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Great job Fuzz! I did the same and went out for a last hurrah and found some fish to stay busy. Pike were very active in the early afternoon hours and finished the night by icing a couple of small eyes to end the gamfish season for the winter. Great year on the ice this year with 1 -3 eyes caught most nights out. Got to fish some water that didn't have the usual traffic and prospected a few spots this year that all produced a few fish. IMHO, it was a great year to be on the ice with the diminished car and truck traffic and diminished snow to get out and about without snowmobiles running by every few minutes. Should be a banner open water season as well with the size structure of fish I saw thise ice season. Alot of little fish coming up the ranks.

Tunrevir~

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That does sound like a great hardwater season! Consistant walleye fishing in the metro!? Doesnt get better than that. I had alot of undersized 'eyes come up too so I agree.. looking forward to some great fishing in the coming seasons!

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Moses, I think alot of the fishing success this winter had to do with the reduced traffic on the lake but if not, it was still a great winter to be out fishing. I particulary enjoyed the decreased snowmobile and car and truck traffic that sometimes takes away from a good night on the water. It was a fishermans winter this winter, from my perspective, and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Tunrevir~

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Tunrevir and Moses, I can't say that my season was as good as both of you. It took me until recently to get on some consistent active fish. I've had a pretty frustrating season, but it was good to finally get on a good bite before it was done.

Now if we can find those big pig rogue crappies roaming the weedy flats...

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Couldn't be happier, and I have to tell you being there to assist with the fish was a true pleasure. He is 9 and doesn't always realize what big is, when it comes to fish. I just love having him come out and hang out with his grumpy, grizzled dad. There are some true dandies, and they are around if you poke a little into some uncharted areas. I tend to prospect alot and at times I have some unexpected catches in my quest for the elusive Flakewalleyes. They are starting to school and are just off the edges of the weeds right now. You may only catch perch and some incidental eyes or pike duirng the daylight hours but those same areas can come alive with activity after dark and may even offer up a true slab oppurtunity.

Tunrevir~

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Depending on how it was held was between 16 and 16.5. True measurement on a stick, mouth closed was 16 and a few sixteenths. Solid fish, and I couldn't be happier for my little guy grin

Tunrevir~

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Great Crappie!! Love to see those speckles come up the hole! I agree though, for heavy traffic lakes this winters really been nice. Able to isolate yourself on some good structure if you were willing to walk a little! And its always nice not having snowmobiles whizzing by on an already tight bite! Is it worth hitting on opener? I usually try up north all weekend but on Sunday evening Ive picked up a few fish to open the season, hoping for more of the same if I can get out again!

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in my personal opinion it can be hot or cold on the opener depending on the depth and presentations you use but in general, I'd say it is a decent lake for opener and should be good this year if we get an early ice out. I think the lake really takes off into June and even early July. The June fishing tends to be shallow and fast and furious when the lake shiners are congregated and schooling up shallow. Early, the lake is good with both jigs and lindy rigs tipped with fatheads or shiners. I don't bother much with the crawlers as the perch and small panfish will pick you dry. If the water temps are warm the crankbait bite can get going good but that tends to be later, say early to mid June. I'd start in the 16-22' depths pulling rigs or jigs and refine from there.

Tunrevir~

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How is the ice on #3 doing? I may take my young kids out Sunday, walking of course....or more like me pulling them in my sled. last time I was there I caught a bucket of perch in the middle, looking for that and maybe some crappies.

Thank you!

Jug

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I'd like to know what the ice status is too. Thinking about heading out there Monday night by ATV to try to find a few after dark crappies. Any warnings are greatly appreciated.

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I was out on First lake near the entrance to the bay. Walking out was tough because the crust on top would give way to 2+ inches of water. I drilled the holes 10 ft apart to keep from flooding out. An Atv would be fine if you don't stop. There was a few riding around the edge and they had a hard time getting going again. Fish were cooperative(crappies and sunfish) 1- 12" crappie (All went back). I found out I need to buy some new boots. Only out for two hours because my feet were wet.

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FYI

The Forest Lake Cleanup has been canceled this year due to ice conditions and low vehicle traffic this winter. Thanks to all who have helped in the past and others who have helped pick up trash while out and about on the lake this winter.

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
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    • LakeofthewoodsMN
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