Rapala Original Floater F03
Rapala
The wounded-minnow that started arguments in more Minnesota tackle boxes than we can count. Twitch it, drown it, or just believe in it.
View on AmazonWater · Twin Cities metro (Washington County)
Forest Lake
North metro water at the town of Forest Lake. About 2,270 acres, 37 feet deep, with walleye, muskie, bass and panfish.
Usual suspects: Walleye, Muskie, Largemouth bass, Northern pike, Panfish
Forest Lake is the north metro’s “we’re basically up north” lake, and honestly, from the right dock at sunrise, sure. DNR LakeFinder lists about 2,270 acres, a 37-foot max depth and almost 16 miles of shoreline.
DNR surveys list walleye, muskie, largemouth bass, northern pike, black and white crappie, bluegill and perch. There’s a public access. No made-up weed line that “always has fish.” If a real report shows up, it lives in Reports. Facts from DNR LakeFinder.
What’s happening
We are watching the calendar. Nothing on the books for this water that we can stand behind. When a real event shows up, it will land here — not a daydream with a date slapped on it. See all of Events.
Boat kit
Usual tray for this water
Picks from the species that actually live here, already on the gear guides. Click a card if you want it in the boat. We still will not invent a bite.
Mepps Musky Killer Inline Spinner Bucktail, Hot White
Mepps
The classic inline that muskie anglers argue about the way people argue about pizza toppings. Slow-roll early, burn it later — the blade starts spinning without needing a TED Talk.
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Storm WildEye Swim Shad 03, Fire Tiger
Storm
Pre-rigged soft shad with holographic flash and that WildEye stare that looks slightly judgmental. Cast it along weed edges and riprap when Minnesota bass want a baitfish without the drama of live bait.
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Johnson Standard Minnow Spoon, Gold, 2-3/4 inch, 3/4 oz
Johnson
The original weedless wonder still earns a seat in Minnesota pike boats. Cast it through pads and cabbage, keep a steady wobble, and tip it with a trailer if the fish want a little more meal. Gold 3/4 is the listing we can actually buy today.
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Clam Drop Jig, Size 12, 1/16 oz, Wonderbread
Clam
Minnesota ice-house tungsten with a flat tie-eye that puts the hook where soft-mouthed crappies keep their secrets. Small, dense, and weirdly charming in Wonderbread paint.
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Rapala Shad Rap 07
Rapala
Balsa with a job. The Shad Rap is the crankbait people name the way they name a truck.
View on AmazonFish notes WalleyeMuskieBassNorthern pikePanfish
Gear guides MN weekend rod & reel — wallet setupsMinnesota walleye classicsSpinners and cast daysWalleye spinning & jigging setups
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