Minnesota fishing trip recommendations

[YCbtx]

I am familiar with the Ottertail area, as my family has had a cabin on Big Pine (Perham area) for several years. I don't make it that way very often anymore but have had some fun trips out that way. You have a lot of options in that area...West Battle Lake & Big Detroit for muskies...like stated...just about every lake has largemouth. The walleye fishing does not hold a candle to SAK/OAHE/Devils Lake though, so wouldn't plan around that being the primary target. Can also get some good panfishing in...lots of the lakes have giant gills and nice crappies as well. I've enjoyed trips out that way but if you are looking for a TRIP type experience, I think I would look to the north (LOTW) or west to Fort Peck....

 

[NDbowman]

I am completely biased. But after spending all of our free time for the last 21 of 23 years at the NW Angle it is an awesome place to fish. The beauty of the wilderness is awesome. I always compare it to deer hunting in the ND Badlands. Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Muskie. If your group consider it send me a PM and I will get you more info.
You have to set up to apps for travel, but if a 75 year old cantankerous ol coot can do it anyone can.
No DUIs on anyone record though.

Granted its been 20 years since I've been up to the Angle, I have to agree its great fishing up there. We always fished on the Ontario side and always had a blast catching walleye and small mouth bass. We never targeted Muskie but did catch a couple mainly by accident. The scenery reminded me of fishing way up North by Flin Flon with all the trees and islands.

 

[snow2]

So some of the best multi species fish in north America is found in nodak why bother with Minnesota?

I grew up on mille lacs lake until our 1837 native treaty rights f up 12 counties for our natives to fish and hunt for sustenance ( cough cough) completely shut down the walleye fishery sad to say even tho the lake has a booming walleye population.

Our fishing get away is planned for ne sodak,webster area, pothole lakes loaded with walleye,perch,couple nearby lakes have trophy gills/crappies,so many small lakes to puddle jump.

Minnesota walleye,muskie,smallmouth....rainy lake.

 

[luvcatchingbass]

Not to hijack but for Lakers through the ice for a guy with minimal gear, what would some good options be?
Vexilar FLX-30 and tackle but no snowmobile, SxS, or reliable winter 4wheeler

 

[YCbtx]

Not to hijack but for Lakers through the ice for a guy with minimal gear, what would some good options be?
Vexilar FLX-30 and tackle but no snowmobile, SxS, or reliable winter 4wheeler

pm sent

 

[Wall-eyes]

Use to share a park model with father in law for 30 years on Lizzy lake which is all around Detroit Lakes, we fished alot of Bass and Waleye tournaments from south down by Otter tail to north by Mahnomen by Casino which the woods are thick very nice. Walleye get going good end on May and so do Bass, or cheat get early on beds cant keep them but who does. Muskies we fished all over park rapids they are way better in late fall. Up by Brainerd is some great sunfish lakes too. Don't forget Winnie, Millie Lacs they are bigger and can get rough or better yet way up north boundry waters area very nice. Land of 10 k lakes all great places to be had. Better fishing on some than others for sure. Alot of grewat little bars and food places to enjoy for sure.

 

[luvcatchingbass]

Use to share a park model with father in law for 30 years on Lizzy lake which is all around Detroit Lakes, we fished alot of Bass and Waleye tournaments from south down by Otter tail to north by Mahnomen by Casino which the woods are thick very nice. Walleye get going good end on May and so do Bass, or cheat get early on beds cant keep them but who does. Muskies we fished all over park rapids they are way better in late fall. Up by Brainerd is some great sunfish lakes too. Don't forget Winnie, Millie Lacs they are bigger and can get rough or better yet way up north boundry waters area very nice. Land of 10 k lakes all great places to be had. Better fishing on some than others for sure. Alot of grewat little bars and food places to enjoy for sure.

Used to do a fair amount of bass fishing on Lizzy with my buddy, his family has a little cabin on the west side of the lake. Used to catch lots of rock bass drifting across the lake on a big flat just fan casting, mimic minnow with a spinner attached worked great for a long time.

 

[bucksnbears]

Ain't no good fishing in Mn anymore.
Sconies came/ raped our resources.

I tell em now..., head west to ND. Much better opportunity.

 

[zoops]

Ain't no good fishing in Mn anymore.
Sconies came/ raped our resources.

I tell em now..., head west to ND. Much better opportunity.

And they have listened well

 

[guywhofishes]

If you want to dip your toes in the water and not go all in on the first trip, take a look at the Cormorant chain of lakes near Detroit Lakes. Not far from ND - so if you get into trouble the border isn't far away.

Five lakes - all connected so you can explore almost endlessly. One of them is usually producing an exceptional bite for something that time of year. Including good panfish - for assured sustenance if you guys suck at walleyes.

Mid June is often lights out for big walleye on one of them. I can help you out there if you end up going to that chain.

 

[shorthairsrus]

If you want to dip your toes in the water and not go all in on the first trip, take a look at the Cormorant chain of lakes near Detroit Lakes. Not far from ND - so if you get into trouble the border isn't far away.

Five lakes - all connected so you can explore almost endlessly. One of them is usually producing an exceptional bite for something that time of year. Including good panfish - for assured sustenance if you guys suck at walleyes.

Mid June is often lights out for big walleye on one of them. I can help you out there if you end up going to that chain.

I am one that moved from Devils Lake down to party central. I have to say i am impressed about the numbers of biggins and of course that late night bite in august.

I fish a lake that full to the gills with people but nobody is fishing No pressure. I feel guilty --- i think some of these bass have never seen a boat or a artficial lure before.

 

[all4eyes]

Check out Little Bear Island on lake of the woods. You can rent out a private island, just across the border in Ontario. Depending on time of year you go you'll have bass, musky, walleye, lake trout, crappie and more. Been there quite a few times, and highly recommend it.

 

[Wall-eyes]

Used to do a fair amount of bass fishing on Lizzy with my buddy, his family has a little cabin on the west side of the lake. Used to catch lots of rock bass drifting across the lake on a big flat just fan casting, mimic minnow with a spinner attached worked great for a long time.

We were on north side Herb Johnson resort now his daughter has it a money train wreck now, we would run way south in weed beds closer to crystal lake before season catch them spawning was fun. I remember the bass club would launch out of the resort. Had lot of spots for big walleye's on west side of island and bay by Dunvilla and few others. Crappies in winter in Dunvilla bay many years ago was great stack them in 5 gallon bucket for years that has gone away too, damn zebra mussels cleaned lake up to good.

 

[Wall-eyes]

And they have listened well

Yup Devils Lake

 

[zoops]

Yup Devils Lake

They're literally everywhere.