Sunrise

[maagdog]

Has anyone been out to Sunrise recently? How did you do?

[Neiko]

I haven't been out there in years but I heard that it was fished out. Don't know if it is true but you knew it would hit bottom sooner or later.

[Shawnny B]

It has been getting hammered in the summer months by a certain group of peoples. last time i was out there was 3 years ago and it only cost 5 bucks.I was out early bass fishing and found that there were about 10 people per jet boat and they were keeping anything and everything that was bittin, I got sick of it and mentioned it to the folks up the hill and he stated that he would call the DNR. I was there atleast 8 times and saw this. I had a few friends try it last year and it was 10 dollars to get on to the lake, and they said the bite was slow, I have thought about trying to get out there again, but I cant see paying 10 bucks and have to buy my bait, plow/4x4 it across the lake. Thats more than what it costs to get on most lakes like Mille lacs, Red or Leech. I hope it recoveres and someone opens a "public" launch on it, or atleast says pay me if you feel like it.

Shawnny B

[matthothand]

Do not waste your time or money. There are plenty of lakes that offer free access and you will definitely catch more fish. Sunrise is done. It was good back in the day but the fish are gone. Head to the Goose chain if you want crappies. Head to chisago area for bass and any other lake in MN if you want bluegills. Sunrise has come and now it is gone. The fishery is very much depleted. I strongly advise you to spend time on higher quality bodies of water...basically anywhere else. I used to fish there on a regular basis and have since invested time in other fisheries nearby and had far better success. Just because you pay to fish there doesn't mean you will be rewarded with better fishing. Good luck.

[TomWehler]

Sad to hear as that used to be fun to CPR on any time.

If people keep on keeping limits of fish this will happen every place.

Take a few, have fun with the rest.

TO many people around to just keep on keeping limits of pan fish or anything else.

Meat days are gone people.

Take a few, release the rest and they will come back.

T.

[sunkinboat]

Shawnny,

I know exactly the specific group you atr talking about. They are there every year. Fortunately I dont have to pay to get on the lake because my grandpa worked for Dick the owner of the house there for years. I havent had any luck on that lake at all in the winter for the last 2 years, but always do good on bass opener but it gets very weedy anytime after that.It used to be so good and now it is hard to find fish.

[maagdog]

Thanks for the info guys, it is much appreciated. Its too bad to hear the truth, I only hope this will improve in the future.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I think the reason the lake is getting so bad is the fact that it is a pay to fish lake. People seem to think if they are paying to fish they're going to get their money's worth by keeping everything.

My dad started fishing this lake when it was first opened, wish I would have been around to get in on some of it.

[hovermn]

Seems to me that I remember hearing that the DNR has stopped any and all surveying and maintaining of this lake because of some issues with the owner of the access. Anyone else hear of this? The first time I fished this lake, you couldn't cast a lure without hitting a bass, explosive bass at that. Since then, it's been dead. It's a real shame, too. Sunrise was a great fishery and with a little help, it could be so again. I, however will NOT fish this lake again as long as current situation holds and the $10 fee is in effect.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

As far as I know the DNR never has and never will do anything with the lake as long as the owners are charging people to use it. I always wonder how much money that lake brings in for the people, I bet its around 20 grand.