Sylvan Lake Fishing Reports

[Guest]

I started fishing Sylvan last year, appreciate any info. on walleye techniques and locations. I know it's not known as a walleye producer, but there are a few nice ones taken now and then. Also, where do the crappies go after they leave the beds soon.
Thanks, Bob

[Toad]

Hi Bob,

Haven't done a ton of fishing specifically for walleyes on Sylvan. That said, though, I have done real well when I've fished big minnows out there in the fall. Lots of mixed bag catches-- big bass, real nice pike and an occasional good sized walleye. On a number of trips for summer bass out there, I've also taken nice walleyes on jigworms around weedline areas. The big weedcovered sunken island in the southcentral portion of Upper Sylvan is a key spot.

I'd maybe try fishing at night, slow trolling the weed tops with a weightless spinner-crawler harness. There's definitely a nice stocked walleye population out there, just that they're weed fish-- and weed walleyes usually are untapped.

As far as postspawn crappies, look off the primary deep weedline near spawning areas. Crappies spend most of the summer suspended off the ends of deep weed points and inside turns. You can often spot these fish with your sonar. That means you can zero in on 'em. A good strategy is to simply drift along just outside the deep weededge, either casting and swimming a small jig or suspending a jig & minnow beneath a float. Let us know how you fare on Sylvan, ok?

-a friend called Toad

[eg_gophers2124]

We have rented a cabin on Sylvan Lake between Pillager and Brainerd for the family this weekend. My 13 year old really would like to find some bass and pike. I have never fished the lake and don't fish for bass or pike often, does anyone have a fishing report and tips of what depth/lures to use? We do have a boat to get around the lake. 

TIA

[Wanderer]

Welcome to the site @eg_gophers2124

I have never even seen the lake but these screen shots might help.

Navionics

Judging by the Lake Finder report, it’s a super clear lake; 17-20 foot clarity but with plenty of weeds.

A couple shots of the weed report.

Starting from scratch, I would head to the southwest area.  The southern basin has better looking structure too.

You might do well simply working edges of the emergent weeds with spinnerbaits in low light and weedless frogs or spoons up in the weeds when it gets to be mid day.  Crawler under a slip bobber on the weed edges could do well also.

It’s purely guessing on my part.  Hopefully someone with experience on the lake will chime in.

Good luck!

[gimruis]

If the water is that clear and you can see 17-20 feet down, the fish will be very spooky.  And if the sun is out, they will be looking for relief from the sun in the form of shade.  Night time might actually be a better option.

[AlwaysFishing23]

I’ve fished sylvan heavily the last two years. Done very well. Many nice pike, bass, walleye, and bluegill. For pike trolling shadraps pretty much any where will get you all the 20”-25” pike you want. Plenty of dence cover all over for bass and that is the usual bass presentations. And for gills in the spring the channel between the two bays was VERY good this past spring went three days in a row and got 2 limits each time ( two angles in the boat) and relesed many many more.  Also the panfish limit on sylvan is 5 per person so be aware of that. I was out there 2 weeks ago and did ok. Again two limits of nice gills and a handful of pike but it took a lot of work to find them. I’m unsure of the walleye fishing out there but have heard it’s a good lake. Im not an expert on sylvan but know a little so hope this helps ya out. Good luck!