Weekend Get-A-Way Suggestions

[Fishinguy40]

I posted this in the camping forum also, as our intention is to tent camp. My brother-in-law and myself are trying to plan a fishing weekend the weekend after Memorial Day. We don't want to travel more than 2-3 hours from the south metro.

Does anyone have any suggestions where to go, besides Mille Lacs? We have an 18ft boat with 140Hp motor so easy water access and boat/trailer parking is important.

[jkjkoda]

Check out Alexandria area lots of lakes in the area if one is'nt hitting there are several others very near by some are even connected by channels your boat would work on.

[Fishinguy40]

We discussed Alexandria but my in-laws live up there and that means an obligation to stop in and visit, which means less time fishing so we scrapped that idea!

[Chef]

Park Rapids area...

[Bigeye30"]

The Brainerd area would be one to consider, the only issue I don't like with the area is the amount of recreation boats making fishing a little tougher in terms of boat traffic,

I know you mentioned somewhere besides Mille Lacs but it's usually tough to beat this lake that time of year, call up Paul at Appledorn's they rent out there fishhouses which is a little better than tenting for nearly the same price as a tent site around the area, gives you a little more time on the water not having to pack everything, setup and take down. I do these little weekend trips a few times myself and Appledorns works out perfect for them. Usually leave the South Metro after work Friday putting me up at Mille Lacs around 9, nothing to setup, get up sat and hit the lake for the day, grab a burger at one of the area resorts in the eve and then fish sunday till about 2 and head home. This puts me back home late afternoon or early evening with enough time to put the boat back and allowed a solid day and a half on the water. Cost is relatively low and relaxation was high. Just what works for me.

[gregg52]

if your lookin that early boat traffic isnt real bad on the lakes in the brainerd area cuz its still pretty cool other than other fisherman and its a good time to catch fish

gull is usally good that time of yr as is north long

round...pelican...not to mention some other lakes that all have good landings

i have a RV on winnie so i head up there buts that bout 3 1/2 hrs for you

and like the guy said mille lacs is good depending on the

slot deal who knows what it will be this yr

[Esox_Magnum]

Go south. Look at the Iowa Great Lakes area.

[Wayne Ek]

Might want to consider Big Stone lake out west. They have a state park on the lake I think.

[redhooks]

Grand Rapids has a lot of quality lakes and winnie is usually a good destination.

[KeystoneLight]

Check out Trout Lake or Lake Wabana, north of Grand Rapids. I have some great memories of being up there with my family. We would put in at Kastner's Resort on the north end of Trout and haul everything in by boat and camp at the old golf course on Joyce's Estate. One cold snowy Memorial weekend we set up camp right in the old lodge and had the fireplace going. CO stopped by and it was OK because of the weather but to make sure the fire was out when we left. Wabana also has several boat to campsites that we have stayed at.

[Coach1310]

You might want to consider Cutfoot Sioux connected to Winnie. They have some primitive sights that you can only reach by boat. Very peaceful. Miles and Miles of natural shoreline and a great walleye bite to boot. If you don't want a boat in site there are a few campground options on the lake as well.

[gregg52]

I agree on cutfoot i have an RV up there have been going up there for like 30 yrs

and yes 2 yrs ago it was to windy on the big

we trolled around the whole mcavity bay saw wildlife every where

duck you dont nornmally see lots of eales deer etc etc

i there are very secluded camp sites you can get to plus like he said great fishin walleye and northens crappies sunnies in little cutfoot reason i didnt say anyhing before was thought it was to far

[Sandmannd]

Grand Rapids and Brainard are awesome to go to.

[Fishinguy40]

Lots of great suggestions. Thanks guys. I really like the sound of Cut Foot Sioux with the lakeshore and camping but when I map it out it's over 4 hours for me.

May have to stick to the Brainerd or Spicer/Wilmar area as they are both about a 2 hour drive. Does anyone know much about Green Lake by Spicer or some of the other lakes in the area? Green looks like a nice lake to fish but not much options for camping. Maybe some other lakes in that area?

[gregg52]

depends on where you are in the cities as far as how lomg it takes to get to the cutfoot i use to live out in the burnsville area i figured bout 3 1/2 not sure how long your going for but its worth the drive but aways just for a week-end

[pushbutton]

fishinguy40,

sibley park is one of the nicest in the state, about 6 miles from green. county park #5 is also a very nice campground located on the north side of green. if it is a decent spring weather wise the fishing will just start kicking into gear.

[Lindy Lee]

We like to stay at the Corp. campground on Gull. But if you want to get a site you best make your reservations now. What is nice about Gull is there is about 6 lakes that are connected and if you get hungry or want to take a break from the boat you can always stop at Zorbaz, Ernie's or Bar Harbor for an adult beverage or food. Good Luck.

[TonkaBass]

vermilion, need I say more?

[CrappieAttitude]

if your lookin that early boat traffic isnt real bad on the lakes in the brainerd area cuz its still pretty cool other than other fisherman and its a good time to catch fish

gull is usally good that time of yr as is north long

round...pelican...not to mention some other lakes that all have good landings

I agree on the boat traffic. The lakes really don't get that crazy until the water and air temps warm up enough to get the summer cabin crowds up here. I have fished many memorial weekends up here and the fishing has been great and the traffic has been light compared to the dead of summer. All the above posted lakes should produce for you that time of year. This year will be the first memorial weekend in many years that I won't be fishing around here, however I will be chasing lakers in the BWCA instead.

Good luck,

CA

[dfv87]

Koronis in Paynesville is a nice lake, they have a regional Park with Camping and several resorts. Note: the regional park is not directly on the lake but it is across the street from a public access with plenty of parking. Resort was nice but it has been 10 years since I have been there.

[Fishinguy40]

You might want to consider Cutfoot Sioux connected to Winnie. They have some primitive sights that you can only reach by boat. Very peaceful. Miles and Miles of natural shoreline and a great walleye bite to boot. If you don't want a boat in site there are a few campground options on the lake as well.

Coach, I know this post is old but I really want to try Cut Foot Sioux, possibly Labor Day. Can you give me more info about the primitive sites. Where on the lake are they? Where do you put in and leave your vehicle/trailer?

I've never been up there so I'm kind of lost how to plan it.

[Iambjm]

Google Chippewa National Forest and the check out camping underneath the recreation button. Tells all about different camping options.

[HIGHBANKS]

Give us a call at High Banks on Winnie!! Wooded, spacious campsites with full-hook-ups and the access fee is included with the campsite rental. We have one campsite still available for the weekend of May 29th. Give us a call at 800-365-2560 or checkout our HSOforum at www.highbanks.com. We would love to host your vacation!!