Brainerd Lakes?

[tony12h]

Going searching for muskies for the first time and wanted our imput for area lakes. Which lake would u hit up for a first timer: Cedar, Shamineau, or Alexander?

[ranger20]

i would for sure go to alex,we he got some big fish out of there and saw alot caught to (jackpots)

[bronzeback]

I'd fish Leech.

[bronzeback]

in all seriousness though I think if you hit Cedar on the right day it could be a pretty easy lake to find fish on, just look at a map or if you're lucky enough to have a GPS use that and correspond spots that look good on the map with spots that look good when you're floating right in front of them.

[JRedig]

Leech is brainerd area?

[bronzeback]

I was joking, hence the "in all seriousness" on my next post.

But honestly I suppose it might as well be, it's only 20-30 more minutes of a drive to get to Walker when compared to going to these other lakes(if you're leaving from Brainerd). I have no idea what side of the lake the public accesses are on though, so that could tack on some more time.

[JRedig]

I was joking, hence the "in all seriousness" on my next post.

But honestly I suppose it might as well be, it's only 20-30 more minutes of a drive to get to Walker when compared to going to these other lakes(if you're leaving from Brainerd). I have no idea what side of the lake the public accesses are on though, so that could tack on some more time.

Sarcasm is tough on the 'net. But, it's more like 1.5+ hours to walker...

[brmuskie]

I believe he explained that when he said that the drive to Leech isn't that much further than driving to those other lakes if you are leaving from Brainerd. It is 1 hour from Brainerd to Leech and ??? minutes from Brainerd to Alex?

The only lake I have experience with there is Alex - I fished it once and caught a small one and saw several other nice fish.

[Musky Buck]

Bronzy like many of us know the pressure placed on the Brainerd lakes could be classified as "heavy".

[riverkid21]

heavy indeed. probably cant go wrong with any of the area lakes. not too big and if you have a map you should be able to find decent spots to fish.

Most of these lakes will run you 30 minutes from Brainerd. Leech is an option at an hour north to Walker. Bigger water though, not sure how comfortable you are with that. Good luck out there wherever you go.

[bronzeback]

Heavy indeed, and I know this thread wasn't made to spark a debate about the distance from Brainerd to Walker, but I've definitely made that drive in an hour a couple of times. The only time I've fished Leech was from a friend's cabin so it still doesn't give me any clue about distance to the landings, very well could add another 30 minutes to your drive.

[MUSKY18]

The Stony Point landing is only about 6 miles from where 371 & 200 meet at the casino. I think that is the closest landing from there.

The pressure on Alex has been increasing pretty steadily over the past two seasons. Probably a direct correlation to the fact that the big pond hasn't been worth a hill of beans. Havent seen/heard any reports about this season yet. So that is still a viable option. From Brainerd, it is 18 miles to Garrison and just a couple of miles to mulitple landings from there. Cedar is another great option and a lake that will kick out some healthy big fish, plus it is a very pretty lake to be on.

[10,000 Casts]

Quote:

Leech is brainerd area?

Unfortunatly I would consider it the Brainerd area... The Brainerd residents don't really have a lake to call "local." The drive to Leech from Baxter is about an hour and Stoney Point is the best place to put in. Mille Lacs is always a good option as is Alexander or Sham. Little Boy, Wabedo and Inguadona are other good options up by Longville. (about an hour)

[AWH]

I agree with 10,000 Casts. Living in the Brainerd area myself, it's the same distance for me if I want to go to Leech or head to Alexander or Shamineau. A stocked lake in the immediate Brainerd area is badly needed. We have no shortage of excellent options like Gull, Whitefish, Pelican, etc.

Aaron