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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | A Merry Christmas To All,
I want to book a Musky week at LOTW in July. Of course, it's completely overwhelming when considering the choices one can make.
Sabascong Bay, Monument Bay, Northwest Angle, Whitefish Bay ... the list goes on and on.
I am considering the Big Narrows area. I realize that this type of question pops up here quite often, but if i can get some feedback from some of you guys who are LOTW veterans, I would greatly appreciate that.
Thanks in advance.
Craig
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Posts: 331
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Hey Craig,
There are a few things to consider when it comes to planning a trip to the NW Angle.
1) Accommodations that are desired
2) Boat size, navigation capabilities and comfort level
3) Price willing to spend on a trip
Just to name a few.
Accommodations:
There are several resorts that are in reach of the Narrows, some on islands and some on the Minnesota side that are drive to resorts. Sandy’s Black hawk lodge, Monument bay, Bay Store, Narrows lodge, Wiley Point are a few lodges located on islands that are accessible by boat. They are all nice places to stay and some are a bit pricier than others but what they do have in common is from slightly higher to greatly higher gas prices than the resorts on the US side. You also are limited to the amount of gear you bring based on the size of your boat, but the camp can also help with taking your gear out to the camp. Other things to consider would be health issues. On an island you’re that much farther away from help. Canadian adventure is another thing, if you like the feeling of staying in a rustic log cabin on the lake the island camps are nice for that. You will find the price can vary from average to very expensive with some of these island resorts. Take Wiley for example, you could expect to spend $1500-$2000 for a week. But that place is a piece of luxury in the wilderness if that’s more your style. Otherwise the island camps will run about $500 to $1000 for a week with all expenses considered. Now remember that the Narrows is just one area of the NW Angle and many, many great spots are between the Narrows and Young’s bay.
The Minnesota camps on the NW Angle have the advantage of less expensive gas and drive up to the cabin capabilities. Angle Outpost, Jakes and Young’s are a few of the resorts on the MN side. I stay at Angle Outpost and have been staying there for the past 7 years. With fishing all day long for muskies the only thing I’m looking for is a place to sleep and shower. Angle Outpost has very good cabins and the owners are very nice and will help make your trip an enjoyable experience. Now with the MN resorts you might think that you have to run farther to reach prime musky waters, but that is not the case. Many of the best spots in the area are within a 15min boat ride from the MN camps.
Boat size and comfort level:
If you’re not really comfortable with your navigation skills, I recommend staying on the MN side. Remember that some of the resorts are a little bit of a boat ride away from the landing (jump off place) at Young’s Bay. From the MN side you can slowly explore more and more each day depending on you’re comfort level. If this would be your first time to the woods, maybe stay on the MN side and check things out. If you like an area and see a resort close to that area, then maybe adjust the following years. With that said, I fish spots about 40 miles from Angle Outpost and pass many resorts there and back, but I always stay at the same place! So that might say something. If you have a large boat (capable of handling rough water) and you are good at reading maps or have a good chart plotter, then you might select an island resort if you would like to stay on the Canadian side. There are hazards out there that can kill a guy if he is not careful! But if you’re a good navigator and take your time it’s not as hard to safely navigate those waters.
July is a great time of year to go, I go for 2 weeks in early July. One think you will find out when trying to book in July is that many resorts are filled with returning clients and it can be difficult to find a place to stay. You could plan for August but then you can contend with bloom and higher water temps. For me July is hard to beat! Last year in the 2 weeks I was there, 97 muskies were boated out of my boat alone. It was a crazy bite! If you would like answers to more specific questions feel free to shoot me an email. If you were to book at Angle Outpost during the first 2 weeks of July, I would be there and happy to mark a few areas for you!
Ed Spoerl
[email protected]
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Hello Ed,
Thank you so much for your wonderful and informative reply. I'll get to work contacting some of the places that you have mentioned. I am going with my girlfriend (she loves Musky fishing), and the challenge is finding accomodations for 2 (rather than a larger group).
Craig |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Ed,
My boat is a Crestliner Fish Hawk 1750, with an Optimax 115HP and 9.9 4-stroke kicker. Lowrance 337 w/navigational chip at the helm. I assume that this boat can handle all waters on LOTW. Yes?
Craig |
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Posts: 331
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin | And then some!
Not a problem, I first went up there with a 16' boat with a 40hp motor and never had any issues. Try calling Angle Outpost I know the first week of July is slow (booking) but then they are pretty full after then. Last year the first week of July was on fire for me....42 fish boated that week. Give Dave and Jessica a call and tell them I sent ya!
1-800-441-5014
Ed
Edited by MuskyTime 12/24/2006 1:03 PM
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| Big Narrows Resort is right there and probably a bit more on the upscale side than most of the others, might be ne to consider if your taking the girl friend and she doesn't want to see any mice! |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Turgeon,
I did mention this point to her: some lodges are a real $$$ deal ... but there might be mice, and she said, "aaahhhhhhh!!!!!."
I was taking a look at Big Narrows Resort too.
I suppose my concern is boating over 20 miles to get to the Big Narrows area from the Northwest Angle. Like I said in my original post, it's somewhat overwhelming (the size and opportunities on LOTW).
Thanks,
Craig |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Thanks Ed.
I will call Angle Outpost. I want to jump on this, as it would stand to reason that once the Musky shows start in a couple of weeks.... I imagine that reservations will become very hard to come by.
Craig |
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Posts: 239
Location: Madison, WI | Jake's has air conditioning and a TV in each unit. When I go up with the wife she really appreciates both! |
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Posts: 91
Location: Wausau | I went to the Angle Outpost on Ed's recomendations and it was well worth it. As stated above take your time getting to know the water between the cabin and the narrows. I started the week fishing pretty close to the MN/Canada border (still very good water) by weeks end I was up in the narrows with no problems. I run a 1750 with a 125 on it and it ran just fine, we had some good 3 foot rollers out there a couple days and I made it just fine. Have a good GPS and plot a "runway" where you feel confident to run at high speeds and then just slow down when you are in new water. As Ed mentioned Dave and Jessica are great hosts and really want you to catch fish and help make you stay great. We too were just looking for a place to sleep while we were not fishing, the cabins are clean and comfortable and you don't have to worry about mice in any of them. Have fun and good luck, its a place that dreams are made of. |
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| I think were you stay depends on where you are going to fish. You don't really want to be running all over the lake to your spots if you don't have to. Obviously it depends on your boat. I fished big narrows this year and stayed at Yellow Bird. It was 20 miles there and back twice a day. We put 400 miles on the water and I spent $900 on gas my side. If you can stay close to where you are fishing you can save a lot of money and time. |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Guys,
Thank you. These are all great tips and recommendations. I really appreciate that.
Does the Big Narrows get less pressure than farther south (closer to the Angle), or is this something I should not worry about.
I must admit that with what EVERYONE says about LOTW, and especially the northwest portion -- I have the impression that this is like somewhat the "promised land" for summer Musky fishing.
Craig |
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| 20 miles there and back twice a day? There's no reason to do that. At least pack a lunch so you can stay there all day.
Try Bay Store and Resort. Best place on the Angle according to anyone who has ever stayed there. www.baystorecamp.com |
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| The Big Narrows area gets tons of pressure. We have started to stear clear of it. Guys pretty much just fishing around islands and at one point last year I think I could count 15 boats in eye sight.
I have stayed at Monument Bay Lodge for the last 4 years and really have become amazed at the amount of boats in the Narrows. We usually fish it one day out of the week, but that's it.
There is so much good water all over the NW Angle there is no reason to spend the whole week in the Narrows. I just run a 1650 Fish Hawk with a Yamaha 80 and don't have any problems getting around the angle most of the time. Windy days my boat takes a beating, but I have never felt unsafe.
Do yourself a favor and fish the whole angle and don't just concentrate on the Narrows. |
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Posts: 331
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin | I agree,
The musky schools pound the heck out of the Narrows and that's fine with me. I have my spots up there that I check often but when the bees start to swarm I look head to other honey holes. Funny thing is that everyone runs to the narrows because they think it's the Promised Land but the Promised Land encompasses thousands of spots in all directions of the NW Angle. There are money spots at the narrows but I think there are better less know spots that get less pressure. But the great thing about LOTW's is that fish are always moving up and off structures. You can always find green fish is some of the more pressured areas, just keep fishing on that body of water and something good is going to happen! Craig if you do go I could point you in the right direction to get you on fish.
Ed
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Thanks Ed. I spoke with Frank Walsh this afternoon. He has availablility starting August 4. I've heard so much about "the bloom" and all, but I just might take him up on the offer that he made me.
I will PM you Ed. Thanks so much for the tip-off on the Big Narows. I fish Cave Run a few times per week. On the weekends it's very crowded during the summer, and I try to fish weekdays only.
I expect to see other boats on LOTW ... but I refuse to fish where there are swarms of boats. I have enough of that here in KY.
Craig |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Ball Cap:
I know what you mean. I love my Crestlier, but on some windy days I will actually anchor on spots rather than fight with the bow mounted trolling motor while trying to get a good cast in here and there.
I still own a glass boat as well, and must say that while the aluminum boats have their advantages ... casting on a windy day is not one of them.
Craig |
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Posts: 2015
| Call Flag island resort - www.flagislandresort.com |
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Posts: 2015
| Also -I would not be afraid to go to Big narrows if I were you - there is a reason you will see other muskie boats there.
Wiley point is very nice if you have the cash. You can get to alot of great water from those two resorts - I would not recommend staying on the mainland |
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| It's been said already but it bears repeating that there are literally a countless number of spots between the MN/Canadian border and the Big Narrows, such that you really don't to confine yourself to the Narrows. In fact, I would strongly recommend against it.
I have been coming up to LOTW for the past 7-8 years and have seen the pressure in the Narrows increasing with each year. First couple of years we hardly saw another boat up in the Narrows. Contrast that with the past couple years where we have had to deal with numbers of other boats on what we had previously thought was our own private milkrun, and we have even gotten rudely cut off a couple of times, which is really crazy considering how many thousands of islands, saddles, reefs, etc., are available. Crowding and cut offs are not what you want to have to deal with on a remote, million acre lake.
Seems like everyone and there brother is now skipping over a lot of the excellent water in the area just to get up in the Narrows. As has been said, there are some great spots up there, but for every 1 great spot in the Narrows there are 100's more equally good or better spots that you drive right past on your way up to the Narrows. And those spots don't see anything near the pressure.
I am now finding myself avoiding the Narrows more and having better success in some out of the way locations that, if you looked at the map, do not look "out of the way" at all. They are spots that just don't get hit because everybody drives right by...off to find the "holy grail" up in the Narrows.
My advice would be to save some of your hard-earned money and stay in one of the MN resorts. There are a number of great, clean resorts that are more affordable than out on the islands or up in the Narrows. And you can save some gas money by realizing that you don't need to run 20 miles and deal with a bunch of other boats in order to find some great water. Angle Outpost has been mentioned, and in my experience is a nice, clean place at a very reasonable price, with great hosts in Dave and Jessica F.
Good luck.
Matt D. |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | I am fishing with my girlfriend on this one. Can anyone make any recommendations on Walsh's Bay Store resort. I am not looking so much for luxury as I am location and clean accomodations. i have been to fishing camps in Quebec that were literally falling apart.
Additionally; how warm/ cool is it at night on early August on the Northwest Angle? Is this comfortable sleeping weather without A/C? It's a furnace down here in KY at that time (at night).
Craig |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Thanks for your details Matt. I really appreciate that. |
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Posts: 2015
| better at flag island ... they have a very nice bar....you can eat steak, ribs whatever they are serving that night for around $20 bucks pp .. you can basically see franks from there.. frank is a good guy it is just that he runs an "fishing camp" ... Flag has about 20 cabin so I know you can get in July if you want - $300pp for 7 days see is they have one of the 4-5 cabins right on the lake available - you can fish from your lawnchair  |
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Posts: 2015
| if your staying in MN ..I would get your border crossing permit |
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| Couldn't disagree with IAJustin more, and I've stayed at both. Frank and Laura will go out of their way to make your girlfriend comfortable. They don't run a luxury camp, but they run a very clean and well-maintained camp. Ask ANYONE who has ever been there! As for location, Bay Store is on Oak Island, which makes the Big Narrows a bit of a run (still well within reach) and allows easy access to the Windegos, Tug Channel, and section southeast of camp on the north end of the big lake. Better yet, Frank will tell you where to go and what to do without an ounce of B.S. I promise you will never look back. |
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| I don't like to fish all day especially if there is nothing going on. Fish smarter not harder. Plus we had meals prepared. Is was spendy but the best trip I have ever been on.
Like someone else said there is a reason people fish big narrows |
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| Sure, I won't dispute the fact that there is a reason that people fish the Narrows. I still do as well. There are some great spots up there and some nice fish. The issue is that the area, in my experience, seems to get an inordinate and unnecessary amount of pressure. Too much pressure. And it seems to be increasing with every year. Just look at all the "musky schools" up there these days. The MH school pounds the Narrows, Ranger Rick does a couple schools up there, Bob M does a musky school at Wiley, and Patrcia Strutz is doing one as well now, I think. Not sure, but there even may be a few others. Other than MH, I don't think any of those "schools" were around five years ago. The Big Narrows is a sizable area, but there is a lot of non-stop pressure specifically targetting this one area that, in comparison with the vast amount of water surrounding it, is relatively small.
I don't know about everyone else, but when I go to a million acre lake in the middle of the Canadian wilderness the last things that I want to deal with are (1) conditioned fish and (2) being cut off by other anglers. Part of the Canadian experience is the feeling of awe and seclusion when alone in the remote wilderness. If you are strictly fishing the Narrows, you won't get to experience that, and you'll instead find yourself racing to beat other boats to some of your spots (especially the prime spots at sunset) and then cursing when they cut you off by pulling up in front of you anyway. I've experienced that a couple of times already, and it has soured my overall experience. But sadly, that can be and is the reality, even on a one million acre lake, these days.
Sorry to go on and on. I think that you can find water that is just as good in other locations, sometimes very close to camp (MN-side resorts), and not have to deal with the fishing pressure that is concentrated in the Narrows.
Matt D. |
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Posts: 2015
| Guest:
What is your disagreement? For the record I have stayed or walked through EVERY lodge in the angle.
Justin |
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Posts: 136
| I admit I don't like boats all over me. Especially don't like the guys from WI I ran into last year who would watch you with binoculars and take all your spots. Then they like to get on a spot and fish it for hours if they find a fish. I'm too young to know what it used to be like but from talking to friends who have fished that water for 30 years they say things have changed a lot in the last five. However, I don't think it affects the fish much. Those fish are still not that pressured. It's all a matter of timing. Those LOTW fish come up to do there business for maybe 20 minutes every 8 to 36 hours. Then they drop back down into the deeper water and will not eat a lure.
There are so many big fish spots on that water it's unbelievable. You can spend a week in a three mile area working a dozen spots and that's all you need. I can't wait to get back even if there are boats around.
Just be respectful. There are plenty of pigs for us all.
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| IAJustin - I disgree that flag island is better than Bay Store in any sense. Perhaps more modern accomodations, but not any better in terms of cleanliness or comfort. And when it comes to friendliness and general assistance, Bay Store outdoes them 10 fold in every category, especially in terms of accurate fishing information! |
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Posts: 2015
| guest - 12/27/2006 4:13 PM
Sure, I won't dispute the fact that there is a reason that people fish the Narrows. I still do as well. There are some great spots up there and some nice fish. The issue is that the area, in my experience, seems to get an inordinate and unnecessary amount of pressure. Too much pressure. And it seems to be increasing with every year. Just look at all the "musky schools" up there these days. The MH school pounds the Narrows, Ranger Rick does a couple schools up there, Bob M does a musky school at Wiley, and Patrcia Strutz is doing one as well now, I think. Not sure, but there even may be a few others. Other than MH, I don't think any of those "schools" were around five years ago. The Big Narrows is a sizable area, but there is a lot of non-stop pressure specifically targetting this one area that, in comparison with the vast amount of water surrounding it, is relatively small.
I don't know about everyone else, but when I go to a million acre lake in the middle of the Canadian wilderness the last things that I want to deal with are (1) conditioned fish and (2) being cut off by other anglers. Part of the Canadian experience is the feeling of awe and seclusion when alone in the remote wilderness. If you are strictly fishing the Narrows, you won't get to experience that, and you'll instead find yourself racing to beat other boats to some of your spots (especially the prime spots at sunset) and then cursing when they cut you off by pulling up in front of you anyway. I've experienced that a couple of times already, and it has soured my overall experience. But sadly, that can be and is the reality, even on a one million acre lake, these days.
Sorry to go on and on. I think that you can find water that is just as good in other locations, sometimes very close to camp (MN-side resorts), and not have to deal with the fishing pressure that is concentrated in the Narrows.
Matt D.
How many muskie have you caught within five minutes of the mainland? Staying in the big narrows region gives you better access to high density muskie waters - monument bay, clearwater bay, bishop bay, east to skeet island region, and on and on. You have 3 miles of MUD to cross before you can fish anything of substance from the mainland. Ther are 100 spots I could mark on a map to fish that last hour topwater bite and still be able to SEE big narrows resort..... and guess what very few boats are around because most of the day pressure is making the hour long boat ride to the MN mainland, sandy's or the MN islands.
But what do I know? |
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| I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "five minutes from mainland", but I've caught some pretty nice fish well south of Monument Bay. Sorry, I'm not going to name spots on the internet, and to be honest, I really don't care whether you believe me or not; I am not really all that sad about the fact that boats are constantly driving right past.
All I am doing is pointing out the fact that the Narrows, particularly, is getting pounded more and more every year, and the past couple years it has been to the point where I am now avoiding the Narrows in order to avoid boats. Sure there are hundreds of great spots within eyesight of Big Narrows Resort. I don't doubt that you could mark up a map; I've spent a lot of time in that area and know of a few very good spots myself. In fact, one of those spots I could also mark on the map for you, and show you exactly where my boat was when I got rudely cut off at sunset on what was otherwise a beautiful July evening.
I'm not sure exactly what your point is? Maybe you'd like it if there were MORE boats up in the Narrows? Do you NOT think that there are other areas on LOTW, equally good, with WAY less pressure?
As you stated, there is plenty of awesome water around the Narrows. You named some good nearby areas. Thank you. That is my point exactly. The guy who originally posted the question sounded like he was considering confining himself only to the Big Narrows area. I shared my opinion about that. There is a ton of great water and so there is no need concentrate in an area that is getting pounded.
Matt D. |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Many thanks to IAJustin, matt D., et. al.
A decision has been made, and thanks to all of the great feedback provided through this board!
I'll be staying for 9 days at Walsh's Bay Store Camp on Oak Island in the Northwest Angle area. Beginning August 4 (July, of course, was a sellout by this time). My boat is strong and with the proper navigation tools I can travel anywhere in the area. I doubt that I will expend the energy to drive 20+ miles to the Big Narrows. I stay off of my own home lake here in KY on weekends to steeer clear of all of the boats. As IAJustin has said and I echo his sentiments ... if I am taking a trip to the Canadian wilderness,I sure don't wish to fish within a cluster of boats.
Who can say how bad the bloom will be at that time. Seems like there are just too many factors to know with any certainty. Not going to cancel the trip simply becasue I cannot find suitable accomodations within a small two to three week window to escape the bloom.
I am however completely psyched and ready to rock!!!!
Craig |
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| Good luck Craig. Don't get too worried about the bloom. I've been up in mid to late August a couple of times and, although there was bloom, it wasn't a problem finding suitable areas to fish. In fact, one of my best trips was in late August where the bloom was really nasty. We had to move around a bit, but it wasn't a big deal. I'm sure you'll have a great trip.
Matt D. |
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Posts: 86
| This is what my opinion is of the NW Angle, I posted this on another LOTW thread. We didn't make it to the Narrows on our trip though...............................
One way to avoid the pressure is to go up in September. You have to deal with the bloom of course but you don't have any boats to compete with. Six of us made our first trip to the Angle, Monument Bay Lodge, this past Labor Day week. Bloom went from nothing to speak of to pea soup thick. All we had to to was find clearer water and we could see the follows, which helped the confidence. We were in lodge rental boats, 16' alum. utility boats with 25hp mercs. 18mph with three guys in each. We had gps's with chips and paper charts just to be safe. We got to know the area very quickly and thanks to the help of some guys like Richard Novak here on the forum and Steve Heiting we did pretty good......great in fact. Two personal bests, 50" for my Nephew and 48" for myself. Two others boated muskie and everybody boated pike. Nobody doubled up on muskie. The fishing was somewhat slow, yes, but being able to boat two monsters, and see several more in the same class made our trip. To share the trip with my 80 year old Father, three brothers and a nephew meant even more. The camp was great, really great.
We were concerned about being overwhelmed by the BIG water. We marked up a map with a game plan to locate fish, develop our milk run and work it until it paid off. First full day of fishing was Sunday, 50 was caught Tues. morn and 48 on Wed. morn. The plan paid off. Sorry so long but I just wanted to let "newbies" to LOTW know you can be successful despite tough conditions if you prepare and stick to your plan. Good luck and enjoy one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaryies on the planet!!!!!! |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Well, I started this thread so I should share my decision. My dates are August 4 through August 13 at Bay Store Camp. Frank Walsh has been kind enough to break away from a previous committment and guide us our full first day, and we will spend a day with Doug Johnson later in the week.
I have a Crestliner Fish Hawk 1750 with an Opti 115 and 9.9 kicker. Maxxum 80 lbs up front, Lowrance 3600 GPS ready for the LOTW chip, seperate Lowrance 337 sonar at the helm, Frank is sending me nautical charts and maps ... and I have already started stocking up on the necessary color selections and lure choices based upon Bay Store Camp's "Top 10 Lure Choice List" found through their excellent discussion board. http://www.fishinfo.com/fishingreports/ForumID9/92.html
I have some very good friends that have a year round home in Hayward 20 minutes from the Chippewa Flowage, and we plan to stop there to fish for a few days on the way back down to KY.
To say that I am super psyched is an understatement. Gee whizz, only seven months to go
Craig |
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Posts: 2015
| Craig,
Current can draw fish that time of year... areas I have had success in early Aug in the past: Johnsons Passage, Tug, and yes big narrows....mainlake areas -only time I ever pay attention to the wind on LOTW is during bloom.....you are doing the right thing getting a guide....definately can be a challeging time to be on lotw, but also a good big fish time ..good luck!
Justin |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Thanks Justin. |
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Posts: 331
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Craig,
If ever there is a MUST bait for the woods it would be a white blade, black white tail Mepps Musky Marabou. Take a couple of them! I have caught over 100 muskies up there on that bait in the last 3 years alone!
Ed |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | I've already stocked some Musky Maribous in red/copper. I order a few of these as well.
Thanks Ed.
Craig |
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LOTW: Big Narrows