The road trip of a lifetime??

[bglenn]

I've been thinking about gathering some people up and doing a week and a half or so walleye road trip this spring . I was thinking we would fish four lakes in that week and 1/2 like Mille lacs,leech ,winne and virmilion. two days on each.

My question these lakes are great but if you where to do this what four lakes would top your list????

[REW]

You bring up an interesting question.
Of the 4 - certainly Winni, Leech and Mille Lacs would make a nice circle tour. When you bring Vermillion into play - you are looking at a significant trek. No big deal - just a bit out of the loop.

All of these lakes are big -- and in general - 2 days is a bit on the light side to fish them well.

However, it is certainly enough time to hit the popular spots on any of these lakes.

An interesting lake that you might consider is a small lake north of Winni -- that for the last several years has really turned on for a couple of weeks in the spring. This is round lake by Squaw lake - just up the road from Winni. Last spring - the bite at times on Winni was a bit on the so-so side.
However, there were many folks that were staying at the same resort we were staying at - and were trailering up the road to round and doing very well indeed on very nice fish.

One of the down side of Winni - was the slot size (very necessary in my opinon) - that was instutitued for the 2000 season, and I believe will be carried into the 2001 season.

I recently read a report -- it may or may not be true -- that the new slot limit for Mille Lacs will be 16-20 inch fish - may be kept. This will be a welcome change from this years max size of 18 inches. There are an awful lot of 23-29 inch fish in that lake. Last year, I think that in most folks opinions, Mille Lacs pumped out the most "larger" fish in the state. Because of the slot limit - most were put back, but it was fun catching them.

Vermillion has a history for being spotty -- i.e. if you can find them - they can school tight and you can really have lots of action. The problem, is that at times they are tough to locate. One of the very nice things about Vermillion, compared to any of the other three lakes on your list - it is certainly the prettiest lake. Lots of timber and beautiful scenery.

It sounds like a great idea in any event. I do agree that it seems that when I go for a fishing trip on a lake, that after about 3 days, I tend to be a bit fished out. It would be nice to take a 1/2 day break and try some new sites.

As is the case for our days when we were all out hunting the opposite sex - for either the men or women involved -- the great part of the hunt is the chase. The catch is just a wonderful aftermath.

Enjoy.

REW

[Pops]

Why not replace Vermillion with Cass Lake. Have fished it for many years with my Grandfather and on average have done well. Besides, it fits into your loop realy well.
Just my thoughts.
Keep your Rod bent !!
Pops

[mnjimcarp]

great idea. maybe you can set up a schedule of when you will be on the specific lakes. some people may be able to join you for a portion of the "road trip". consider what may be happening in the area at the time you plan to cruise through. fishing tournaments, town celebrations, etc... again, great idea!

[Tommy Mac]

bglenn, Your post is interesting. I live in a place where all of these lakes are within 110 miles of my house. I fish them all. Of the lakes you mention I guide and spend most of my time on Cut Foot and Winnie. I like it the best of the four. My second favorite lake on your short list is Vermilion. Vermilion is a huge lake. It has been excellent for all three of it's main species, walleyes, smallmouth, and muskie. You could actually spend three of the four legs of your trip just on Vermilion. Spending two days on the West end, fishing the Wakemup Bay, Niles Bay areas, two days on the central or Frazer Bay area and two days on the east end or the Big Bay area. Other lakes you might want to hit on this Northeastern MN trip may be Crane-Sandpoint chain, Kaptogama, Rainy and Pelican.

REW makes a good good suggestion with Round in your North central group, and Cass is also a great suggestion. A couple of more that you may consider are Island lake up by Northome. And closer to Winnie/Cut Foot are Bowstring, and Sand lakes. Too bad a guy doesn't have the time and funds to just travel the state one whole summer and try to fish all the great lakes that we have. I know I would like to get out and fish Big Stone and Traverse as well as some of the the lakes in the Alexandria area. Good Luck in your decision and Catch A Big One! Tom

[ETT]

Neat idea but sounds to me like you'll just figure out one lake in time to head off to another. Come over to Erie, and bring large coolers, Den will put you on fish, and you'll have plenty of time to refine a pattern. Good luck with it.

[cisco]

There's no way you "figure out" those lakes in two days. What I would worry about for a spring road trip is weather. All the lakes are so big that spring turbulence could very well upset the schedule, making a two-day stop at any one (or more) an impossible venture.

There are more tourists about, but perhaps July or even August might work better.

[Winnie T]

Rew, and Tommy Mac mentioned Round, and Island Lakes, both located on Hwy 46 north of Winnie. While both of these lakes have enjoyed a couple good years, both have been fished unbelievaby hard. With the new slot limit going into effect on Winnie, many tourists and locals moved up the road, and the two lakes were hit hard. Landings on the weekends were standing room only! Both lakes are small and can't take that kind of pressure.
Take care, T

[Hans]

Vermilion is the crown jewel of that trip. Don't replace it with anything!

Hans

[The Great Guide]

My four choices would be:

1. St. Louis River, Duluth
2. Namakan / Kabetogama
3. Rainy Day 1: Seine Bay Day 2: South Bay
4. Leech


TGG

[BD]

Why Minnesota?

How about Winnebago, Butte Des Morts, Winneconne, and Poygan? :)

Or a real road trip? Erie, Winnebago, LOW, and Devil's Lake? :D

One of these years spring will come (I hope)!

[james_walleye]

I would be tempted to throw Ottertail Lake into a 4 lake roadtrip along with Mille Lacs, Winnie, and Leech. But then again i have Madison Lake here in southern MN that i wouldnt trade for any lake in the month of may. I can pull more eyes over 24" out of that lake in a 12 hour period than i could on any of the "bigname" lakes.

[fish eyes]

road trip of a life time mississippi river mil lacs lake sharp and owahe <(couldnt spell if I tried) and cap it of with ft peck but it would have to be some great weather.