Good lake to take kids?

[Benjy]

Looking for some help here. I live in Cold Spring but mostly fish the bigger lakes up north. My daughter is 4 and I'd like to get her out on the ice. I will start her with panfish just to make sure we get some action to keep her interested. Anyone have suggestions on where to go this time of year to get some panfish? I like bigger fish just like everyone else, but I'm more concerned about getting some decent action for the benefit of my daughter. Any lakes, or better yet, specific areas on lakes would be really appreciated.

[leech~~]

Isn't there a ton of lakes right across hwy 23?

[black dog]

had my boy out on eden lake. 5 to 7 inch perch 26fow. no keepers but he had a blast as fast as he could drop the line he was puling another fish up. Strait out from public access. also heard crappies on rice and browns. good luck!

[matt320]

Camp lake on HWY 10 is kickin out nice pan fish now full size trucks all over the lake. I caught 20+ sunnys some big some not kept 5 (selective harvest) could of kept a limit but on a lake this size i try to let the bigger ones go for spawning reasons. 15fow green glow and fresh water shrimp.

[IceHawk]

My pick would be Becker lake on the chain. A great numbers lake that usally always produces smaller gills. Try anywhere in the midlle 20 ft range or the weed edges 15 ft and you will find them.

[Rick G]

IceHawk is right Becker is a good choice for numbers if size is'nt an isue. Just read the orange sign after the bullrushes and stay away from the bright orange stakes.

[BuckmasterG]

I suggested Goodners to a fellow last year and he responded after the trip that he and his son had a great time. Not much for size as mentioned with becker but can always get some action.

[pushbutton]

welcome to the st cloud forum Benjy, i was going to suggest goodners as well. not a lot of big fish, but close to home and usually a short distance from the access to find some fish.

[Borch]

Goodners, Becker, Big Lake, beaver all kick out a lot of panfish.

[Benjy]

Can you drive on Goodner? Just wondering how far I'll have to drag my stuff....

[pushbutton]

have not been by it but would assume there would be a path...the community spots are pretty close to the access......would just take a little ride and see.

[glenn57]

benjy.......live in cold spring? me too! how long ya been there? me 20 plus years. grew up in richmond. nice seein ya here.

[Buckhunt]

If you're not dead set on panfish, another fun method for younger kids are tip-ups on high # pike lakes. I've done this several times on Pearl and School Section on nice days with my buddies young'ns. The kids can play around between flags to not loose interest. They get the excitement of running to a hole, yelling "FLAG UP." The real little ones we'd give em the line and tell them to run away from the hole. Exciting for them and entertaining for you.

Best lakes have high #'s and small size pike like the ones mentioned.

[glenn57]

yea school section can give up them slimers at times.