Devils Lake - Advice

[Fish Head]

Hey guys- I'm headed to Devils Lake for the first time ever Dec 21-22. Looking for 2 full days of fishing and 1 or 2 nights lodging. 2-4 guys and we don't have our own fish house...just bringing our rods and tackle, so we're looking for a house to fish in and lodging. I'm looking for the best fishing possible, but I'd rather save a little money on the lodging if we can. I would appreciate any recommendations. Thanks in advance!

[leechlake]

the cheapest lodging is probably the Davis Motel. They have some rooms you can cook in too, most dog friendly motel ever although I know you won't bring dogs.

[walleyeking19]

Davis motel is a good place! the kitchens are nice and they come fully stocked. Beds arent the best but after fishing all day you should be able to sleep no problem!

[Fish Head]

Thanks guys. Who would you recommend to fish with. Perch Patrol? McQuoids?

[Fish Head]

I'm looking at either Ed's bait & guide service, or Big John's. Anyone used either of them?

[creepworm]

I've used Ed's before. I was not impressed. It felt as though he was out fishing with his buddies, and we paid to tag along. He brought us to a community hole with people everywhere, drilled two holes for each client, and we sat there, not catching much of anything. It got to the point where I asked one of the people out there fishing if I could use their auger to drill holes, because he was off in the distance fishing with his buddies. I don't really want to say that fishing with him cost us fish, but it certainly didn't help us catch any.

He is an extremely nice guy and runs a great bait shop, I was just felt as if he put the minimum amount of effort possible in guiding us.

I should also mention this was a few years ago and he was just starting out. It could also be that he was used to people just happy to catch a few fish and not the "hole hopping, auger doesn't get set down until we find a huge active school" type of fisherman that me and my buddy happen to be.

[i'majigger]

I fished with Big John's and he did a good job of putting us on fish, mainly perch.

[Fish Head]

I ended up booking with Big John. Hopefully the fish will cooperate.

Thanks for the advice, and Happy Holidays!

[Skhots]

How'd you end up doing?