nice family resort in midwest

[willyp]

I live in peoria Illinois and was wondering if anyone knew of a nice family fishing/boating resort within 5 hours or so of peoria. I typically go to northern minnesota every year where the waters are beautiful and the resorts are plentiful but that is a once a year trip. There has to be some lakes or resorts in Wisconsin that are comparable.

I'd love to find some nice resorts for both fishing and boating that are closer to home so I can go more often. Please help.

[B Jensen]

Check the northcentralwisconsin.com website There are lots of locations that are closer to you in that area. I have fished throughout that area, the opportunities are many. Write back if you would like suggestions on a particular area.

Best Fishes,

Bob Jensen

[willyp]

Thanks for the response. Ever fished Miner Lake or what they are calling the chain of lakes around that area? I'm looking for a lake large enough to really run a boat.

[willyp]

There lakes i've found are near Waupaca are Taylor Lake, Miner Lake or Long Lake. These seem to be the most popular lakes with some rental property that I have found. I still cannot find a resort on a large enough lake in southern WI to run a boat fast and that has good fishing.

If my info is correct which of the above lakes would you recommend??

[Behr]

Hey Willy,

Go Manual Rams, hey? (I grew up on the South Side... tough neighborhood...)

Here's what I'd do (Actually did, already): Download Google Earth. It's free. Hopefully your computer can handle the program... my comuter's fairly old and it works well with it, so you might be in luck.

Then zoom in a peruse around southern Wisconsin looking for lakes that fit the size you'd like. Sometimes the name of the lake will pop up on google earth, other times it won't, and then you'll have to do a little research on what the name of the lake is. Once you've found out the name, then you can ask about the fish'n.

That's the best I got for ya.


-Behr

[Dave B]

It might be 6.5 hours, but Treelands resort on Chippewa Flowage is a very nice family resort. About as nice as you will find. Might be too late in the year to get an open cabin though, but well worth the phone call.

Another great family resort is Mogesheen resort on Lake Namekagon in Cable Wisconsin. Nice owners, and bike trails nearby. Indoor pool for a rainy day as well.

[willyp]

great idea on the google earth website. you can really see all the lakes from a birds eye view. That Treelands Resort in Hayward seems perfect, just a bit too far for a weekend. but that's exactly what i'm looking for.

Has anyone fished Lake Koshkonong, Green Lake, Puckaway, or anything good in this area? It must have a nice family resort or the wife won't go back, you know what i mean.

[junglejim]

The lakes you have mentioned in Waupacka get really crowed in the summer time. These lakes are very clear, fishing is OK in the fall and spring but as soon as it warms up they become a zoo. Ther are no resorts that I know of.

[wislakes]

I'm a Map Quest junkie. I was looking in Wis, and saw a lake named Pentenwell, are there any resorts there? Or how about Winnebago, there has to be several around there. Fox Chains north of Chi-town have good fishing at times too, probably lots of crowds at times too, but it is close. I'm just browsing map quest, but another lake I saw was Bever Dam. Anyone have any thoughts on these options?

[Labs]

Willy, I have in-laws in Naperville that are joining us on Lake Puckaway this summer for a week. We went to www.vrbo.com and scouted some areas with good boating and fishing. Might be worth a try for you as well.

Good luck,

[Behr]

I should have mentioned this earlier; The Chetek chain of lakes has many resorts and a lot of family things to do (Ski Shows, resturants, golf (two courses), & public beach. And the lake, though *heavily* fished, continues to provide surprisingly good fishing for walleye, northern, and panfish. The lake is a rather green/algea lake (mid summer and beyond) which is the secret of it's productivity, IMHO, maybe 24 foot at the deepest. This lake can also be 'zoo-like' in the summer, especially around the 4th of July, but hey, the proxcimity you're willing to travel to, most all decent bodies of water are all going to be that way.

Chetek is about 50 miles above Eau Claire on hwy 53. It's about a 7 hour drive from Peoria. I grew up in Peoria, vacationing *every* summer in Chetek. Got thru 2 years at Manual, and ended up graduating from Chetek High School, so I know the area very well. I think you'd really enjoy it.

www.chetek.com

-Behr

[willyp]

I've been looking up the Chetek area and it looks promising. I'd be willing to travel 7 hours instead of the 5 hour max I was hoping if the atmosphere is that much better. Birchwood, Chetk and Hayward are the three areas I'm looking at for a few trips this summer. Birchwood is only 6.5 hours, Chetek is 7 and Hayward is 8. What do you know about the lakes around Birchood? or is Chetek that much better for the extra half hour?

[Behr]

Wiley,

I’m very partial to Chetek, not because I lived there, but because I vacationed there (from Peoria) for most of my childhood. There are many Peorians that vacation at Chetek, BTW. I don’t think you’d be disappointed, unless the weather really bites (more than the fish).

Don’t know much about Birchwood, except they have a nice GC, and Hayward has some things to offer as well ( little more ‘touristy’ in terms of souvenir shops).

If you’re looking for a Jammed packed weekend, you should visit Chetek over the 4th of July week… a lot of extra stuff going on, including a real nice art and craft show, street rod show, a couple street dances and a *great* beach party with the Dweebs (out of the twin cities - I’m sure some on WC could vouch for how good the Dweebs are, even though their name is quit nerdish).

Good luck, and let me know if you need any more info.

-Behr

[willyp]

If I do make Chetek the new family vacation spot, what resort would you recommend? Remember, I trying I'm trying to please a wife and three little kids and try and make it sound like its a not just a fishing trip. What's the best resort in the area? Is there just one main lake or many? Any suggestions?

[Wingmann]

I am heading up to Lake Namekagon this spring and it looks like a good fishing lake. Check out Lakewoodsresort.com They have a variety of things for the whole family. You are also close to Hayward, so the family can do some touristy things like take in a Lumberjack show, see Al Capone's hideout and hit the shops downtown (don't miss the homemade fudge).

Hope this helps
Wingmann

[Behr]

Did you try the resort guide on: http://chetek.net/resortfr.htm

Very helpful.

I have to tell you it’s been years since I’ve stayed at any resorts in the area. And the resort I went to as a kid only exists in my memory now.

I think I would recommend the following resorts though, if pressed, but you should still check out the site I posted…

Recommend (in no particular order):

*Shorewood
*Rainbows End
*Klay’s Happy days (Maybe too Quiet)
* Lazy Acres Resort


Let me know what you’re considering before you make reservations and I can at least let you know if I’d stay, or if I don’t know… there are a few I would probably not stay at (E-mail me).

Also, not all of the resorts are listed on this site. Next time I’m in Chetek, I will try and get the names of the couple of other resorts that I would recommend. (there’s one that I would recommend above all of these that I just can’t remember at the moment.) Not sure when that will be or if it will be in time for you to make a reservation.

-Behr

[willyp]

I think I found the perfect resort on the Chippewa Flowage. Can I get any feedback on the fishing on Chippewa Flowage????

The resort is called Pat's Landing. It's a newer resort right on the water with pool and the beach right there. It's a little longer to Hayward but it has the perfect resort. You can check it out at treelandresorts.com and let me know what you all think.

[Behr]

There ya go... looks good to me. The flowage is a great place to fish, but you can't troll, and I believe that also means trolling a jig around for walleye, but I'm not sure about that. Ask the resort owners when you call for reservations.

Good luck (hope there are openings still)!!

-Behr

[willyp]

Why in the world wouldn't they let you troll? You think ther is some type of trolling restriction on the lake?

[Behr]

A recent thread about it here:

http://tinyurl.com/7w8ua

-Behr

[fshnnut]

Why look up when you can look down TRY KENTUCKY LAKE NOT A BAD DRIVE FROM PEORIA PLENTY OF RESORTS GREAT CRAPPIE FISHING IN THE SPRING NICE WEATHER TOO!

[willyp]

You know, I've heard good things about Kentucky Lake and the crappie fishing. I have never been to Kentucky Lake and probably should try it, however there is something to be said about that Northern Air and pine trees. Hard to beat.

Any suggestions on a family resort on Kentucky Lake?

[IOWA RIVERRAT]

WELLS LAKE SIDE RESORT AT MAUSTON,WI IT IS ON CASTLE ROCK LAKE. CABINS ARE CLEAN AND THE GRONDS ARE WELL KEPT,

[WILLYP]

I like that it's close. How's the fishing on Castle Rock Lake??

[JohnN]

Been going to the Chip for 45 years, staying at various properties. I don't think you'd be disappointed with the Treeland properties, including their new acquisition of Pat's Landing. Treelands has,I believe, three different locations on the Chip. While all are nice, the Big Chief Lake location you've noted is exceptional (Oak Shores is where I've stayed (Black Oak and White Oak), right next to the new Pat's Landing acquisition), as well as close to some good restaurant choices - Schultz's, a short walk, looks like a garage from the outside, but it's great! Likewise Chief Lake Lodge - short walk, great food. Docks are fine, power available, and that location makes Hayward, golfing, casino, etc., a shorter hop than for those who stay on the East Side of the Chip. If I just want to pound the water for muskies on the cheap with the guys, Indian Trail bunkhouse. Cushy spot, Treelands, perhaps Deerfoot as well. Good luck. John

[Behr]

Well Willy,

Which way did you decide to go this summer?

-- Inquiring minds --

-Behr

[guidedfishing-unlogged]

One note on chetek. By the 4th of july the lakes are pea soup green with alage bloom. Despite this the fishing is good. The swiming ?? I'm note talking a little green, I'm talking walk on top green in comparison to long lake, Big Chetac in the Birchwood area.

GF

[Willyp]

Well, I want to first of all thank all of you for your valuable input and let you all know what I finally decided for this years summer vacations. For the first time in 25 years I decided to try Wisconsin instead of Minnesota and save a few hours of driving with a car full of kids and my wife. Early May I booked a place in Chetek for some early season crappie and walleye with my 84 year old grandpa and 5 year old son. Early June I am headed up to Lake Erie for two days hard core walleye fishing on a charter with my 4 brothers and Dad. I figured I'd save July for the family vacation up on the Chippewa Flowage in Hayward at Treeland's newest resort Pat's Landing. After reading all the suggestions I just could not settle on one place so I decided to take three vacations this summer. I'll keep you posted on how we do.

Happy fishing to all and thanks again.

[willyp]

By the way, John N. you mentioned some nice areas for musky - Indian Bunkhouse Trail, Deerfoot and Treeland. Where are these areas? I did not see them on my map of the Chipp Flowage? I was thinking of getting a guide the first day so I know where to fish the rest of the week. What do you think?

[ceceeberly]

If you are still looking for a place in Wisconsin, I would reccomend
www.lakewisconsinresort.com.
Owners Dave and Chris are from the Peoria area.
Very clean cabins with full kitchens, very affordable,
right on Lake Wisconsin.
Ramp access on resort. Docks were you can leave your boat if you are comfortable. Or safe places next to your cabin to park.
Been going there for 8 years.
Fishing can be great! Walleye, crappie,blue gills, bass, sturgeon.You name it, it's in this totally awesome lake.
We live in Dekalb, Illinois (northern part of state). Pulling our boat, it will take us about 2 1/2 hours- 3 in a head wind.
Check out their web page for good pictures and details.
We actually like to go couple times a year because it is so close to home.
Cathy Eberly

[miller37]

ha willyp I'm from northern MN and I was just wondering where abouts do you take your family in MN? I could maybe tell you about some others in the area.

[willyp]

I've been taking the family up to Gull Lake near Brainard, MN for the past 25 years. It's beautiful, but it's a little far of a drive if you don't have the time to stay there at least a week. I would love to find something similar to Gull Lake closer to home which is Peoria, IL.

What other areas in MN would you recommend?

[hgmeyer]

Petenwell.... Bay Rest Resort... Necedah, WI is closest town.

Bay rest is not a typical resort... no beach and only one small dock...

Now, about Petenwell... it is a frequent stop on many walleye tournament circuits and is always listed as "tough"... This year was a bit better in size... The lake is very large but can be tough to navigate for a "newbie" (lots of shallow areas and stump fields...

You might want to look for resorts and areas one lake (flowage) south... Castle Rock... There seem to be many more family resort areas.

From Peoria... Take 39 N to Mauston Wi just past there on Rt 80 N is the turn to Castle Rock

[hgmeyer]

Fishing on the Chip is good to very good...

Pat's Landing is a very nice resort... There are better choices in my opinion... Certainly there are more economical and equally nice places....

Here is just one example on the western side of the Chip

http://www.tigermuskyresort.com/cabins.html

My best advice to you is go to a resort and then realize that you will have to spebnd a day hunting around for a place that fits you and your family... The Tiger Musky is an ideal choice for a family with kids... its bigger and has a bar and lodge and also has organized "stuff" going on....

[hgmeyer]

Many lakes in Wisconsin are classified as Class A Muskie Lakes... no motor trolling permitted... The Chippewa Flowage is just one of many....

[hgmeyer]

Kentucky Lake... visit the Moors REsort Website.... It gets very hot after the middle of June... April and May are great months to visit there... Middle of April you can combine fishing with Morel gathering...

[Mr.Bluegill]

The Winnebago System is not very far and offers everything you are looking for. The Wolf RIver Resorts in Winneconne has everything you need. There are a bunch of cottages right on the water with covered docks for your boats and a bait shop with rental boats on site.

Troy

[willyp]

>The Winnebago System is not very far and offers everything
>you are looking for. The Wolf RIver Resorts in Winneconne has
>everything you need. There are a bunch of cottages right on
>the water with covered docks for your boats and a bait shop
>with rental boats on site.
>
>Troy


I just got back from Chetek and it was a great couple of days. It was my first time fishing in Chetek and it was easy to find the fish. We caught all the crappies we wanted in the 9" to 10" range and the resort was right on the Lake. Not a lot to do for the family if they don't fish, but other then that it was great. Could not find walleyes anywhere but the crappies kept us busy.

Someone mentioned something about no trolling on the Chippewa Flowage. What is up with that? How are you supposed to fish if you can't troll? Is this a rule for muskie fishing or with all fishing up there?