Trying to narrow it down..

[actionf11]

So I'll be taking the journey on my second musky "adventure" later this week. I'm usually chasing smallies on the rivers, but myself and a friend are going to give the musky chase a go.

We've been trying to gather info as to where to go for the ever so popular "where can I catch a musky in the metro" question..

The most popular answers for lakes being: Eagle, Independence, Bald Eagle, and Tonka.

I am not even relatively familiar with the structure on any of these, so I guess I'm looking for any advice as to what you might think.

Is one recommended more than another? Or have I missed the boat all together..

ANY help is truly appreciated.

Updates and fishing reports will definitely follow

[muskiemanAD]

You really can't go wrong with any of the lakes you listed. Tonka is big and can be overwhelming, I would try one of the smaller ones first. Work deep, then shallow then some open water. Seems everyday the bite is changing, if you move a fish stick to that pattern! Good luck but to get to frustated if you don't move a fish or catch one, they can be tough!

[Nick Kuhn]

The biggest problem with the metro is floating weeds cut up by boats can limit your bait options at times. This usually means topwaters are out of the question, which is a shame because on lakes like Bald Eagle and Independence, you will not see a follow until right next to the boat. With topwaters you can see them all the way at the end of the cast. The best alternative I've come up with is big spinnerbaits run right at the surface.

[50inchpig]

if you're familiar with the croix that wouldn't be a bad option either. i haven't decided where i'm fishing this weekend but croix is on the list along with some of the other lakes you mentioned.

fwiw bald eagle seems much clearer than it usually is at this time of the year.

[actionf11]

Thanks so much for the input everyone. Just due to not wanteding to be overwhelmed by the size of Tonka, I think we'll probably stick to one of the others. We'll be fishing sun-up to sun-down, so are any of these lakes holding secondary fish in decent numbers? i.e. bass, northern?

[Nick Kuhn]

White Bear is a hammerhandle factory and those will keep you busy. Not sure about the lakes you listed.

[Lare Pie]

I would suggest Bald Eagle. Usually very cloudy lake but this year its clearer than normal, from what I've heard. Its been a few yrs since I've fished it. Its a good starter lake. lots of 'skies w/ some bigguns. Good luck!

[Musky_Madness]

Please just make sure you are prepared to fish musky. Have proper release tools, JUMBO net (not bass net), and other tools at the ready. Witnessed a boat nearby not properly tooled kill a huge fish this week.

[401TE]

Please just make sure you are prepared to fish musky. Have proper release tools, JUMBO net (not bass net), and other tools at the ready. Witnessed a boat nearby not properly tooled kill a huge fish this week.

Not judging as obviously I wasn't there, but that seems like a good opportunity to help out and show the other angler(s) the benefits of having the proper equipment.

[Nick Kuhn]

Not judging as obviously I wasn't there, but that seems like a good opportunity to help out and show the other angler(s) the benefits of having the proper equipment.

Right, if you have a big net and others do not, offer your net if they are close enough. Most anglers do not know anything but scooping whatever bites into the bottom of the boat. Worst case you lose 5 minutes of fishing time. Best case you help someone catch and appreciate the fish of a lifetime.

[Jarrid Houston]

The St. Croix is a great fishery...

[Musky_Madness]

Quote:

Right, if you have a big net and others do not, offer your net if they are close enough. Most anglers do not know anything but scooping whatever bites into the bottom of the boat. Worst case you lose 5 minutes of fishing time. Best case you help someone catch and appreciate the fish of a lifetime.

Tell me about it! My fishing partner and I were waved over while by them as we passed by and were asking the 20qs about how to revive the fish and what to do. Not much we could have done at that point, fish had long been netted. Best we could do was offer some tips but fish looked long gone.