Deer or Moose Lake?

[MuskieKen]

Hi Everyone,

I will be heading to Grand Rapids next week to visit and I plan on using two of those days for muskie fishing. I'm not sure what lake to try, Deer or Moose. I hear Deer is very clear and has very good trophy potential, while Moose lake is a little darker and has a higher population, with a chance at a trophy. Is this true? What lake do you consider better for chance to hook a 45-48 inch fish?

Also, I notice both lakes have a cisco forage base. Is it a good idea to spend a considerable amount of time fishing suspended fish, or is the bite better on structure? Not looking for any secrets, I just want to spend time on a lake where I have good chance for a decent muskie (not to mention some smallie action).

Thanks,

[BoxMN]

I can't give much fishing advice, but years ago, before the modern muskie craze, we used to go to Deer to visit friends. Very clear water, and we saw some of the biggest fish I have ever seen, and we weren't fishing for them (like in the late 70's early 80's). I remember seriously thinking something I could see at the bottom of the channel was a tree, and then it swam away. I was younger (14-15), but old enough to know it was a huge muskie and amazed at the size of it.

Anyway, Deer sure was a beautiful lake, but yep very very clear. Good luck wherever you go.

[raiserlures]

fish moose and fish at night if possible. low light periods are key.

[Retro Active]

Spent four days on Deer last week. Our group of five managed five muskies, but nothing over 35". Had much better luck with the walleyes (and rock bass). Didn't see many Muskies laying in the weeds. Weather was overcast/rainy most of the time and water temp about 66. I think Moose would be better until Deer warms up a bit more.

[Musky hunter 82]

If you want to catch a big fish Deer is a better place to go, if you want to just catch some muskies moose or little moose would be good. I definately wouldn't rule out the river though. I caught a 50 1/2" out there a few years back, and seen other big one caught out there as well.

[jtroop]

If you're in to fishing weeds Deer might have you frustrated. Not much out there compared to other area lakes. There's plenty of rocks to fish around, though !

[PropsterII]

I'd venture the additional 20 miles north and fish Northstar. The cabbage is beautiful right now.

[MuskieKen]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I ended up on Deer Lake and 8 follows and 4 strikes, but could not get the hooks in . The only good fish I caught was skinny a 28" walleye on a BullDawg. Water temps on the main lake were 69-70 degrees. Saw most of my fish on jerkbaits and plastics.

Also saw some decent (mid 40's) fish on the reefs.

All in all a fun lake to fish.

[PropsterII]

You had a good day! Now to capitalize