Noob to the state of Minnesota

[Jaz]

Hi

My name is Patrick and I am typing this from the state of Georgia.
I am planning a trip to Minnesota next year May to September and was wondering if I could get pointers on where to go fishing.
The plan is to get the family in the car, trail the boat, rent a cabin in Minnesota and go fishing for about 1 week. I do have a kayak too for small bodies of water.
I would like to go after walleyes which are rare in Georgia and Pikes which are non existent.
My initial searches point me to the northern part of the state as more productive.
I want to avoid renting a guide. I know how to fish and would probably use jigs with plastic tails for walleyes and probably large crankbaits or spoons for pikes.
I do not use live bait and release all fish I catch.
Do you think I should get a subscription to a local fishing magazine like "Minnesota sportsman"?
You don't have to give me your particular good spot, just lakes/reservoirs in general (I don't like river fishing, not experienced enough in them with the boat).
Anything to worry about up there as far as wildlife goes?
We have bears in Georgia but they are very rare, I saw a cub once crossing a road and last year an alligator was spotted and photographed in a local river LOL!

Thanks

Patrick

[Randy Kaar]

With way over 10,000 lakes here,There are a lot of good fishing lakes. What you looking for in a resort? Most resorts will tell you where the good spots are to fish.
Welcome to MNO/MWO!

 


randy

[Dan R.]

  to the site
give this a try www.exploreminnesota.com

[Jaz]

Hi

I was going to worry about fishing location first and then worry about lodging.
I was thinking about calling rental places but I figured they would tell me that the lake nearby has the best fishing in the state true or not, and how could you blame them.
I guess a cabin for 3 and a large dog will do. I can't be located to remotely either as the wife and daughter don't fish all week and they hit the malls. If there is nothing around they whine a lot LOL!

Thanks Randy for the post and Dan for the link, I am looking at it now.

Patrick

[Woody]

My first thought was Lake Winnibigoshish (Lake Winnie).  It has the walleye and the Northern Pike you seek as well as "Jumbo" Perch, Musky and more.  I've fished parts of that lake my whole life, and rarely been disapointed.  I have many fond memories from Winnie.  However it is a bit further north of any shopping and activities for the ladies.  Deer River is about 20 miles away (depending on what part of the lake your on) which is a quaint small town.  Grand Rapids is another 1/2 hour away from Deer River-but offers more shopping selection.  There used to be plenty of bears around when I was a kid, but the numbers have deminished since then.  Maybe they are more plentiful now?  

My 2nd choice would be Leech Lake.  It's similar to Lake Winnie in the variety of fish to be found.  And there is probably alot more to choose from in lodging.  Walker is the spot where everyone goes on a rainy day to lighten their wallets.  Alot of shops to choose from.  And don't forget Reed's Sporting Goods there too!  

I hope this is of help to you.  Keep in mind that these are in the northwoods, so the Ritz Carlton is no where to be found.  However there are plenty of decent establishments to choose from regarding lodging.  

Here's a couple of links to help you out:

http://www.leechlake.org/location.htm

http://www.lakewinnie.net/

  To MNOutdoorsman.com and enjoy your stay in the great state of Minnesota. 

Land of 10,000 lakes and a kajillion mosquitoes!   

[Jaz]

Jeff

Great post, I really appreciate it. Both lakes mentioned look great already, they have both targeted species, a Musky would be a plus that's for sure. The shopping closed to leech lake is definitely a plus.

Thanks so much Jeff

Patrick

[Woody]

Not a problem-that's what we're here for-to help fellow outdoorsman/outdoorswomen. 

I should point out Walker isn't really that far from Lake Winnie-depending where you stay, so the ladies could still make a day of it without alot of travel time.

Here is some lodging links:

Rental Homes

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rentals/minnesota/r1128

http://lakehousevacations.com/browse_map.php?cat=30

http://www.vacationrentalpeople.com/vacation-rentals.aspx/World/USA/Minnesota

http://www.lakeplace.com/cabinrentals/mn/northern


Resorts


http://www.hospitalitymn.com/

http://www.resortsandlodges.com/lodging/usa/minnesota/index.html

http://www.minnesotaslakes.com/index.html

[Fawkinnae]

This is a bit of a wild card but you might not have considered this.

Crane Lake and Kabetogama are part of Voyageur's National Park. You are pretty close to the Canadian Border but heck if you're driving all the way from Georgia so what. They rent houseboats. You can get them as big and fancy as you want with slides and hot tubs. It's a bit like driving around in your living room and you would tow your fishing boat behind you. You have access to 4 or 5 different lakes and a tremendous variety of water.

Probably a little weak on the shopping unless you want to go to Orr or International Falls. Might be worth taking a look at.

Good luck.

[Jaz]

Jeff

Thanks for the additional links, I got plenty to check out already from you.

Fawkinnae

This is a fantastic idea and I will definitely look at it. Do you know how the fishing is in those waters " Crane Lake and Kabetogama "?
I don't need trophy fish waters, I just want to have some fun catching fish I never see (Walleyes and Pikes).

Thanks so much

Patrick

[Woody]

Fawkinnae is dead on!  What an awesome trip that would make!  Check out:

http://www.voyagaire.com/

They have everything you'll need.  And the fishing up there is incredible with all the different species available!

[Fawkinnae]

What Jeff said. Extremely scenic.

[Jaz]

Thanks again guys. The house boats look great.

Patrick

[Randy Kaar]

The house boats would be a lot of fun!

randy

[Mayfly]

One of the best areas the state of Minnesota has to offer is the BWCA (Boundary Waters). People travel from all parts of the world to experience it. Do not drive this far and not go! A great starting point would be Ely and the fishing is awesome!


 

[Jaz]

MNO

I will definitely consider it and all suggestions to come. The trip is next year so I have plenty of time to research and price things.

Thanks a lot

Patrick

[grunny]

How big is your boat. If it's less then 16ft you may want to shy away from those bigger lakes. Unless your deadset on a real "northwoods" adventure, you might want to give the Alexandria area a look. Lots of lakes and species to choose from, so there is always something biting somewhere, and Alex (pop. about 13,000 in summer) has everything for the ladies.

[Jaz]

How big is your boat. If it's less then 16ft you may want to shy away from those bigger lakes. Unless your deadset on a real "northwoods" adventure, you might want to give the Alexandria area a look. Lots of lakes and species to choose from, so there is always something biting somewhere, and Alex (pop. about 13,000 in summer) has everything for the ladies.

Grunny

My boat is on the small side and I am not dead set on a northwoods adventure. All I want is to make sure I catch some walleyes and pikes. I couldn't care less about Bass, perch and crappies I have that back home in Georgia.
I love smaller bodies of water , so your suggestion is welcome too.
Do all these lakes around Alexandria have walleyes and pikes? Can I put my boat in anywhere around there?
So many great suggestions and only 1 week of fishing LOL!

Thanks

Patrick

[Mayfly]

Jaz -

Almost anywhere you go in this state you will find a decent number of lakes to choose from that of great Northern Pike and walleye fishing. So really you should be safe. As the previous poster mentioned, the Alex area is a great start. Here is another great place to check out... The lake Osakis area, right by Alex:

http://www.lakeosakismn.com/

Also, the Lake of the Woods area. Might be a little too much of a lake for you if you are trailering your own boat:

http://www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/

I'm guessing we are keeping you busy with all these suggestions! 

[grunny]

There's at least 2 dozen lakes within 15mins., and they all have what your looking for. Buy yourself a half dozen #7 sunfish colored ratlin raps and some power pro line, go to any lake, spend the first half hour slowly cruising around the lake and find the biggest weed beds on your electronics, and cast the outside edges until your arm falls off. Most lakes it's 8-12feet, the clearer ones run out to 20ft. You will catch northerns, bass, and walleyes. If you get tired of casting, drag a lindy rig around in the same places with a minnow. You are probably not going to catch many walleyes on just jigs and twisters, unless you hit the right time of year and know where to go, or go way north. Don't use a steel leader either, you might lose a few more lures, but you'll catch way more fish. Make sure you buy a jaw spreader and a forceps for taking out hooks. You may even want to pinch your barbs down to make life easier, you might lose a couple fish if you don't fight em right, but you'll catch plenty.

[Mayfly]

Don't use a steel leader either, you might lose a few more lures, but you'll catch way more fish. Make sure you buy a jaw spreader and a forceps for taking out hooks. You may even want to pinch your barbs down to make life easier, you might lose a couple fish if you don't fight em right, but you'll catch plenty.

Keep your line tight 

[Jaz]

Buy yourself a half dozen #7 sunfish colored ratlin raps and some power pro line,  You are probably not going to catch many walleyes on just jigs and twisters, unless you hit the right time of year and know where to go, or go way north. Don't use a steel leader either, you might lose a few more lures, but you'll catch way more fish. You may even want to pinch your barbs down to make life easier, you might lose a couple fish if you don't fight em right, but you'll catch plenty.

MNO

Lake Osakis looks great thanks for the link. The other one indeed is quite big for my boat, the other problem Winnipeg is so close the wife will want to swing by(AND i DON'T WANT THAT).LOL!

Grunny

I was going to worry about fishing tactics later on, but we can talk now.
Great advice on what to do but your post brings more questions.

1)Can the ratlin raps catch pikes and Walleyes alike? I thought walleyes were on the bottom away from the light and Pikes on top of the water?
I have caught chain pickerels before, some fairly big with big teeth, all on large spoons (dardevils, kastmasters, cleo's). (I know chain pickerels are minnows for Minnesotans).

2) Why wouldn't jigs with twister tails not catch many walleyes? All the books/videos I have seen talk about the jig/soft tail being a killer combo. Al Lindner of in-fisherman has been pictured a million times with that combo holding walleyes.(Not arguing with you here, you know what you are talking about.)

3)No steel leaders with pikes? I have caught all my chain pickerels with steel leader.

I don't worry about losing lures usually. I battle fish as little as possible to increase survival rates when I release them. Pinch the barb is a great tip.

Thanks so much great advice Grunny

Patrick

[MTCOMMER]

THIS IS A HOT TOPIC!  But I would agree, if you are coming to MN, you have to get up to BWCA and/or Voyager Nat'l Park.  Up there the best pike and walleye fishing in the state (In my opinion) and one of the most beautiful places you will ever see!
With pike, I always use a steel leader, but thats just me -- its all personal preference.
As with live bait vs. plastics, I would go with live bait.  Artificial will catch the fish, but you will catch more bouncing a leech than you will with a plastic.  When we were up in BWCA we used jigs and leeches and slammed the walleyes.
Fishing is a little different up north, the water is always cold so fish act a little different, but the walleyes will be on the bottom and the pike will be pretty much anywhere!  Raps will catch them both but I would use jigs for the eyes and spoons for the pike (I LOVE SPOONS!)

There are so many places in MN to go, you could spend a summer up here and still not hit all the good spots!  Anywhere northern MN, you cant go wrong!
ITS ALWAYS NICE TO SEE PEOPLE FROM OUT OF STATE COMING UP HERE TO FISH!

[Go Big Red!]

And after you get tired of fishing, you can always go snipe hunting..... 

[Jaz]

THIS IS A HOT TOPIC!  But I would agree, if you are coming to MN, you have to get up to BWCA and/or Voyager Nat'l Park. 

Hi

Definitely a hot topic, and I am enjoying all the different answers. You are the  second one to mention a spot already recommended, I like that.
Yes I do love spoons too, I catch everything on them. Even a lake trout once (In lower New-York state -Westchester county).

GO BIG RED

I don't like to hunt.

Thanks

Patrick

[grunny]

Yes, when you go to Canada targeting pike and plan on catching 100 a day with a chance at a trophy,  use a steel leader, you would be crazy not to(3/8-1/2oz johnson silver minnow rocks) . When you go to Canada and target walleye and can catch 100 a day, and every rocky point is lit up like a christmas tree on your vexilar, all you need is a jig and a twister. But, for the last 15 years I have fished just about every lake within a 20 mile radius of both Alexandria and Fergus Falls a lot, and in those areas I have found that the methods I described will probably boat the most numbers and varieties of fish for a newcomer that can find a weed edge, and is willing to cast and cover a lot of water to find active fish. Active walleyes will come up and hammer raps on the outside edges of the weeds throughout most of the year, especially early or late in the day and on cloudy and windy days. But in between those walleyes you will catch a lot of pike, and I'm sorry to say even more bass...The braided power pro will land 99% of fish that bite without a leader, where I fish. If I go fishing for an 8-10 hour day and throw a rap 5 times a minute and don't personally catch at least 30 fish of those 3 species, then I didn't have a real good day. Jigs and twisters do work in my area early in the year near current, and late in the year from hipboots. I have caught many trophy walleyes up to 30in at those times of years in places I am not willing to discuss on an open forum....As for Al Linder, once I get a fish in the boat, I can dangle anything from it's mouth I want if I think people will buy it...And I agree, the lakes way up north are the best fishing and most scenic in the state. I just think Patrick's wife and daughter are going to have a hard time paddling to the mall from the tent when they get bored.

[22lex]

I just think Patrick's wife and daughter are going to have a hard time paddling to the mall from the tent when they get bored.

Hahaha.....

Very true!

[dakids]

I prefer the brainard/ nisswa area.  Lots of little shops for the ladies and lots of good lakes for the guys.  Turtle races on wednesdays? and Drag racing on the weekend at BIR,  Also some topnotch golf coarses in the area in case it rains and you can't fish

[Jaz]

But in between those walleyes you will catch a lot of pike,

Grunny

I appreciate the extra explanation. You know your fish and waters that's for sure.
Good news about a lot of pikes in between walleyes, I would prefer to catch only pikes when I come up there opposed to only walleyes.

Thanks so much

Patrick

[Mayfly]

We should all take a good look at this topic! Man are we lucky to live in this great state!! So much to offer.

[Tyler Rother]

I say try out Bearhead Lake up in Bearhead State Park - If not, Rainy Lake is good as well, as long as you have a GPS.