where to start on the Big O

[nocsious]

I started fishing 30 years ago in the area, coming up to Rush Lake every summer. In the last 10 years, we've expanded the lakes we fish especially in the winter, but I've always stayed off Ottertail. It's time to quit hiding and give it a try for some perch and eyes, but where to start?

Can someone give me a basic plan on how to attack this lake? I'll be up at the end of January and I'm not against hiring a guide for a day if anyone has a suggestion on that. Thank you for the advice.

[fishin58]

Meister guide service, I have heard good things.

[slammer]

Meister is an excellent guide. Hired him a few times and always caught fish. He told me once that there are fish on every piece of structure, you just have to figure out how to make them bite. I usually start fishing the first break from shore in the winter. Multiple spots to choose, get a map and try a spot you like. Shallow in the morning and around sunset(8-12 ft) and deeper during the day.(20-30) Get away from crowds/roads will help. Never had much luck jigging, most fish came from deadstick with live bait. A couple fish a day is about the norm for me. Mornings maybe better than evening. More bad days than good lately. Stay away from ice heaves and inlets/outlet. Good luck.

[nocsious]

Thanks for the tip on the Meister guide service. I think we'll give that a try if the other guys in my group are up for it. Last year we found a phenomenal night crappie bite on a lake that only had one permanent on it. Nighttime slabs are a blast.

We've never done well on the walleyes or perch though. Occasionally we'd get a walleye or two at sunset on Rush Lake, but that was about it.