Best Lake for Walleye and Bass in May

  • AlCzervik
    Posts: 4
    February 7, 2009 at 7:31 am #1294095

    My family normally goes to Mille Lacs in May for walleyes. This year we would like to fish for bass and walleyes. Can I get some recommendations on good lakes for mid-May? We would be driving from Minneapolis.

    AverageSportsman
    SE MN
    Posts: 178
    February 7, 2009 at 9:36 am #745640

    I always favor the “up north lakes”, such as the arrowhead area to International Falls. Lots of large and small lakes that hold both of your target species. Also in that neck of the woods you have large and small lakes within close vicinity of eachother which allows for many options with any given weather or fishing conditions.

    big_g
    Isle, MN
    Posts: 22418
    February 7, 2009 at 12:33 pm #745644

    Koronis

    big G

    sliderfishn
    Blaine, MN
    Posts: 5432
    February 7, 2009 at 1:08 pm #745650

    Welcome to IDO. Thanks for taking the time to register

    Before I try to answer I have one more question for you. I see that you posted this question in the Wisconsin, how far do you want to travel from the metro?

    Ron

    chappy
    Hastings, MN
    Posts: 4854
    February 7, 2009 at 2:35 pm #745674

    Pelican Lake over by Ashby/Evansville(20 miles past Alexandria) Walleye are hot and heavy in May. Not sure about Bass…..Hav’nt fished it, But I know they have bass tournaments on the lake.

    kizew
    Dallas, WI
    Posts: 1003
    February 7, 2009 at 2:49 pm #745678

    Red Cedar in Mikana, WI

    das_bass
    Mound, MN
    Posts: 332
    February 7, 2009 at 11:30 pm #745762

    I assume you realize bass fishing is closed then? Catching one by accident won’t get you in trouble, unless a game warden decides you are targeting bass.

    AlCzervik
    Posts: 4
    February 8, 2009 at 12:08 am #745770

    My family would be driving up from Ohio and Chicago. I am flexible, concerning distance from the cities. I wanted to look at Wisconsin because the bass opener occurs before Minnesota. Gives us multiple options if the Walley’s aren’t biting.

    bigpike
    Posts: 6259
    February 8, 2009 at 1:00 am #745780

    Bass fishing is catch and release in the northern zone after the opener in Wisconsin!

    AlCzervik
    Posts: 4
    February 8, 2009 at 3:19 pm #745883

    How would Red Cedar compare to Mille Lacs? During May is it pretty easy to get daily limits? What type of size for walleyes and bass?

    bigpike
    Posts: 6259
    February 8, 2009 at 5:46 pm #745925

    It would be pretty tough comparing any lake around here to Mille Lacs. You certainly do very well on Red Cedar but that is a tough one to compare. Red Cedar is an excellent body of water for its size!

    VSRangerMan
    Chippewa Falls,WI
    Posts: 554
    February 8, 2009 at 5:56 pm #745929

    Red Cedar is roughly 1850 acres with 2 lakes connected on either end which are roughly 350 acres.To the north being Balsam & south being Hemlock.Which would be alot smaller in comparison to ML.A very diverse fishery with max depths about 50’in Red Cedar & Balsam & only 20’in Hemlock.Depending when in May you come,the opening weekend on Red Cedar chain & Long can be very busy,but that would hold true for most of the more popular lakes in NW WI.Catching 20-30+ smallies from anglers can be attained,with smallies running from 12″-18″ on average & having a couple in the 20″ class a good possibility.The water temps can be the determining factor in the catch rates as early May the temps can range from only 40 deg. to over 50 deg. depending on weather patterns.There are numerous humps,points,islands & shoreline areas to catch both species of fish you mentioned.Walleye you can have similar catch rates,with size limits of 18″ min.on walleye & bag limit of 3 if your looking to keep a few for dinner & 14″ min.size on bass species.I guide part time on these mentioned waters,including a couple other area lakes & could give you more updated info on fishing conditions & techniques via pm as the upcoming season draws nearer,if so desired.Keep a watch here as there are a few other locals who do some posting here as well for more up to date info.Bring on the open water season! May the fishing gods shine a light upon you! Best of luck fishing. WHITE TIP

    bigpike
    Posts: 6259
    February 9, 2009 at 6:27 am #746234

    I can share some GPS points of a large mid lake rock bar, just drop a PM, I would suggest night fishing these lakes. Though I usually do it late summer into first ice the night bite on these lakes can be top notch. Balsam is a gem with virtually no houses surounded by hills and woods- serenity now! My avatar pictured here is first ice Red walleye from a few years back, the LM was a 5# pig caught late fall. The fishing can be dynamite, living 1.5 hours out from the lake I choose my times to fish it wisely but very few times have I come home dissapointed. These fish were released to be caught another day…

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