Where to go on a trip pie/smallies...suggestions?

[Bigguyone]

I am planning a trip for sometime in mid may to early june for myself and 5 other people (6 total). There will be all levels of ability, all will be adults, but some have not fished much other than on streams for trout while others have fished 80+days/year.

I need some assistance deciding on a lake/lodge.

We are trying to keep it pretty budget so will be doing self guided and housekeeping. No particular state we have to go to as we are flying from Utah (not mormon).

Please let me know your thoughts on when/where to go...I was thinking Pike and smallies mainly. I have considered Rainy but having a tough time finding lodges with availability and decent boats. Thank you in advance!!

[LMFlyin]

If I had to suggest a time I would push later in May or earily June. If trying for the bass the tend to spawn late May or earily June depending on temps. Mid May might be just alittle too earily for the actual spawn. Rainy lake is a good lake for bass and does have a mixed variety of species to go after. Lots of water and good fishing. If you think a fly in might be of interest to your group, I do have an opening around that timeframe at one of lakes that has smallies. Im running a special and this trip would quailify towards the trip. 850 each for up to 7 day trip. Email if interested.

[Outfitter17]

Hey Bigguyone,

Welcome to FM, We just had a group move from May 30 to June 7 to a date in July, we also have a couple select dates open in mid june. We are Smallmouth/Northern Pike camp with some Muskie and LT on the side.

We run a fleet of 17'6" Lund Outfitters with pedestal seats, flat floors, casting decks, live wells, bait wells, dry storage, graphs, and rod storage.

We are located about 20 miles north of Rainy Lake on Lower Manitou Lake.

We have 2 housekeeping cabins, so they fill fairly fast. If you want to e-mail me at [email protected] I could give you more details and you could let me know exactly what you are looking for.

[Down Deep]

Rainy is an excellent lake especially for SMB and walleye. There are several resorts on the Canadian side of Rainy. However, early to mid-June is prime-time and I’m sure that accommodations are booking up so I’d get busy. Some of the resorts that you might be interested are Taylor’s Cove, The Fisheries, Coppens and The Landings. All are nice, well equipped and have good people who own them. If you want something that is more on the wild side then Essox and the Manitou are excellent for SMB and northern pike. You also have lake trout fishing available which can be lots of fun. I’ve never been to Outfitters place, but the lakes are productive and there won’t be many people around either. I wouldn’t go too early. In my opinion, the June 6 week should be about right depending on how warm the spring season is.

[superbee]

I have some options that would fit what you are looking for. You can check out our HSOforum to see what we have to offer. If you email me I will give you specifics on a couple of the trips we offer that would be exactly what you mentioned.

[Bigguyone]

Anyone happen to have pricing or contact info for taylors or the landing?

Also what are your thoughts on canadian side of rainy vs Vermillion? Mainly pike and SMB - largemouth are a bonus.

[Down Deep]

If you want some largemouth then you need to switch to the southern Whitefish Bay area of Lake of the Woods and change your timeframe to late June.

Being that Vermillion is only about an hour from the driveway I get on that water quite a bit. Vermillion is good walleye and SMB fishery, but it is very populated with cabins, houses and boats. If you want to have access to restaurants, bars and a Casino then Vermillion might be to your liking. Personally if I have a couple of days to burn fishing in May or June, I head to the Canadian side or Rainy.

Taylor's Cove doesn't have a HSOforum, but you can find their number by calling the Fort Francis, Ont. information. Coppens, The Fisheries and The Landings have websites and post their rates. Nice thing about Taylor's, Coppens & The Fisheries is that they are on Bear Pass and you are more central to Baseline, Redgut, Swell and Seine Bays. The Landings is located right in the middle of Redut and you have quick access to some excellent walleye and crappie fishing. I've had better SMB fishing in Baseline, Swell and Seine.