Need some help - where?

[Bigguyone]

I am headed to Fargo to pick up a new (to me) bass cat and going to make a trip out of it. I have fished Rainey and Vermillion in the past but looking to possibly fish the west side of the state from June 3-6th.

I have a buddy that has had a rough last couple years that I am bringing with me as he really wants to get into numbers of good fish 2.5lbs+ (SMB mainly) but if 4lb+ LMB would be great too!

Please do let me know your input on lakes to fish ( really want to just fish one lake for 4 days but could do 2 days at 2 lakes if they are smaller or easy to figure out). THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP!

[Pherris]

Well it's not really west but the Grand Rapids area has some good fishing. Pokegama is a good lake for both smallies and largies. You also have the option of the Mississippi River that can be accessed from the lake and there are some monster largies in there. There are also some really good lakes nearby with good smallie fishing! Just a thought.

Another option would be the Alexandria area. There is Le Homme Dieu chain. Not many smallies on the chain but there are other lakes in the area that have some.

Good fishing and enjoy the new boat!

[grab the net]

Ten Mile lake near Dalton sounds like it would fit your plan. Good smallie lake with lots of LM also. You could hit it just right that first week of June.

[CASTnBLAST]

There are a bunch of good lakes in the Detroit Lakes area starting about a half hour from Fargo. Can't go wrong on any of the Cormorants'. If you want to try for smallies, Lizzie Crystal Rush or Upper and Lower Lida. Last year about the same time you'll be up, with the delayed Spring like we just had, they were going hot on the beds.

[Bigguyone]

Any input on what lakes should be "on fire" next week as really want to help my buddy get into some good fish. PM me if you prefer instead of posting in the open - I would GREATLY appreciate your help!

[CASTnBLAST]

Honestly, if you can't catch them now perhaps you should have considered a Lund LOL! All the lakes are on fire this time of year if you have any experience at all chasing the little green fish.

[Bigguyone]

As you can imagine after driving 20+ hours, paying for everything and taking a buddy that has had a rough couple years with divorce and everything I want to do all I can to help put us on fish. I really appreciate the help in the decision as I only have 4 days and want to make the most of it next week tuesday-friday.

I have read all the posts (time and again) trying to make a decision. Maybe I should ask it this way.

"If you had one lake (or two small ones close together) to go fish next week anywhere in teh state and wanted to have a 40+ fish day with a good chance at a couple 4+# fish where would you go and would you fish SMB or LMB? I would prefer being within 3 hours of Fargo but if Rainy Lake was my very best bet I would make the 4.5hr drive if needed as catching fish is the main concern."

THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH for YOUR HELP!

[PurpleCatMan]

Grand Rapids.

Pokegama for smallies. If they're not going, I'd go for largemouth on Pokegama. There are some tanks in both species on that lake.

Tons of great lakes around there too.

Sugar (called siseebakwet on the map... good for LMB), Bass (LMB), Deer (SMB), northstar (SMB).

Good Luck!

[gritsnham]

Lot of good lakes mentioned pick one and go enjoy some time on the water with your buddy...fish are just a bonus!

O and enjoy the new kitty...been starting to look at those myself

[thatoneguy]

O and enjoy the new kitty...been starting to look at those myself

I've had my Puma for about 6 weeks, and I'm head over heels in love. Awesome, awesome boat.

[Pherris]

If you decide on Pokegama let me know and I will send you a PM with some specific spots and some other info that will be helpful.

Good Fishing!

[Bigguyone]

Decided to do ten mile near fergus falls. Also may try to hit Fiske or pickerel for half a day if ten mile is not on fire. Any assistance on techniques or locations is always appreciated.

Do you happen to know where I can get an online map of the lake or if it is on hummingbird base map set that is included with 997? Thank you to all.

[Wayne Ek]

BigGuyOne:

You have a PM

[SpitnArgueDuckClub*]

Ten Mile lake near Dalton sounds like it would fit your plan. Good smallie lake with lots of LM also. You could hit it just right that first week of June.

THIS!!! Great choice, the inlet from the lakes is good with zara spooks and there is a nice hump just out from the resturant / resort that holds lots of smallies too, jig fishing this spot can produce big time.

[grab the net]

So how did your trip go? Hopefully you found enough fish to keep you busy. I know Mr. E. Pointed you in the right direction, he knows that area really well.

[BTL]

Decided to do ten mile near fergus falls. Also may try to hit Fiske or pickerel for half a day if ten mile is not on fire. Any assistance on techniques or locations is always appreciated.

Do you happen to know where I can get an online map of the lake or if it is on hummingbird base map set that is included with 997? Thank you to all.

Wish I would have seen this sooner, I fished Fiske and Pickerel (as well as several other nearby lakes) last week. Those two lakes are complete opposites of each other. Both can have pretty good fishing though.