Minnesota fishing

[hambone]

Wife and I normally vacation in N. Wisc, but this fall would like to try something in N. Minnesota.
Looking for lake with decent walleye and bass populations, maybe throw in a few muskies.
I've been looking at Lake Vermillion, but I am open to any suggestions. Lodging should be decent but does not have to be 5 star rated.

[ffishman]

From what I have heard, Vermillion is a great lake to fish. But, HUGE.

[stinkycat]

If your looking for all three species give Leech Lake by Walker MN a try. Do some googling on Leech or check out all the reports about Leech on the fishing websites. It is very impressive.

[Tim Ellis]

What size boat are you running? Mille Lacs has solid populations of all three species but doesn't have the best "up north" feel as some of the other MN bodies of water if that's important to you and your wife. I will be spending a lot of time on Leech this summer so I have to agree with Stinkycat Leech is a good option. The time of the year is also important to get the best bite in a particular area so the fall should be hot a lot of places. Smallmouth or Largemouth bass? PM me if you want more info.

[hondo]

I've only been to Vermilion one (or maybe two) times --- the last time was for a tournament with a few extra days of vacation and prefishing added to it --- and we loved that lake.

Neat scenery, with an interesting mix of rustic undeveloped shorelines to heavily developed with really nice lake homes. Lots of restaurants and things like that in the area. Lots of options to choose from for lodging.

Good fishing too, we were fishing for walleyes and caught just about everything. If you have a boat that can cover some water, and a gps and a map card, you can easily fish a different area every day for a week if you want. Plenty of islands and bays where you can be out of the wind if needed. We really liked that lake and are looking forward to getting back there some day before too long.

[Gill]

Might want to check out Kabetogama, Namakan, Crane and Sand Point lakes area. All are connected and there are lots of bays to tuck into if the wind picks up. Lots of resorts to chose from. I go to the Ash River Trail area. Good take off point for Kab or Nam. Most is in Voyageurs National Park. Very pristine. Don't know about mjuskies though. Lots of other species there.

[MarkG]

If you like a Northwoods feel, Vermilion would be great,especially if you stay on the west or Cook side,up in Norwegian Bay section. Don't need a big boat for it,plenty fish,always something on the bite. Lots of bays,islands and open water. Lots of Walleyes,Smallmouth, ,Largemouth,Northerns ,Crappie ,Bluegill and yes even Muskies.

I like Life of Riley Resort. Really out of the way,somewhat rustic,with that "Fishing Camp" feel to it and great dock service. It's so out of the way you will even have to travel a stretch of gravel road to get to it.

Some the fancier places are further west near WakemUp bay,or far east on the Tower side. I believe there is even a Casino over there.

Kabetogama is also a great Northwoods type lake. Large,with a bit more open water in front of you at most of the resorts you would probably stay at. Love that place also. My own opinion is ,though I would not classify it as "big water" its just a bit more of a challenge to get around than Vermilon,depending on the size of your boat. I have stayed at and liked both Sandy Point Lodge and Northern Lights Resort.

[tackleman]

If you like a Northwoods feel, Vermilion would be great,especially if you stay on the west or Cook side,up in Norwegian Bay section. Don't need a big boat for it,plenty fish,always something on the bite. Lots of bays,islands and open water. Lots of Walleyes,Smallmouth, ,Largemouth,Northerns ,Crappie ,Bluegill and yes even Muskies.

I like Life of Riley Resort. Really out of the way,somewhat rustic,with that "Fishing Camp" feel to it and great dock service. It's so out of the way you will even have to travel a stretch of gravel road to get to it.

Some the fancier places are further west near WakemUp bay,or far east on the Tower side. I believe there is even a Casino over there.

Kabetogama is also a great Northwoods type lake. Large,with a bit more open water in front of you at most of the resorts you would probably stay at. Love that place also. My own opinion is ,though I would not classify it as "big water" its just a bit more of a challenge to get around than Vermilon,depending on the size of your boat. I have stayed at and liked both Sandy Point Lodge and Northern Lights Resort.


The casino is fortune bay, we go there a few times a year and it is relatively cheap and has a decent marina and I'm told by guys who play it a really fantastic and ultra modern 18 hole golf course. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a stay at this location, but if you don't want to stay there, be sure to visit it.

I just wish the wife would give me time off when we are there to test the fishing on lake vermillion!

[walleyeguy13]

For variety you could consider Leech Lake/Cass Lake. Both great bodies of water for the species you are after, and you are within a short drive of a couple of smaller lakes that are well known muskie producers.