mud flats or gravel?

[Guest]

I will be up for my second ever trip to MilleLacs next weekend around the 4th. I do not own a lake map yet or own a GPS. I know the bite on the lake is great now, but with hardly any knowledge of the lake, what will be the easiest way to get a few fish in the boat? It sounds like the mud flats are a little tricky to work an edge so far from shore. Would my best bet be to work the gravel on the south side? Just drift areas like ottos or sloppy's? Even these might be a little tricky to find unless there are a few boats around. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Guest]

Wizkid,

I would launch at the Garrison access and head straight out about 1 mile. They are still getting fish on Garrison Reef and you will not have a problem finding it as there will be more than a few boats sitting on it.

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Paul
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Pwaldow123 (edited 06-21-2002).]

[Fathead]

Hello Wizkid,

I would recommend trying the gravel bite.
Sloppy Joes is out aways, but if you launch out of Cove Bay and head NE (east of Spirit Island) you will most likely see boats out there. Sloppies usually attracts quite a few boats this time of year. The reef is rather large, and depths range from 26 (or is it 24?) down to 31. You can fish anywhere on the reef, but I prefer the 30 foot areas this time of year. I have not been out on Sloppies lately, so I don't know how the bite is there, but I suspect it is good.
It seems most people tend to be using Lindy rigs and leeches and are catching fish this way. I would recommend either bottom bouncers and spinner/crawlers or 3-ways and #7 floating rapalas. The 3-way and rap bit has been just short of unbelievable this year. If you use this you won't be disappointed. Plus by using either of these two methods you cover more territory and are more apt to find even more active fish than a slower lindy presentation.

My two cents

[Guest]

Hey, I really appreciate the help. I will watch the boards to see if things change in the next week and definitely post what we find.

[Guest]

PWaldow & Wiz Kid,,Been hitting the big pond once or twice a week lately. Opie & I were out last Thursday for three hours,,1st fish ten minutes out 29.5",,had ten other over 25"...20 plus more over 20"...one under slot none in the slot,,,caught big pig on long lindy with 4-5" rainbow,,,few on crawlers, most on leeches,,,was working 7 mile flat straight east of casino launch,,,I've got several didital pic's can't figure out how to move them from my desk top,,,See ya BIG JIM

[Guest]

Is garrison reef rocks and gravel? How big is it? Are you fishing more of a break or the whole structure? Sorry for the specific questions but it is definitely new water.

[Guest]

Wiz,

Garrison Reef is shaped like a banana and is a little over 1 3/4 miles from tip to tip. It is comprised of mainly rock. I would start along the edges 12-15 feet and go from there. It really depends on what the weather is doing.

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Paul
[email protected]