Backyard Ice Fishing… Metro Area Lakes
Author: Matt Johnson
When thinking about the Metro Area, MN, we oftentimes assume that we’re dealing with small fish and pressured lakes. While both assumptions can (at times) be true, you’re only cheating yourself by pushing the Metro lakes aside. Not only do our Metro lakes hold quality fish, but at times they will hold high numbers of these quality fish. The trick to uncovering these gems comes with some effort, but with vast rewards and short trips you will see that fishing in your backyard is more than worth it.
The most important key to fishing Metro lakes is being adventurous. To put it simple: don’t fish where the crowds are. We are too quick to join the shanty town when we should be out searching for our own fish. So many times have I found quality fish in lakes where others complain about the fishing pressure. How does this happen? Well, let’s just say it involves a few tanks of auger gas and sore legs, but when you get a glimpse at the pot of gold you forget about the pain. The pot of gold in this story means giant panfish and trophy walleye… and yes, right in your backyard.
I’m a firm believer that just about every Metro lake holds quality fish; you just have to find them. Stay away from the “classic” spots and use the shanty towns as a base for where the fish should be. For example: if a large group of houses stake claim over a deep hole, look to the surrounding area for less pressured fish. Pay attention to subtle changes in structure and look for areas where others haven’t been. Some of my best Metro bites are over fresh snow within only a couple hundred yards of shanty towns. Those pressured fish (and oftentimes larger fish) will move out and hold on the nearest structure or flat. It’s very predictable in most Metro lakes.
Lakes such as Lake Minnetonka, White Bear Lake, Forest Lake, Prior Lake… all of these lakes continue to see constant fishing pressure but will kick out quality fish on a regular basis if you’re willing to work. Other areas that still hold a lot of quality fish include the Chisago Area chain of lakes as well as the inner-city lakes like Calhoun and Harriet. These are just a few of the more popular lakes but any lake out your back window has the potential to make you smile.
From now on we owe it to ourselves to put some of the Metro Area lakes back on our list. The idea that we have to drive a hundred miles to be on productive water needs to leave our minds. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but with a little sweat you will see that driving down the road can be as productive as driving across the state. Grab a lake map and figure out less pressured spots that look promising, then sharpen the blades and put it in drive!
Good Fishing,
Matt Johnson
***Matt Johnson is a member of StrikeMaster’s Pro Staff and owns Matt Johnson Outdoors where he gives year-round Metro Area guided fishing trips. You can reach him at www.mattjohnsonoutdoors.com
