Trip Ideas

[ajb05854]

I just found out a good friend of mine is leaving the US in a few weeks. A few of us are going to drive up to Minnesota and take him fishing on the 9th. He's finishing up his post doc in fisheries, so he's a fish nut. We'd like to make it a little unique and within 5 or 6 hours of the twin cities. I was leaning towards the north shore, but it sounds like the salmon run will be over by then. I think it's also probably too early for the pike bite. I'd be willing to rent some canoes, but I don't want to deal with a boat. Any ideas on a smaller lake to go to, or what might be good then? I took him ice fishing on LOTW last winter and he loved it. Thanks!

[pureinsanity]

The walleyes should really be biting well soon. What about all of you take a couple charters on mille lacs? around 35 bucks a person so two night 70 bucks and you should get on some fish. Nice enough you guys could camp it out too.

[ajb05854]

I forgot to add that we were planning on camping or getting a cheap cabin. We don't mind hiking a few miles either. I didn't know you could get charters at mille lacs for that cheap. There are 5 of us going. Two of us are really hardcore fisherman, and the 3 others just want to try it out. I've got the gear to outfit everyone for anything short of muskies. I'm not trying to be really clueless. I just want to give Jon a good going away from Minnesota.

[pureinsanity]

Let me rephrase that. Launches, not charters. Although I do know a guy up there who does carters for relatively cheap, close to a lauch price. Let me know if you want some information on a few charters and or launches.

The charter guy has always put me on fish when I have gone out with him. Never came up skunked

[Iambjm]

I forgot to add that we were planning on camping or getting a cheap cabin. We don't mind hiking a few miles either. I didn't know you could get charters at mille lacs for that cheap. There are 5 of us going. Two of us are really hardcore fisherman, and the 3 others just want to try it out. I've got the gear to outfit everyone for anything short of muskies. I'm not trying to be really clueless. I just want to give Jon a good going away from Minnesota.

Give Appeldoorns a call, they are a sponsor on FM. He has cabins for rent and he can probably give you a deal on one, plus launches that are $30 for 4 hours. They really work to put you on fish, and are a top notch outfit. There is also Father Hennipen State park just a few miles away that has camping, just google either of them for more info. Paul also has pontoons he rents out for half a day or full day. I have heard the walleyes are hitting right now.

[pureinsanity]

Father Hennepin is a nice campground. Know this about it. Father Hennepin will be closed for a deer management hunt on October 30-31 and December 4-5.

There is a few launches that head out of Isle which is less than a mile from this state park.

Hunter Winfields, Capt Ron's, McQouids, I think there is one more.

If I were you, you guys should take a guide/charter, NOT a launch. Youd have more fun, and you dont have to deal with potentially 15-20 other people on the same boat as you.

One thing I do not like about lauches is, the people that don't know what they are doing tend to get their lines tangled and such. Also when people are drunk it gets rather annoying when you are trying to enjoy your money you just spent.

I think a guided trip would be best for you. the guy i knows is more expensive than a launch but he can take out 6 people easily and put you on fish. You spend the same amount of time on the boat with him as you would a launch.

[fivebucks]

In 6 hours you can be at Lake of the Woods. Zipple Bay have nice cabins or you can camp at Zipple Bay State Park. You can take a charter from most places up there. I do not know the fees for the charters but fishing has been great on LOW this year.

[Joe's Kid]

2x Lake of the woods. If you're up for the drive, it would be hard to find a better place.

I hear they're doing alright up there.Check this out. http://fishingminnesota.com/top-stories/the-fall-lake-of-the-woods-jigging-craze-is-back/

You might want to check out the Minnesota DNR HSOforum for camping and other information, as well as the MN regional forums here.

Let us know how it goes.

Good Luck

[Down Deep]

If you want to do some get away from it all canoe camping I'd recommend the Ely area and the BWCA. There are ample camping opportunties and not much human traffic this time of year. There are several outfitters in the area that can provide you as much gear as you need. Grabbo / Bald Eagle lakes would be a good simple trip as there is only one portage at the beginning. Good walleye fishing as well. The outfitters would also be able to make trip recommendations. No permit needed this time of year other than write one when you enter.

[DTro]

If you want something unique, head up to the Rainy River and fish for Sturgeon. I was up there this weekend (as well as once every year for the past 5 or 6).

Really can't describe what it's like to hook into several 50-60" fish or bigger. You basically lean back and hold on. It was semi slow for us and we still ended up with about 30 fish for the weekend. Biggest this trip was a 61"er that was 72lbs!

It's super easy too, hook/weight/crawler. Wait for bite.

Right now is prime time and the lodging is cheap up there. $35/person/night. We stayed at the Wigwam Resort. It's a great spot to be because you can fish both the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods. It's a great time for walleyes right now too!

Probably the greatest fishery in the state.

Check it out.

[magnum mike]

Wigwam also has a serviceman's discount.

[pureinsanity]

I still think Mille Lacs just for the things to do around there. Not to far of a drive, and plenty of things to do. and the fish are really turned on right now....

My dads been pulling in some nice eyes and several beefy smallies