Where to go??

[JK]

My wife and fishing partner (son) are looking for a good place to go to this summer for some great walleye fishing. We are going in mid July and have a week to two weeks. We live in central Wisconsin and will really drive upto 12 hours. We also can't afford to spend a ton of money, but I would think anything under $1,000 for a week of lodging (hotel, resort, or cabin rental)would be appropriate. We only have a 17' boat with a 55hp so the Great Lakes are kind of out of the question. We were thinking about Lake Ohae, Lake of the Woods, or any other lakes you can recommend as decent mid summer eye action. I'm really looking for an area with a good walleye bite at this time of the year.

[Bottomfeeder]

I don't know if you have ever tried it before, but Door County can be spectacular in July. You can catch some of the biggest walleyes of your life without going too far. It may not be as pristine as northern Minnesota, but the bay of Green Bay in July is a world class walleye fishery. Last year in July they set an MWC size record in the tourney out of Oconto. I believe it was over 12lb.

[cisco]

If you don't want Great Lakes type water, then don't go to the Minnesota portion of Lake of the Woods. I'd recommend Leech Lake in a location where you would be assured of mobility even with strong winds. Brindley Harbor Resort is one such place, but there are many. Walker has an active Chamber of Commerce and there is an excellent guide association.

Door County is always a fun destination, but if you want a north woods experience, check Leech or Winnie, or Woman Lake.

[FlyBoy]

I couldn't email you (couldn't get it from your profile).... We go to Lake of the Woods near Sioux Narrows, Ontario. I'd like to give you a little more detail, email me if your interested in this area.

-John

[Hans]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-19-01 AT 06:58PM (CST)[p]Check out http://www.lakevermilion.com -- great walleye lake, with super smallmouth and northern fishing as backup.

It's a "Canadian lake" without going to Canada. It's a large lake (40 miles end-to-end) but well busted up into many small bays, lots of islands, etc., so your 55HP 17 footer will feel right at home, especially on the western half of the lake.

Email me (k0hb@qwest.net) if you have questions about resorts. I've stayed at several of them.

Hans

[Bullfrog]

In July, your family would enjoy Devils Lake in ND. Woodland Resort would prove a friendly and affordable choice. The state park has excellent camp sites, if that's your style. Check out DL on the web.

[TJ]

Lake Oahe would be a great place to go. Many options for you,
motels/hotels in Pierre or Ft. Pierre and resorts to the north. You could also trailer your boat south and fish Lake Sharpe. You have many miles of water to fish in these two lakes. If you and
your family like to camp, even more options. Good luck. If you
check out Tony Deans web site, you will get a lot of info.

[JKJ]

I second the lake Vermillion recommendation. Great fishing in July. Not sure about getting by on $1000 a week for a family of 3.

Winne has some outstanding fishing in July and the resorts are more resonable.

[chadk66]

If you want 3-4 lb average fish, and a unique area, then come to ND. Either Devils Lake or Lake Sakakawea are excellent fisheries. And the people are wonderful. If you would like more info just email me.
chad

[BD]

Cut Foot Sioux connects to Winnebagoshish(?spelling?) and offers shelter when its to windy for the big water.

[Siouxland Rich]

My biased opinion would be any of a number of lakes in northern Minnesota. You mentioned LOTW, but unless you can get out about 25 miles near Big Island, July 'eyes can be tough to come by. I would recommend a lake like Ten Mile, about 5 to 10 ,miles southwest of the town of Hackensack, as they have many lodges around it. If a hotel is OK, or if you can camp out, Bearhead State Park is fantastic for summer 'eyes! It is located about 15 miles southwest of Ely, at mile marker 272 on Hwy 169. For a truely family type vacation, where there is something for everybody in the family, I would also try Itasca State Park, which has 2 huge camp grounds, fish cleaning station, fire wood, bike rental, boat rental, beach, picnic area, the Mississippi head waters and its museum and shop, a drive-able trail which goes all the way around the lake, with many nature stops along its path, including the kids favorite, an "open-to-the-public" ranger fire tower, which extends itself about 30 feet above the forest canopy, along with access outside the park, to two casino, stores, and restaurants all within a 25 mile ride. Hope this helps.... Rich.