Fishing Trip Options

[Walleye #1]

A group of guys and myself from college have been doing an annual summer fishing trip for nearly the last ten years. The last seven years we have gone into Basswood Lake by Ely, portaning 25HP Motors and 14-16ft boats in to fish and then either camping or staying at the Outfitters. Well now that a couple guys are getting older in the group, some of us have boats of our own now, and whatever else we have considered doing another trip where we more than likely camp and bring our own boats along to fish out of. We are trying to stay away from having to get a cabin or cabins at a resort, but more than likely camping out on the lake somewhere or at a state campground of some sorts. So what I am looking for is this, a place with the Northern MN experience obviously, multi species to fish, but walleye being a major focus, and anything else that might make the trip great. Here are some places I have considered

1. Rainy Lake

2. Namakan and Crane Lakes

3. Vermilion

4. Winnie

5. Kaptogema

Thoughts and input? Anyone do something similiar. We aren't too picky with the time of year we go. Typically it is July sometime or earlier June.

Walleye #1

[Big "T"]

I would go with # 1 on your list. Can't beat rainy lake! Big walleye and northern. In three weeks i will be up for my second trip of the year. Good Luck.

[Fish Head]

I agree with Big T. Go to Voyageurs National Park on Rainy Lake. I've already been on 2 trips there this year . Lots of quality walleye, northern, smallmouth and crappie. Great camping in the park!

Have fun!

[Scott K]

Rainy Lake vote here as well!

[GrizzlyAdams]

Rainy Lake for sure. Heading back for my 4th or 5th trip this year in a month or so. No place like it in my opinion. God's country!!!!

[harvey lee]

Ditto on Rainy Lake.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

1, 2 & 5 get my vote. Only problem with Rainy is it is huge water. Depending on your boats you may have issues. Other lakes in Voyageurs Park are also great so if your boats are smaller just go to one of the others.

Your description makes them a perfect fit for what you are looking for.

[shortfatguy]

Check out Loon lake. It is located between Crane lake and Lac La Croix. It is a BWCA lake with no motor restrictions and a machanized portage that should handle any boat you bring in. You can also take the mechanized portage into Lac La Croix for the day if you want to. To get to the lake you put in on Crane lake and boat to little vermilion and up the loon river to the portage at the rapids coming out of loon lake. Its remote camping with out the heavy lifting.

[OnAFly]

Rainy all the way. We used to try to do a different trip every year until we went to rainy for the first time about 4 years ago...haven't gone anywhere else since for our big trips.

[Fish Head]

As I posted above, I think Rainy is the place to go. However Wish-I-were-Fishn makes a good point... Rainy is big water. If your boats are small, you might want to consider Namokin, Crane or Kabby. They're part of the same water system and still in Voyageurs Natl Park.

[LipRipper!!]

Rainy gets my vote also....

[Walleye #1]

I have a 17'7" Warrior and 75HP motor so it should be ok. Sounds Rainy is a consensus. When you go up to Rainy, do you camp, stay at a resort, etc? Reccomendations?

Walleye #1

[Scott K]

I would give Woody a call, he is a sponsor here, and is a great guy! He even has an island that you can rent, and have your own piece of paradise!

Just click Here for Woody's

[Walleye #1]

That looks like a great place and awesome opportunity with the island.

Is there a time of year that is best? I would imagine right now you would find the walleyes on the mid lake reefs and structure on the lake.

[Scott K]

That looks like a great place and awesome opportunity with the island.

Is there a time of year that is best? I would imagine right now you would find the walleyes on the mid lake reefs and structure on the lake.

That would be the spots I would be checking, but if you stay with Woody, he will get you on the fish. He has several guides, out fishing and guiding daily, Woody will point you in the right direction!

[youngblood35]

you are my hero Freed!!! Sign us up for an island on Rainy! I won't even bring the urine-skipper.