choosing a lake

[CPR]

I am trying to pick out a lake for a "brother's fishing trip" in June. We want good northern pike and walleye fishing in northern MN. I have read numerous lake reports on the DNR site (lake finder) but having trouble interpreting the data. We are not expert fishermen (probably mediocre - but don't tell our wives)so need a good quality lake to give ourselves a chance. Is Moose Lake (21 miles NE of Ely) good? I suspect the areas around Ely or Crane Lake would be good. All comments and recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks.

[upnorth]

Lake Vermilion, Kabetogama, Namakan. All can be very good when the fish are going, but can be frustrating when it is slow. Bigger water is like that.

[gunflint]

If you're going to the Ely area I would recomend getting ahold of an Ely area guide. I believe there's one or more on this forum. I'm sure they would be happy to help you out with suggestions. I would also recomend hiring one for a day. The education is well worth the expense.

[guideman]

For a multi species fishing trip it would be hard to beat Lake Vermilion. Great walleye fishing and

excellent pike fishing, with a real shot at a big fish. Pike over 10lbs are common and fish in the 20lb range are a real possibility.

To go along with that we also have "World Class"

Muskie and Smallmouth bass fisheries that you can enjoy any time of the year. Don't be overwhelmed by the size of the lake, there is great fishing in all areas, so there is no need to travel all over the lake to find fish.

"Ace"

[DougSpringBay]

Follow the lead of the Guideman--

Vermilion is an excellent mult-species lake. The Northern fishing is getting better every year in not only numbers, but size as well. And the smallmouth bite is really goin' on here. If I can be on any help to you in preplanning a trip, send me an e-mail or call. I would be happy to help you with targeting dates for better fishing if you are going to remain species specific. Some times are better than others here on Vermilion. If you come, you will become another Big V junkie!!!

Doug

[Animal]

You don't say weather you are going in early or late June which can make all the differnce in my lake selection. In early June I would go to Kabetogama. Late June I would go to Rainy. I'm not as well schooled at Vermillion as Guideman so I would defer to his expertise. Because of all the cabins Vermillion will not have the feeling of being "out-there" as Kabby or Rainy.

[upnorth]

Believe me there are areas on Vermilion where you feel out there.

[guideman]

As (Contact US Regarding This Word) said, there are miles of undeveloped shoreline on Vermilion, it just depends where you go to fish.

"Ace"

[garytheguide]

yes the whole area is good to explore...vermilion is one of the better fishing lakes around...the multy species is very good and very healthy at this time ..so yes it would be a good destination...good guides, good resorts...and very navigational...wherever you go have fun and set the hook!

[Ole1855]

CPR,

Just a question, do you have your heart set on the Arrowhead area? If not, Cut Foot/Winnie is another really good fishing area.

Ole

[Seabass77]

Check out Basswood Trails guide service in ely. Todd will put together a great pike and walleye trip for you. He offers over night tent trips into the BWCAW.

[CPR]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your comments.