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Posts: 5
| For years, my buddy, his son, and I have been going to Big North Lodge on Gunn Lake in Minaki, Ontario. It is our one and only fishing trip every year (or two) and we love the place (we highly recommend the place if you can get up there). However, it has gotten a little pricey since we can no longer drive there (that whole career thing) and the exchange rates are almost on par. We're looking for a new fishing hole in Northern Wisconsin/Minnesota and need some suggestions.
Since none of us fish on a regular basis and we typically have flown to Canada, we don't have a boat we can take with us. We like to chase Musky in the evening, spend most the day throwing big bucktails at Northerns and usually jig one day for a Walleye dinner. In the course of a week, we'll put a couple hundred Northern's in the boat ranging in size from 24" to 38" with at least a few medium to large muskies. As you can see, we're more about the action than the trophy (but we usually get at least one trophy between us). We're not looking for a family resort or cabin...just a fishing lodge or 1 or 2 bedroom cabin with a basic kitchen and access to water without a ton of pressure and good fishing. Northerns and Musky are a must. We will also need a fishing boat with the rental or a place to rent a boat close by.
So far, the Winchester/Manitowish Waters/Presque Isle/Boulder Junction area looks promising. Any one have any suggestions for lakes, locations, or lodges for us?
Edited by joeg 1/27/2012 1:08 PM
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Posts: 400
Location: North/Central WI | Winchester and PI area would be a great choice. I would call Adam Johnson at Skyview for lodging - 715-686-2928. He is very knowledgable on the lakes in the area and will try his hardest to get you pointed in the right direction. Many lakes in the area have good musky, walleye, and smallmouth fishing. There really isn't much to offer for northern fishing in that area unless you are interested in catching lots of 20" snakes. Boulder Marine and Greer's Pier both have boat rental available. Greer's Pier may only rent boats for use on the Mani Chain...I'm not sure. Another thing to keep in mind is that you will not be in Canada...expect the fishing to be much more difficult. Hiring a guide would be a big advantage to learning a lake faster and having a more productive trip. You may be able to get Adam to guide you if you ask him well in advance. That would be well worth the cost. Typically he is very busy in the summer and does most of his guiding in Oct-Nov. Howie Meyer, Forbes Taylor, Captain Matt Raley, or myself (musky only...don't need the money bad enough to guide for other species) are other options. I would hesitate to hire one of the many multi-species "discount" guides around that area.
Edited by NateOz 1/27/2012 3:12 PM
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Posts: 5
| Thank you NateOz. That is great information. Do you have any suggestions not in Winchester or Presque Isle for good Northern Pike fishing? We're open to anywhere south of Canada.
Edited by joeg 1/27/2012 11:44 AM
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Posts: 1036
| I stopped going to Canada just because I get on some great walleye bites in the early spring in Vilas County. We catch almost as many fish on area lakes as we do in Canada. Size isn't as good, but the catching is still fun.
Something for you think about, consider a resort or cabin that is on a particular lake, but be opening to trailering around to different area lakes. Some lakes will turn on and be hot in an area while others may not be so good. For example, where I am, I can fish North Twin, LVD, Buckatoban, ER Chain, Cisco Chain and countless other lakes that are within 15 miles of our cabin. That is an awful lot of opportunity if I want to trailer the boat. Which is what I do and it works well.
I would also say that if you want to concentrate on one body of water and have action for all those different species, highly consider the Chippewa Flowage. It will look a little like Canada and offer you a lot of different species to catch. Hire a guide for a day or two to learn the water, then have some fun. |
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Posts: 5
| Thank you, Vegas492. I'll put Chippewa Flowage on the list. I think we'll end up with a guide for a day or two wherever we go. Our trips are too far apart and too precious to waste time figuring out lakes on our own! |
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Posts: 1036
| You are a smart man! Hiring a guide on unknown water is a good idea. Do a little online research on your guides to make sure you are getting a quality guide. Call the local bait shops for recommendations or put another link on here asking about guides. Hire them early in your week and then work the spots. Enjoy yourself and let us know what you decide and how the fishing was! |
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Posts: 127
| vegas492 - 1/27/2012 11:29 AM
I would also say that if you want to concentrate on one body of water and have action for all those different species, highly consider the Chippewa Flowage. It will look a little like Canada and offer you a lot of different species to catch. Hire a guide for a day or two to learn the water, then have some fun.
i have to agree with this. i've been fishing the Chippewa Flowage for the past 14 years with my dad as we take a week-long vacation every summer and the occasional weekend trips as well. it's a great body of water and we actually have only fished the east half because there is just so much to cover and plenty of great fishing without having to chase across the entire flowage. if youre after musky, i recommend hiring Ty Sennett. he's a good guy and a great fisherman. you can get info regarding his services here: http://www.tysennett.com/ |
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Posts: 5
| We're still looking and have now added Vermilion in Minnesota to the list. Does anyone have a lodge and guide they like? |
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Posts: 144
Location: Loves Park, IL | Vermilion Dam Lodge is a great place with many cabin options. Food can also be added to their package if you want. Nice protected bay centrally located on the lake. Talk to Ed for a very reasonable package.
Jeff |
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Posts: 518
Location: Cave Run Lake KY. | Check out Indiantrailresort.com for a complete list of their resort, you will find everthing you need at this resort. We have fished out of this resort since 1981 and when fishing the chip it's the first place on our list to stay at. Night fishing out of Indiantrail is very safe your on good water ten mn. from the resort. Marv. |
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Posts: 222
Location: c.wis | pine aire resort near watersmeet, 2 min past land o lakes- 30 min in any direction to lots of GREAT fishing water- private cabins with elec. hookups for chargers/suckertanks- starts at 44/night - the owner is a great guy to work with and has weekly/monthly rates for nomadic fishing guides ect........
lodging only though, no boat rental although with the close prox. to eagle river/minoqua i wouldnt be suprised if you found rentals on craigslist or through a local-
Edited by eric001 2/7/2012 6:03 PM
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Posts: 547
Location: Oshkosh | Sound like you need to give Rob Manthei a call up at the St. Germain Lodge. He has everything you are looking for right there at his place. Lodging and boat rental right there with all the fishing you need, along with a full time guide right there on site! Check it out at http://www.stgermainlodge.com/
Peter |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Spring Bay on Vermilion. Steve will put you on the fish, and it's a favorite destination for quite a few MuskieFIRST folks for good reason; top shelf fishing, service, and lodging. |
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Looking for a Northern WI Lodge