Lakers on the MN/Canada border waters

[d.roy]

Does anyone have any experience with open water fishing for lakers on the deep clear MN/Canada border water lakes? What techniques might work - live vs artificial baits? I've fished for these critters a couple of times with limited success but I'm confident that we've been on fish as we mark them on the graph. I'll be looking for more big archs on the sounder later next week in the border water area. Any info would be great!

[Eastwind]

My friend and I just fished for Lakers 20 to 30 miles North of Fort Frances this past weekend. This close to ice out, we simply troll crankbaits along the shore in 20' to 30' of water. The shorelines with sharp breaks are where you want to concentrate your efforts. Silver and black Shad Raps and silver and black jointed Rappallas worked best.

[d.roy]

thanks for the trolling info, what size raps are you using?

[Eastwind]

We are using #5 and #7 Shad Raps and #7 and #9 Jointed. You will see the fish on the graph down at 20'+ but they will come up to take the lure. Have fun.

[Eastwind]

This is just the second year that I have fished for ice out Lakers. Other people most likely know more about this than I do. We did talk to one Canadian that goes on vacation for a week each year to fish ice out Lakers. He will typically go up one to two weeks after the ice goes out and then fish for a week. It seems to me that you should be able to get in to some.

[Guest]

Shallow water lakers are hit and miss. I'd concentrate on the 15-25 zones over gravel points myself. Cranks and tubes jigs work well. White seems to be a good color. Try Pipestone or Manitou in Ontario. Both of these lakes are about 60 minutes from the Fort. Manitou has incredible numbers and Pipestone has big fish. I've stayed at Happy Landing on Pipestone a few times and had a great time and we caught some nice fish! One last thing...you'll have little pressure on these lakes.

[This message has been edited by wgmsa (edited 05-06-2004).]

[d.roy]

Last year we were fishing a border water lake and marked tons of fish in open water from 40-70 ft relating to main lake breaks and points. We had never fished lakers before but had some hits on large shiney spoons. It was about 2-4 weeks after ice-out and it will be the same timing this year. We plan to bring some down riggers and such but are still unsure as to what kinds of lures can be presented to open water fish at these depths. Any ideas?

[Hawks]

My Canada trip is 3 weeks away...will the Lakers still be shallow then? I just spoke with someone up there and was told that there is still ice on our lake. I assume this means the water will still be cold enough to keep the Lakers shallow in 3 weeks. Any comments? How shallow do they get? 5', 10', 15',? Can expect to pick them up while jigging for Walleyes or should I pack some big shiners to target Lakers?

Any comments are appreciated...can't wait to head north!

[Daryl]

D. roy
Just got back from Barker Bay Outposts on Manitou Lake fishing for ice-out trout. We used everything from ciscos on the bottom to spoons and rapalas in the shallows(less than 20'). Fishing was GREAT! No big pigs but plenty to bring home. Northerns were just starting to go wild in the real shallow water. Also saw a yearling moose and a couple of bears.
Accomodations were also very good, very clean, neat and clean. Also brand new boats and motors.
Hope this helps out,
Daryl