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| going to Pipestone in late August, anybody ever been there? It'll be my first time, I know its deep and clear with some huge fish. Any additional info is greatly appreciated. thanks |
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|  Been there once three years ago; fishing sucked, raised a few but couldn't buy a strike..... hope you have better luck than I did |
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| It sucked for me too. Would never go back. Fish very early and very late. Try the upper lakes if you can get through the locks with your boat. There are lifts run by individuals, check out the times that they will be there so you do not get stranded. Lake trout fishing was the best activity. |
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| I used to go up every year. I will be going up in two weeks and can't wait. It's all in my head where I have raised some monsters before. I would say the farther north on the lake, the better for most of the big girls I've seen. I have caught some smaller ones on the lake, but remember a couple of spots that had fish almost make me hyperventilate they were so impressive.
I'll check back in here when I get back and let you know how it goes.
Just for the record, the Smallmouth fishing is also excellent on this lake. |
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| Wags,
I fished Pipestone for the first time last year. I would tend to agree with Vegas. Pipestone is an AWESOME smallmouth lake. Probably the best smallmouth lake I've ever been on. You MUST do this during your time there. It's an absolute blast. (Should be able to catch 100+ smallies per day, if you spend any time at it)
Muskies: We also saw most of our fish in the northern section. (North and Northwest of Gates Ajar area). Muskies aren't quite as numerous as on some other lakes, but there are some HUGE pigs, incredibly fat. I caught a 40", and lost two other fish (estimated at 42" and 45"). We did see a few over 50" though, which were in the 40lb class, and heard stories from some Pipestone vets of 55+ inchers either caught or seen in the past. Spend a lot of time in the Northwest Arm, and Schistose, and you should do fine. But don't be afraid to fish deep, as this is ultra clear water. (See chapter 3 of Dick Pearson's book).
Maps: There are no hydrographic maps available. The best ones are the topographic maps which have the latitude/longitude rulers along the sides for drawing in your own grids, if you use GPS. I order mine from U.S. Canadian Map Company in Neenah, WI. Phone number is 920-731-0101
The maps you'll need for Pipestone are as follows...
1. Map # 52 F/4 Entitled "Kakagi Lake" (Don't be concerned about the
title, as this is the map that covers most of Pipestone, as well as
Schistose Lake)
2. Map # 52 F/3 This map covers Thompson Bay on the eastern side of Pipestone.
Maps are about $11 each, plus about $5 for postage, so you're looking at
about $27 to have them delivered.
Pipestone is incredibly beautiful, and a lot of fun. We were planning on going this year, but the boat motor needs a major overhaul, so going to Rowan this year. But will most likely be back to Pipe next year. Enjoy your trip, and post when you get back to let us know how you did.
Good luck!
"Jackpot" John Schroeder
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| Jackpot Johnny,
Thanks for taking the time for your response, I really appreciate it. The cabin we are staying in is right or the northern arm, so I guess we're right where we need to be. What kind of lures did you move most of your muskie on, and what type of sructure where they on? |
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| WAGS,
All three muskies I hooked were on a perch colored manta. My dad raised 2 50+ inchers on a 9 inch weighted Suick. Had a couple follows on Jackpots as well, but the jerkbaits seemed to be best. Threw bucktails also, but caught way too many northerns doing this. As far as structure goes, we were looking for island points, saddles or reefs with a weed/rock mix. But weeds are somewhat hard to find on that trout water. The cabbage does, in fact, hold fish, but I guess when I go back I will spend more time fishing a bit deeper off the points (even if there's no weeds). I believe that most of the fish there suspend off the structure (See chapter 3 of Dick Pearson's book). I think our biggest mistake was fishing too shallow at times. Also didn't spend enough time in Schistose, due to extremely low water in the channel. You should definitely spend LOTS of time in Schistose. Also fish the west side of the "Thompson twins" (2 islands in Thompson Bay, about 300 yards SW of Happy Landing. Good cabbage on the west side with good numbers of pike and musky).
Hope that helps. Please post your results when you return, as I'm curious to see how Pipe is doing this year.
Good Luck!
"Jackpot" John Schroeder |
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| I'll be up there on the 24th. I can't wait! I know there are some big girls up there and I'm pretty sure I can find them again. Does anyone have a current report on how the fishing is going on the lake and what has been for all speciaes for that matter?
I'm taking my 8 year old boy with me and want to turn him on to some Northerns. He's only caught sunfish in the past so he should have a blast.
Thanks all
Alan |
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| ron crady is the man on pipestone |
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| Vegas Muskie where you at? |
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