Hi,
We are going to the Fourtown, Gun, Gull lake area in mid June. Last year we went to the Shell lake area at the same time of year and the lakes were all murky green with lots of suspended particles. (pollen?) Can we expect the same in this area, or are these lakes clearer? Will any difference in water clarity have a big effect on fishing? (fishing was pretty good in the shell lake area at this time last summer)
thanks

Your questions about water clarity good trigger a lot of responses. 4 or 5 anglers could debate all day on this and you would have 4 or 5 different opinions. I don't know anything about these lakes but the lake finder feature on the MN DNR website will give you an idea of the water clarity.

Pike and smallmouth aren't very spooky but on a clear lake when the sun is high finding shade can be helpful. Islands, reefs, weedbeds, and points all provide shade. If it is murky water the fish could get really turned on during the middle of the day.

Walleyes are spooky and there is not much room for error in your presentation in clear water. One lake I like to fish in Ontario has very clear water (20+ ft of water clarity). I know guys that catch a lot of big fish out of this lake on sunny days but it has kicked my a$$ at times in the past. I've spent some time this winter talking with the best in the business about catching walleyes from ultra clear water and I think I am ready for them this summer.

These lakes have clear water, with a tannin (Iron) tinge to the water, some more than others. The good thing about these lakes is you can catch walleyes during the day, you just have to alter your approach depending on time of year, and time of day. Night fishing is spectacular on fourtown.P.S. I havent fished gull, but ive fished fourtown and gun.

We were in Gun and Fourtown the first week of May in 2007. They seemed very clear to me. I can't speak for Gull since we didn't make it there.

Gull is not as clear as the others due to the fact that is is a small, shallow lake.

Fourtown and Gun were the clearest of the lakes that I remember on all three times I've been through that route. Gun is a nice lake and the "trigger" site is nice and large with a point to fish off and trees to shade the camp during warm weather. Nice landing on the north side of the point. Gull wasn't as clear as gun but it was crazy windy when we were there. (the water we pumped was a little stained, but good.) Very nice area. Once you get past Gun the people drop off quite a bit.

Ron1,

I think your guess is correct. I was out on Alice Lake and camped on one of the sandy beach campsites in mid-June. The wind blew in the pollen and the water actually was yellow near the shore. I used to be allergic to this and would have to take Allegra often. I think it is from some conifer-either spruce, balsam, or pine.

If you're there at the peak, you will witness "clouds" of pollen drifting off the trees in the breeze. Glad I don't have any allergies :)

Going back for my second round of shots. House dust mites again :(