Snowbank lake??

[fishing4fun]

I making a week long trip to Snowbank this July to see some family who live there. I have never been to this part of the state to go fishing. Any recommendations on what to bring for walleyes. And what other species of fish are Snowbank? Smal and Largmouth bass, pike? Just looking for some fun for the whole family.

Thanks

[MuskyBrian]

Snowbank is somewhat of a tough walleye Lake. It is crystal clear, more then likely you will find your best fishing during offpeak hours. I liked to drift jigs in the morning then troll lindy spinners slowly at night. It is a fantastic smallmouth lake, they are everywhere. There are definetely pike, although there are not many of the traditional weedbed areas so you have to work somewhat harder to find them. I found rock piles adjacent to deeper water and windblown shoreline worked well paired with livebait. I am not a lake trout fisherman but there are plenty of them in the lake as Snowbank is very deep as well. There's actually a good population of largemouth bass as well. If you are looking for fun for the family throwing leeches into the shoreline area paired with a bobber is a great way to land a variety of species, especially bass on this lake. We used to "drift-pitch" as we called it, works in the afternoon when all else fails. Hope this helps...

[chunkytrout]

Brian's obviously spent some time on Snowbank and his advice is sound. I have a feeling this might be a good year there. She's been quiet for three years and about due I'd guess. I've had some great walleye evenings on that lake in the past. Nothing much to add except if you get a blue pike, release it if possible. There's been a few caught in the last couple of years and they're pretty rare in this area.

[MuskyBrian]

ahh yes, forgot to mention the silver pike as chunkytrout mentioned. I was lucky enough to catch one 3 years ago while trolling in 20 feet of water, Although it is not big I recognized what it was right away and got a picture. Pretty neat. Snowbank has such depth I always picture just monstrous walleyes and pike roaming the depths, but alas I have never found one. Good Luck!

[chubkiller]

I would check with Dennis at Smitty's, also there are plenty of Northerns to be had in the weedbed just out into the main lake from the resort. For the last couple of years we have been able to pull many out of there around mid morning using white power grubs.

[fishing4fun]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm can't wait to come up. My wifes cousins live on the lake and we will stay with them. I know he knows the lake. What should I bring for the eyes. Do we pull cranks or spinners? Also I know he is a big Lake trout fisherman. Is there anything I should bring with for them? He has most of that type of equipment so I shouldn't need to. I'm looking so forward to this trip. I love the area. I'd love to move there but the jod doesn't follow!

Also Brian I see your a musky guy. I to love to chase those toothy critters also. Only 3 day to go!! I normally stay in the Alexandria area or Walker area. Are there any other lakes in the Ely area besides Vermilion? I don't know if I'll get to try, but it sure would be fun.

Thanks again.....

[MuskyBrian]

I am sure you could fish on Cranks, i however have had no success. We slowly trolled lindy spinners . There's 3 Chain of Islands in the back corner of the lake where we had our most success in the evening at least.As far as the trout, I can't help you out much. I will say I spent one day trying and continually marked a ton of fish in certain holes from 70-85 feet which I am sure was them. A local told me to try out a technique where you drop a heavily weighted white grub to the bottom and then crank it all the way up? I didn't have enough confidence to try it very long.

As far as the musky go....my love for Musky has kinda drawn me away from going to Ely because there are no opportunities to my knowledge other then Lake Vermillion and Shoepac Lake in Voyageurs National Park. It is funny you mention that though, because I have had pictures in my head of how Snowbank would be a great musky lake with its depth and seeming lack of fishing pressure compared to other area lakes. I would love to go to Ely instead of crossing the border into Canada, I wish the DNR would look into introducing Muskies into new waters up there( or maybe they already have?). Can't go wrong with vermillion though. You'll find northerns in the weedbeds, although the ones I have found with size come from rocks or fallen trees, not the weeds. Good Luck, you guys will have a great time!

[zappy]

You'll definitely want to try for lake trout while on Snowbank, especially if you get a mostly sunny day. As noted in a previous post, the trout can be deep in July. I'd look around 70 to 85 feet to start. The area around North Bay is good (I believe you need a day permit and 25HP motor or less). Most guys use a big jig tipped with cisco or sucker meat. I'm a dead cisco, single hook and two pieces of split shot on the bottom guy. I even toss out an anchor and sleep. When a trout picks up the bait, it will run full steam for about five minutes. Set the hook and wind her in. Afternoon is a good time. If you get a real windy day, try drifting over the weed beds in Pickerel bay with some long Raps. You'll get lots of pike (but nothing over a few pounds). Have fun.

[IrishZit]

I was on Snowbank this past week and the DNR rep stopped us to do a creel survey. He said he hadn't measured a walleye all week. The bass are going nutz up there right now. They are on their beds. Good times!

Sully