Big Lake

[bbc nova]

DNR says there are walleye in Big Lake, anyone have any idea where they are at?!?!?!?!?!?!

[grizrunner]

Yes there are walleye in Big Lake. As to where, there's only a handful of guys that know(at least that I personally know of). Probably won't squeeze that info out of anybody. About the best clue I can give is that they're not by the beach I personally saw a 6 pounder caught, but that was 12 years ago. Mainly just eaters now, if they survive long enough. There are so many small hammer-handles in there.

[RumRiverRat]

Deep weedline on the NE side.

The Bar in the middle of the lake can be good as well.

[hockeybc69]

There were walleyes stocked in many lakes in the area over the years.... Big Lake hasnt had any stockings since 2007 according to the lake data.....

Targeting walleyes in Big Lake??? Go after the bass and pike and have a hoot of a time and if you have a horseshoe somewhere, you might get lucky to catch a walleye....

[bbc nova]

There were walleyes stocked in many lakes in the area over the years.... Big Lake hasnt had any stockings since 2007 according to the lake data.....

Targeting walleyes in Big Lake??? Go after the bass and pike and have a hoot of a time and if you have a horseshoe somewhere, you might get lucky to catch a walleye....

THANKS for the 411 guys.

We normaly go for pike / bass but my oldest is dieing for an eye. Looks like its time to scope out some different lakes.

[trappingaddiction]

Big Lake has very few walleyes left since they quit stocking. From what I here, it seems like there are a few big fish pulled out yearly, but not many else. Can be a good pike/bass/dink sunfish lake with some crappies. Pulaski down by Buffalo can be a great walleye lake at times. Try during the week days if possible during low light hours. There is a little structure that is easily seen on the lake map that holds some fish. Good luck!

[hydro]

Probably the best water to try and catch a walleye around here is the Mississippi river. Try a jig/monnow bounced along the bottom as you drift with the current.

[trappingaddiction]

Yes, the Mississippi River can be a good option for walleye, along with catfish, smallies, pike, and numerous rough fish. If you do like the lakes more, Pulaski and Clearwater seem to be some of the better walleye waters in the area.

[fishuhalik]

Speaking of Big Lake, I'm moving up there in a couple weeks. I know there's alot of good lakes in the area, but I'm about 3 blocks off the lake and it'll be a nice little after work retreat for me. What can I expect for bass out there? Any size and hows the rec. traffic?

[hockeybc69]

Any rec traffic? On hot days, dont even think of fishing..... Its an absolute zoo. Thats mainly weekend speaking. During the week is your best bet if you want to get some level of relaxation.

Any size to the bass? Not bad at all.

Also know that you need to buy a $20 parking permit to park your car in that parking lot. The boat launch is DNR owned, but the parking lot is city owned.... What a ripoff.

Seasonal Stickers: (Available at City Hall & on line)

Vehicle Only - $10.00 (city resident)

Vehicle & Trailer - $20.00 (city resident)

Vehicle Only - $30.00 (non-resident)

Vehicle & Trailer - $40.00 (non-resident)

**City Resident: person(s) living "within" City limits

**Non-Resident: person(s) living "outside" City limits

Daily Passes: (Available at Lakeside Park entrance)

Vehicle - $5.00/day

Vehicle & Trailer - $15.00/day

[fishuhalik]

You actually have to pay to use the ramp? Thats new. I'll probably end up doing it anyways, but I thought thats where my tax dollars went...

[BartmanMN]

I don't mind the $5 to park to go to the beach, since it is really nice and they rake it every night, however being expected to pay $15 to put a boat in is laughable. Way to many other lakes around for that, in my opinion.

[hockeybc69]

You can launch your boat on the lake for free, you just cant park there for free.

So when I fish it, we park at Tootsies Tavern across highway 10. Just go in and ask if you can park in their lot if you stop in after fishing for a couple beers. They are more than happy to let you park there. I refuse to give my money to the city. Flat out highway robbery to charge that to park your darn car.

[RumRiverRat]

Yep Park at the bar.

Big Lake is ripping people off.

[fishuhalik]

Thanks for the tips guys! I'd much rather give my hard-earned $ to a local business that's already paying way too much in taxes than give it to the same government that's taking those taxes. Maybe I'll see one of you out there sometime! I'll be in a black silverado with an old fish hawk behind it.

[hockeybc69]

I have a black silverado with a fishhawk behind mine. LOL

[fishuhalik]

sounds like a heck of a setup hockey!

[Finlander]

How about Lake Orono, is it worth fishing?

[RumRiverRat]

For Bottle Bass maybe.

[hockeybc69]

My boat will never see Orono.....

[RumRiverRat]

1/16th oz jig and 7 inch Power Worm is money on Big Lake.

Jigs and 4 or 5 inch grubs will work for Pike and Bass.

I spend more time in Mitchell than Big for bass.

Fish the deep and inside weedline and you should catch bass. Occasionally you get one over 20", lots of 14 to 18 inch fish in the lake.

[grizrunner]

My boat will never see Orono.....

Nor will my dogs.

[fishuhalik]

Wow, sounds like a good time rrr! I'm moving ouit there this weekend, I'm really excited to get to know some of the lakes in the area. Between the river and the 2000 lakes south of the river I have my work cut out for me! Thankfully I have a very understanding wife and a son that loves to fish...

[Outdoor Authority]

Hey guys be carefull parking at Tootsies and across the street. As for walleyes yes there are walleyes in the lake but the traffic seems to keep the spread out along the deeper weedlines. If someone said they caught a limit out of Big Lake check for horse shoe in rearend. I have fished big lake day in and out as a kid and young adult and still fish it several times a year. Walleyes bite better in the fall and early early spring. In normal eye areas. Look for a ridge line in 30 feet of watter that comes up to 20 in a span of 20 to 30 yards for eyes in the summer. If you pic up one or two your doing great. Good luck good fishing.