WHERE DO I WANT TO GO?

[walleyefishboy]

I was just informed by the "War Department", better known as my loving wife, that I am making a trip to Omaha this summer to visit the in-laws and was curious.. If I strapped my 21' Tundra to the back of the Tahoe where should I head? I've never fished Minnesota, Iowa,North Dakota or South Dakota.

My precious little angel doesn't care where I go as long as I take her brothers, who are rather excited to say the least, about getting out of Dodge to go fishing. I have a week long pass to fish. So where do I go, where do I stay and any idea how long it takes from Omaha to get there?

Keep in mind I am used to fishing Saginaw Bay, so I'm looking for walleyes.

Thanks for any help. Duffy

[reddog91]

I would look to the Western Nebraska Reservoirs as an option, but I dont know anything about that area. If you dont mind travelling, I would head up to Oahe Reservoir in South Dakota. Stay at maybe Sunset lodge, or Whitlocks bay. or even right in Pierre, You could expeience the walleye fisheries both Oahe, and Lake Sharpe, and also there would be Smallmouths. You will be out in the boondocks, without many amenities, but the scenery is spectacular, and the fishing is great. If you get bored with the reservoir fishing, you could then head east to Northeast So Dak, and fish Waubay, or the likes. Tons of great opportunities there, with an unlimited supply of species.

If you just want to take the brothers in laws somewhere and get away from the war department and have a good time, head to Okoboji,Ia. Marginal fishing compared to the other places, but definitly a fun place to be in summer. Lots of eye candy on the docks.

[Otter]

Omaha is a long way from Minnesota, but if you don't mind making the drive it is a truly exceptional place. My favorite area is Bemidji (that's why I live there), but the Grand Rapids and Ely areas are nice also. If you've never been to "the northwoods" you should definitely make the trip. Let me know if you need any more information.

[dutchboy]

Have you considered the Mississippi River? Many species and lots of tourist traps!

[Trophy]

No place Like Lake Erie. "THE" Walleye Capital or the World.

[SdDoc]

When are you headed out here? July 1st in the Van Hook arm is a prime place to be. Hard to beat!! June for Oahe, but if you want size and numbers i would chech Sak. Another thought would be Devils lake. They have a fantastic fishery!! If you are lookimg for a truly trophy fish, then Ft. Peck would be worth it. Never gone up there without at least hitting a couple of 8#s.

[walleyefishboy]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Let me narrow this down a little. I'm willing to drive upwards of 8hrs. one way to go. I'm looking for lots of action on walleyes, not necessarily big fish. That would be a bonus.

I've got 5 days to fish and two days to travel. Not sure when I'm going yet, probably first part of July.

Thanks again & keep up[ the suggestions!! Duffy

[reddog91]

I think you will be 10 hours traveling time to Devils Lake, but that is a great idea also.

[nebrwalleye]

You will be not too far from the lower two of the Missouri River reserviors. Francis Case and Lewis & Clark. Both probably <3hrs from Omaha. Lots of walleye - smaller ones though

[eye_geek]

I agree Francis Case and Lewis & Clark on the Missouri are good bets.

Central Nebr. has several places...Merritt, Calamus, Sherman, Elwood and Harlan are all good but if you're later than mid-July they will be getting pretty low on water. Merritt and Calamus stay full the longest. Merritt has best size and numbers.

Western Nebr...McConaughy! If you can get your boat in the water it's your best bet for both size and numbers in the state.

Northern Kansas has some nice lakes...Milford, Glen Elder, Lovewell and Norton are pretty good. Milford may be the best sunflower lake and most likely to have water down there.

Hope this helps.

[Anywhich]

Man, you are looking at a long trip anywhere you go from Omaha. Your best bet would be Lewis and Clark near Yankton, SD. It sucks, my relatives all live in "NoLakeville" to! Makes a trip back twice as painfull!

[guapo]

I live in South Dakota and fished approx 30 days out of 45 last spring at many different lakes and reservoirs in South Dakota.

When you stated that you wanted fish, not necessarily size....I knew the perfect lake for you. Waubay, for #,s of walleye cannot be beat.

We would typically on every trip...from May through August...I know, I know..AUGUST! Catch anywhere from 30 to 60 fish in a half day of fishing. Sizes were typically 15 to 16 inches but we always caught 8 to 10 a trip between 22 and 26 inches.

Pitching jigs, trolling cranks and slip bobbers.

I did what you sound like you want to do with the brother in-laws three or four times last year. I would pile 4 or 5 guys in the boat, anchor and slip cork. Just a blast!

The limit is only two fish apiece, which is'nt bad. You still get to bring home some walleye. Should be about 6 hours from Omaha, and you will have many, many other lakes within a 15 miles of Waubay if you like to try panfish,bass or perch.

The reservoirs would be good also, but there is soooo much water to cover it takes a while to find fish sometimes. Your most efficient trip to catch walleye would be Waubay.

I would be willing to give you specific directions to the area we fished if you would like to email me directly.

sthonner@sio.midco.net

Later Days,

[walleyefishboy]

Guapo: Thanks. I'll be in touch when I have better information. If you ever get out this way (Michigan for either Saginaw Bay or Lake Erie) send me an e-mail. I'm posted on WC> Thanks again. Duffy