Family vacation

[Marty]

Would like some advice on resorts/lodges in northern MN. or northern MI.,with good walleye & smallmouth fishing (not 13"fish) for a family vacation. I have been to some lakes in the Ely MN.,area but I have had to fish at night for nice fish and the bugs were too much for my wife & kids.Also not too far out in the boonies, so my wife could shop in town when it rains(I"ll be fishing) Thanks for the help!! Marty

[Phil T.]

When in Ely a couple years ago, I talked with the owner of what seemed to be the only bait shop in town. For good-sized walleye, he recommended a lake that was just west of town. I'm sorry, I don't recall the name of the lake, but he commented that the forage was rainbow smelt, just like my home Lake Sakakawea. He claimed that 5 lb walleye were common, but agreed that with that forage, anything over three pounds was fatty, and therefore fishy-tasting. The usual method of sishing was bottom bouncers and minnows or nightcrawlers. For the name of the lake, and a list of resorts/campgrounds on it, try www.exploreminnesota.com, or search for an Ely chamber of commerce website, or access the MN DNR.

[Phil T.]

www.ely.org is the chamber of commerce. Post your question in their FAQ section.

[Marty]

I would like information on other "walleye lakes"in Minnesota or the U.P. because I have fished many Ely area lakes and they all seemed overrated as what I would call a top walleye lake. I fished Big Lake which was a top ten rated walleye lake about 5 years ago and my biggest walleye for the week was a 17.5" and I was told by the resort owner that I would go hungry if I did not keep the 12" walleyes I had been throwing back. Maybe I'm spoiled by my canoe trips into the BWCA but I have to believe that there are other areas that have better walleye action than what I have experienced. Thanks again for your help & opinions !! Marty

[Marty]

I would like information on other "walleye lakes"in Minnesota or the U.P. because I have fished many Ely area lakes and they all seemed overrated as what I would call a top walleye lake. I fished Big Lake which was a top ten rated walleye lake about 5 years ago and my biggest walleye for the week was a 17.5" and I was told by the resort owner that I would go hungry if I did not keep the 12" walleyes I had been throwing back. Maybe I'm spoiled by my canoe trips into the BWCA but I have to believe that there are other areas that have better walleye action than what I have experienced. Thanks again for your help & opinions !! Marty

[Phil T.]

Isn't that true of most of MN? Lots of anglers/acre of water. For lots of dumb fish, Canada can't be beat. For size, try the Missouri River reservoirs. Big water, no people living nearby.

[night_eyes]

I would suggest either Mille Lacs or Rainy Lake. They both are world class Walleye waters and because of this the smallmouth are underated. If you go to Mille Lacs i would suggest the south side because that is where the best smallmouth action is. And it is quite underated...with a lot of 3-5 lbers. Another good thing about where the smallies bite is that its usually fairly protected from the wind. So if the wind isnt blowing head out for walleyes...if there is a wind...hit the smallies. And Rainy Lake up on the canadian border has really boomed its walleye fishery since they imposed the slot where you have to release walleyes from 19-26". And its always been an awesome lake from smallies. Hope this helps.

[FreeByrd]

Marty,
Not exactly what you were asking for but you may want to consider a trip to western Lake Erie. Despite recent "bad" reports here - it is still tough to beat Lake Erie for Walleye, Smallmouth, and Perch fishing. Lot's for the family to do also. Depending on what you like and your budget ther is everything from tent/trailer camping to rentals in luxury condos. Either on the mainland - suggest Port Clinton, Catawba, Marblehead or out on South Bass or Kelley's Island. Cedar Point in Sandusky is one of the best amusement parks in the country if the family is into that. Plenty of places along the lake to rent waverunners for an afternoon and nice beaches. Put In Bay on South Bass Island will offer plenty of entertainment. Not too far to Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI or to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Lot's of choices... Just something else to consider.
Have Fun!
Steve

[Fish-on]

For family vacation you cannot beat the brainerd lakes area. Tons of opportunity for the whole family including shopping, amusement parks, go-karts, a waterslide, etc. There is so much to do that no one could possibly get bored. As far as the fishing goes, there are several hundred lakes within fifteen miles of Nisswa. Something is always biting somewhere. Go to Marv Koep's Bait and tackle on hwy 371 and ask where to fish on any giuven day and you will get good info. They have many good guides, too. The history of the place is very interesting, it's where the Lindners, Roach and many others got their start.

[hartwig]

If you do not mind good sized bodies of water, little/big bay de noc might be a good choice. It is easy to get good info on this water, and you can get a guide to get you started. I took my father there last August. Although the locals said it was slow we caught some large 'eyes, nice smallies, and some bonus pike. Big water can mean rough waves though, so it just depends what your family likes, quiet lakes, or ones with trophy potential. If it sounds good, Gladstone is a good area to stay--close to multiple ramps, friendly baitshop advice. Good luck, Email me with ?'s.

[Czar]

Try the Manistique Lakes area near Curtis in the UP. Lots of resorts right in town for the shopers. Lots of eateries within walking distance. Wife and kids sleep in while Dad puts in 6 hours of fishin before they even start tossin and turnin. Fishing success depends on time of year and adaptability of the angler. Lots of sights to drive to in the area. Seney wildlife refuge, Taquaminom Falls, Pictured Rocks Lakeshore or if you have a sitter for the kids, the casino in manistique. Good luck.

[stuart]

try green lake at spicer mn.lots of eyes and large smallmouth.this lake is so full of s
structure it would take a lifetime to fish it all. indian beach resort is nice and clean 320 796 5616

[AquaMan]

Try Leech Lake/Walker area.

Steamboat Bay resort offers plenty of things for the kids, lodging is clean and well maintained. Walker area offers a ton of shops and restaurants and Leech is excellent fishing. Walleye, northern, rock bass, muskie and great panfish. The lake has many areas that offer shelter from the wind regardless of direction and the scenery is great. Guides are available for 1/2 and full days if needed.

Check it out.

www.leech-lake.com/index.htm

Look for Steamboat Bay resort

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[cisco]

Yeah, but I've seen Leech fish collectively get lockjaw. Marty wants a guarantee, and he doesn't want 15" Sand Point walleyes. My suggestion would be an urban vacation -- Go to Racine, Wis and fish a few charters on Lake Michigan. You will catch lots of fish and big fish. Then, take the kids to Milwaukee Zoo, take the wife to Kenosha's Outlet malls, go to Gurnee Mills, IL and have lunch at Bass Pro, drive to Lake Geneva for a ride on the Lake Princess, etc. You could catch theater or the symphony in either Chicago or Milwaukee. And, you wouldn't have to worry about little Minnesota walleyes.

[Nofish]

Hey Marty,

I can second the Gladstone/Escanaba area. The smallmouth fishing is positively underrated. The fish there are awfully nice sized.

You can go out in the north end of Little Bay ,except for in the worst weather, and still catch decent fish.

Escanaba and Gladstone are right there so are first rate accomodations and places to eat. There are movie theaters, a mall, tourist attractions and lots of really interesting things to see as a day trip type adventure.

E mailme for more info.

Good luck.........R

[RyanMN]

I agree that the Brainerd area is a good choice.
Gull lake has Maddens and Craguns Resorts on it to offer the family some fun, and if you're into golf there's something like 60 holes there. We were on Gull for opener and did ok, most fish were 1.5 - 2 lb with the largest being a 28 incher.

Today at midday I cought 7 eyes, including one that was 6lb 4oz, and one that weighed in at 5lb 2 oz, but that was locally here in the Detroit Lakes area.

Have a fun vacation!

[AquaMan]

Ouch! I guess us Minnesotan's don't know what were doing or what we're missing. <smile>

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[cisco]

You missed my point -- no "ouch" at all as far as I'm concerned, I was just reacting to what seemed like a guaranteed outing Marty wanted. Whether it be Leech, Mille Lacs, Winnie, or whereever, there's no guarantee. If he wants fish, and big fish, he should go salmon fishing with a good charter captain. Even the PWT and NAWA pros will get skunked at times on Minnesota's very best walleye water. If I needed the guarantee, I'd never fish inland lakes -- but I don't need 5 to 8 pound walleyes to be happy.

[Marty]

Thanks for all the information but I would like to clarify a couple of things. (1) I'm not after a "guaranteed fish" lake, I don't think their is such a thing when fishing, however I am on vacation with my family and the idea of having them have to stay out until midnight or get up at 3:00 a.m. to go out & catch a fish isn't their idea of a vacation. (I am stupid enough to do this because I do think this is fun!!)(2) Part of the reason I have returned to the Ely area is the beauty of the northwoods. I have fished in the BWCA & Quetico yearly for about 15 years and a cabin in the area is as close as I could get my wife& daughter to camping, although my son has joined me on our last 3 trips into the Quetico. I prefer to fish walleyes & smallies and have no desire to go after Great Lakes salmon or trout although I'm sure that is fun also!! The northwoods, away from all the crowds is where I want to vacation I was just trying to see what other areas there are to consider and what better way to find out than talking to people who have been there. Thanks again for all the help!!

[RMB]

Marty, Lake Vermilion has it all. Good to great walleye fishing (unbelievable right now!) as well as being considered by many to be one of if not the best smallmouth lake in the state of Minnesota. There are many good resorts to choose from in all price ranges, and the city of Virginia is only 1/2 hour away, which has plenty to do if it rains. Have been on the lake 3 times this year only and have personally boated at least 200 walleyes, biggest one about 4 lbs. Call the DNR, they will confirm the excellent fishing. Where ever you end up, have fun!