Minnitaki Lake

[guitarmac]

In July, I'm headed to the Sioux Lookout area for the first time since I was a kid 20 years ago. I'll be staying Minnitaki at Donnelly's on Pickerel Arm. Does anyone know anything about the walleye fishing on that lake? And how far would it be, and how much of a hassle would it be to drive up to Deception Landing for a day at Lac Seul?

Any insights would be appreciated. I'm about as ignorant as can be about the area. Thanks!

[Dan L]

I have stayed at Donnelly's for about the last 6 years. The fishing is usually very good for walleyes. The resort is also nice. Nice poeple and the docking is good also. We fish in August and find the walleyes in the arm. Just out from the resort there are a couple of islands and rocks. If you fish there you will get walleyes and they tend to be bigger. Also down about a 1/2 mile there are some small reefs that are also good. Most people fish the big reef out from where you cut across into the big lake. I find my best fishing on Minnitaki. Look for the first bunch of islands on your way to red pine bay which is also good for walleyes. Red pine and the big reef get to many fishermen for my taste. Fish the islands and you will have excellent fishing and be the only boat in the area. Gold jigs and leeches rule for us.

[Muskydanno]

Great resort and great lake. I have been going there for going on four years i think now. We always do the last week in august. One spot that gets overlooked that can be good trolled with a night crawler harness is just down from the resort. There is usually a milk jug marking the top of the reef behind a sliver of an island. You come out of the harbor and stay right as you go out past the first big island if you stay on this course you will hit the end of the arm within a mile but what you want to do is stay to the left and go like you are going to head down the longest arm . You will come to an island which kind of splits the two arms and right in the middle of the left southernmost arm is a milk jug. Ask Alan or Darrell they can tell you exactly where it is. If the island wasnt blocking the view you could almost see it from the resort.It can be a great spot trolling around the back side of the island and drifting around the buoy out there. The reef just out of the narrows on the main lake can be great too if you want to travel a little bit. Like was mentioned above , i am sure leeches work great but we always pull gold spinners and crawlers.

The narrows going into southwest bay can be excellent at times also.The area around Neepawa island is also good.I am not sure its possible to have bad luck fishing up there.We have had some bad weather and whatnot to work around but the fish are always there to be found. Something is always biting.Good luck and give us a report when you get back! I'm counting the days until my trip!!

Dan

[guitarmac]

Thanks a bunch for the info guys! I appreciate it. I'm definitely looking forward to getting up there this year!

[fishyguy]

Minnitaki is the best fishing I have ever had besides Lac Seul. I have only fished it in mid-June before they have moved to the mid-lake humps but I think you will find some outstanding fishing around Donnelly's and in the arm.

Depending on you boat it could be a pretty to really long haul up to Lac Seul. I think the toughest part of the trek though may be to get through Pelican Rapids depending on the water level.

Good Luck