Good MN musky lake,,,,

[Down to Earth]

with above average non musky fishery. Trying to get vacation ideas where I can satisfy my musky needs as well as put other family members including my now 2 year old on decent panfish action. Would also like to get older family members a chance at northerns, bass, and/or walleyes if possible. Not looking for any "secret" lake, just a good all around lake to have a family vacation at. Thanks.

P.S. If it helps I'm in Rochester, MN.

[TomWehler]

Hi
Lake Vermilion has all your looking for and then some.
Panfish, Bass, Prech, Walleyes, Pike and Musky.
For the beginner to expert, you can do and find them all a short distance from any resort.
Great resorts, swiming, boating and camping.
Beautiful lake and surronding area.

Have fun looking.

Tom

www.muskytomsguideservice.com

[guideman]

DTE,
Ditto on the Big V, world class multi species fishery, from bass to muskies.
40,000,000 walleyes, monster pike and 365 islands to look at while your out there fishing.

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Terry "Ace" Sjoberg
aceguideservice.com
Muskies and More.
NPAA #278
Pro Staff Member.
Catch-n Tackle.
CKat Custom Muskie rods.
Bearpaws custom Plastics.
Ohio Pro Lure.
Muskie Nut Tackle.
Big Chimney Muskie Baits.
Photon Lures.

[looperhunter]

i agree with the fellas above, but why a lake? some of the best bass/pan/ski fishing i do is on a river(s) one that comes to mind is.....by Brainerd.....where the linder crew films a lot of tape....the river starts with a M and ends with a ississippi.......
Hope i didn't give it away! Good fishing to all!!!!!!

[setterguy]

What about Leech? Great walleye population, and some Monster skis. Vermillion is a great choice as well, but a little harder to fish if its your first time out. Leech has some pretty decernible structure that usually holds fish. Anywhere you pick for a Musky vacation is going to be a blast, if you don't want to go very far try Minnetonka. My buddy guides out there and does very, very well.

[Down to Earth]

Setterguy,
Went to Leech two summer ago. It wasn't too bad and maybe my overall experience was dampened on where we stayed in regards to location on the lake. We stayed at a resort on the SE corner of the big pond. Spent a day over in Walker bay, Trader, Agency, etc. with a guide and saw some fish over in that area. If I go back I would stay over on that side. At least you can hang out in the "smaller" bays during windy conditions. Unfortunately Minnetonka is surrounded by private homeowners. I would say that is my primary local lake, even though it is 1 1/2 hrs away. Besides when I think of getting away for a vacation Northern Minnesota comes to mind more than the Twin Cities.
ANdy

[Doop]

Down to Earth,

I lived in Roch. for a couple years and if you are looking for Muskie fishing...try French Lake...it's not too far north of you. I moved from Rochester,MN to Dallas,TX. Big move. No muskies. No northerns. No walleyes. Deer hunting down here is awful. If it wasn't for my g/f...I'd move back in a heartbeat...as it is i'm going to have to wait a while! Good Luck on your search...ditto on Vermilion by the way....it's an awesome lake!

[cosmo]

Don't forget about the St. Louis river right in Duluth MN. Its more like a river basin. It holds Muski some great walleye and bass.

[Jim W]

Down to Earth,

Not only are the Vermilion guides top notch, you'll have an excellent opportunity at a trophy on Vermilion. Plus, as mentioned, there is a ton of other species to target outside of "Musky time"!!

I suggest looking those guys up and getting a trip booked!!
You will not regret it!!!

Or come to Trout Day and try to win a guided trip up there.

Jim W

[muskieboy46]

cosmo, (or anyone)

where on the river would you launch. i have never fished a river except from shore so i have a lot of questions? troll or cast? up stream or downstream? do the same lures you use to catch muskie on lakes work in rivers? What areas do you target on a river (holes, brush, sand bars)? thanks for any information.

[Larski07]

Down to Earth

Lake Ver. is a great area for ya trophys to the panfish for your little one. French Lake near fairbo has so nice skis in it but theres lots of pressure on French French is a good early season lake for the ski's. But im inpartial to the Cass lake chain of lakes have caught lots of huge ski's, pike and walleye to 14-15 inch crappies on that chain. im in rochester as well. good luck to ya nad hope to see ya on the water somewhere

[Trailblazer]

Ditto - Vermillion or Leech!

[Fish-n-Freak]

Andy,
If you can do it -- Vermilion is the ultimate lake.

It has become my #1 lake. Leech is still my 'sweetheart' lake. First and Biggest are both from Leech. Vermilion does have that extra something -- the pure beauty and wildness that Leech has lost with all the developement. If I want to fish around sail boat and pleasure boaters, I have Minnetonka -- If I am driving 3+ hours to go fishing, I am going to Vermilion.

You will see, maybe even catch, a few BIG fish. Your family will have a ball with the panfish, bass and pike. Pick a nice resort, call ACE or Tommy and have a GREAT trip!

Steve

[DougSpringBay]

Hello Down to Earth,

Vermilion is getting a lot of votes, mine as well. It is an excellent multi-species lake, with plenty of opportunity to catch a trophy muskie or stay busy for hours on panfish and everything in between.

My family and I own and operate Spring Bay Resort on the west end. As far as getting around the lake, ther are more places to fish than a guy can get to in a weeks time within 5 miles or less of the resort.

Give us a look at www.SpringBayResort.com

I would be happy to show you around the lake and take you out as part of our hospitality and service.

Doug

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Captain Doug Wintle
Spring Bay Resort & Guide Service
http://www.SpringBayResort.com

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800-847-5253

[Matt Breuer]

Don't forget about the Bemidji area, there are a ton of world class muskie fisheries and some of the best panfishing to be had in MN.

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Matthew J. Breuer
Northcountry Guide Service
[email protected]
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[squeedunk]

I agree with Matt Breuer, I went to school at BSU and there are a bunch of great muskie lakes. My first (a 45") and biggest (53" X 30") were from the area. From the looks of it I may have to make a trip to Vermillion this summer, but it would be hard to pass up on Bemidji.
Good Luck

[Havin' Fun]

Don't forget Detroit Lakes area. Big Detroit Lake has some awesome muskie fishing. Hands down in my book. I don't fish muskies very much, but I have caught and released 6 or 7 fish just fishing for walleyes out there. Great ************ lake, with hundereds of other lakes within a short drive. Plus it's in town.

Hard to beat Vermillion on scenery, walleye fishing and the Smallies!!!!