LOTW-resorts

[nd89sc88]

I'm trying to plan a trip to Lake of the Woods during July. It will be my first trip there. Looking for advice on resorts, or even what part of the lake to go to.

We have usually gone to the same place on Rainy Lake for the past 10 years or so. Have always liked it, but getting the urge to check out something new. LOTW has been soemthing we've looked at for years, but it can be kind of intimidating because of its massive size.

We would prefer a place where you don't have to cross big water to get to fishing sites. After looking at maps, the Northeast side seems pretty broken up with bays, islands, etc. Has anyopne fished that end of the Lake? One resort that caught my eye was Witch's Bay Camp. Anyone stayed there?

Any and all advice would be welcomed. Thanks.

[Kaz]

I fish LOTW all the time. The size is not that intimadating. We fish out of the Rainy River Gap, where it flows into the lake. Several resorts there, you can take your pick. Search for "Resorts Lake of the Woods" and they all come up. Or go to "ballardsresorts.com". They show all of their place and the costs. They are just one of about eight in a row at Wheelers Point. We did very well there last year, which was a strange year all together. Call and make your reservations early as they all fill up after the sport shows. Or if you can, get to a show in your area, and see pictures as well as talk to the people. But LOTW is not any more concerning than Rainy for size, in fact it has just as many, if not more islands to get to for shelter if need be. Another plus is, if you have a marine radio you can monitor the guides and find out whats working. I don't know if that is the same on Rainy. Good luck FISHING....Kaz

[Sunshine]

I have been going to LOTW twice a year for the last seven years. I found a resort on an island that I absolutely love. Their web page is http://www.kingislandlodge.com/
They don't do shows and as far as I know only advertise in The Musky Inc, mag and Musky Hunter. Most business is word of mouth. They're always busy which tells you a lot when they don't have to advertise much like other places I have experienced in the area. Check them out, you won't be sorry. It's my little piece of heaven that I think about throughout the year. I'm drooling now.

[Lunker]

Have been to Witch Bay a half dozen times and will be returning again this coming July. To be forthright with you, the only drawback to the place is that there are not private rest room/shower facilities in each cabin but rather separate buildings housing those ammenities. And quite frankly this is not a big deal. This tradeoff pales in comparison to all the fine qualities of the place. Fishing is great; lots of locations and types of structure near and far to choose from. You've got the big four to chase - muskies, walleyes, smallies and northerns as well as secondary populations of perch and crappie. And fish populations are VERY healthy, both in terms of quality and quantity. There is no denying the incredible leap LOW is making in terms of fishing quality. Boat facilities and services are great. Food is good and plentiful. Steve and Gail Hockett and their entire staff are a pleasure to be around. The fishing educator program is a huge plus. There must be a reason that 60+% of their business consists of repeat customers. Check them out at www.witchbay.com They'll also be at the Chicago Sport Show Jan. 17-21. If you do decide to spend time there, I daresay you won't be disappointed.

Lunker

[Bill Coomes]

I've been to Witch Bay in '98 & '99 and am going back again this year. Navigation is not hard in this area at all, plus they take you out and put you on fishing spots. I didn't mind the rest room facilities, the only negative I encountered is "the Burma Road" as Al Peterson calls it (posts on Walleye Central as acp). Almost 7 miles back off of Route 71, go very slow, plan on it taking 1/2 hour or more if towing a boat. The positive of this is that there is little fishing pressure in this area as opposed to Sioux Narrows or the Morson area and I've been to both, In fact you see some of thr Totem Guide Boats on occasion in this area.

[cisco]

About a half hour boat ride from the marina at Morson, Ont., will get you to Grassy Narrows Resort. Super place, good fishing there and nearby, few people outside the resort, terrific food. Owners/operators (Fishers) are from Union Grove, Wis.

[nd89sc88]

Thanks for all the help. For those of you who have been to Witch Bay Camp, what is the real deal on the bathrooms? Are we talking outhouses, or modern conveniences. Frankly it doesn't bother me either way, I'm going there to fish, but my old man is up 3-4 times a night to take a leak! How far is the walk, for instance?

Second question, has anyone been to Obabikon Lodge, it's on an island, looks very nice from what I can see. Is there a significant difference in fishing pressure between Sabaskon Bay and Witch's Bay?

[slick2526]

Hello, I have a weekly magazine at home that has all kinds of resorts in the back. I will post the sites and #'s on here later tonight.

[Bill Coomes]

I don't know if many people have used centralized bathrooms at a resort. It's no big deal to me. I've looked at Obabikon before, I can't remember if their baths are centralized. It's similar to a campground, but Witch Bay gives you a bit more privacy. I have fished in the same area as Obabikon, I stayed @ Black Island in '85, '86, & '87. IN my humble opinion, I think fishing pressure-wise, Witch Bay area gets less fishing pressure due to fewer resorts in the area. Obabikon has Black Island, Hidden Island, Grassy Narrows, and I few others I can't recall. If you do go to Obabikon, ask for Bill Looney as a guide, we had him in '85 & he was great.