Reindeer Lake - Father/Son trip - MONSTER PIKE HUNT

[EVL13]

Hello Friends!

My dad and I heading up on a Monster Pike Hunt for our Birthdays next summer. We're musky fisherman, but looking to get into something big 45"+ so cool...

We traditionally do all spinning. 3 Q's-

1- What is the best time of year to fish Reindeer lake for monster pike? Mid July, August ok?

2- We use Mepps Spinner (#3-#5), Yellow/Red/black/white. Also, spook - other top water lures. Any top of mind recommendations on lures? we use 7' - 7'6" rods, with spinning reals, 50 lb braid.

3- Need to buy a new spinning real for pike - going to be a 70th gift for my dad. any favorites?

thanks!! thank you so much for the help. Cheers!

[NorthernPress]

I can't answer your questions about Reindeer because I haven't been there, but my son was there on Canada Day weekend this year. He caught over 100 pike, and on the last day there, he caught a fish every single cast for the whole day - about 60 pike.

He said the water is so clear you can see them chasing your hook from far away!

The big pike in those northern cool lakes sometimes stay super shallow later into the year (July) - if you're going on a guided hunt, I would highly recommend bringing a heavy fly rod to cast of some of those big girls in 3-4 feet of water. You can see them from a mile away.

The guides up at Nordic Lodge love to use Pink Lady's for Lakers, but unfortunately the group my son went with didn't have the best luck (4-5 lakers in 2 days of trolling). Highly recommend Reindeer for a pike lake though!

You mention you're a musky fisherman - stick with the big tackle and heavy rods/reels! Hold on!

[andreamarion]

Hi there,

Reindeer Lake is a really good choice for monster pike, it's pretty near a guarantee to catch a 40 inch plus pike. Each month brings different fishing, June - early July the pike are quite shallow in the bays and easy to catch. The big pike move to deeper water at the mouth of bays mid-late July and are found in the weed bed by August - you sometimes have to work a little bit more to catch them. Really big pike can be found all summer.

Your rod set up sounds perfect. You cannot go wrong with #5 Mepps spinners - the red/white, copper and glow have been hot this year on Reindeer. A good old spoon 3/4oz - 1 1/8 oz is also great - colours red/yellow or copper are always good. Ruby eyes too.

Are you looking to drive up to the Southend of Reindeer or fly in?? Arctic Lodges is a really good choice - direct flight to the lodge included in their package, fully guided and all meals provided - prepared by a michelin star chef (he would make your Dad a special cake). Their location is also great. If you're looking for drive in Nordic Lodge is a good choice.

I would give Kelly a call at Arctic Lodges 1-888-353-2432 or shoot him an email kelly@arcticlodges.com. He could also recommend a really good reel for your Dad.

Good luck!

[sandman]

Is Nordic Lodge still operating? I saw an ad the other day that it is listed for sale, and it mentioned that it has not been open for a few years now.

[NorthernPress]

It's still up and running. My son was there on the Canada Day weekend this year.

[andreamarion]

Yes, it is still up and running. It sold maybe 4-5 years ago.

[912Fishing]

Arctic lodges is the way to go. If your heading all the way up there anyways might as well do it right. Guarantee they won't have a shortage of Lakers if your looking to try those either.