7 total, 4 bass, 2 pike, and a bluegill. We were also stalked by loons and snapping turtles.

 

 

D3D34C79-D96B-45F4-906A-8A1C04D5A978.jpeg

8DA66A47-AC45-45B6-BC30-5573E2D86B8B.jpeg

1BEC321F-0BBA-47C6-B6C1-DCDFD59B7106.jpeg

B7DEE445-0102-48CC-8C8E-EC73421CF906.jpeg

E81D22A4-E438-4DBB-BA79-A7A5150DDFC8.jpeg

E8F10203-F898-42FF-B1B3-AFE25F72988C.jpeg

CE9B69EE-3A99-4F07-8936-46F5143F0504.jpeg

  • Thumbs Up 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I threw my son a bone today, and we fished Forest Lake. Despite it being across the street from my house, I’ve just never been interested in this lake. We didn’t do too bad, 9 fish, 6 bass and 3 pike. We probably lost about the same number of fish. I forgot my phone at home, so I thought for sure we’d hook into a big Muskie. Luckily that didn’t happen. Called it a day when the rain hit.

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • SkunkedAgain
      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
      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • Brianf.
      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      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
      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.
      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.        
    • smurfy
      got mine done........for the cabin.....ready for summer festivities!!!!!!   there was still frost in the ground...........but good gawd are the lakes low!!!!!
    • CigarGuy
      Just 1, 50" muskie🫣
×
×
  • 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.