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Learning new lakes


Daniel Hayes

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Going through dnr lakefinder, I stumbled on this lake, which has stupid regulations, but the possibility of trophy walleye and northerns. I was going to go out with the boat and do some scouting but the access was flooded all year. If you were planning a day/night fishing, where would you think to start by looking at the map?

 

https://maps1.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefinder/mobile/#map_lake/77002400

Note: I have been out 3 or 4 times with minimal success.

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Daniel, Welcome to the forum.  Since it's such a deep big bowl about the only thing you can try is some of the under water points or drops, like the one at the south end in about 25-30' I would try for Walleyes or off the 10" hump mornings or evenings.  Or try the bowl to see if any Crappies are out there suspended?  Or just call it a day and go over to Big Swan!  ?  Good Luck.

Edited by leech~~
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1 hour ago, leech~~ said:

Daniel, Welcome to the forum.  Since it's such a deep big bowl about the only thing you can try is some of the under water points or drops, like the one at the south end in about 25-30' I would try for Walleyes or off the 10" hump mornings or evenings.  Or try the bowl to see if any Crappies are out there suspended?  Or just call it a day and go over to Big Swan!  ?  Good Luck.

What he said. I've found walleyes during the winter in that valley to the SSE of that midlake hump along the breakline near shore. I quite enjoy fishing those lakes in that area since they are don't see heavy pressure and shoreline development is minimal. 

 

Big Swan is an interesting lake with lots of structure to keep one occupied. 

Edited by BobT
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  So when I've gone out, we have swiss cheesed the red areas. Caught a 18"ish walleye in the green. Same spot I had luck with northerns in the past. I dont keep fish and am hesitant to fish deep..

Screenshot_20200114-130415_Boating HD.jpg

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

I've never fished the lake. In the winter walleyes love fast breaks from a shallow flat to deep water. Points and inside turns. Assuming the map is accurate, if I were fishing it not knowing bottom composition, the new red lines are where I would focus for walleyes. One of those spots I would have high confidence in. Water clarity migh change my opinion though.

Screenshot_20200114-142213_Chrome.jpg.f7c49668cb36fa6fd0d7717872d08202.jpg

Let us know how you do.

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

I would also check out the deeper point to the SE of the hump.  There's a little shallow shelf there as well.   The point appears to be well defined but not as shallow.  Also check out the saddle between the hump and shoreline/point. 

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I talked to several folks who know that lake...  it's only 15 or 20 miles from me...  they said night fishing for eye's can be great..  and yes there are some dandy eyes and nords in there...  fresh water herring too they said...  they also said it's a clear lake and 100 foot deep....  go get them!!

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  • Official Fishing Report Team - MN

Welcome Daniel Hayes I like the little knob in  the N side bay especially if there are any green weeds up in that flat my guess is there are a few perch and some small gills roaming that bay and the eyes shouldn't be far behind.   But with its depths and clarity have to Agree with Mike 89 might be a nighttime gig. We have a lake in My are called Big fish that is similar and I Wont even hit the water till the evening on this one. 

Edited by IceHawk
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