Newton is very strict on 25hsp limit. Get caught, get ticket. Get caught twice I heard they ban you. Don't do it

Musky Jim, quick question here.

i have a boat with a 150hp on it. I am adding the Minn Kota DC charger that uses power from your alternator to charge your trolling motor batteries this year.

if you are on Newton, or any other lake with HP restrictions, can you use your trolling motor to get around and use you big motor to keep your batteries charged by running it in neutral? I believe this will physically work, but is this “legal”?

i know your are not the official authority on this, just trying to hear thoughts on this.  

It is an interesting question.  

Any game wardens out there that want to comment on this?

Jim N

I fished Newton 3 times. Locals insist on spinnerbaits with large blades. I caught all my bass on what they recommended.  I used Strike King size 5 and jerk baits with no luck. Water clarity is poor and the bass have to feel the thump of those blades. Using plastics in April would surely work but the bass are more lethargic at this time of year imo..... They react to the vibration on their lateral line. Stick with spinnerbaits would be my recommendation 

Musky, have you had any luck with crankbaits or squarebills here? My sons and I go at the end of every April and only have luck on plastics and caught just one fish on a chatterbait.

I highly encourage you to go to Newton anyway. Just keep your motor up. On my old boat with a 115hp, we trolled around a fair portion of the lake on diesel battery for 6 hours. Place rocks. Huge bass population. If the wind kicks up and it DOES, there are plenty of coves to fish in. Very unique lake. Warning: little to no cell signal. If you run into trouble, you're on your own.

Are there any other powerhouse lakes that stay warm year round and have decent bass fishing? Just had my motor worked on and was hoping to get out and try it. It’s over 25 hp so this lake probably wouldn’t be a good option..... any info would be greatly appreciated. Thx

Very strict.  Dont do it. If you are thinking of going, let me know. I have a 16 ft with 25hp. Need to get out soon

How strict are they on the 25hp rule? If you just idle around 

Hit it again Monday and finally started to figure the lake out from a few locals. 70 degree warm side was too warm. 1 local mentioned to get to 60 degree water and use spinner bait with big blades and boom. Nailed a few decent bass. 

Temps at warm side 70. Me and probably 15 boats targeted bass and threw everything in takle  box. I concentrated on spinner baits, deep cranks and jigs. Lost 1, landed a dink and caught a decent white bass on a spinner bait. I am laying overnight and gonna give areas by the dam work tomorrow.  Some guy caught 12 down there. Dont know what size. Was a tough one out there but it was nice to wet a line and get the boat out