McKenzie Lake Muskie Fishing

[muskyvic]

Has anyone on here ever fished for muskies on McKenzie Lake in Spooner (Big or Middle)? I've always wanted to fish the lake but I've heard the population isn't nearly what it once was. Any tips or insight would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Vic

[Spallgard]

This lake had a reputation from late 70's into the 80's. I fished it in the late 90's and it is highly over-rated in outdated publications. On other forums you can verify what I'm telling you. I personally would try other water. Bob Mehsikomer's parents owned a resort there years ago and Bob fished it back when. Nice lake with good weed growth and structure but few Musky to be caught.

Try Big Trade lake in Burnett county if you haven't yet.

I see you fished 26 this year. How was the launch? Normally it's pretty shallow and difficult to launch if you don't have a roller.

26 due to it's clarity, is a nite biter. Otherwise overcast/rainy works.

[Nick Kuhn]

There's a few in there. I suspect they will be located off the breaks and a bit deeper so a lot of fishermen miss the fish that are there (alternate between casting in and out from the break line). THere are other lakes in the area that have fish too. Benoit/Lipsett/Rice are smaller and more predictable I think. None of those are fantastic lakes, but easier to break down and locate fish.

[muskyvic]

Thanks for the tips guys. I've heard the same things about McKenzie, just hoping I might hear something different in 2013 for a little more optimism. I heard great things about the lake in the late 80's early 90's and heard of some giants being taken out of there - always wanted to fish it but never had the chance. With the deeper structure, size, and depth of the lake one would think it could be a great fishery. It’s a shame that the population is down so much. I’ll likely continue to focus on Yellow, possibly try Benoit later this summer.

Spallgard, the landing on 26 was terribly shallow. I have an 18’ Alumacraft on a roller trailer and it was a real challenge launching and loading the boat. I got my Jeep as far into the water as possible (basically so the exhaust tip was barely touching the water) and pushed the boat off the trailer. Water was a bit over a foot deep at the edge of the loading pier. The challenge was worth it though, it’s a beautiful lake and we saw a few fish. Have you had any success on the lake? The guy at the Log Cabin Store said the lake is a real gem with some of the fattest fish in the county. I’ve read a few other forums saying that there’s hardly any fish in the lake and that it receives a ton of fishing pressure. I have a hard time believing that because the boat landing is so shallow that not many can launch and we were the only boat on the lake that entire day. Also saw some good fish.