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We are headed to the Minnewaska/Osakis area for a day of fishing on Saturday. Could anyone tell me of 3 lakes that are kicking out some nice sunnies and crappies. I have read the reports on Osakis, which sound good, but looking at other options as well. We normally hit Minnewaska but I sure do not see any reports. We also try Marlu once in a while, but the last two winters, that lake has been the dead sea for panfish. Can't find 'em. Anyway...looking for some options.

I'm glad my buddy reminded me! The limits for crappies and sunnies have gone down to 10 and 20 respectively. Just throwing that out there in case you forgot too!

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sko,

If the weather is stable go to osakis, otherwise check out another lake. Check out the other posts as where to go, the crappie fishing has been that good there.

Joneshat11

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Sko...just west of Osakis is Smith lake...had been putting up some nice numbers in the last few weeks.....sort through for size, but a limit of nice ones is possible. Also, Victoria and Geneva, on the Alex Chain have had considerable action..(before the subzero temps returned)...the north bay of Geneva typically draws some nice crappies this time of year...otherwise plenty of panfih in front of the bible camp...on Victoria...walk out to the minefield just off hwy 27 (it looks like a battlefield with all the holes drilled out there!)

good luck...
let us know how it goes...

------------------
Northeast Outfitters
915 Hwy 29 N NE
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 763-9598

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Thanks for the tip on Smith, Ghotierman. I did fish Smith in late December from about 4:30 to 7:00 PM, after a futile effort on other lakes, but managed to bring home a limit of crappies. Nothing too big, but nice. You had to sort through them. But I will say this, they were stacked on the bottom, as shown on the FL18, but I thought by now they would be picked over and hammered pretty good. Lots of guys out there back then.

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I think the pressure has eased up a bit, but the bite is continuing...last reports before the subzero temps anyway...we had our rental out there for the last weekend...the guys did pretty good...still had to sort 'em, but able to get enough keepers...seem to be suspending a bit more near the breaks....rental was out by the point on the sw side...30 feet...fish came in in the evening...some only 10ft below the ice...

might be worth a look this weekend for ya...


good luck...

------------------
Northeast Outfitters
915 Hwy 29 N NE
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 763-9598

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fyi. The new limits for crappie & sunfish don't take effect until May 10, though you need a new license as of March 1.

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Big Laker you are correct and my buddy was jumping the gun. I guess we will see what we can do. Thanks! I just hope the weather cooperates now. If it does not, it will be tough to muster up any fish for the frying pan.

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Sko-
Hope to we can go nail some craps on Saturday. Let me know when you guys are coming up. Anyways, let's hope the fishin' is as good as it was on Tonka last week! Anyone have any info on the Crappie bite on Darling in front of Arrowwood??

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WalleyeMan,

Based on the reports, and the weather being unstable, it sounds like the best option is going to be Geneva or Minnewaska during the day for sunfish. Then Smith in the evening for the crappie run. Smith sounds like a lock for the PM crappie run. If you hear of any other good sunnie lakes, let me know. Finally, we could also meet in Glenwood and I could take us onto Marlu and we go on a search and destroy mission for monster gills.

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sko...walleyeman....how was the weekend?
any luck?

------------------
Northeast Outfitters
915 Hwy 29 N NE
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 763-9598

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Because of the weather, bad roads, wind, and all, we did not make it up to Alexandria. I heard someone was killed on I-94 due to the weather, so that did it for me. Kind of bummed me out since that may be it for the year. We'll see.

Walleyeman made it up before the weather and fished Geneva all day. I do not think they did too well.

I ended up fishing Lake Minnetonka Saturday evening with another guy and we ended up with 23 nice crappies. One went 13" with the rest being around 9" or 10". Looks like next chance to hit the Alex area will be the end of March...if there is still ice.

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sko: the limits on sunfish and crappies does not take effect until the official opening of the 2003 season which is May 10th. Until that time nothing changes. good luck and hang on. Bill

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Try for this weekend, sko...temps should be in the 50s!

We should still have fishable ice for another few weeks....

good luck!

------------------
Northeast Outfitters
915 Hwy 29 N NE
Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 763-9598

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

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