Looking for a good pike lake in the area

[nater]

I am looking for a lake to fish on opener that has the potential for producing large pike or has been known to. I don't really know many other lakes besides Grand and was looking to check out another lake in the area for opener. If anyone could give me some ideas that would be great and good luck to everyone..........when it finally comes.

[NELS-BELLS]

I don't know of any lakes in the area that consistantly produce big pike but occasionally I've heard of pike in the double digits coming out of the Horseshoe chain. I also know that there are some nice size pike in Lake Alexander, northwest of Little Falls. It is also stocked with Muskies and that season doesn't open until around June 1st.
There are plenty of hammerhandle lakes around if you just want some action.

Nels

[Tour. Pro 175]

Big Birch has some very sized northerns in it. This is a special regs. lake, with all northerns 24" or larger to be released.

[Borch]

Another that I would add is Koronis. It frequently produces very nice pike. I've cuahgt several from 8-14 lbs there the past couple of years. As far as I know they are still in there and bigger.

Make sure to release those big ones. Not many trophy lakes left in the state because of all the big ones that have been taken out.

Good Luck!

[nater]

Thanks for the ideas, I think big birch would be a fun lake to fish. I have fished it one other time for eyes and its a nice lake. Well what ever I decide I'll let you guys know how I do. Thanks again

[barfrog]

if you get to big birch theres another lake within a couple miles cedar lake has some nice northern with trophy potential has special reg have to be 40 for keeper have to go through legion park to land boat yet hopefully new access this year

[musky_tail05]

I have a few questions about Big Birch. I fish it all the time for 'eyes and sunfish mostly. I have tried a few times for pike in Hunter's Bay, but I only caught some small snakes. So my question is...Where do you mostly fish for pike there (any specific spot)? Are there any lures that work better than others? I'm probably gonna be there for opener, so I'll have pike as a secondary option. Thanks for any replies...musky_tail05

[barfrog]

front of rock tavern on east side all the way to scheinder island, cow point across from scheinders island, 1st grass island through the narrows from north any spinnerbait with some white in it with a leader unless you want to lose some

[Iron Cowboy]

Hey Musky, I plan on fishing birch for the first time soon. Eyes and panfish--I got directions off the dnr site to the state forest access. I thought that would be good since we plan on camping there later in the year. Is there a better spot to launch as far as room to park and fishing spots close by or any other variable? Also any info on what the lake is like ie: is it nite bite for eyes--fish weed edges? troll , jig etc.?All help is really appreciated and if anyone would rather e-mail me with any help you can at [email protected] Thanks, Pete

[Tour. Pro 175]

Muskytail,

Try fishing the deep weedlines in the main lake. Trolling crankbaits along these edges in 14'-17'can be very productive. I have caught several northerns over 10 pounds useing this method.

[Tour. Pro 175]

Iron Cowboy,

There are three public access on the lake. There is one on the East side off of co.rd 35 this is a steep ramp and not much room to park. There is one on Grey Eagle bay over on the N.W. side of the lake, lots of room to park. The last one is on Hunters bay.

As far as areas for catching walleyes go early in the season I like to target the emerging weedlines. A couple of spots to try are in Grey Eagle bay. The first spot is in front of the access on the West side. Troll or drift lindy rigs tiped with either a leech or minnow from the access up to Cow Point. Another spot is over by the Rock Tavern, work the East shoreline useing the same method. There is a point there that can be hot when conditions are right. Pay attention to the wind. The weedlines where the wind is blowing into are going to be the most productive ones. As far as night/day fishing you can catch plenty of walleyes during the day no need to loose any sleep.

Good Luck

[Iron Cowboy]

Hey Tour Pro thanks for the reply and good info. If the weather man is right about the weekend forecast I think I'll take my kids out to explore the lake a little and see if the crappies are active. It sound like the grey eagle bay landing is a good spot. is there an easy way to get to it from the freeway? Or anyone know what the state forest access is like? How about a bait store where I can get a good lake map for points and Any hazards to watch out for and such? the channel that connects the two basins is easily managed isnt it? Thanks again for any help you can give, it sure makes it a more enjoyable experience for everyone when I can get a little knowledge of a new area before heading out.
If anyone would like local info about the annandale lakes area you can shoot me an e-mail at [email protected] Thanks, Pete

[This message has been edited by Iron Cowboy (edited 05-03-2004).]

[Tour. Pro 175]

You can exit the freeway in Freeport then consult your map and head North to St. Rose. There is a bait shop at the gas station there, they also sell lake maps. To get to the access on Grey Eagle bay head North out of St. Rose on C.R 35 you will see the lake on the left hand side of the road. When you get to the T road take a left on C.R. 2 go a couple tenths of a mile and turn left again not sure of the road # go past the cemetarys and then start looking for the access signs. The bait shop can also help you out on the directions. The channel that seperates the two basins should have the bouys out and is easy to navigate.

[musky_tail05]

Iron Cowboy- The state forest access is the access I always go to on Birch. It has some good parking spots and it's usually very easy to launch from. There's also a fishing pier and swimming beach right by it. I know I will be there on opener. I may be there this weekend going for crappies in Hunter's Bay. Thanks for all the great replies..musky_tail05