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04/27/2017 09:23AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I will be going to the campground at Sawbill Lake May 31 to June 5. My goal is to fish at least 6 ā€“ 8 hours a day. I know Sawbill \ Alton \ Kelso very well so Iā€™m good as far as those lakes are concerned but I would like to try my luck at trout fishing in area lakes. I have never fished for trout in a lake before. I have a few questions. To start I need to find some lakes that are within 40 ā€“ 50 miles of Sawbill that I would have a pretty good chance of catching something. My plan is to spend one-day fishing for LT and one-day fishing for BT. This is what I have come up with so far. Lakes I found on the DNR website, lures I gleaned from this forum.
Brook Trout Lakes
Bath Lake, Boys Lake, Carrot Lake, Peanut Lake, Crosscut Lake, and Feather Lake.
Lake Trout Lakes
Flour, Trout Lake (Off the Gunflint), Kemo, and Mayhew Lake
These Lures seem to be good for both LT and BT.
Little Cleo Blue & White
1 oz Red Eye Spoon
# 8 blue and silver shallow shad rap
Mepps Silver #3 Aglia
Rapala Tail dancers - bright colors
Rapala original
Hammered Bronze or Silver spoons
Any thoughts? What is a good eater size? I will be by myself so I should only need one or two of each depending on size. Will the Lakers still be shallow?
Thanks,
Jay
 
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04/27/2017 08:37PM  
I have no idea about any of the lakes you have listed but I would think you shouldn't have much of a problem finding a laker. The weather has been running about 15 degrees below average and it doesn't look to be changing any time soon. You should be able to find lakers in fairly shallow water by trolling spoons or rapalas.
 
04/28/2017 11:04AM  
Thanks Dean, That is where I'm hoping to find them. The lakes on my list are fairly small so I should not have to cover too much water.
 
Basspro69
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04/30/2017 07:39PM  
I will be up in that area about 4 days after you leave so I will probably be asking you about water temps when you get back. Make sure you have some gold metal in your arsenal for both species.
 
05/01/2017 12:47AM  
fishing lakes outside the BW boundary's in cook county , does take some R&D , going to this link is a start . :)
minnesota lake finder
 
Wheeldog
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05/01/2017 06:55AM  
For brookies I would think you might want some smaller size lures #0 And #1 mepps work well, personally if I'm fishing for brook trout I make sure I have some of Joe's flies with me, both in #8 And # 10 sizes, things like that. most brook trout won't be much over the 1 lb range, and anything over 2 lbs is a large fish. Yes in some cases you might find a larger fish but that's like finding the 40" pike.
 
05/03/2017 03:15PM  
Thanks for the help.

Shock - Most of my info on the lakes I mentioned is from the DNR site. It is very helpful but I was looking for some first hand info as to whether the lakes I listed should be good.
BP - I don't have any electronics so I probably won't have any info on water temps. I already have some gold in my tackle box.
Wheeldog - I will get some of Joe's Flies before I go I have the mepps already.


 
mastertangler
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05/03/2017 03:57PM  
Big Tent I would for sure get some 3/16 oz daredevil spoons in the Brown trout finish. You will likely have to order them as 1/8 is usually stocked and 1/4 oz is usually stocked but 3/16 is the right size. Brook trout in still water lakes like these very much. A small ball bearing swivel will help with line twist and should accompany all spoons. Gold is also a good color but I like the Brown trout finish best with gold being 2nd. Cabelas on-line is the place to get them.

My general rule of thumb for trout is spinners in moving water and spoons in still water.
 
Basspro69
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05/03/2017 05:57PM  
quote Big Tent: "Thanks for the help.


Shock - Most of my info on the lakes I mentioned is from the DNR site. It is very helpful but I was looking for some first hand info as to whether the lakes I listed should be good.
BP - I don't have any electronics so I probably won't have any info on water temps. I already have some gold in my tackle box.
Wheeldog - I will get some of Joe's Flies before I go I have the mepps already.



"
I cant emphasize enough how good gold can be
 
05/04/2017 01:33AM  
quote Big Tent: "Thanks for the help.


Shock - Most of my info on the lakes I mentioned is from the DNR site. It is very helpful but I was looking for some first hand info as to whether the lakes I listed should be good.
BP - I don't have any electronics so I probably won't have any info on water temps. I already have some gold in my tackle box.
Wheeldog - I will get some of Joe's Flies before I go I have the mepps already.



"
i hear ya big tent , as far as brook trout lakes in and outside of the BW (cook county in general) is fairly tight lipped especially the lakes you can carry into or a launch there . i use to hit a few of these in the winter during the 90's but that info is ancient , (lost lake) ? wish i could be more help , stocking/netting years/reports and pressure is what you need to research ,
 
mastertangler
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05/04/2017 06:30AM  
quote Basspro69: "
quote Big Tent: "Thanks for the help.



Shock - Most of my info on the lakes I mentioned is from the DNR site. It is very helpful but I was looking for some first hand info as to whether the lakes I listed should be good.
BP - I don't have any electronics so I probably won't have any info on water temps. I already have some gold in my tackle box.
Wheeldog - I will get some of Joe's Flies before I go I have the mepps already.



"
I cant emphasize enough how good gold can be
"


BigTent you may want to listen to Basspro advice on Gold over my advice on the Brown trout finish as he fishes the area in question. My experience with the Brown trout finish is more on clear water lakes out west and not so much the dark waters that Basspro has so much experience on. I suppose a guy could try both out.........the 3/16 oz daredevil also comes in gold BTW. Nice lure, don't forget the small ball bearing swivel or you will be sorry.
 
Laketrout58
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05/04/2017 07:52PM  
Love brookies! Marc
 
Basspro69
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05/04/2017 08:31PM  
quote Laketrout58: "Love brookies! Marc "
Awesome !!!!!!!!!
 
05/05/2017 11:01AM  
quote Basspro69: "
quote Big Tent: "Thanks for the help.



Shock - Most of my info on the lakes I mentioned is from the DNR site. It is very helpful but I was looking for some first hand info as to whether the lakes I listed should be good.
BP - I don't have any electronics so I probably won't have any info on water temps. I already have some gold in my tackle box.
Wheeldog - I will get some of Joe's Flies before I go I have the mepps already.



"
I cant emphasize enough how good gold can be
"


Is bronze and gold the same to you? I see a lot of bronze but very little that is called gold? Do you use Gold colored lures like Rapalas, Gold spoons, or Gold Mepps?
 
Basspro69
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05/05/2017 09:27PM  
Yep gold. I think bronze would work also but I like gold little cleos and other spoons for lakers and Brookies I just adjust the size.
 
05/06/2017 01:56AM  
quote Laketrout58: "Love brookies! Marc "
is this the BW ? , man those could be state records, VN !
 
mastertangler
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05/06/2017 04:51AM  
Wow that is quite the picture.

Big Tent : More by happenstance than anything else (they are setting out on the shelf in my shop ready for packing) I came across the brown trout finish daredevil I am so fond of and lo and behold the metal side of the lure is indeed gold.

So, with Bass pros advice in mind and my own experience I would strongly advise you to get some 3/16 oz daredevils in Brown trout finish. It is a top lure IMO. Don't forget the small ball bearing swivel.
 
Laketrout58
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05/06/2017 06:41AM  
As you brookie fisherpersons know, there are many frustrating forays between heavenly events! That day the stars aligned and the big ones were smashing our bait! We got five large ones. The heaviest brookies I have ever gotten. I did not weigh them but they were just a bit under 20 inches.my biggest regret was no camera at the brookie lake. Their color was brilliant fiery red! They faded out quite a bit by photo time. One more thing,this was the fourth day of nasty October weather.the wind and drizzle wouldn't let up until this final day of the trip.before this last day,we sat under the tarp drinking tea and cocoa and talking a lot . My fishing buddy said this day was a once in a lifetime event and I replied I hope not. So far he is right! That was October of 2009.please lord just a few more days like this! Have a good day everybody! Marc
 
05/06/2017 12:33PM  
^^^ just under 20" , i would put those at #4 and a once in a lifetime event , i can agree , mine was " #2-0 #2-8 #3-0 #3-8 and a #3-12 in a 36 hour period , havent been able to duplicate that ;) but what a trip ! (spring time) mounted the #3-8 let the #3-12 go, pic of each
 
Laketrout58
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05/06/2017 02:12PM  
Yes,it was in the bwca. We have tried quite a few brookie lakes over the years and sometimes all we get is sweaty! But I guess that makes it sweeter when we catch some. Shock,those are beautiful brookies! I have found that if I don't have sharp hooks that I lose a fair number of brookies. Anybody else have that problem? Good day! Marc
 
05/06/2017 06:35PM  
^^ i never travel without my hook file ;) the trip i described(above) , i broke my PB with each catch , that is the order i caught them in ! like you said LT58 it doesnt happen to often, and that does make it special... after that 36 hour period they shut right down for the rest of the trip .
 
05/06/2017 07:26PM  
whether its brook trout or other species , many lakes have gone on "the list" and then come right off "the list" after 1 trip and getting skunked , sometimes it does just boil down to timing , and brook trout are probably the most sensitive to changes , as far as a fisherman goes . my motto is "keep your line wet good things will happen" i should add put your time in too and as LT58 did, the fishing gods will shine on you ,,,, one day :) LT58 i would have loved to see a pic of those 2 just being caught , they had to be impressive !!!
 
Laketrout58
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05/06/2017 09:09PM  
Shock,we caught most of them on number 5 shad raps. We try various patterns and usually troll counterclockwise on these smallish brookie lakes. My fishing buddy was reeling in during this super day and a large brookie swiped at his shad rap right near the surface! It was one of those moments where you look at each other with amazement,words hardly needed. We have our favorite lakes to return to,but quite often our predictions are way off! I am 62 years old and I still love to get back in to those brookie lakes. We like to base camp and get to know a lower number of lakes rather than go all over the place and spread our understanding thin. Life is good! Marc
 
05/06/2017 09:55PM  
#5 raps in october does make sense , my bread and butter ,,(base camping ) has been a whole crawler on a phelps floater with just a little air , on one trip,, day 2 & 3 them buggers started nipping right up to the phelps floater , no shit,,, i'm 56 and i'm not quiting , power to you Marc !
 
brantlars
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05/07/2017 05:18PM  

22 inches..We were killing them this day..Forgot the stringer..#2-#3 one after another and then the pig...Timing is everything.. Brookies are best!
 
brantlars
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05/07/2017 05:28PM  
And the best part is I will be there again next week
 
Laketrout58
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05/07/2017 05:51PM  
Those are real brutes! I am so thankful every time I can get a net under something like that! Good luck next week! I forgot the lake you said they came from? Marc
 
Laketrout58
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05/07/2017 05:51PM  
Those are real brutes! I am so thankful every time I can get a net under something like that! Good luck next week! I forgot the lake you said they came from? Marc
 
05/08/2017 12:31AM  
there aren't any brookies in the BW LOL
 
Moss Tent
Guest Paddler
  
05/10/2017 08:18AM  
quote Laketrout58: "As you brookie fisherpersons know, there are many frustrating forays between heavenly events! That day the stars aligned and the big ones were smashing our bait! We got five large ones. The heaviest brookies I have ever gotten. I did not weigh them but they were just a bit under 20 inches.my biggest regret was no camera at the brookie lake. Their color was brilliant fiery red! They faded out quite a bit by photo time. One more thing,this was the fourth day of nasty October weather.the wind and drizzle wouldn't let up until this final day of the trip.before this last day,we sat under the tarp drinking tea and cocoa and talking a lot . My fishing buddy said this day was a once in a lifetime event and I replied I hope not. So far he is right! That was October of 2009.please lord just a few more days like this! Have a good day everybody! Marc"



October 2009...the planets must have been aligned. We had an epic brookie day on Lake Nipigon, I have never seen anything like it for size. We even switched to larger lures, it was nuts. The thing that made the day perfect was that my wife caught the biggest fish of our group, and everyone knows why that's a great thing. :)

I'm now 50 yrs old, and the only other epic brookie day I can ever remember was in Ontario when I was a kid, but that was 40 years ago now.

So, October 2049 it is ! I will hopefully report back here as a 90-year-old in great health, thanks to fish oil of course.
 
Laketrout58
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05/12/2017 06:09AM  
One of these days I hope to report another super day up there! They are all super,but when the fish cooperate it feels gooder! Good luck and be careful! Marc
 
05/12/2017 08:51AM  
quote Moss Tent: "
quote Laketrout58: "As you brookie fisherpersons know, there are many frustrating forays between heavenly events! That day the stars aligned and the big ones were smashing our bait! We got five large ones. The heaviest brookies I have ever gotten. I did not weigh them but they were just a bit under 20 inches.my biggest regret was no camera at the brookie lake. Their color was brilliant fiery red! They faded out quite a bit by photo time. One more thing,this was the fourth day of nasty October weather.the wind and drizzle wouldn't let up until this final day of the trip.before this last day,we sat under the tarp drinking tea and cocoa and talking a lot . My fishing buddy said this day was a once in a lifetime event and I replied I hope not. So far he is right! That was October of 2009.please lord just a few more days like this! Have a good day everybody! Marc"




October 2009...the planets must have been aligned. We had an epic brookie day on Lake Nipigon, I have never seen anything like it for size. We even switched to larger lures, it was nuts. The thing that made the day perfect was that my wife caught the biggest fish of our group, and everyone knows why that's a great thing. :)


I'm now 50 yrs old, and the only other epic brookie day I can ever remember was in Ontario when I was a kid, but that was 40 years ago now.


So, October 2049 it is ! I will hopefully report back here as a 90-year-old in great health, thanks to fish oil of course."


Always thought of touring the shores of Lake Superior in Ontario for brook trout in the streams there.
Would be interested to hear more about your brook trout trip.
Brook trout our #1.
 
Laketrout58
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05/12/2017 02:52PM  
I heard nipigon is good for brookies and wouldn't it be fun for some of us to go to the sutton ! Marc
 
shuz
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05/23/2017 11:19PM  
Ram lake(Lakers and rainbows) and vale(bookies). Vale is a hike from sawbill ep 68. Ram is on your way. For Ram just troll back and forth from the ep to the campsite, either campsite.
 
Laketrout58
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05/26/2017 03:01PM  
Ram lake is on my bucket list! Is there campsites on the lake? Marc
 
Laketrout58
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05/26/2017 03:01PM  
Ram lake is on my bucket list! Is there campsites on the lake? Marc
 
05/26/2017 04:48PM  
quote Laketrout58: "Ram lake is on my bucket list! Is there campsites on the lake? Marc"

Without looking there is at least 3.
 
shuz
member (29)member
  
05/27/2017 12:29AM  
quote Pinetree: "
quote Laketrout58: "Ram lake is on my bucket list! Is there campsites on the lake? Marc"

Without looking there is at least 3.
"


There are only two. One is fantastic up on a shear wall above the water. One is meh enclosed small and not so great landing. However the next campsite opportunity is a tough portage away. I very highly recommend the ram, Vista, Carl lake loop. It is short but the fishing is great, the views are fantastic, great campsites, very low traffic. Misquah hills keeps the riff Raff out. Bring your wheaties and light weight gear.
 
Laketrout58
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05/27/2017 06:15AM  
Thank you ! Marc
 
05/27/2017 06:55AM  
quote shuz: "
quote Pinetree: "
quote La
etrout58: "Ram lake is on my bucket list! Is there campsites on the lake? Marc"

Without looking there is at least 3.
"



There are only two. One is fantastic up on a shear wall above the water. One is meh enclosed small and not so great landing. However the next campsite opportunity is a tough portage away. I very highly recommend the ram, Vista, Carl lake loop. It is short but the fishing is great, the views are fantastic, great campsites, very low traffic. Misquah hills keeps the riff Raff out. Bring your wheaties and light weight gear."

got a good veiw.


whoops,my memory failed me than. The rock cliff one great view.
 
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