Fall musky on Big Creek

[psychlone99]

Anyone familiar with musky fishing on Big Creek in Polk County? I've been musky fishing for about 20 years, but I'm getting burnt out on trips to Wisconsin and have always wanted to get more familiar with musky options in Iowa. Problem is, you would barely know that there are musky in any Iowa waters with the relative lack of information compared to northern waters.

Any info on Big Creek, or tips on who to talk to, would be appreciated. I'd like to give it a shot this fall.

 

[isuno1fan]

Spirit lake is your best Muskie chance in Iowa.

 

[Clone1450]

Clear Lake has some nice Muskie hiding in there...

 

[jay moe]

Three Mile lake has musky in it also.

 

[RedDog]

Spirit lake is your best Muskie chance in Iowa.

They have all left Spirit Lake for some reason, save your gas.

 

[RedDog]

I'm heading out on W. Okoboji this afternoon before the storms roll in, anyone else going out?

 

[ruflosn]

Brushy Creek.

 

[HappyJoe]

Clear lake is absolutely #1 in Iowa right now for numbers. Not a good chance at 45"+ but from now through October, you are about certain to have a few follows and many multiple fish days. Can't say that with confidence anywhere else in Iowa

 

[isuno1fan]

Not sure if she's still in there but I know for a fact that 7 yrs ago there was a verified state record Muskie in Clear Lake from the DNR shocking for fish pop counts.

 

[Sterling4Cy]

Big creek does have Musky. Never fished for them there but they are in there.

 

[psychlone99]

I appreciate the heads up on the other lakes. I'm aware that Iowa has several decent options if you want to try your luck at the most stubborn of fish. But I'm right next door to Big Creek, so I'd love to get the scoop on that water.

 

[psychlone99]

Clear lake is absolutely #1 in Iowa right now for numbers. Not a good chance at 45"+ but from now through October, you are about certain to have a few follows and many multiple fish days. Can't say that with confidence anywhere else in Iowa

Joe, what's the best way to fish that lake for musky? Are there a lot of bars/narrows that the fish suspend over/next to? Vegetation? Creek inlets?

 

[Swanson10]

Pretty sure that is why it's called fishing... You have to find out the details of the expedition yourself. There are many topographical maps to be found, well anywhere they sell bait. Most techniques for certain fish work basically anywhere. Your task as the fisherman is to figure out which one and which bait best works that day/time.

If anyone had a good spot for fishing, do you really think they are actually going to give you the answer on a message board? Most won't tell their neighbor of the good spots. I certainly wouldn't and I mainly fish only catch and release.

The Iowa DNR needs to get better limits and slots for fishing to get really good around here. Until then Muskie fishing, in particular, is better done on northern lakes.

 

[HappyJoe]

Joe, what's the best way to fish that lake for musky? Are there a lot of bars/narrows that the fish suspend over/next to? Vegetation? Creek inlets?

Musky fishing is something I don't mind giving secrets out to.. I trust anyone willing to try hard enough for then will catch and release. I honestly have never caught a musky in Clear Lake. I know two different guides who target then as well as a few other buddies who do the same. Everyone is throwing Cowgirls, top water and other large shallow baits working docks and shore. Not rocket science honestly. There are a few reefs and bars that will come into play as the fall winds around but right now it's just work the shoreline.

 

[psychlone99]

Planning to hit Big Creek for musky over the weekend. Any chance anyone has fished it recently?

 

[jdcyclone19]

Planning to hit Big Creek for musky over the weekend. Any chance anyone has fished it recently?

Only took you 5 years to make it eh? lol

 

[RoseClone]

Only took you 5 years to make it eh? lol

 

[kcbob79clone]

I'm old school for Muskie lures, Mepps, Rapala and Daredevle.

Mepps Muskie Killer
Rapala floating lures
Daredevle big spoons like the Huskie, I prefer the 5 Diamonds one

 

[psychlone99]

Only took you 5 years to make it eh? lol

Ha! No. We have made it previously, but this will be the first time going late Sept.

Just curious if anyone has been out recently and had any tips.

 

[cycloneML]

Rowan Lake