There are two accesses on the lake, one on the south shore and the other on the northeast shore. The DNR reports that test net catches of walleyes declined from the lake’s historic high in 2000 of 26.3 per gill net to 4.3 per net in 2004. This occurred despite annual stocking of both fry and fingerlings.

The 2004 catch rate is similar to those found in the 1960s through the 1980s when water quality was poorer than at present. A strong 1997 year-class was responsible for the majority of the walleyes sampled in 2000 and those fish are up there in size. Despite the less than spectacular numbers, Store said anglers just seem to catch plenty of walleyes on Sallie.

For more information on Lake Sallie and the rest of the Detroit Lakes Area, contact John Store at Quality Bait and Tackle at (218) 844-2248 or the Regional Chamber of Commerce at www.visitdetroitlakes.com or (800) 542-3992.

LAKE MELISSA
Becker County

If the action on Sallie is too busy or too slow on nearby Detroit, Store recommended cruising to nearby Lake Melissa.

“The 25-foot range on Melissa is good usually out in front of the access on the northeast shore,” he said.

Other good locations include the many breaklines found around the shoreline. A large flat in the middle of the lake is a good location as well, and don’t be afraid to cruise around the nearby basin for roaming walleyes.

Catch a walleye in Lake Sallie and it’s most likely a DNR transplant from Lake Melissa. The DNR fisheries office reports that Lake Melissa has been very consistent over the years and that water quality is actually improving. The re-emergence of tulibees is an example of the good news for walleye anglers.

“Around here, if a lake has walleyes in it, then it’s worth fishing in February — there are more than 400 to choose from and plenty of them that nobody talks about but have a pretty good bite if you work at it,” Store said.

For more information on Lake Melissa and the rest of the Detroit Lakes Area, contact John Store at Quality Bait and Tackle at (218) 844-2248 or the Regional Chamber of Commerce at www.visitdetroitlakes.com or (800) 542-3992.

SOUTH LINDSTROM
Chisago County

South Lindstrom is another excellent late-ice walleye lake located right in a city. With the town of Lindstrom nearby on Highway 8 and the famous Swedish Coffee Pot water tower, it’s more than a good fishing destination.

Water tower tours is not what this article is about however, so it’s a good thing that walleye abundance on South Lindstrom was high with an average size of almost 18 inches and over 2 pounds. The DNR fisheries office in Hinckley reports that the walleye population has remained fairly consistent since 1990 and maintained through stocking.

“There is an abundance of nice-sized walleyes in the lake, but there are some big ones as well,” said Brad Dusenka of Frankie’s Live Bait & Marine in nearby Chisago City. Frankie’s maintains plowed roads on area lakes, including South Lindstrom. A destination all to itself, Frankie’s is a good stop for anglers going to South Lindstrom for information on the best hotspots and ice conditions.