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Does anyone know anything about sylvan lake near gull lake? I am going to be spending quite a bit of time at that lake this weekend. What species should I expect to find. I did look at the DNR info but was hoping to get some fellow fisherman advise.
Thanks
fish

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fish,

I've always liked Sylvan. Although it sees its fair amount of pressure, the lake holds good numbers of 8 to 12-inch crappies (some much larger), lots of pike (I seem to get a big 34-inch plusser everytime out there-- accident maybe), loads of bass, and an overlooked population of stocked walleyes.

In the winter, I'd anticipate a nice evening bite for crappies suspended off the ends of points in the lower (southern) basin and near the midlake humps in the upper basin. The upper basin also seems to hold more walleye, while Lower is normally more productive for pike.

If I had just one day to icefish the lake (that reminds me-- I SHOULD get out on this lake again soon) I would start by working around the edges of the large midlake hump in the upper basin. Maybe set a tip up or two along the weededge, then jig a small Jigging Rap in alternate holes around the perimeter of the hump. Wouldn't be long before a pattern would reveal itself. If not, I'd still like to give 'er a shot in the lower basin for some pike and crappies.

There's one real nice point that juts off the western shoreline just a ways south of the channel between the two lakes. It's got a sharp slope on the north side of the point up to the tip, then drops gradually into deepwater on the inside turn. Great funneling area for baitfish. Feel free to email me if you need more. Good lake, good luck.

-a friend called Toad

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Toad,
thanks for the quick reply. Just to be sure you were thinking that the mid lake hump on the north side may hold a few walleye on the edges. Is that what I am to understand?
fish

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You got 'er fish, take a look at the northern tip of the big midlake hump as it rolls off into 50-feet plus (for walleye and crappies, too). Also, try the point in the upper (north) basin that runs straight off the western shoreline-- good walleye spot at times.

This is a bite that should be best early morning and late evening into the night. (As I said before, don't know why I don't hit this lake more often in the winter.) Sure hope you find a nice batch of fish. Keep in touch.

-Toad

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