Pike fishing is best when you use a tip-up with a shiner dropped down along the weedline. Tuma said to stay away from sucker minnows and stick with the shiners, because they tend to be more productive. There are some big pike in Prior.

For more information, contact the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce at www.priorlakechamber.org or (952) 440-1000.

LAKE HARRIET
Lake Harriet is one of those inner-city metro lakes that see very little pressure in the summer and winter, even though it has been a well-known quality fishery for several decades. However, more and more portable fish houses seem to be set up on the western shoreline each winter.

Walleye stocking is done by the DNR annually, and the majority of the fish are currently 5 years old or younger, making for some high-quality eating and the potential for a decent fish. Northern pike populations are also low, but the average size is considerable.

The best reason to fish Harriet is for the crappies, which are experiencing some of their highest numbers ever. The majority of these fish come from the 2000 class, according to the DNR, and should be of a size desirable to anglers.

If Harriet isn't where the action is, move a few blocks north to Lake Calhoun or follow the low-flying planes to Lake Nokomis a few miles east of Harriet. Nokomis has quality walleyes -- including catches in the 6- to 8-pound range -- and numerous small- to medium-sized crappies.

For more, visit the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce at www.minneapolischamber.org, or you can call (612) 370-9100.

LAKE MINNETONKA
The recreational nature of Lake Minnetonka tends to last well into the winter, but anglers in the know don't let that faze them. Greg Melstrom owns Minnetonka Outdoors on Highway 7 and has ice-fished 'Tonka for a long time.

"The walleye action is fast, but it usually seems to last for only 45 minutes each day," Melstrom said. Ice-anglers new to 'Tonka should fish whenever they can, but the regulars follow the same pattern. "The guys come by here just before 4 p.m. so they can be on the water and be quiet by 4:30. The action begins about then and turns off around 6 p.m."

Winter walleyes are found in the same areas as they were in the summer, only a bit deeper off the main "lakes," humps and points. Depths of 30 feet are not unusual, though walleyes can be found shallower. Move up to the weedline. and the pike action is hot and heavy, with some quality fish amongst all the hammerhandles.

Minnetonka is a series of "lakes" or bays with tons of points that can hold unsafe ice conditions even in the coldest winter weather. An area just south of Spirit Island looks ideal on a map, but is notoriously dangerous. Melstrom said it's best to check in with a local bait shop for the latest ice conditions before exploring.

Some of Melstrom's favorite spots include the south side of Gale Island and "boathouse reef" in Excelsior Bay during the early season. This is also a good area for bluegills and crappies. The point on the northeast side of Big Island is a multi-species hotspot. "You can catch nice pike and panfish there during the day, and then wait around for the crappie and walleye bite to hit at night," he said.