fall inland lake stocked brook trout tips

[matthothand]

I've ice fished brook trout in northern MN lakes that have been stocked by the DNR but want to try to catch a few this fall in between days grouse hunting. It's pretty easy in the winter but I'm not sure where the fish will be in the water column or what baits will be most effective. So far, the plan is to throw in-line spinners near shore. Would small crankbaits be effective? Should I be fishing flies instead? What do they normally eat in the fall? I was also wondering about the spawning habits of brook trout stocked in inland lakes. Are stocked fish sterile? I would guess not. I would also guess that they don't successfully spawn in a lake, but do they still go through the motions or try? I'm just curious about their fall habits and overall mostly am looking for advice on how to hook into a few.

[Nate McVey]

Matt, casting spoons from shore is a good way to catch trout in ponds. In northern MI we would cast silver cleos, rooster tails, some sort of inline spinner that Blue Fox makes (can't think of the name right now) and also Mepps Comet's worked well. I've never fished with crankbaits so I can't help you there. If you plan on throwing flies, wolly buggers would be my choice followed by streamers. Good luck!

[Scudly]

I fished some trout lakes on the North Shore near Grand Marais. I did well from shore early am. Bobber, split, and worm 3-4 feet down works well. No need to be on rhe bottom, at least when you see cruising fish. Cast the sides of any wakes you see. Next year I'm bringing a canoe. Seems ideal to cover a lot of ground in the ponds. I plan on casting behind me and trolling the shore lines. Likely use a #6 all silver Panther Martin spinner. Got a fat rainbow with a #6 silver blade black body yellow spotted one too.

Also talk to the locals and move to another lake if you are not having luck. I heard there is wide variation from year to year. You could also look up stocking records. I want to find some splake next summer. Locals prefer it over walleye. I've yet to eat one. Good luck to you. I think there is a North Shore section on FM that you could also post. probably most talk is about the salmon and coaster runs but I bet these folks know some good inland lakes too.

[JBMasterAngler]

Small spoons will do the trick...I like red or yellow. Mepps spinners are my go to lure. I would bring an assortment of colors and sizes (#0 to #2)

[splakeshaker]

I stick with the gold or sliver spoons and have good results.

[traveler]

1/8 oz and 1/12 oz kastmasters in gold and silver are our go to lures.

[deets22]

don't be afraid to try some small rapalas in black gold and black silver.

[Scudly]

Anyone been fishing the inland fall lakes? North shore? Western WI? Washburn County in western WI has a number of brook trout pongs that I am told can be fantastic in the fall. I have yet to venture to these. They are put and take. Rarely fished. I guess the brookies can get quite large. So many fishing opportunities, so little time.