Northern Pike

[jkrash]

The pike bite has been pretty consistent on Vermilion since the opener, nothing real big but a lot of small slimers

[NSP Dave]

Big Lew...

As a kid, we used to fish the backwaters of the Vermillion River near Hastings. Someone of the reliable persuasion once told me that the DNR tagged a number of 30 lbers as well as a couple of 40 lbers.

That area kind of reminds me of where the movie "Deliverance" was filmed.

I also had a guy who worked for the City of St. Paul's water dept state that Lake Vadnais has some HUGE pike swimming in it's waters. However, as most probably know, it's against the law to put a boat on the lake.

[Guest]

Hey, what are your opinions on steel leaders for pike, with spinner baits, spoons etc ? I have always used them, but many people say they don't, as they catch more fish overall...ie more stikes outweigh the more lost fish.

Any opinions ?

[Guest]

Hey guys, I was hoping for some help finding fish in the Fargo area. If anyone knows of a good place for walleyes, bass, or northerns or good spots for cats on the red or elsewhere, within a couple hours drive of Fargo it'd be of great help. I don't own a boat so if anyone knows of good river fishing that'd be ideal or if there is a good place to fish from shore in the area, please let me know

thanks

[Guest]

This post is a reply in regards to NSP Dave's post above.

The area he describes is 5.3 miles east (on 10th street) out of Hastings. Just take Hwy 61 into Hastings and go east on 10th street, look for a brown public boat launch sign.

The Vermilion river is pretty shallow (2ft) in some spots, and has a lot of stumps. Watch your props. A boat up to 16ft launches ok, avoid anything bigger unless it has a shallow draft.

I went there yesterday and did not catch any Northern. I did catch a bunch of 1 to 2 pound stripers which are always fun. I also hooked into a 24 inch Walleye (6 or 7 pounds?) Very nice fish. All fish were caught in 4 to 10 feet of water with a 4 inch silver Yozuri suspending minnow.

I was surprised I didn't catch any pike since this is the time of the year they start to bite there. Soacking suckers and casting fluorescent spinner baits have been the ticket before yesterday. Largest northern I've caught was about 12lbs but have seen fish twice that size easy.

If you have esox on your mind, check the place out. Besides the muddy stained water, I think the place is pretty. Good place to hunt deer and duck as well.

Greetings, and catch and maybe release em all!

Guardsman

[Rick]

We're looking for tips on early ice pike.

Here's mine.

Find a point where the breakline runs close to shore. Set those tip-ups on the inside turn. Especially good if it's a nice deep break and there are weeds on top. Throw some rock in on that point in places and you've got a great place. Suspend that bait or jig up off the bottom. Those early pike can be vary aggressive. As the early ice starts getting thicker, start moving more towards dead baits on the drop.

[MnSportsman]

I typed in the way I ice fish for N.Pike here & it mostly dissappeared when the site had troubles.
Please Delete this post when you can.
I'll type it over again sometime.
Thnx.

[This message has been edited by MnSportsman (edited 01-12-2002).]

[Raven]

Looking for some advice on how to rig dead bait on tip-ups for Northern. I have heard of this method several times, but never have been able to get any more info on what to use for bait and how to rig it. Also, when are the conditions right for this type of rig? Any help would really be appreciated.

[osakisresort]

Hey all...
Im looking for some tips on right after ice fishing. Where to fish, baits to use. Already looking forward to this spring!! Thanks

[Fishin' Man]

osakisresort, Where do you live? I might be able to help you out.

Fishin' Man

[Rick]

Is this topic worthy of it's own forum.

Let's hear from you northern pike anglers.