I want to catch northerns on small lakes in the fall. Where do you find them in the fall when the water cools down? They leave their summer homes for sure.
I have a lake nearby that is 8 to 10 feet deep. The fish are close to shore during the summer, but go somewhere else in the fall.
Thanks
I have used #4 Mepps and #4 Blue Fox spinners for years. Fisrt thing I do is cut the treble off and put on a 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook. Pinch the barb down and I'm set for the big ones. Those hooks are the sharpest ones I have ever seen. Needle sharp, out of the package. If I lose 4 fish in a row, I change hooks and usually hook-up on the very next fish.
I have seen bubbles (a lot at a time) when I have hooked a fish and it has gone to the bottom.
IMO it is the air on the vegetation that the fish has dislodged. Somertimes when a see a large amount of bubbles come to the surface I will cast to that spot and catch a fish.
But, if it is just a steady stream of bubbles coming up it is probably just a natural thing.
Do northerns school up when they get older or do they separate from each other?
Yup, I've heard it was good through the ice, but I want some SOFT water to catch some big northerns out of. I have a couple of places close to where I live that produce good size pike, but my buddy and I want to go on a road trip out of state for a few days. Devils Lake might be just the ticket.
Nope, sorry.
I hope to find out about it though. Sounds like a place to go. I've heard about it, but don't know anything about it.
Thanks for the info,
I have no idea where he plans to go. I'm guessing straight up I-29 from northeastern SD. If it's gonna cost me an arm and a leg I won't be able to go. I'm on a very fixed income.
I will check out the site you said.
Thanks, again.
Thanks, Me and a buddy are planning a fishing trip for the summer and we will only be there for a few days at the most. We want to catch some big northerns and muskies.
He has a passport. I have never been in trouble with the law and have never been out of the USA.
Does anyone know what a license cost for an out of country fisherman? And will I need a passport?
I remember way back when I was a kid (60s early 70s) fishing with purple worms that had an anise oil scent impregnated into them. Worked awesome on largemouth bass. Creme was the brand I think.
I'm going to have to try it on the northern pike here in SD.
Thanks for the info and advice. I hope to get out after the 1st. Still have a marble run to finish for the grandkids. It's getting close, but still needs a few things to complete it.
Dave
I mainly fish Big Stone Lake by Hartford beach area. And Hurricane Lake toward Enemy Swim in SD. I have a buddy that owns a few small ponds with northerns in them. I'm hoping to try them this year.
Dan,
Thanks, do you think the northerns are there because of the drop off? Or do you find them in other areas as well? I have never caught one through the ice. I know it is done, but I guess I'm not that into the solid water fishen. It seems that everytime I want to go out the weather turns ugly or the wind is blowing too hard. All I have is a small pull-over (OLD) clam. Not very enjoyable to be in in the wind.
I watched a video of a guy taking the Y bones out and I've been taking them out ever since. It takes a little longer to clean them, but well worth it. My grandkids can eat them with NO WORRIES. 6 fish limit here. They have changed the way we can take them now. We can take them by bow or spear year round. That would be a kick to get one with a spear.
Thanks for the reply. I was beginning to think I was the only one to try for them through the ice. Northeast corner of SD is where I try.
D. Fish Killer
Does anyone fish for pike through the ice. If so, where ?