No pike for me

[freebledsoe]

Can anybody point me in the direction of a good numbers lake for northerns? I have yet to hook into one this winter and I'm not sure where to look...

I hope to be able to stay close to or in the metro area. I don't need to catch trophy sized fish, but a few (dang at least one) northerns through the ice!

[Random guy]

I would love to help ya out but I'm new to the metro area, maybe try posting this in the metro forum also. If not I'm sure somebody will chime in with an idea.

[cjac]

Hi,

White Bear Lake should give you some action with the pike, not a lot of size, but the numbers are there. Head straight out from the Ramsey Co beach, and you'll find some decent structure. Set a couple tip ups at varying depths and you should get some flags!

Coon Lake up in Anoka is a good pike lake too, might have a chance at one with a little better size. Going west, Medicine has prodcued for me as well.....

Good Luck!

[cjac]

Thought of one more that keeps you really close to home.....

Turtle Lake over in Shoreview should provide action as well. The south end is where the access is and puts you in good northern waters without too much of a hike. Again, more numbers than size, but you should be able to say "Flag Up"!

Enjoy!

[freebledsoe]

Quote:

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Turtle Lake over in Shoreview should provide action as well.

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Thanks a bunch!

Went there today and caught a nice northern! I didn't get fast and furious action, but I did manage to put my first northern of this ice season on the ice. Would not hit suckers, switched to shiner and got him. Thanks again for pointing me to the lake.

[cjac]

Glad I could assist! Does this count as a successful guide trip??

[Ron Burgundy]

How about the Rochester-Winona area?

[cjac]

Don't know the area, but from what I've heard I'd say Mississippi backwaters would be my choice.

Take a look under the regional section for Rochester/Winona and see what's there.

[cupper]

Any backwater area on the Mighty Miss will hold pike (size and numbers). Increase your odds by finding topographic maps and look for areas that have some deep water near green weeds.

Be careful on the ice though!!

[Random guy]

I have also heard the river holds some nice pike. I need to try this river trick out.