Panfish

[Bobber-Down]

This is my first post on this site in hope of getting a little help on finding and catching some panfish. I've tried fishing for crappies in the area in years past with minimal luck, any tips or thoughts on what lakes to try would be awesome. I would like to avoid the crowds of the chain and like the smaller lakes in the area. Thanks for any help that is offered.

[ghotierman]

There are plenty of small gems in the area....you'll find some marginal activity on most of them in the winter. A few of the top of my head (panfish/crappie targets..) Pocket, Smith, Louise, Cowdry, Irene, Mina, Charlie, Rachel....pick one and check out a map for likely structure...then pick a time and try 'em out...

good luck and good fishing...

[Collapsi-Gill]

hey guys I'm new to this system but I was just browsing the internet the other day for fishing reports and came across it so I decided to sign up. I was wonderin if I could get some help on some good hook/bait combos for fishing panfish and eyes, any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks

[Chasingame]

If you don't mind the drive, we have been doing quite well on Adley near Parkers Prairie. Bite seems to be between 2-4. Not really sure after that, as the latest we have stayed is 5:30 usually about 5 we would get into a couple of nice crappies. Waxies seem to be the best bet so far.

Hope this helps.

[basssmasher*]

where is parkers prarie from willmar mn?

[Woodland]

Parkers Prairie is north of Alexandria, about 18 miles. Take I 94 to Alex, exit 103, follow HWY 29 North, you will run right past Adley, right before you get to Parkers Prairie.

It has been getting hit hard... a lot of fish have been taken out.

[cantwait2fish]

I'm new to this site, Iwas wondering if the ice is good enough up there to pull out a 7+14 perm on the ice. I'm coming up to ALex on the 13th I would appreciate some info

[EYEHUNTER10]

Rat-finky with t-boned waxie has sealed the deal on just about every crappie i've toyed with on the vexilar this year. A glow or colored #6 gamagatsu hook and a small sinker slip bobber rig with 6 pound test and a fathead is about as good as it get this year for me, follow closely behind by a small silver pimple with the glow strip down the middle. Seems to catch the panies just fine when you tip with waxies or a crappie minnow head. For waleyes try to deadstick the pimple with a crappie minnow or maybe even a fathead.

[Havin' Fun]

Pick pretty much any lake in the area and fish a weedline break and work your way slowly out deeper and deeper. I prefer bays or lakes that drop to about 20-30 feet and often fish the basin areas. Start anywhere you can find a nice shallow flat adjacent to that "deeper" water. This is why there are folks fishing Victoria where they do.

Second, having a vex really helps, but start off the bottom say 2-5 feet. I like to set a bobber with a minnow or a deadstick as well(this is for crappies, perch, or walleye).

So many good panfish lakes. Ghot listed a bunch. Most of the chain is great as well. Some good spots you can walk easily too as well!