Good Northern Lake in East Metro

[BigWadeS]

Hello, I love fishing for northerns. I have recently moved to se metro area and I am looking for a good northern lake, nothing of massive size, just some 4-6 pounders. Any advice, on east metro lakes? I have tried a few but with no luck.

[MuskieMojoTackle]

Forest, White Bear...got some Muckees in there too

[BigWadeS]

Thanks muskie mojo, normal tactics I take it for them in those two lakes? Haven't tried them yet, have to get out there.

[cjac]

Big Carnelian is a decent pike lake too, unless it changed this year it has a 24-36 inch slot for pike, so the C&R program should be producing some more nice fish.

Don't forget about the St Croix river, both pike and muskies in there.......and like most rivers, underfished for them.

[BigWadeS]

I fish the Croix a decent amount and I have never been able to locate the Pike in there.

[MuskieMojoTackle]

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Thanks muskie mojo, normal tactics I take it for them in those two lakes? Haven't tried them yet, have to get out there.

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Never actually targeted pike on either, but have caught quite a few on spinnerbaits while chasing skies. Standard tactics should do you just fine

[cjac]

White Bear has enough 2 pound pike to entertain you for hours! Yes, Luke hit it dead on, spinnerbaits on WBL and you'll hook up for sure. Weed flats around the island are loaded with pike. Had a couple nice muskie follows on the spinnerbait last week on Forest.

St Croix: just south of Stillwater by the plants there is some good pike water. Also, look to any breaks and wingdams along the way downstream. Afton area has some nice structure points as well.