Shell Lake area for opener

[Green&Gold]

It looks like I am going to be staying in Shell Lake for opener weekend. I've never fished this area before and was wondering if it would be worth making sure I have the boat along. Actually, I'm sure I will have the boat as I can't foresee myself not getting out somewhere that week.

Does anyone have any suggestions for lakes to fish in this area? Although I typically target walleye, I am not picky. The obvious choice would be Shell Lake. Does it get really crowded on opening weekend? Any tips? Thanks! JH

[Cooter]

I've fished Shell L on opening weekend several times - with mixed results. I believe the weather is key to success or a tough time catching fish. If this warm spell continues, I think it might be real good for you. The lake has never been what I'd call crowded on the opener, fair amount of boats come evening but more than enough room. For eyes, the vast majority fish the south bay. Have caught them on a little of everything, jigs/minnows, slip bobber/minnow, and shad raps. Is worth fishing after dark if you got the time.

During the day we always catch nice smallies and plenty of little northerns. Northern suckers under a bobber get both, including almost all of our smallies over 17". The other good tactic for smallies is working Husky Jerks or other suspending stickbaits. I will be chasin longbeards on the opener or else I'd show ya the super secret hot spots

[Green&Gold]

Thanks Cooter,

After I posted I did a search and founds some tips, and got some good info...much of it from you. Thanks for the advice. Right now, it looks like I'll be putzing around out there on that Monday, the 8th.

My good friend and fishing buddy co-owns the AmericInn in Shell Lake and would like me to take him fishing. (He owns the hotel, but doesn't live there, so isn't familiar with the lake.) We'll probably give it a shot. Thanks again.

[Xplorer]

G & G,

I remember talking to a guy who fished the lake a bit and he said that there were cribs out there that always held some decent fish. He used a aquaview and always saw some nice smallies and eyes hanging around them.

[Cooter]

Yepper, lots of cribs on the west side of the lake near town as well as the southwest shorline between town and south bay. Also cribs on the two main points(Rolf and Morley?)

[catchin'whopper]

Best of luck on the opener there! In past years, the weather has had a huge effect on how easy it is to fish the lake, being a big bowl and all. High water, wind, and rain has been tough conditions!

Try the east point north shore which divides the two lakes. Don't be afraid to cast out to deeper water as well, 8-12 feet as Shell Lake is pretty clear. These smallies spawn deeper than you think.

This is also true on the north shoreline. Fish around the point on the north side with husky jerks (old rapala brown /crawdad color has been great) or other rogues. Pearl has worked too. Keep the bait moving if conditions are favorable. Tubes can be a good idea too, make sure you DRAG them though, don't be hopping them, those smallies don't like that in my experience! Again, don't be afraid to fishing these in 8-12 feet of water.

last spot to check is on the east side, there is a small point somewhere between the north and south shore on the big lake, and there is some good cuts on it, with a crib. Seen some good smallies come out of there as a crib(s) reside in the area...

Also, have put an aquavu down on those cribs and it's amazing the fish that surround those things. catching them might be another matter but fun to check out!

Let me know if anyone has any hints for Clam Lake or Devils lake closer to the Yellow lake area. Private messaging is cool too, hope this all helps! thanks!

email: [email protected]

Catchin'Whopper

[Green&Gold]

Thanks Catchin! That's some great info. Sorry I don't have any info on Clam or Devils Lake. Good luck! JH

[fisher98]

Cathchin'

My experience on Devils is dragging big Daredevils in 12 ft. of water with minnow heads on the hooks!!!!

For Clam, I really like throwing the Timber Doodle!!

Anyways, All fun aside, Shell is an awesome smallmouth lake if you have favorable conditions. My favorite spots are in the smaller basin. Try all different sizes, colors, and brand names of jerkbaits. Vary the retreive speed from cast to cast until you find a cadence that works. I also have had good luck cranking around any reeds that you can find. Also try rattle traps, in craw color, and slow rolling spinnerbaits of of the 1st break!!!

Hope this helps some!!!

And Catchin'---I will see you on the Water!!!!!

fisher98