Metro Bluegill Lakes

[MaxGoldman]

I'm new to the metro and have only fished Bald Eagle and WBL, but I'm interested in fishing some smaller lakes that produce decent sized gills for me to chase around. I've researched quite a bit but I thought I'd ask on here to maybe narrow my starting point down and eliminate some "waste of time lakes". Anyone got any suggestions they're willing to share? Not lookin' to take fish out of the lake, just have a good time working for some bigger fish.

[dan z]

Lesueur(sp) county is loaded with great panfish lakes if you don't mind some windshield time. There are even some really fun lakes around sheildsville.

[GSP4ME]

the river

[JBMasterAngler]

The croix out of bayport will be your best bet for bigger crappies in the area. Pelican lake up in the st. michael area still has some bigger panfish in it, despite getting pounded the last several years.

[GSP4ME]

I've been getting somegreat crappie and bluegill on the Croix

[mallardnwalleye]

Check out the Tournament Panfish on this site. They fish some good lakes. Pelican would be a great choice.

[silverbulletguy]

Spend some time on the DNR HSOforum and check out the netting reports in comparison to other lakes similar in size. Might just find a few that surprise you.

[MaxGoldman]

Thanks for the info everyone! I was reading about Pelican a few days ago so that's looking like a good starting point.

Silverbullet - I spend hours on lake finder checking out lakes and the net reports lol, you're definitely not wrong there..

[ONE BIG POLACK]

i am headin out this weekend... I will let you know how I do!

[BeenACrappieDay]

Pelican is incredibly murky, adjust your presentation to account for it.

[MaxGoldman]

Pelican looks like a good choice after doing some research, I'll be heading there in the morning. Anybody know a good bait shop around there? Not necessarily for bait, I have that, just would like to stop and get some information about the lake from the local resources.

[mrklean]

be ready to pop lots and lots of holes out there and be mobile you will have plenty of company out there good luck you can find some good fish out there

[Rick G]

It's a circus every weekend on Pelican Get away from the crowds. I have fished this lake about a dozen times in the last three years, never have a hard time finding a few quality fish.

[MaxGoldman]

that seems to be the trend I'm seeing from everyone Rick, I'm looking forward to the opportunity tomorrow!

[MaxGoldman]

While I'm up there how is Buffalo Lake? I'd imagine that's a pretty busy one for the area as well, the walleye numbers on lake finder are quite higher than average.

[RuddyDuck]

Hardware Hank in St. Michael has bait and should be able to give you some info on the lake. Bring a few tip ups if you're also interested in Pike, they have been biting good out there also. Check the Buffalo forumns for more info on Pelican and Buffalo. Good luck.