Lake of the Woods info

[warhawk1]

Thinking about a LOTW trip in August to the south shore area (MN side). Main question is..are there places out there to fish if the wind picks up. I do most of my fishing on Winnebago and LAke Michigan and have a 1950 Tyee to I'm not necessarily concerned myself, however, my father will be bringing his 17' Yarcraft and he is not as experienced with "big" water. I've never been there but it looks like the place stay would be close to the Rainy River mouth (Sportmen's Lodge??) that way he has the option of fishing the river and mouth area if he uncomfortable. Also, it looks like there is a string of islands (Pine Island??) out in front of the mouth that sort of form a "breakwater". I'm thinking this would be a better option than say Arnesons which looks to be located out in the "big" water where it would be hard to hide in a smaller boat.


Anyway, any help on what the terrain is like up there would be appreciated.

Jeff

[jigstick]

from what i know the water south of pine island is shallow the only other option i could think of is the river

[Box]

Yeah, the river is pretty protected. Several years ago, the wind was howling, and even the charter boats were staying in the river, or the bay just before the main lake. Some PWT guys were out to main lake, but most of them even stayed inside the islands. We have 18' boat and there was no problem, even though it is fairly large mouth.

We stayed at Ballards that time, and it was very nice. Many places to stay on the river, and you can even fish the river if you want. Once it calmed down, it was fun to head to the big lake. Others here have way better info than me, though, as they go there often.

Oh yeah, this was early June and we caught tons of fish, with biggest being about 25", and it came from inside Pine island. The water was pretty shallow, averaging 6-12 feet if I recall.

Have fun!
-Box

http://www.walleyecentral.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=103808

[KTurner]

Jeff,

Your right that Sportsmans Lodge is the place to stay. Call Jerry or Greg and they will see that you have a fun fishing experience and the food there is great! http://www.sportsmanslodgelow.com/

There are always fish that stay in the river and a little talk with the bait shops and guides will help you eliminate water. Of course if the wind doesn't howl the 25 mile run up north is where the fish of a lifetime could be had....... Good luck on your decision! Kurt

[Steve G]

I know that your post stated that you were thinking of the south end, however I would recomend taking a look at the NW Angle, we go up every year last week in July, fishing is great, we fish the US side and if it is windy can find protection around numerous islands. On relatively calm days, it's heaven!
What ever way you choose, Have a Great Trip!
Steve

[Steve Fellegy]

I agree! The two Sportsman's Lodges are THEE place to headquarter. The "south" lodge is a great family/wife destination.

The guides at Sportsmans will gladly give you the best option if the wind is keeping you from going to the reefs/islands. Ask for Greg..he da man.

Steve Fellegy
#49

[warhawk1]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Just picked up a map of the lake and I'm looking at the "reefs 25 miles north" you referred to. Do I need (or would you recommend) to get an Ontario fishing license in order to fish the reefs on the Ontario side. Or, are there enough reef options on the MN side where I dont have to worry about fishing the Ontario side?

Thanks again and any help is appreciated.

[KTurner]

Warhawk,

The reefs on the MN side should keep you plenty busy. It never hurts to have the Canadian option available but you really should be able to find quality and quantity on the MN side. Kurt

[stevefellegy]

I really don't think you have to go 25 miles. That's at least the Garden Island area. Check out the humps/reefs out from Knights Island and the "Bridges" area reefs. That's about 15-17 miles. The canadian reef that comes into play is called the Three Sisters area. (maybe 12 miles or so)The part right on the border itself is key area. If you stay at Sportsman's...ask the guides where it's generally happening. You then can zero in on pieces of structure in those areas.

[warhawk1]

Thanks again for the replies. I'm booked at Sportsmans Aug 13-20. Had to wait until kids baseball was over to go. Looking forward to it. I appreciate your help!!

[jeff woodruff]

If you look on your map there should be a reef marked the 12 footer, it is south and east a little from three sisters. The islands fellegy talked about. We were there in aug. and caught lots of fish the biggest 29 in. I never fished the top of it but pulled spinners and crank baits around it in 28 to 33 ft. There would probably be fish on top at some time of the day, I would rig it with crawlers or leechs