Hubbard Lake Perch and Walleyes??

[cp_will]

Hi, I want to find a good lake in the northern lower for perch and walleye. I have read up on Hubbard a bit and it sounds good. If anyone can give me some location information and/or preferred baits and methods I would greatly appreciate it. As much information as possible about bait shop's and nearby lodging/dining would be apprecitated as well.
Thank You Much

[weekendredneck]

cp_will,
The guy you need to talk to is east bay ed. He owns a bait shop by the east bay of Hubbard Lake (I belive it's called East Bay Outfitters). He'll point you in the right direction. Send him a PM.
good luck,
weekendredneck (Tom)

[Fishfoote]

From all reports I've heard, Hubbard Lake had a very good fall bite for walleye and perch. I'm hoping the first ice bite goes as well. I would expect East Bay will be the first fishable area on the lake since it has good protection, but depending on wind direction, the south end may also freeze early. I hope to get some fishing in over the holidays!

I've had my best luck on East Bay in 5 - 6 fow a couple hundred yards south of the launch using teardrops and wigglers. Look for transition between gravel and sand - fish the edge of the gravel. Small minnows have also produced some fish. To get fish in the hole..now this is a secret...I would get a big minnow and put it on a buckshot rattle spoon about a foot under the ice, the minnow works the rattle and that seems to attract the perch.

On the south end, we've fished 8 - 10 fow west of the tube (river). Cut holes and look for any structure. I've actually thought about bringing my own structure (aquarium plastic plants) since the lake has so few weeds. I got the idea from aqua view's camera cover.

Later - when the lake has good ice all over, 50 fow out from the Hardwoods will become a tip up town. I've seen some monster perch taken there and good walleye. Also, the trough in front of the dam at the north end can produce fish. There are "humps" at the opening of East Bay that I've heard produce some walleye, but I've never caught anything there.

Always a good idea to start with a drive around the lake and see where the locals are fishing. The north end gets what are called gas pockets under the ice - very dangerous stuff! You can be walking on 24" of ice and hit a gas pocket with just some skim over it! That's the main reason I stay away from the north end.

I'm renting my cottage out this winter (see m.s. classifieds), but unless you've got several guys it will be less expensive to stay at a smaller cottage or the Hubbard Lake Motor Lodge. Good Luck!

[east bay ed]

first ice in east bay will be sometime around the first of the year. i am looking forward to some good perch fishing and i think the walleye should be good in east bay for at least the first couple of weeks. then those fish will be forced out to deeper water.
once the lake is frozen over i would suggest some you bring a atv or snowmobile.
feel free to contact me when you know approx when you are heading up. fred and patty should be able to help you with somewhere to stay.

[kandowca]

Very good walleye lake...usually get a few every time out. You do have to be very careful about where you go (as fishfoote mentioned) Years ago I had a great uncle who fell through and drown on Hubbard from one of those "gas pockets" (mid-season), he fished that lake for 60 years and knew every inch. At the age of 78 he was a great fisherman and left this world doing what he loved most. He is missed.

Casey