Handicap Accessable Lake/Resort

[gofishtom]

I have a nephew in a wheel chair with Muscular Dystraphy.
I am looking for a handicap accessable resort/lake to take him on
a fishing vacation.I have the boat to take him,i just am looking for
a lake with lots of fish and a resort that can handle a wheel chair.
Some between Iowa and Brainard Mn. would be prefered.
Any suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks
Tom

[Bob Jensen]

I have several suggestions for fisheries to try in the area you mentioned.

First of all, consider Lake Pepin on the Mississippi River in Lake City MN. Very good walleye/sauger fishery. Also other species that will keep the fishing exciting when the walleyes don't want to eat.

Mille Lacs near Brainerd is very good for walleyes also.

Winnie is a little north of Brainerd, but is an outstanding walleye lake.

Gull Lake just north of Brainerd is also a good walleye lake.

I can't come up with the names of any resorts that say they're handicapped accessible, but lots of lakes have city or state maintained docks that appear to be very solid. If you want to fish from a boat, it might work best to stay at a resort near a solid dock. You can drive the boat to the dock, someone else can drive your nephew to the dock, and you can load there.

I have some friends in a similar situation. They simply load their dad into the boat on solid ground and back the boat into the water. No messing with docks.

Decide on an area, then do an internet search for the Chamber of Commerce or area Tourism Bureau or Resort Association. They will have resorts listed, and the listing for those resorts will probably include whether they are handicapped accessible.

Also, you might not want to get to locked in on walleyes. Just catching fish regularly is a good thing and keeps the interest levels high for everyone. The best walleye lakes are often big lakes, and the best walleye bite often occurs when the wind is blowing. Big lakes can get pretty rough. At least consider chasing panfish on smaller lakes or on a lake where you can get out of the wind. Pelican Lake near Orr MN is a lake that has lots of fish of various species. You can almost always get something to bite there.

Lastly, thanks for taking your nephew fishing. You're doing a good thing. We need more people who do good things.

Best Fishes,

Bob Jensen

[gofishtom]

Thanks Bob
I've been thinking about lake size also. He would not be able to be in the boat on
a windy day. Would you have any suggestions on a smaller panfish lake?
Thanks Again
Tom

[JAK]

I know this is a little farther north than you indicated, but Lake Kabetogama in Voyager’s National Park has handicapped accessible camp sites out on the lake.

I am unsure if any of the resorts have handicapped accessible cabins or not, but I have attached a link below to the resorts in the area. A quick e-mail to the resort association should answer your questions.

I know of several resorts that have excellent docks. In fact where I stay I have seen/helped persons that are wheelchair bound into boats for day trips.

And no, I don’t live/work there. I just REALLY enjoy the area!

Good luck in your search.

http://www.kabetogama.com/index.html