Basswood Pike?

[Renneberg]

I'm going on a trip to Basswood lake next week and I'm wandering if anyone has been up to Basswood lake and fished for pike yet?
If you have whats working and where have they been biting?
Any info will help. Thanks.

[David Swenson]

I was up on Basswood on opener. All I use early in the year is dead bait (ciscos or smelt) or Sluggo's. We caught a lot of fish around 24 inches with the biggest fish was 32 inches.

I would guess with the warmer weather this week the bigger fish should be moving. If using dead bait fish on points at the entrance of dark bottomed bays. If using artificial baits fish back in the bays. Sluggo's work very well this time of year.

Good luck fishing.

David Swenson
http://muskieguide.homestead.com/
http://baileystackle.homestead.com/

[Renneberg]

Thanks for the help David Swaenson. I'll post how I do.

[Renneberg]

You were right about the big pike liking slow moving baits. I found some in the 30 to 40 inch range very close to feeder creeks. They would only hit the bait if it was right in front of their face for a few seconds. Only managed to catch one about 32 inches. Seen one that was about 40 inches six times and all she would do is just look at my bait. Smallmouth and largemouth were also mixed in with them.