Lake of the Woods

[Keith]

Guys,
I got some air-miles to use up and am thinking of a trip to Ontario from the UK this summer.

Would appreciate some recommendations for a good lodge in the Kenora or Sioux narrows area.

My partner says she would appreciate something 'not too basic' - it is our annual vacation, and not just about fishing. However, I would really like a crack at catching a muskie - it does not have to that big, not for starters.

Regards, Keith

[mps]

There are really a lot of options here and I can not refer any form personal experiance but I have considered two resorts in this area. I just have not had a chance to get there yet. Maybe others can provide more detail as to how they would suit your needs. I think they both have a good reputation for muskie fishing.

www.pipestonepointresort.com

www.witchbay.com

[Dave B]

I would also suggest considering Witch Bay Camp. I fished out of that camp the last two years, and had great times. The food is very good, the boats are great, and the accomodations in general are very good. Not too nice or to rough either way. Most of the people in camp are there for the walleye fishing. However, a number do chase musky, and some of the prime spots near camp get hit pretty regularly. That is probably true everywhere. If you are going for musky, I would suggest sometime in mid to late July. We were there in late June in 2001, and the musky fishing was slow. However, the walleye fishing was unbelievable. In 2002, we were there July 6th through the 12th or so, and the northern fishing was unbelievable. My group (6 guys) caught close to 100 northern over 30 inches during our stay, with 2 over 40 inches. We also landed 4 musky -- 3 came in one evening, and all were within less than 5 minutes from camp. We had a number of other opportunities on some pretty good sized fish (mid 40" range) throughout our stay, but the best we put in the boat was 36". I would rate the camp as very good, and the general fishing also as very good. My experience with the musky fishing at Witch Bay is there are some good sized fish in the area, but its not a great spot for numbers. Good luck.

[darcyfish]

Try Motlongs in Sioux Narrows, nice place, great fishing and it located right in Sioux Narrows so there are other things to do ( great night life).

www.rodandreel.com

D'arcy

[Keith]

Thanks for those pointers - should get me started.

I have been advised that algal blooms can be a problem. Any areas more prone to this, and is say August a risky time to go?

Regards, Keith

[dougj]

The algae bloom is not a problem in Whitefish Bay. North and west of Whitefish you may run into it.

Doug Johnson

[Keith]

Thanks Doug,

I may well end up staying North west of Whitefish!

I guess the later in summer, the more likely algal blooms will be. I am leaning towards an early July trip at the moment.

Keith

[dougj]

You should be algae free in early July. Good luck on the trip. You will enjoy the LOTWs. It's the eight wonder of the world.

Doug Johnson