Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Crappies and Bellhorn Bay


Recommended Posts

hi folks

Outdoor News had a report from Willey's that the crappies were biting on Bellhorn in 8-15ft of water. I've heard of a crappie crib somewhere on Bellhorn also. Can anyone point me in the right direction here? My wife and I are pretty frustrated w/ fishing this summer and would love to catch a couple of fish. '

thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I know I'm going to put my foot in my mouth but no one else will respond to your question. The location of cribs is like a pot of gold at the bottom of the lake and no one wants to give it up. As far as I know there are no cribs in Billhorn bay, at lease on the south end. The nouth end may have some but I don't know where they are. There are a lot of deep holes in the north end that everyone fishs during the early spring, late fall and winter. I do know that here are cribs in the lake and I have been watching this post to learn more.

So what do you say guys, lets give up those spots. (Or at least point us to the general location)

As an aside, I have had luck fishing the swim platforms in Billhorm, so give that a try.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quite honestly, I dont think its a great idea to post exact info on a forum like this. There are tons of lurkers that suck info out of here and put it to use.

I do know the whereabouts of a couple of the cribs, but I just don't want to divulge everything I know about a given lake. There are only a few cribs I know of, so even pointing in the general direction online could put those isolated spots under heavy pressure.

Call me snooty if you want, but I have given a lot of info out to help people narrow down some good areas in general and patterns to try on this lake.

If we post exact specifics for everyone to see, next year we will all be on here griping about the lake being overfished, too many people on my favorite spots, and its FM's fault....

Don't kid yourself, FM has been accused of wrecking spots/lakes in the past.

Bigbart

email me and I can help "narrow down" your search for crappies. Just as long as some go back in the lake.

[email protected]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thank you both for your posts and Mark for his email. I agree with the idea that maybe it's not the best idea to post any exact locations here. Mark pointed me in the right direction also.

thanks again!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

FIshed BellHorn yesterday. No luck on crappies; maybe the strong NW wind and weather change did them in. Caught some real nice northerns tho (5-12 lbs) when we decided to give up on the crappies and give another species a chance to play.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I didn't get up there this weekend but I talked to one of my neibhors and he got a limit of crappies off of one of those "cribs" everyone is talking about.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.