Thread: MTL info

Hunt,

At that time, you might be able to find some fish still spawning although the lower end of the lake will be finished up by then and likely most of the upper. I'd say, depending on the weather pattern and establishment of the thermocline, post-spawn rigging of the creek channels will work as they start to back out and head to the main lake for their summer pattern and an early crankbait bite should be established.

As for lodging, Southfork Resort puts you 30 seconds from the South Fork boat ramp and dumps you into the South Fork with easy access to the Middle and main lake. Good fish historically come out of that arm. If you're looking to fish and relax, I'd stay away from the lower end, both lodging and fishing as the lake lice start showing up after Memorial Day. Timber Ridge is another one worth looking at and Cannon Dam runs a good operation. That said, Ron & Mary will take care of you at SF. We have a place about 7 minutes from them and like to stop in and spend some money with them.

U

I fish the lake that time of year when the big rivers have too much water to fish cats. I have good luck trolling cranks along bluffs, the outer edge of timber and creek channels. The white bass usually are active as well so you get a few of them along with the crappie. There are several boat ramps and some good areas to start where the south and middle forks branch off the main lake. There is also a nice fish cleaning station near the 107 ramp.


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Route U knows MTL as well as anyone so would definitely take his advice and SF is a good place to stay and you can put in at SF or go up to 107 ramp in just few minutes. Friend was just there sunday and water was very high and muddy but they still caught decent amount of fish jigging in middle fork.

Thank you guys for the info!

Still planning on trying MTL end of this week/weekend, hows the lake looking?

Not gonna lie, expect it to be muddy and a tough bite. MTL has been getting crushed with storms/rain and she's on her way back up (normal pool is 606'):



If you still plan on going, and against my initial advice (above) I highly recommend the lower end of the lake where you might find cleaner water. Avoid getting into the creeks (Indian, Lick) too far as the inflow will either push the fish out or lock their jaws. In terms of tactics, I'd be spider rigging the entire day, with minnows, focusing on steeper banks and weaving through timber.

Good luck.

U

That's what I'll try then thank you. Could probly push it back a week also as it's only about 3 hours from me. Thoughts on that?

Why not fish both weekends and by doing so, you can eliminate water, familiarize yourself with the lake, etc. With the Mississippi River at major flood stage, the corp. won't be able to release any water from the lake since the Salt River feeds/flows into the Mississippi and that should help stabilize the lake over the next week or so. I would actually predict the fishing could be quite good in a week or so, barring any catastrophic weather. With that much water, I'd be pulling cranks!

U