pelican lake

[jjack]

How's the lake doing after the mighty winter we had last winter. I haven't got out there since the ice left so just wondering if it's worth it.

[20lbSloughShark]

I'm planning on trying it. I haven't heard from people who have been out, but I have seen boats out there.

[Brad B]

my take on it is this. yes there was the big winter kill but I have to believe that some fish made it. the other thing is the fish that did make it will have less pressure out there then in the past. If I was to fish the lake I wouldn't say anything to anyone if you do find them. I think you will see people out there here and there but it won't be like it was, atleast not for a few years. as for the draw down. I don't think that will hurt anything, it actually might help hold the fish to certain deeper areas only.

[20lbSloughShark]

My thoughts exactly, there is no way in a lake that big every fish died. The pike that lived aught to be well fed. Definitely don't post your catch here if you do find any.

[RumRiverRat]

Giant Pike are still being caught from what my sources have said.

Something about a ditch connected to another lake that allowed the Giant Pike to escape and survive the low Oxygen levels.

[th64]

The numbers are down but hey the pressure is down! But you are out there because you have seen others out there-spray on your invisible spray, wait no such thing so others will see you and think they should give it a try. Or give it a break by giving it a break-Denial is part of the grieving process. Not just being flip, I've had a couple of gems freeze, both great crappie lakes close to home-now I can choose size or #s (not both) Couple might have both on the right day-Oh well part of the sport.

[jjack]

If I find some nice crappie and norts out there this winter I'm not saying nothing! Lol. That lake was nuts with ppl the last few winters

[fishersofmen]

Me and couple other guys been hammering them out there. Head strait to the east side of the south bay and hold on tight, I can get you coordinates if I need to. You can use corn for bait it don't matter they will hit on just about anything. Don't say anything to anybody.

[mrklean]

Giant Pike are still being caught from what my sources have said.

Something about a ditch connected to another lake that allowed the Giant Pike to escape and survive the low Oxygen levels.

Haha that will never get old

[pikerliker]

Me and couple other guys been hammering them out there. Head strait to the east side of the south bay and hold on tight, I can get you coordinates if I need to. You can use corn for bait it don't matter they will hit on just about anything. Don't say anything to anybody.

You're secret is safe with me...

[RuddyDuck]

The secrets out, giant pike are still there! I was out last night and got one of them from the secret hole. He sure battled.

Ok, back to reality. Me and my Black Lab fished for a few hours last night and that is the only fish we got. I saw very little surface activity compared to the past few years. Well, I did see one freshly dead bullhead floating and I did see one big group of minnows with something smaller chasing them, which I assume was probably another one of those little pike. In past years I would hear alot of panfish snapping in the cattails and shallows and last night I didn't hear a one. Did hear and see a loon though! It was peaceful out there. I saw quite a few ducks and some geese in the evening.

There were two other boats out, but they didn't stay too long.

Good luck to those going out and chasing the giants! I'll be crossing it off my list for the rest of this year and probably next year too. My guess is that what survived was probably a few small pike and other smaller fish.

[20lbSloughShark]

On another note, turns out I was on TV. On Minnesota Bound, they did an episode about pelican lake (episode 700). At one point they are interviewing one of the guys testing of oxygen, and you can see my fish house and truck right over his left shoulder. I thought it was pretty funny. Its a black hub house and white ford.

Edit:

14:06

We caught plenty of fish that day.

[th64]

I guess what happens is fathead minnows explode on freeze out lakes making fishing even more difficult but actually helps the fish. Let it heal, learn to duck hunt!

[jigginjim]

I have seen lot of small gills, and minnows to no end, give it 5 years, history will repeat it self.

[perry p]

I really wish this lake could survive, otherwise lakes such as Buffalo, will get even crazier.

[Naturboy]

I have seen lot of small gills, and minnows to no end, give it 5 years, history will repeat it self.

Give history a chance? That's not in the plans for that lake is it?

[RumRiverRat]

Wish they would poison the lake to kill all the fish.

[eyeguy 54]

lol hater

[th64]

Wait 5 years? Go ahead but if you have another nasty winter within that 5 years reset your wait clock to zero. Lotta great lakes that don't freeze out too.

[jigginjim]

If winters get light again, with normal snow falls, it could happen. All the talk about draining lake is long over. The lake is almost higher this year than in many years past. If the duck production is low, they can't blame boats, there was enough water.

I think the gills that have made it, will grow fast, maybe be 1/2 pounders in 3-4 years.

[hockeybc69]

Talk about the lake being drained is over?

Where do you get your information?

[20lbSloughShark]

Why wouldn't they now? If they are going to do it, it should be this year, or never. Water levels are down, little risk of flooding, most of the fish are gone, now is the time to do it.

[hockeybc69]

You dont just decide one day to start draining a 5000 acres lake....

Its in process and is on a timeline.

[RumRiverRat]

The project has been delayed to study the newly found ditch connection to lake Washington.

[20lbSloughShark]

That joke gets funnier after about 17 attempts.

[hockeybc69]

It has maintained a lengthy laugh factor indeed.

[JBMasterAngler]

I do chuckle every time it comes up

[mrklean]

It never gets old still brings a smile every time I see it

[hockeybc69]

Do you see this?

[BartmanMN]

You almost had 2025 correct, however you left me off. I'll still be rippin lips out there.