Visiting, muskie advice needed

[PDXFisher]

I will be visiting next week from Portland, OR, and have always wanted to catch a Muskie. I've been to MN many times but have never had the chance to go after anything but Pike and smallies. This time is different.

So since I'm a total novice at Muskie, is Mille Lacs a good place to start out? I'm staying with my girlfriend's family in Watertown (about 45 mins west of MSP). Is there any place else I should think about (read about Lobster lake on here as well)?

Does anyone have GPS coordinates for places I should concentrate on? I don't have a lifetime in the area to figure it all out for myself, so any help is greatly appreciated. Already bought myself a big shimano, will probably buy a rod once I get to MN. In fact I will buy everything else once I get there, so any suggestions as to lures would also help me out quite a bit

Their boat is kinda small, a 14' backtroller, so I guess I should pay attention to weather? I'll probably be out there Thursday, the 27th through Saturday or so. Hmm, any cabin recommendations?

Thanks for any help any of you can provide!

[AWH]

Mille Lacs is a great lake, although it can be very tough, even for those that know the lake. Being that you're in a 14' boat, Mille Lacs probably isn't a good option. At 132,000 acres and pretty much wide open, it can get pretty ugly.

The one bad thing going on right now is the weather. With the heat that we've had recently, water temps are very high on most lakes in the state. Many people, including myself, are staying away from musky fishing until water temps fall back below 80 degrees.

Muskies do not do well once you start seeing water temps in the upper 70s and into the 80s. They can be caught during this time. But the concern is due to the stress that they endure. Although one of the biggest predators in fresh water, they aren't very tough. Even a quick battle and release in those kinds of temps can lead to delayed mortality due to the stress. If you hook into one, a water release is almost a must.

Hopefully a cool front with some rain will hit the area and drop the water temps. If you hit the lakes in search of muskies, I would recommend a smaller lake. Both due to your smaller boat and your unfamiliarity with the waters. Smaller waters are easier to learn and you can more quickly locate your higher percentage areas.

I would also try this post in the Musky/Pike forum, as you should get more responses there.

Aaron

[monstermoose78]

Well i would get a guide it will help you in the long run and the things you will learn will make worth the money.

[Pistol Pete]

If you are staying in Watertown why not go to Lake Waconia?

Muskies in there, just hope the water temp is down enough to fish it.

[PDXFisher]

I don't normally take fish out of the water, anyway. I'm one of those fly fishing catch n release types.

I would have no problem going to Waconia, I don't really know what's in any particular lake, I just say "I wanna catch a Muskie" and her family replies "Mille Lacs". So that's where I started.

What I am really after is this:

1. A lake where I can very definitely target muskies

2. If muskies prove too elusive, a reasonable amount of other options (walleye, northerns, bass, etc.)

3. a place to go that isn't necessarily close to Watertown (though I am certainly interested in hearing about options close as well, I've just already been to Swede, Ida, Dog, etc), as we'd like to get away for a few days up North-ish. Not that Watertown isn't a great place...I've already spent plenty of time in the area during previous trips.

This means lodging accomodations would have to be located reasonably close to where we go.

What is the going rate range for guides?

I will post in the Muskie forum as suggested.

Thanks!

Derek

[Labby]

Save teh money on the equipment and hire a guide. They will teach you a bunch. A good guide on Mille will more than likely put you on a fish or two

Lab

[JiggingSpoon]

I would definitely keep waconia and Minnetonka in mind. Both have very good populations of big muskies and there are plenty of other options if they aren't going. Bass on waconia are excellent as are the walleyes. Tonka you have the bass, walleyes and plenty of pike to keep you interested. Best of luck to ya and have a good vacation in the lovely town of Watertown.

JS