Crappie lake near Bimidji?

[oteymc]

We go up to LOW every winter, doing it again this winter.  We fish the south shore around Baudette, just like everyone.  We thought we might do another lake on the way up or on the way back, maybe try to target a different species - perch or crappie.  Are there any suggestions for a good crappie lake?  I know Upper Red used to be great for crappie, but is it still?  I obviously know that it is not what it was years ago, but better for walleye now.  I also heard there were some good crappie places around Bimidji, lakes "near Cass Lake", but didn't get the name of the lake.  Any ideas?  Thanks for the help.

[Rebelss]

Where are you located? Putting in your location helps immensely.

[oteymc]

Ok, changed my location, Terre Haute, IN.  Not sure it helps in this situation, though.  We drive up through Duluth, where we pick up one of the guys.  Usually take hwy 53 up, but would sure detour to take advantage of some good perch or Crappie opportunities.  Thanks again.

[Hard Ice]

We did really well on backduck last winter .
Biggest was 16" smallest was around12"

[Npike5]

I love black duck lake but didnot catch any crappie did catch walleye perch pike I would try gilstad east of blackduck caught some on little gilstad

[oteymc]

Thanks guys.  I appreciate it.  Any thoughts on Upper Red Lake? 

[Bucket Brigade]

Where are you located? Putting in your location helps immensely.

If you look at the OP's info, specifically "location" and that should help you immensely!

[oteymc]

In his defense, I added that after he asked me to.

[tjacob]

If you take US 2 out of Duluth instead of Hwy 53 you will find lots of crappie/perch lakes in North Central Mn. Just about every lake from Grand Rapids to Walker to Bemidji to Northome has Crappies and perch with better bites varying throughout the winter. A couple notables would be Winnie for perch, Cutfoot Sioux, Bowstring and Pimushe for crappies to name a few. Lots of local guides or resorts to put you on the fish quicker than I can, but there are a lot more opportunities along Hwy 2 than Hwy 53.
Red Lake still has Crappies but nothing at all like the past. They are still in there, but spring is the best time to catch them with any consistency at all. 

[corny13]

Bring your passport as the best Crappie fishing in the area is on LOW... but in Ontario!

[oteymc]

Thanks, This is the exact info I am looking for.  You guys rock! 

We did go into Ontario last year, but a couple of the guys wont have passports.  We fished around Nestor falls for crappie a couple days.  We caught a bunch, but they were pretty small.  The crappie fishing up there is going to be amazing in a few years, there are millions of them.

We also thought if the trails are open, we may make a run up around Oak Island. 

Thanks again,
Otey

[DIRTBALL2]

Since you are going to be on LOW anyway otey you might want to think about going up to the NW Angle! That's the little bit of MN known as the northernmost part of the United State's. My buddy's Aunt has a place up there and he told me that he used to catch big crappie's right off her dock in the summertime. Go on your favorite search engine and type in "NW Angle Resort's!" Any of the resort's up there should be able to give you information about the crappie fishing. On your way up to the NW Angle, you will have to pass through Warroad, MN which happens to be where I live. As long as you are passing through, you might as well pick me up and take me along, eh? :roflmao:Good luck and I hope you guy's slay 'em! :tipup:DIRTBALL2

[oteymc]

Dirtball,
We have thought about that, but again some of the guys going this year won't have a passport. We thought if we got atvs borrowed (we have one, working on another) and the trails are open and safe we may trek across to oak island to have a shot at some crappies.
We are staying at long point this year, which wouldn't be too far from you. You might as well join us one day. We'll be there jan2-5.

[DIRTBALL2]

Thank you otey! I might just do that. :tipup:DIRTBALL2

[Loraslb50]

Nice

[Loraslb50]

Nice

[Loraslb50]

Sorry for the double post