Pike lakes near metro?

[freebledsoe]

I admit, I need help. I am trying to find a lake within about an hour, maybe a bit more, of the metro that is good for catching Northerns. Small ones are okay, I would like to find a nice pop. of medium size pike though.

I have tried fishing lakes in the metro area that are supposed to have decent pike numbers, but have only managed to hook into two. They were very nice fish, around 4-5 pounds each, but the hours put in to catch them are embarrassing...

So, any chance you know where to direct me? Or maybe some advice on what works for you this time of year... I might just be doing something very wrong around here. I am not an expert on pike locations in a lake, but have been trying what I figured to be productive areas.

[DTro]

I've never fished it, but have heard good reports on Riley in Eden Prairie.

[markkstanley]

Riley is good but lots of recreational boats to dodge. Steiger off Hwy 5 is a small lake with a really good population of pike and bass. Catch and release only lake so size is good and it is easy to fish plus no jet skis or tubers. But I lean towards the Tonka. You can dodge a lot of the pleasure craft traffic by hitting smaller bays and there are plenty of pike hanging around. ANy weedline will have pike. Throw chartreuse spinners or troll sucker rigs. Can't miss.

[The Grebe]

What about Medicine? We used to get an awfull lot of Pike out of there? Could'nt keep em off the bass baits? Biggest was 10 to 12 pounds, but it has been awhile since I've fished that lake, but I hear from others that they still get alot of northerns?

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Ever fish White Bear? Awsome numbers, not good as far as size goes though.

[ironman]

Owasso..big pike in owasso. Not lots of them..but big ones. Try bass sized lures...maybe a tad bigger. The main forage in the lake is crappies..so silver works good as well as black. Oh yeah..and huge muskies. And it's small enough to fish when you dont have much time.

[steiger]

If i was you i would head to horseshoe chain its like an hour twenty from the cities great northerns all over and there are some big ones out there

[freebledsoe]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I will be trying some of you suggestions out in September!