Big Pike in the Metro?

[Guest]

Minnetonka holds big pike, as well as big bass, as well as big walleyes, etc.

The problem -- you've got to fish it on weekdays when the weather is less than good. Standard presentations can be used -- in fact, it's fun to throw spinnerbaits for bass while taking incidental northerns in the process.

I've also scored on pike throwing big Johnson spoons tipped with pork rind right into the weeds.

[TomWehler]

Oh yeah!
Try slow rolling a 1 or 2 oz spinner bait along the base of one of the deeper weed lines.
BANG!!
Hopping a BIG tube, Reaper or Slugo can also be deadly.
BANG!!
Slow goes it here.
BANG!!!!
Man you will freak out at what is down there for Metro waters.
I'm not talk'en about 6 & 8 LB fish here, but 12, 15 to 18 LB HAWGS!

Deep reefs, points and rock piles get past over daily, give them a try during sunset, sunrise or when a nasty storm is bruing.
Takes time to find these places, but when you do, hold on.
Also be very careful as to how you bring these fish up, as they are deep in cold water and you can kill them if you bring them up to fast.

Good luck in your hunt!

Musky Tom Wehler

[This message has been edited by TomWehler (edited 04-25-2002).]

[Guest]

Is there Such a thing as big pike in the metro area? Where? When? How deep? Bait?
Techniques? Help me out!!!

[Guest]

Thanks Guys!!!
I'll give all those a try. But don't stop
there!!! Give me more!!!!I am a pike junkie.
I cant catch enough of them.
Keep the info coming!!!!
Thanks!!

[Crawlerman]

I know/ heard of a few. Lac Lavon (spelling)in Apple Valley has lots of small to medium sized pike; no Trophies-- but according to this one guy I know you can catch "hammerhandle to snake" sized pike like panfish there-- carry in shore acess only though-- but a minnow with a big cork from shore would prally work.

As for big-- this one kinda suprised me: Fish lake in Eagan. It's a small lake-- but it does have a boat launch. Electric motors only, but like Phalen you can have outboards attached-- just not running. The DNR surveyed the average they caught was just over 5lbs; a good 3lbs bigger than the state average for Metro lakes. The largest they surveyed was a 16lber; with a couple over 10. I've heard a few people say they catch big pike out of there-- altough not that many people fish for them-- mostly for crappies and Bass. It's defiantly worth taking a look at.

Three others come to mind for big pike lakes as well: Phalen, Elmo, and Marion. Again-- I've never fished these waters (except Phalen) but have heard things. Fishing for Northerns in the metro has been limited for me as I'm only getting my boat this year; but I am defiantly gonna look over these waters when I do.