Food for thought: Flatty Patties in any MN Lakes?

[mamba]

Alright, so I'm well aware Flatty Patties are native to most rivers (and their respective tributaries) throughout central and Southern Minnesota, but out of sheer curiosity, I'd like to bring up the question: are there any lakes in Minnesota where flathead angling is currently possible?

I found an interesting study done by the DNR where they introduced the Flatty Patty to two MN lakes to observe the effects on native populations. It's a pretty interesting study and the results are actually quite surprising. The study was conducted back in the late 70's and up-to-date DNR reports suggest the flathead popluations have since been eraticated (either naturally or artificially) from the two lakes studied.

(Link to the study)

files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/fisheries/investigational_reports/384.pdf

Furthermore, the study offers great insight on prey preferences for the flathead that may be useful for angling tactics. For instance, one of the tables suggested the flathead's overwhelming preference to black black bullheads and--believe it or not--carp. I would have never guessed that the specific subspecies of bullhead have made any difference to hungry flatheads. Whatever the case, I plan to test that theory out in the upcoming weeks.

Now as much as I love spending countless hours on the river in the spring and summer months, I would personally find catching a flatty patty in a lake to be an absolute novelty. It'd be interesting to see what would happen if local MN catfish enthusiasts could work jointly with the DNR in establishing a special lake in which the flathead could be introduced for recreational angling. Thoughts?

[Scott K]

I know of a few lakes that had some flatheads stocked in them to help control the undersized panfish. Not sure if any of those are still in those lakes, as I have heard of people catching one on occasions, but havent heard recently.

[Scott K]

I know of a few lakes that had some flatheads stocked in them to help control the undersized panfish. Not sure if any of those are still in those lakes, as I have heard of people catching one on occasions, but havent heard recently.

Never heard the term flatty patties though. Kinda suggests eating them, and I dont support that.

[mamba]

By no means is the term meant to be taken literally. 'Flatty patty' is simply an old term people from my hometown used to describe school buses with the flat front. I could never eat an almighty Flatty Patty.

[DTro]

Yes I know of a couple of lakes that have them and were introduced to control other species. i would love to have them in more lakes, but you really think this walleye crazy state would allow that?

Fine with me, personally I prefer moving water and muddy bottoms.

[CarpinMNRiver]

Flatty Patty....

[skolvikesallday]

I remember maybe 4-6 years ago someone caught a 50 pounder out of lake Winona. There is supposedly a fishable population in there but with great catfishing on the river here in winona I've never even felt the urge to try catting on the lake.

Also the guy that caught the 50 pounder was targetting cats so its not like it was a total fluke. It made the front page I remember.

[wooduck26]

IMO there would have to be ALOT of them in a lake in order to have a chance of catching one (without it being all luck).....The river congregates them for us anglers.

Flatty Patty...very annoying term.

[nsnutter]

I've always thought it would be interesting to see the effect of a few hungry flatheads in a lake overflowing with smaller 'gills. I'll have to check out that link!

btw, I prefer peppermint patties, or Krabby Patties myself

[CarpinMNRiver]

Think the size of Flatheads would be bigger in lakes, the same size, or depending on what they have to grub on?

Chicken patties are good. Are Krabby Patties the Sponge Bob Squarepants candy?

[nsnutter]

Chicken patties are good. Are Krabby Patties the Sponge Bob Squarepants candy?

They sure are! I think they are also the burgers in the show too lol.

[CarpinMNRiver]

haha. I guess i better make this catfish related....do you think they would work for bait?

[itchmesir]

I remember maybe 4-6 years ago someone caught a 50 pounder out of lake Winona. There is supposedly a fishable population in there but with great catfishing on the river here in winona I've never even felt the urge to try catting on the lake.

Also the guy that caught the 50 pounder was targetting cats so its not like it was a total fluke. It made the front page I remember.

he wasn't targeting cats.. he was jigging for walleyes

[nsnutter]

haha. I guess i better make this catfish related....do you think they would work for bait?

Phenomenal bait - flatheads prefer the high fructose corn syrup base over live bait 10-1! Just make sure to use a pastel sinker and swivel, and hold on tight!!