Which lake?

Hey guys! I could use a little help. I have a buddy of mine who doesn’t get to do alot of fishing. He has talked me into talking him on a short fishing trip(3or4 days) this Aug. I would like to put him on a lake with a large population of catcable pike. Size isn’t a big issue. He would just like to catch a bunch of pike. But a chance at a large pike would be a bonus. Any ideas of where I should take him in Aug.? Thanks in advance!

Ducks

Mille Lacs has a nice mix of size on the pike and the fishing is pretty straight forward. The north end from Carlsona – Wealthwood will be holding lots of pike and HUGE muskies that time of year. The pike will run from squeekers up to 40″+ trophies.

Winnie is another good pike lake but more for numbers than size although you won’t surprise anyone if you stick a 12 – 15 lb’er.

Other pike hot spots… Leech and Lake of the Woods. Of course there’s 100’s of others worth mentioning. Mille Lacs would get my nod for a 3 – 4 day trip. And if the pike aren’t on the chew the smallies will be.

I’m sure others will have some additional suggestions for you as well.

Thanks James! I appreciate the info. It was VERY helpful!

Ducks

If you hit Mille Lacs, I would also run over to Farm Island for a day as well. I ice fish for pike here and usually do quite well on both size and numbers. A real good option if it gets windy out and it is close to the same areas James talked about.

Thanks Mike! I sure appreciate the help!!

Ducks

I would agree with the Mille Lacs choice, but like Mike mentioned wind can become a factor. One of my favorite two lakes REAL close to Mille Lacs lake for pike and LMB are Whitefish and Camp Lakes. These two lakes are wind protected, but big enough to host numbers as well as a couple beauties.
Here is there approx location.

Whitefish and Camp Lakes

Have fun and Good Luck!

Steve, where do you put in on Whitefish? According to the MN DNR website it doesn’t have a public launch.

Thanks Steve! You guys are definately making my job alot easier. Thanks again for the info!

Ducks

A little off the beaten path, but my grandma is on 3rd Crow Wing. The lake is full of panfish, bass, pike and their isnt a ton of eyes, but there are some big ones. Quiet lake with no more then 5-7 boats at any time, several resorts.

The entire Crow Wing chain is good for pike. All 17 or 18 lakes are connected, but you cannot easily get through some of the channels.

There are some big crappies in 3rd Crow Wing too. I’ve accidently caught them walleye fishing.

dd

Thanks guys! I actually think I stayed at the 3rd Crow Wing Lake about 26 years ago. I was only twelve but I’m almost 100% that was the lake. I may have to give that lake some serious thought. A little farther than I had planned on going but it would be fun to fish that lake again. Maybe I could take another day or two and hit Mille Lacs and the surrounding lakes and then head to 3rd Crowing for a day or two. I certainly appreciate all the help and suggestions!!

Ducks