Inland Waterway Burt to Crooked

[Chewy]

Does anyone know how long it generally takes to get from Burt Lake into Crooked Lake?  I know a lot of it depends on the lock through, but just a general estimate.  Thanks.

[djkimmel]

Boy... I haven't made that run in a loooooonnng time. Think I only made the whole run once since I never tried that in a tournament - too many variables (and I love Mullett Lake!!) to mess you up. Especially the lock. I wonder how often the lock is being run actively with the COVID situation?

I shouldn't go by my memory, but I think it was less than an hour because there are sections you can run on plane (unless that has changed?). I want to say people told me 30 or 40 minutes...?? The lock is small and pretty fast, IF someone is there to run it. I went as far as 'Hay Lake (or whatever that wide spot is called?) a few times just to fun fish for the dumb largemouths in a few spots. I don't recall it taking a very long time. Probably faster coming back from Crooked since the current is with you that way.

The other issue with that run is you go into a different county sheriff jurisdiction. In the past, those deputies would sometimes cause issues with the questionable interpretation of various regulations and processes (like tournament permits). Definitely watch that back end of Crooked as some of that area is treated as no wake by those officers, and it extends a ways out if you run along the northern shore, because of the narrows in particular.

I like fishing Crooked and Pickerel once in awhile. I just launch there.

[Chewy]

Thanks for the reply Dan.  A lot of good info that I never thought of.  It would be really bad to have a nice sack and the guy running the locks decides he is taking a late lunch.  Did not think of a lot of that stuff.  I think it's best if we stick to Burt/Mullet.  Thank you for the help!

[djkimmel]

I really wonder if those lock operators are even less trustworthy with everything going on lately - COVID, onsite limitations, budget issues... fun lakes to fish, especially when the wind is howling on the bigger lakes. I can't recall everything from back when, but I only seem to remember one, maybe two teams, ever making it back from there with a winning sack. Good luck!

[Chewy]

The boys decided to stay in Burt.  They could not find enough big ones in Crooked.  They finished 11th with 21.75 the first day and 6th the second day with 20.89 anchored by a 6.5#.  I wish they had high school fishing way back when.

[Bigbass201]

That's a good day.  Crooked does get fished a lot heavier than before.  I fished it May 6th for about 4 hours until I couldn't stand the cold rain and wind anymore.  The fish were really shut off that day and nothing was up yet.  It's all about timing.

[djkimmel]

The boys decided to stay in Burt.  They could not find enough big ones in Crooked.  They finished 11th with 21.75 the first day and 6th the second day with 20.89 anchored by a 6.5#.  I wish they had high school fishing way back when.

We should have thought of it! Junior, High School, College! These kids have it good!

[Bigbass201]

The boys decided to stay in Burt.  They could not find enough big ones in Crooked.  They finished 11th with 21.75 the first day and 6th the second day with 20.89 anchored by a 6.5#.  I wish they had high school fishing way back when.

We should have thought of it! Junior, High School, College! These kids have it good!

You got that right!