So.......

[channelfats]

No one seems to be talking about the two big ones caught out of an East Metro lake recently, and theres pictures at two bait shops. ? I heard two were caught in the same night.

I have heard from two people today already about this. Can anyone confirm? I know they exsist in this particular lake, but in high enough numbers to catch two in one night seems, well, odd.

[DTro]

I heard about a nice one quite a while ago out of Phalen, how recently we talking?

I've seen a pic.

Very nice fish.

I don't think any measurements were taken so it's gotta be at least 50lbs

[hanson]

I believe I heard/read of the same fish Dtro is talking about.

[channelfats]

The one friend frequents the bait store one picture is at and they said he caught 2 that same night, and the picture shows one to be a 50lb'er class fish. The other friend frequents the other bait store and said the photo has to be recent cause he was just in a few weeks ago, and it wasnt there. We three very well could be behind in the times, but I am under the assumption it is within the last few weeks. Not trying to call anyone names, but hearing 2 out of this lake on the same night smelled fishy to me. Jut looking for some rumor control. Wow, it will be cool if it is recent, and true. I do remember a few random ones were pulled out in the early 2000's.

[hanson]

Quote:

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Not trying to call anyone names, but hearing 2 out of this lake on the same night smelled fishy to me.

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Thats typically my reaction as well.

The simple fact is large flathead cats in MN are pretty uncommon. By large, I'm going to state 40lbs and up. When I say uncommon, I mean uncommon to the Mississippi and Minnesota river.

Now... I have heard the rumors about flatheads in lakes in the metro area. While I don't have factual knowledge of this, I do have the word from some very astute and credible metro fisherman who say they are in there. I believe them. A flathead cat of the class we are talking about would be truly incredible from anywhere other than the Miss or the Minn rivers. Not impossible but incredible and one heck of a catch!

I would love to speculate or discredit but I don't have the facts, and can only offer opinion.

My opinion is I would love to see these photos.

[dps]

I have seen pictures of a couple different fishermen holding a mid 30# class flathead at Lake Harriet in Minneapolis. This fish(I think its the same fish) was caught and released after the photos.

I know 100% the photos are accurate, and can see exactly where they were.

Back Yard Biologist is the answer to that. The exact same reason why a large sturgeon and a flathead cat were found dead at Harriet about 8(?) years ago.. whomever transported those fish that time for release failed as they obviously didnt survive, but they sure made the news(especially the sturgeon). The fish were found by the sailboat dock which happens to be next to the boat launch... hmmm... dont think those were planted do ya?

I know of a couple other places flats in the 20# class have come from. No doubt they are transplants.

A large flat coming from any metro lake would not surprise me in the least. Back Yard Biologist and an endless supply of sunfish to feed on, those fish will thrive.

[PikeTipper]

If you look at stocking reports from a few lakes just west of the metro the DNR actually stocked a few Flatheads in the lakes to help try and control the bluegill populations but this was quite a few years ago and has been discontinued. I'm sure there are a few tanks still swimming around though

[Flaco651]

I remember the Harriet sturgeon story. Doesn't seem like it was that long ago, but it was 9 years ago. Times flyin' by.Lake Harriet Sturgeon