Turtle River Lake was at an advantage when the special regulation was implemented since pike numbers weren't abnormally high and some quality-sized pike still existed. There are signs that regulation is improving the size structure of pike with moderate increases in the number of pike in the 24- to 36-inch protected slot.

Bryan Sathre of Fathead Guide Service said this is one of his favorite lakes in the entire state and a sure-fire location for big pike. There are plenty of small, hammer-handle-sized pike, plus some 20-pound-plus monsters.

"When I have somebody in town who wants to catch a ton of good-sized pike, this is where I take them, and we do awesome," he said.

Early in the open-water season, a jig-and-shiner combination is tough to beat along the emerging weedlines. As the summer progresses, Sathre throws on his favorite crankbait and trolls along the weed edges or over the edges of mid-lake structure. Metallic colored Fireball jigs with a shiner hooked through the lips are also a lethal combination.

As far as colors are concerned, Sathre said metallic colors do just great on the chain whether with a jig or crankbait. A few good locations to find these pike include the point on the south basin near the language camp. Another is in the easternmost bay where a deep 50-foot hole edges up to a reed bed in 10 feet of water. "Those are both big-fish hangouts and must-fish locations," Sathre said.

For more information, contact www.VisitBemidji.com or call (800) 458-2223.

LAKE BEMIDJI
Beltrami County
This is my favorite pike lake in the state and it's a good place to wet a line for walleyes, muskies, perch and a few other species. As good as the fishing is for many different kinds of fish, the average size of pike caught on Bemidji far surpasses other lakes around the state.

Surrounded by the city of Bemidji, there are six public accesses covering almost every portion of the lake. Because there aren't many places to hide from the wind, the best plan is to watch the weather and be sure to launch on the side of the lake the wind isn't blowing. Once on the lake, it's easy to get into top-notch pike fishing waters.

I've caught monster pike on Bemidji while throwing huge baits for muskies, but I've also caught them using live-bait rigs for walleyes. Both tactics can be relied upon depending on your fishing style.

The live-bait route works great throughout the open-water season, as the weedline runs from the shallows out deep. In the spring, you'll be fishing shallow, but by July, don't overlook the edge of the weeds in 12 to 18 feet of water. A slingshot sinker with a fluorocarbon leader and No. 4 hook tipped with the biggest redtail minnow you can find is a deadly tactic.

Artificials work throughout the year as well but are best in late summer and during the fall bite. Crankbaits are always good along with muskie-sized Suicks, bucktails, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits. Perch-colored lures, particularly those more on the yellow side, have far outperformed other colors in my experience. Natural-colored lures, including the blue and silver or black and silver combinations, also work quite well.