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Posts: 272
| Howdy,
Im looking to book a couple two-week at a time trips to Canada this summer and have narrowed it down to these areas. the main interest would be casting for muskies with the goal of having as much action as possible. That said what would you chose:
Century Lodge in Osbourne Bay on Eagle Lake or Obabikon Camp in Obabikon Bay on LOTW.
Both camps and locations have their merits so I'm really looking for opinions and which location offers the chance to catch the most muskies in a week.
I also was interested in Frolander's in Monument Bay of LOTW but noticed they are for sale and I have have had bad experiences with camps under those circumstances in the past.
Ideally I would be looking for the trips to occur sometime between late June and Labor Day.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Take care,
Ruddiger |
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Posts: 140
Location: Scandia MN | If you're a big eater I'd advise bringing some extra grub if you go to Century (PM me). Cabins and docks are OK. Plenty of fish with size and action. I've not been to the other camp but have fished the area. Hard to go wrong on LOTW - - - - |
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Posts: 518
Location: Cave Run Lake KY. | 2x on what tabaatz said some nice camps have tried to starve us out, in fact one camp complained that we ate to much. Not going to name name's as we may want to go back there some day. HARD TO GO WRONG ON LOTW,  |
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Posts: 315
| Did a trip to Century Lodge 2 years ago that me and a buddy won. We had a great time and the area was crawling with fish. I guess I never had any food problems. We bought their meal plan because of the situation we were in but I never felt underfed. They have nice cabins and everyone is very friendly. Not to mention you do not have to go far to find fish...literally.
Whatever you choose, good luck! |
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Posts: 38
| That's a tough call. IMO, Obabikon is one of the best locations in LOTW. You have realitively short runs to both Miles and Sabaskong Bays. And the fishing in the Obabikon Bay is pretty good itself. They advertise a crappie dock, between outings we'd fish from the dock for shore lunches and had multiple muskies cruise in to snag crappies after we hooked them. Seems to be more competition for spots with walleye guys than muskie, when compared to other lodges on LOTW.
Century, is a really cool place too. Its pretty tucked away and totally different than the other parts of Eagle. Both are excellent choices. Seriously a coin toss. |
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Posts: 272
| Hello,
For those who have been to Century, how bad are the rocks? In looking at the latest from Navionics the contour map for LOTW is as good as it gets while the Navionics map for Eagle has large areas in Osbourne and Niven's Bay with nothing shown, no contours, no hazards. The Hotspots Map seems more accurate. How bad was boating on that section of Eagle?
Also, to add another wrinkle, I now have the opportunity to stay at the Angle the same weeks I can stay at Obabikon and Eagle, however, it would be at a very nice resort on the US side.
Recognizing the hassle of calling in every day, would that location of LOTW (US side and all) trump both Century and Obabikon?
Take care,
Ruddiger
Edited by Ruddiger 2/16/2015 8:30 AM
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Posts: 410
Location: With my son on the water | If you get a remote boarder entry pass you don't have to call in every day. Just google it.  |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | Ruddiger - 2/16/2015 8:26 AM
Hello,
For those who have been to Century, how bad are the rocks?
Ruddiger
hard, slippery and sometimes sharp ... |
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Posts: 140
Location: Scandia MN | For those who have been to Century, how bad are the rocks
The area directly east of the Island is called the "Grave Yard" in honor of the props that have died there. The resort map is just a 8x11 paper copy with little detail. They will show you a way to avoid the rocks to get over to Niven and other points east of the island. It's not much further to go that route and there are a number of good spots along the way. I've used dozens of times with no issues. To my knowledge there is no chip that will show you much if anything about that part of the lake. The one I've used up there had me on dry ground part of the time. I can say once you've bypassed the "Grave Yard" you'll be OK. The trip to Niven is long but worth the effort. Miles of cabbage beds, almost to much if that's possible. PM me as I have a lot more info then I can put here. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | rocks in Osbourne are no different than any other Canadian Shield Lake full of landmines. Your going to need a standard map with stars, go slow around them, and use common sense. Yes, that area by the resort is a flipping disaster if you didn't know where the bad stuff is but it's also fishy sooo.....I like it down there, but it doesn't fish all that big if you plan on staying down there and not leaving the area
as far as LOTW versus Osbourne? I like both. I have heard good numbers of fish with some decent size coming from down there ( Osbourne) But I haven't heard of many giants coming from that part of the lake. Having been to both, there's nothing like a good day on LOTW with miles upon miles of islands and open water to fish from in any given direction. The US camp will also probably be cheaper and have better food |
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Posts: 13
| I have been to numerous camps and by far Century has been my favorite. Food comments are, or cannot be accurate because I never lost any weight. In fact I probably gained some pounds while there. In any event bring plenty of snacks if it scares ya.
I go for the fishing and not cleaning dishes! There are plenty of big girls to be had and more room to feel very remote all day. Under water reefs are there but they are not plentiful in the main travel lanes. Only time I have hit has been from not trimming it up close to shore trying to get the proper casting angle.
The cost is right too at Century!
Edited by lakes 2/17/2015 10:07 AM
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Posts: 3156
| Isn't there a numbers lake right next to Eagle where you fly into and get alot of action from 30-40inch fish. Maybe this is something you want to book to get the action fix combined with going for a big one on Eagle. We are going to Century for the first time in August for a trip we won in the metro musket tourney in 2013. And did a lot of asking around. When people from other Canadian camps rave about Century and that part of lake it got us excited. |
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Posts: 398
Location: Wisconsin | Century lodge is amazing, been going for 6 years. The number of fish and size structure is second to none |
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Posts: 272
| Howdy,
Thanks so much to all that replied. It really does seem like all three options are fantastic and I'm thankful I have the opportunity to go to any of them.
Since much has already been stated on Century, I do have a quick question on the Angle vs. Obabikon.
From a pressure standpoint, I assume the pressure at the angle is higher based upon location, popularity and the number or resorts confined to a small area. Is that the case and would that impact your selection?
Also, from a driving distance to good spots standpoint, I assume Obabikon would be closer to good fishing locations than the Angle due to its central on the water location and also due to the large number of boats taking off from the same spot each day at the angle. It almost seems like you would be climbing over each other to get to your spots first. Is that the case or am I underestimating the Angle?
Thanks again for all of you replies as I sincerely appreciate it.
Take care,
Ruddiger |
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Posts: 39
| We been going to Century for about 10 years, if you want to catch fish that's the place to go. We average around 20 for the week (2 Guys), I think the best we ever did was 27, I don't know if you consider that good or not. Largest we ever caught was 49 1/2, most fish will be around 45 and solid. As for the food, Kay cooks a mean meal, and always more than you need. As for the rocks, if you stay in the middle of things when you are traveling you should be OK, Randy has some good water proof maps now. Stay away from behind the lodge, land mines every where, I remember the first time we went, we took off in that direction, got a little ways from the lodge, and I said to my buddy, look at that seagull standing on the water. We instantly stopped, turned around and got the heck out of there, we where lucky. There is a lake that you can take a trip to for Musky, you go by boat, then by argo to the other lake. Fish are only around 25 - 30 inches, but you catch a lot of them, we did it once got 30 for the day and lost a ton more. We are going this year July 5th to the 11th. If you choose Century let me know, I have a map that is marked, send me your email I will send you a pic.
Choose Wisely My Friend.
Later
Edited by Guest1 2/18/2015 9:45 PM
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Posts: 398
Location: Wisconsin | Pretty much, Century lodge should be on any musky fishermans radar. It is incredible how many fish we catch/see in a short amount of time. Some big girls too!! |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | Ruddiger - 2/18/2015 8:53 PM
Howdy,
Thanks so much to all that replied. It really does seem like all three options are fantastic and I'm thankful I have the opportunity to go to any of them.
Since much has already been stated on Century, I do have a quick question on the Angle vs. Obabikon.
From a pressure standpoint, I assume the pressure at the angle is higher based upon location, popularity and the number or resorts confined to a small area. Is that the case and would that impact your selection?
Also, from a driving distance to good spots standpoint, I assume Obabikon would be closer to good fishing locations than the Angle due to its central on the water location and also due to the large number of boats taking off from the same spot each day at the angle. It almost seems like you would be climbing over each other to get to your spots first. Is that the case or am I underestimating the Angle?
Thanks again for all of you replies as I sincerely appreciate it.
Take care,
Ruddiger
The Angle is absolutely amazing, yes you are most definitely underestimating it. Yeah there's a large amount of boats taking off from the same spot each day. but there is so, so much water up there and a bunch of different directions you can go in. I've spent about 100 days up there the last 5 years and have barely scratched the surface. This scenario you are picturing of climbing over each other couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, you might see some guys out there ( especially in July) tossing for Muskies. There are so many spots and so many fish though
Like I mentioned previously, I have been down to Osbourne. If you like more of the smaller water feel without having to deal with big open water then you will love it. What I don't like is how there isn't an accurate map chip down there. I can run mine on LOTW and run complex reefs to precision....that's not going to happen on any part of Eagle unless you take the time ( and bumps of your boat) to map it out manually. I like being able to get into small quiet bays as much as anyone.....but getting into big basins with large expanses of open water behind me just gets my blood pumping in terms of big fish. Your not going to find that down is Osbourne |
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Posts: 89
| My personal vote would be l.o.t.w also. Been to both and for resort reasons, that's my 2 cents. If you were to chose another Eagle spot, another story. |
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Posts: 272
| Howdy,
Thanks all for the replies. A few other quick questions. I'm assuming that while both the Angle and Osbourne are shield lakes that Osbourne has a lot more weed structure then the Angle. Is this correct? Growing up in the eastern U.S. most of my fishing has been weed based. I can and do fish rocks, but all things considered fishing weeds is really in my wheelhouse.
I know LOTW has some weedy areas but it sounds like they are fewer and far between due to the Rustys. With Osbourne it sounds like your mainly in the weeds until mid to late September as the fish transition to more rock areas. Is that a fair statement?
Also, my fishing partner wants to catch Pike and some smallies. My past experience at the Angle years ago was that it had very few northerns. Would Century be a better location to go to if good pike and smallmouth fishing was part of the itinerary? By good pike I mean for good numbers of decent size fish (not hammer-handles).
Finally, how big of an area is Osbourne to actually fish? With LOTW it's basically limitless. With Osbourne do you run out of places to fish after a week on the water?
Take care,
Ruddiger |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | RUddiger, from your last post I'd probably tell you to go to Century. There's a ton of weeds down there so you will probably be more comfortable in that environment. Up in the Angle, not so much. It is one of my small complaints but i have a pretty condensed list of spots with weeds that are big producers.
Your more likely to find pike I think at eagle as well, bass are bass...probably a tie there.
There's enough water down there to keep one busy...Don't forget, with Osborne you can always go north into some of the bigger parts of Eagle. The problem is you need to know your way around because there are many hazards and they are unmarked.
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Posts: 38
| The smallmouth fishing at Century is second to none. You may not associate shallower/dark/weedy with smallmouth, but the action there rivals any I've experienced. |
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Posts: 243
| Have been to both. My experience was bigger average fish but not as many contacts or strikes on Eagle, including that area of the lake compared to the area you're talking about on LOTW. I did catch my heaviest in that section of Eagle, but we have put several 50s in the boat in the Obabikon/Miles/Sabaskong area over the years and had a blast up there. Cool place to check out is Obabikon Lake at the top of Obab Bay....just getting there is a lot of fun. Can't comment on the resorts specifically, but the fishing opportunities are great in either spot and there's no wrong answer. More places to hide in big weather on LOTW, and the biggest fish I've ever seen was there. That being said, I'd go back to Eagle without any second thoughts. My suggestion? Flip a coin this year and fish the other one the next time you can make a trip up. |
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Posts: 272
| Howdy,
Thanks to all who posted as I truly appreciate it. In the end we decided to focus on Obabikon for this season as it was the best compromise option based upon mapping, seclusion, species available and driving distance. I'm very excited about the trips and again thank all of you for your insight as it proved very helpful.
Take care,
Ruddiger |
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Posts: 183
| Ruddiger - 2/16/2015 8:26 AM
Hello,
For those who have been to Century, how bad are the rocks? In looking at the latest from Navionics the contour map for LOTW is as good as it gets while the Navionics map for Eagle has large areas in Osbourne and Niven's Bay with nothing shown, no contours, no hazards. The Hotspots Map seems more accurate. How bad was boating on that section of Eagle?
Also, to add another wrinkle, I now have the opportunity to stay at the Angle the same weeks I can stay at Obabikon and Eagle, however, it would be at a very nice resort on the US side.
Recognizing the hassle of calling in every day, would that location of LOTW (US side and all) trump both Century and Obabikon?
Take care,
Ruddiger
What Navionics map are you looking at? Typically Navionics has excellent mapping from the feedback I have gotten about LOTW at shows. If you are looking at Hotmpas Premium that will be an issue their is very little data, but look at the SonarCharts view of LOTW that is another ball game, SonarCHarts is available on Hotmaps Platinum and Nav +.
Follow this link to the WebApp the Navionics map preview tool, zoom in on the area that interest you then click on the sonar icon on the lower left to toggle between nautical charts (Premium view) and SonarCharts ( Platiunum and Nav+ view)
http://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=en
Some examples of an area south of Kenora
Edited by kirth 3/18/2015 11:20 AM
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Posts: 925
| Ruddy,
It looks like you have made your decision on Obabikon. If not, I wouldn't shy away from Frolander's. If you ask me, it's the perfect location in the NW Angle. |
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