Lakes to try now

[Jackson Fisher]

Not sure where else is good ice, I tried Johanna this morning and the ice was pretty sketchy once you get out a ways, extremly soft in alot of areas. i barely was able to wet a line in the area i wanted to try before i decided itd be best just to leave. I then went to White bear. i was able to catch a few jumbo perch, a northern and a walleye after an entire day of fishing there ( 7 AM- 7PM) and over 2 miles worth of treking through deep ass snow. not sure where i should try tommorow afternoon. any good ice anywhere else with a minimal walk? i dont mind any species at this point after today haha. 

[ZachD]

How far are you willing to drive? where are you located

[Jackson Fisher]

I live in Falcon heights. so almost dead center metro area, right east of Minneapolis, west of St. Paul. I dont mind a bit of a drive if the prospects of catching good fish are high! I was considering fishing the saddle in the middle of lake phalen for walleye but hope to hear some other options as well!

[ZachD]

I don't know how the ice is but clear lake just south of forest lake for northern and walleye

there is special regulations for walleye if that doesn't bother you

(Harvest of Walleye is limited to fish over 17 inches. Daily limit for Walleye is 3 (only 1 can be over 30".)

 

West rush lake a short walk out from the public access you will find your limit of crappies but that is like a 50 min drive for you.

 

 

[Jackson Fisher]

hmm interesting! Ill maybe have to look at clear lake, thanks!

[BulldogInTC]

I've considered in the past to try Twin Lakes in Robbinsdale/Crystal since they are just down the road from my place, but I've heard from neighbors that they wouldn't recommend eating any fish out of these lakes.  Anyone know anything about this?

 

Otherwise, been thinking about trying Medicine even though it sounds like the panfish are usually on the small size.

[Jackson Fisher]

Update: i gave Phalen a whorl today, good ice about 6-8 inches, minimal slush. it was a fun day! ended with 2 walleye and a few large perch. wish i coulda got a few more eyes but cant complain. Didnt get any Northerns on my tip up which i was a bit surprised about maybe the area i was at doesnt hold northerns? i was there for the eyes anyhow. 

[jgrimmz]

Bulldog, there was a plant of some sort next to one of those lakes that allegedly dumped waste runoff into the ground or lake and I've heard from many people also that wouldn't keep anything from those lakes.

Medicine will give you a fun afternoon if you're able to beat the crowds to the right spots but you'll only find the 7-9" medicine lake special crappies. 

[BulldogInTC]

Thanks grimmz.  Yea, I have spot I want to try on Medicine a coworker told me about so I'll probably try that after my trip to Vermilion and Alexanderia next week.  Does Medicine usually get hit pretty hard early and not worth the attempt as the season moves along?

 

Josh

[Powerstroke]

Medicine gets hit hard the whole season. Its the nature of a metro lake with decent numbers and easy access.