Minnesota Bass

[Brnnoser6983]

What lakes do you guys hit? I hit Lake George and Crooked Lake mainly. I'll pop over to Coon Lake once and a while. My dad lives in Forest lake so we hit Clear, Chisago, and Forest once and a while.

I hit Crooked Lake in Coon Rapids a LOT. Like a few times a week. It's a few minutes from my house and the LMB bite there is.. well.. there's a reason I go there every few days. (not on the ice, open water on my old crestliner)

Love jigging the weed bed to the left just past the launch on that lake.

[Jeff H]

I usually fish the Chisago area lakes, Rush and Forest most often.   I head north to Aitkin/Crow Wing counties up by Mille Lacs quite a bit.  I'll likely be on Gull at some point this summer and if I find the time I'll head to the Alexandria chain for a couple days! 

 

I have fished Crooked a couple times but not in many years.  I have fished Coon quite a bit, but again, it's been a long time.  Have never put a line in George.  Heard it was/is full of mini gators though. 

[punch]

Lake George has a lot of small pike, but they are active! I've hooked some decent LMB on Geroge as well. They seem to love crankbaits on that lake. I've fished slow with plastics on George and had terrible luck, but then I tie on some cranks and cover lots of water and start hammering them. 

 

This summer I'm going to hit Coon more, it's a lake I'm not far from but I don't feel totally comfortable fishing yet. On my 2015 to-do list. 

 

I have a question for the north metro area fishermen though, where do you guys like to fish for walleye? I've been on the lookout for a decent north metro area walleye lake but I havn't really been able to find a good one. We got tons of bass/pike action, but where are the walleye hotspots? I know Clear lake over by Chicago has a good walleye bite.. but where else? 

[Brnnoser6983]

Lake George has a lot of small pike, but they are active! I've hooked some decent LMB on Geroge as well. They seem to love crankbaits on that lake. I've fished slow with plastics on George and had terrible luck, but then I tie on some cranks and cover lots of water and start hammering them.

This summer I'm going to hit Coon more, it's a lake I'm not far from but I don't feel totally comfortable fishing yet. On my 2015 to-do list.

I have a question for the north metro area fishermen though, where do you guys like to fish for walleye? I've been on the lookout for a decent north metro area walleye lake but I havn't really been able to find a good one. We got tons of bass/pike action, but where are the walleye hotspots? I know Clear lake over by Chicago has a good walleye bite.. but where else?

I was going to say clear. That lake is a perfect all around lake in my opinion. Look at eagle lake Maplegrove. Another great lake for monster poke and musky with walleye.

[kms399]

Big bass? Pelican.

not anymore. they are draining it.

[sully420]

Lake Calhoun lake of the isles and cedar lake in Minneapolis are great for bass

[Jeff H]

Sully, how are you fishing those lakes?  kayak, float tube, boat?

[sean55337]

Hello Minnesota fishermen. I need your opinions here...I am looking for a map for my Humminbird, 999ci hd si. The lakes I mainly fish (Crystal, Prior lake, mostly south metro lakes) are not on Lakemaster so I am leaning toward Navionic because it contains map of lakes I usually fish. Which version should I get? There are Navionic+, Gold, Platinum, etc... Then there are HotMap too.

Thanks

[sean55337]

Hello Minnesota fishermen. I need your opinions here...I am looking for a map for my Humminbird, 999ci hd si. The lakes I mainly fish (Crystal, Prior lake, mostly south metro lakes) are not on Lakemaster so I am leaning toward Navionic because it contains map of lakes I usually fish. Which version should I get? There are Navionic+, Gold, Platinum, etc... Then there are HotMap too.

Thanks

[jeremycobb]

Hello Minnesota bass anglers. I am new to the area and will be living in Wilmar which is in Kandiyohi county. I'm from Tennessee originally so Minnesota is going to be quite the change. I know bass are bass wherever you go but was just curious if there is any advice you guys could give this newbie. I have only fished a coupe lakes while visiting last year but it was always for Walleye (In-laws don't like bass fishing. The major thing I did notice was how deep and thick weeds are here so I will def have to adjust to that! Also one last question I have done my research and it seems like Green Lake in Spicer is a pretty popular bass lake. Anyone on here fished it before and if not recommend any lakes within an hours drive?    

[sully420]

Sully, how are you fishing those lakes? kayak, float tube, boat?

[sully420]

Canoe mostly but if the water is high bank fishing is good. Once the weed line forms you need a boat or canoe because the best fish are on the outside weed line. Carolina rig worm with long leader is great.

[sully420]

Hello Minnesota bass anglers. I am new to the area and will be living in Wilmar which is in Kandiyohi county. I'm from Tennessee originally so Minnesota is going to be quite the change. I know bass are bass wherever you go but was just curious if there is any advice you guys could give this newbie. I have only fished a coupe lakes while visiting last year but it was always for Walleye (In-laws don't like bass fishing. The major thing I did notice was how deep and thick weeds are here so I will def have to adjust to that! Also one last question I have done my research and it seems like Green Lake in Spicer is a pretty popular bass lake. Anyone on here fished it before and if not recommend any lakes within an hours drive?

[sully420]

Welcome to Minnesota the best thing about Bass fishing in Minnesota is that most people here don't fish for Bass. Green lake is good for smallmouth. I would suggest leach lake for large mouth and just look for little lakes close to where you live likely there will be less pressure and better fish.

[punch]

Welcome to Minnesota the best thing about Bass fishing in Minnesota is that most people here don't fish for Bass. Green lake is good for smallmouth. I would suggest leach lake for large mouth and just look for little lakes close to where you live likely there will be less pressure and better fish.

 

Aint that the truth. We have some fantastic bass lakes but you'll find the bulk of anglers going for the walleyes. 

[punch]

Hello Minnesota bass anglers. I am new to the area and will be living in Wilmar which is in Kandiyohi county. I'm from Tennessee originally so Minnesota is going to be quite the change. I know bass are bass wherever you go but was just curious if there is any advice you guys could give this newbie. I have only fished a coupe lakes while visiting last year but it was always for Walleye (In-laws don't like bass fishing. The major thing I did notice was how deep and thick weeds are here so I will def have to adjust to that! Also one last question I have done my research and it seems like Green Lake in Spicer is a pretty popular bass lake. Anyone on here fished it before and if not recommend any lakes within an hours drive?    

 

MN lakes are always full of vegetation and weeds.This gives fish lots of cover, but also makes fishing with treble hook baits kind of a PITA. You can be fishing "the edges of what you think is a weed bed only to find more and more weeds. Crankbait fishing can be a lesson in patience and determination after cleaning off your bait for the 200th time in an afternoon. 

 

I'd say the best adjustment you can make when fish are holding up in the weeds is to slow down and start tossing texas rigs, jigs, senkos. or whatever weedless plastics you can get in the thick stuff. It's also good to have some spinners and swim jigs at the ready to just plow through the weeds when you want to fish fast. Personally, I also like to pull bass out of shallow weeds with a slip bobber rig with some live minnows (fatheads usually).. especially fishing with kids or newbies. 

[jeremycobb]

MN lakes are always full of vegetation and weeds.This gives fish lots of cover, but also makes fishing with treble hook baits kind of a PITA. You can be fishing "the edges of what you think is a weed bed only to find more and more weeds. Crankbait fishing can be a lesson in patience and determination after cleaning off your bait for the 200th time in an afternoon. 

 

I'd say the best adjustment you can make when fish are holding up in the weeds is to slow down and start tossing texas rigs, jigs, senkos. or whatever weedless plastics you can get in the thick stuff. It's also good to have some spinners and swim jigs at the ready to just plow through the weeds when you want to fish fast. Personally, I also like to pull bass out of shallow weeds with a slip bobber rig with some live minnows (fatheads usually).. especially fishing with kids or newbies. 

That was kind of what I was thinking too. I've been stocking up on plastics and weedless jigs. I also got some chatterbaits and plan on trying them out to see how they work as well. I think just being patient and learning what techniques work best will be the biggest hurdle. In the little time I've fished there I couldn't agree with you more about the lack of interest in bass fishing. When I would ask guys at the dock about bass they looked at me like I was crazy. I was trolling for walleye with my father-in-law and we kept catching nice smallmouth and he didn't seem to enjoy it one bit. Oh well though that's more fish for those of us who chase the funnest fish in the lake! Thanks for the advice and welcoming a newcomer.

[punch]

That was kind of what I was thinking too. I've been stocking up on plastics and weedless jigs. I also got some chatterbaits and plan on trying them out to see how they work as well. I think just being patient and learning what techniques work best will be the biggest hurdle. In the little time I've fished there I couldn't agree with you more about the lack of interest in bass fishing. When I would ask guys at the dock about bass they looked at me like I was crazy. I was trolling for walleye with my father-in-law and we kept catching nice smallmouth and he didn't seem to enjoy it one bit. Oh well though that's more fish for those of us who chase the funnest fish in the lake! Thanks for the advice and welcoming a newcomer.

 

Oh, another thing I would suggest is to keep a dropshot rig ready to go. Dropshot is a great way to get down into the deeper weedlines. You don't see a lotta people drop shotting around here either (at least I don't), so it's a presentation that usually produces. I've had some nice luck with the dropshot in weedlines like 8-15 feet deep when the water warms up.

 

Also, ripping a shallow running crankbait over the tops of weedlines works pretty well BUT expect to have a lot of pike hammer your bait. You'll get to know our friend the northern pike pretty well! Anytime you fish inside the weeds in MN lakes with a faster moving bait you're gonna end up with a pike 100% of the time. They love the weeds and eat everything. 

 

Pike are like that annoying little brother that wont leave you alone when you're fishing weeds. They are fun to catch, but they do have a habit of running off with your bass lures once and a while. At leats they taste great. 

[sully420]

Oh, another thing I would suggest is to keep a dropshot rig ready to go. Dropshot is a great way to get down into the deeper weedlines. You don't see a lotta people drop shotting around here either (at least I don't), so it's a presentation that usually produces. I've had some nice luck with the dropshot in weedlines like 8-15 feet deep when the water warms up.

Also, ripping a shallow running crankbait over the tops of weedlines works pretty well BUT expect to have a lot of pike hammer your bait. You'll get to know our friend the northern pike pretty well! Anytime you fish inside the weeds in MN lakes with a faster moving bait you're gonna end up with a pike 100% of the time. They love the weeds and eat everything.

Pike are like that annoying little brother that wont leave you alone when you're fishing weeds. They are fun to catch, but they do have a habit of running off with your bass lures once and a while. At leats they taste great.

[sully420]

I agree 100% about the pike I fish Minneapolis lakes alot and the musky and pike are a problem I hate it but I use steel leaders late spring and in the fall. The pressure on the pike and musky is so high with spinners that the hit my plastics all day. On sunny days I like to punch the milfoil mats and on cloudy days I do better on the 4 to 12' weed lines.

[sully420]

I agree 100% about the pike I fish Minneapolis lakes alot and the musky and pike are a problem I hate it but I use steel leaders late spring and in the fall. The pressure on the pike and musky is so high with spinners that the hit my plastics all day. On sunny days I like to punch the milfoil mats and on cloudy days I do better on the 4 to 12' weed lines.

[sully420]

The drop shot is a must as well. Love it after cold fronts.

[jeremycobb]

Oh, another thing I would suggest is to keep a dropshot rig ready to go. Dropshot is a great way to get down into the deeper weedlines. You don't see a lotta people drop shotting around here either (at least I don't), so it's a presentation that usually produces. I've had some nice luck with the dropshot in weedlines like 8-15 feet deep when the water warms up.

 

Also, ripping a shallow running crankbait over the tops of weedlines works pretty well BUT expect to have a lot of pike hammer your bait. You'll get to know our friend the northern pike pretty well! Anytime you fish inside the weeds in MN lakes with a faster moving bait you're gonna end up with a pike 100% of the time. They love the weeds and eat everything. 

 

Pike are like that annoying little brother that wont leave you alone when you're fishing weeds. They are fun to catch, but they do have a habit of running off with your bass lures once and a while. At leats they taste great. 

That makes sense. I was fishing with a crankbait and spinnerbait over weeds last year in my kayak and caught a few Northerns, Didn't really catch on to the pattern just thought it was random hookups. I wasn't prepared being that I had never caught one and reeled in a 5# pike on my kayak. It was fun but a pain to get the hook out being that we don't have a lot of fish species with teeth like that in Tennessee. I also actually just got some dropshot hooks and sinkers in from tackle warehouse so I will definitely try that. I'm not experienced with the technique so I'm excited to have the opportunity to work on it and catch fish. You guys might not need it or may have already found it but I have learned a lot watching BassResource videos as I feel like they break things down very well. Just thought I would share that with you all.

[punch]

That makes sense. I was fishing with a crankbait and spinnerbait over weeds last year in my kayak and caught a few Northerns, Didn't really catch on to the pattern just thought it was random hookups. I wasn't prepared being that I had never caught one and reeled in a 5# pike on my kayak. It was fun but a pain to get the hook out being that we don't have a lot of fish species with teeth like that in Tennessee. I also actually just got some dropshot hooks and sinkers in from tackle warehouse so I will definitely try that. I'm not experienced with the technique so I'm excited to have the opportunity to work on it and catch fish. You guys might not need it or may have already found it but I have learned a lot watching BassResource videos as I feel like they break things down very well. Just thought I would share that with you all.

 

You will encounter pike quite often so i'd really suggest having some long pliers and maybe even a mouth spreader (which comes in handy when they really inhale the lure). Pike occupy the same weedlines and feed on the same baitfish as LMB so you can often flip a coin as to which fish will strike when you're fishing fast moving baits. Pike will even nail the occasional plastic bait and dropshot on the bottom. I've had pike nail a texas rigged plastic minnow as i was reeling it in to make another cast.. they're just aggressive fish.

 

They really just eat everything and they roam everywhere, so you can't avoid them unfortunately.  The general rule is if there's weeds, there's pike somewhere. 

 

Smaller pike has become a problem in a lot of MN lakes and the DNR has been talking about regulations to help reduce some of the "hammer handle" pike populations. The plus side of the pike abundance is that the medium to medium-smallish fish are fantastic eating fish. Their fillets are meaty and delicious so consider keeping some fish for dinner if you run across them. There's lots of videos on how to clean them on youtube.

[BigSkyBasser]

Hey guys, looking to visit Leech lake this year around mid June. Wondering if there are any other waters in Northern Minn that anyone would care to recommend. I respect the idea of not giving me your favorite spots and lakes. Also really enjoy pond fishing too!