Is the Chisago Chain overrated?

[DoctorB]

I like to think that I'm a pretty good bass fisherman. I would consider myself well-versed in most techniques and for the most part I am able to pattern and catch larger bass to my satisfaction in most lakes I fish. The Chisago Chain, with the exception of one spot out of all the lakes however, has always left me puzzled and is, in my opinion, vastly overrated. I read stories in outdoor publications about 100 fish days on Chisago/S Lindstrom with a three pound average and numbers of five and six pound fish. Now on Sunday night I hear Frankie referring to a 25 inch bass supposedly caught and witnessed by the DNR on Chisago. I flat out don't believe it (nor much of his hype). I'm all for catch and release regulations, but I really don't think the fish population and size structure has been positively affected that much. I've fished all the lakes a lot and have only caught fours and fives out of one of them with any regularity, and most of those from the same spot. I know large fish are caught on all the lakes (for example ExudeDude's fish last fall), but I think they are the exception versus the norm. I'm not specifically looking for help or advice on how to catch fish in these lakes. I'm just curious as to what other's thoughts are along those lines. Are they overrated or are my expectations of them? Do you expect to catch threes and fours when you hit those lakes or 12-15 inch fish? Are you been able to catch nice fish when not junk fishing? Let's have some discussion.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Ok.. maybe by what youare saying its overrated. However, I would put that lake in the top 10 in the state easily...When I fish Chisago I EXPECT to catch at least a 4 lb fish each trip out...I dont EXPECT that from any other lake. ITs recieved a lot of fishing pressure as of the last 4 years and that has made fishing a little more difficult.

I have never had a 100 fish day out there.. but I have had a 50 fish day and I have had days where I average about 3 lbs...but not a combination of them..

[LittleRanger]

Who said the lakes were good anyhow? Back in the 70's and part of the 80's it used to be a pretty place to fish. I have not heard anyone bragg it up much. Sure, you can get a few people who know the lake and can pull some fish out, but overall?