Pike Ice Destinations

[JimBuck]

Hey folks,

Just wanted to see if anyone could recommend some lakes to check out for a weekend of Pike fishing. Sleepers or Day houses would be preferred and I'd like to get out of the metro and away from the Walleye herds on LOW, ML etc. Any ideas?

[spear foot 1]

If you want to dsome traveling Devils lake is always a very good time I make a couple trips a winter out there. About same distance as l o w for me and I live 80 miles west of the metro.

[JimBuck]

I've always been curious about Devil's Lake. Never really considered the Pike fishing, but with all the forage in that lake I bet there are some big toothies lurking.

[CrowRiverRat83]

Upper Red Lake would be a fine choice if you dont mind the drive. Im sure any resort up there could point you in the right direction. There are definetely some quality fish in there.

[spear foot 1]

To be honest the first time I went out to devils was for perch and after seeing some guys pullout the sows for northerns I have been going back every year just for northerns. Always alot of action and your only fishing 6-8 fow around submerged timber. Another bonus is you are allowed 4 lines each so if you go with a couple buddies you can cover alot of area. Your biggest expense is gas and motel but you can stay resonblely cheap in town.

[JimBuck]

spearfoot1, Do you typically take sled's or atv's out? I ask because I don't have either right now so I might be limited to some major travel on the ice.

Rangerguy, I'm looking into a couple options out on UR. Last year we had some pretty bad luck in January but I'm willing to give it a shot again.

[fishmounter]

Devils Lake is very accesible with your vehicle provided that there isn't alot of snow. Three years ago I mounted a 29 1/2 lber, two others that were around 24 lbs each. They were caught in Lake Irvin which is hooked by drainage to Devils Lake. Late March or late April is always good or first ice and there is all kinds of walk out areas, just off the dike over by the Country Club or any shallow bay as the north end of Six Mile bay out from a farm that raised pheasants.. Smelt fished with tip ups works great and your allowed four lines, a limit of five fish with no size restrictions. Ed's bait shop is a great place for latest fishing info and locals post fishing and hunting info on fishingbuddy.com. Hope this helps you, I myself make a few trips every year back there since I was born and raised there.

[JimBuck]

fishmounter, excellent response. This is just what I was hoping to hear. I don't have the storage space for a sled so it limits some of my ice trips. It's good to know a guy can get around. I'm thinking an early ice trip might be in store.....thanks again.

[spear foot 1]

Fishmounter is right on with his info. I think the limit is 5 daily and 10 possion ifi rember right.

[spear foot 1]

JimBuck spring is a good time to head out to devils for late season Ice fishing. I will be making a couple trips out there if you want to tag along towards spring

[fishuhalik]

I'd definitely recommend Upper Red too. Also LOTW, late ice. Never been to devils, but it sounds like a fun trip! Monster perch and pike, I'm sure you can always find something that's biting out there.

[Quetico]

If I were going for a pike trip, I wouldnt go anywhere but Upper Red. Too many monsters roaming that like.

[harvey lee]

Upper Red lake has some true monster and it seems many catch them simply fishing for eyes.

[Traxxx]

Jim,

If you want something a bit closer, we have a sweet lake with some big ones and good action as well.

[MN Mike]

If you don't mind jumping the border just north of Warraod, Buffalo Bay will give you a chance at some of the biggest Pike you can lay your hands on without the crowds you see on the U.S. side. There are no plowed roads there, so that limits traffic unless you have low amounts of snow on the ice, then you could possbily drive almost anywhere depending on breakers. The marina there offers day rentals at very reasonable prices and will shuttle you out on their track machines. They also have some nice cabins there too.

Most of the time you're in locations where you can catch your limit of walleye and latch into some big pike at the same time, you have to be ready for anything!

Any given weekend can be good throughout the winter, spring seems to be popular and if the weather is right, Pike will be there waiting.

Mike

[Brad B]

jim buck,

one thing to remember about devils lake is that back in the late 1800's early 1900's there was big time commerial pike fishing going on at that time and from the pictures shown on jason mitchell outdoors the pike were monsters. I would recommend you go to jason mitchell outdoors HSOforum and go to the video archives and look at the one on the history of devils lake.

[wahoo]

Big Pike through the ice--Saskatchwan (SP?) River in The Pas Manitoba. Check the annual Trappers festival.

A long way to drive, but big Pike!

[Gordie]

I agree with Harvey Lee and the others on this one Upper Red would be my first pick for a real monster in this state along with the walleye/crappie fishing what more could you ask for.

[harvey lee]

One could also go to Woody's on Rainy Lake in March. One can also find some crappie equal to Red and some dandy eye fishing.

Some real monsters can be had.

I would give Woody a call. Woody knows the lake well and has some good prices for lodging.

http://www.fairlyreliable.com/

[poutpro]

I agree that Red Lake has some of the largest pike around, but you cannot fish for them in the prime time. You have get into the Dakotas chase the prespawn, late ice pike.

[catchphoto_filet]

I make a few trips in spring out to ND chasing BIG pike. late ice is great! soon as the ice breaks from shore too much not to be able to get on the ice fishing with a pole from shore can be excellent as well! I have been going for several years and have caught some pretty big fish several over 20lbs and the key is timing for sure!

[Fish&Fowl]

One could also go to Woody's on Rainy Lake in March. One can also find some crappie equal to Red and some dandy eye fishing.

Some real monsters can be had.

I would give Woody a call. Woody knows the lake well and has some good prices for lodging.

http://www.fairlyreliable.com/

I will second both the comments on Rainy Lake as well as Woody and his establishment. I actually just joined Woody's team and will be doing some winter guiding for him. Woody knows his stuff and we'll do everything we can to put you on big pike!