Pike on nearby lakes

[Stiff]

A large group of co-workers and I are heading up for some fishing (and non-fishing activities) in two weeks. We have a few shacks rented out of Rocky Reef on the west side. Very few of these people fish regularly, but they would like to see some fishing. Seems like fishing has been pretty slow on Mille Lacs and I was going to suggest that we might want to go fish pike with tip ups on some nearby lakes like Shakopee or Borden during the day.

I think numbers matters more than size with this group. Most would be thrilled to see a 2-3 pound snake come through the hole.

Are these good choices for lakes? Does anyone know what the ice is like on the smaller lakes? Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks, Tony

[Eastwind]

Try Miller Lake, which is near Borden. It is full of snake northerns. You should be able to find it with a Garrison area or Brainerd area map. It is full of humps and bars.

[ackotz]

Another lake infested with northern pike is Sullivan Lake (however, I do not know of the ice conditions)...

It's just west of Shakopee and Warren Lakes.

[Stiff]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I pulled up lake maps from the DNR site for Miller and Sullivan.

Miller looks like a good bet based on the DNR data. Looks like the far north end and far south ends would be est for setting out a bunch of tip ups. There is an underwater point extenting from each of the east and west shores about mid way up the length of the lake too. I suppose those could be good. Any other suggestions or confirmations?

Sullivan and Shakopee both have me a little worried because they look like they have creeks flowing into and out of them. The ice has been so wierd this year, I hesitate to head out on new waters with a bunch of people who don't really know much about ice. However, on Sullivan, it looks like there is a good 10 foot bay to the south of the landing on the east shore. That looks like it would be well away from any currents. Anyone know what the fishing is like there?

Thanks again for all the input. Does anyone know what the ice is like on these smaller waters?