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Pike


DLD24

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What area of the lake would you guys consider the best for big pike... I'm bringing my buddy down there Saturday and if the eyes aren't cooperating, we might try for some pike... We'll be releasing anything we catch. Thanks for any input 

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Now that they opened spearing back up on Mille Lacs big pike are few and far between sadly.

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16 hours ago, DLD24 said:

What area of the lake would you guys consider the best for big pike... I'm bringing my buddy down there Saturday and if the eyes aren't cooperating, we might try for some pike... We'll be releasing anything we catch. Thanks for any input 

Lots of big pike in Mille Lacs, I would try the SE side of the lake, I've had decent luck there. Spearing has only been open for 2 years, I don't think it's going to effect the numbers of big pike in this lake.

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4 hours ago, Ole #1 said:

Lots of big pike in Mille Lacs, I would try the SE side of the lake, I've had decent luck there. Spearing has only been open for 2 years, I don't think it's going to effect the numbers of big pike in this lake.

 

After the first spearing season the DNR reported that they estimate 25% of the trophy pike in the lake were harvested by spearing.  I would say that is going to have a serious affect on the trophy pike population.   Judging by the number of spear houses in the bays I don't doubt that estimate.  Spearing was opened due to the walleye issue even though the DNR does not think the trophy pike are causing the issue....makes a lot of sense..   It will be sad if one of the last remaining trophy pike lakes in the state gets decimated.  I'm in no way anti-spearing but hopefully the spearers have some restraint. 

 

Good luck DLD. 

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I would say Pike fishing got noticeably worse after the first year of spearing.  Used to catch lots of big pike while musky fishing..  I didn't catch a single one last year.  Makes me sad and angry, to be honest.

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Caught a 33 and 36" on the rocks this weekend. I've never been successful targeting them. But always seem to catch some here and there. 

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