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Orchard Lake


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I live near there, and may try it tomorrow, anyone have any info on it? (the one in Dakota County)

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I was out on Saturday breaking in my new motor, no fishing stories to share yet but I can tell you that it has been a productive all around lake for me in the past!

P.S. I live on the back corner of the lake

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Orchard Lake has to be one of my favorite lakes in the Metro. It has one of the best Bass populations of any metro lake for its size. There is also a good Northern population due to STRICT Northern regs but I have yet to hook into one. Some nice crappies too if you know where to find them.

Theres nothing like having a 3lb bass rip off line off an ultralight with 4lb test and a crappie minnow, I get it all the time fishing there early season smile.gif But there are some decent Crappies in there too. Theres some Hybrid sunfish in there that can be fairly decent, though most of the bluegill are stunted.

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hey could you drop me a email, ive figured about 2-3 spots, and was wondering of you could give me some input on them.

emails [email protected]

well went out from about 10:30 to 1:30, tryed the two reed beds by/in the north bay, and trolled the north bay, then went over and worked the rock pile, nothing at the pile, but at the reeds caught a 30 in muskie! First ever, and no camera! Caught it off a beetle spin too! I 1/16 or 1/8 i forget, black and orange, no spinner, caught it on a ultralight too!

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well went out, tryed the two reed beds by/in the north bay, and trolled the north bay, then went over and worked the rock pile, nothing at the pile, but at the reeds caught a 30 in muskie! First ever, and no camera! Caught it off a beetle spin too! I 1/16 or 1/8 i forget, black and orange, no spinner, caught it on a ultralight too!

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Nice job on the 30" Tiger!!!!! I fish Orchard lot during the summer/fall period for muskies. Alot of nice fish in there. I will be out there on Tuesday afternoon looking for some crappies.

Brian Muskieschaef

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thanks, i was suprised, since i didn't know they were in there. Im curious, other then the 2 reed beds and the rock pile, what are some spots? I don't want to know for fishing, im just curious what other spots this lake has

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Thats the fun of it all, looking over a map and figuring out what looks good... then figure in the weather ie.. if it's windy, go fish the shoreline were the water is blowing up to...you see baitfish can get blown up and the predator fish know this and will come. Your obviously fishing for Crappies and panfish so try the shallow muddy bottomed area's and if they're not shallow then work out towards deeper water. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity... just use your noggin. tongue.gif

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also, i have a book (7 years old, holly cow! just realized that) and it says the visibilty is 12 feet! I went oout and saw maybe 4! is this due to turnover, or is my book inaccurate?

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The DNR website says the water clarity is 8.75ft. That surprised me. I've never thought it was that clear. The south side near the public launch gets a little weed choked latter in the year.

I live just a few blocks away from Orchard, but have only fished it a few times. I'm not sure why, but I'll have to change that this year.

Buzz- I'll have to hook up with you out there sometime...

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We will absolutely hook up! You live a few blocks away from the lake an I live a 9 iron away. I 'm going to try and get out there Sunday morning for a bit to target some Crappies.

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Hey Buzz- My weekends are all booked up until the opener. I'm coaching my youngest son's AAU basketball team and we have tournaments every weekend.

My new boat should be ready to be picked up either Friday or Monday......I can't wait!

Have fun on Sunday! Leave a few fish for the rest of us!

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You'll love your new boat! I'm still working on the breakin miles on mine.

I'll give you a report of how I do.

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