Anybody else fish LOTW?

[NETim]

Just curious how many here have made a trip to the mecca of Muskiedom, Lake of The Woods? What part of the lake do you normally fish?

'Bout the best place in the world, even if there were no Muskies in the lake.

[esoxjunkie]

I have made a number of trips to the Promised Land (uh, err, water). Unfortunately I'm going to miss the annual trip this year, but it will be tough to keep me from the Woods next July.

Our usual camp is Bay Store on Oak Island-NW Angle, and we fish literally all over the lake, some days going east, others we go N/NW. Our group is usually 2 or 3 boats, so we fish our way around and try to pattern the fish.

Jamie

[NETim]

I missed the annual July trip as well. In fact, my brother is up there right now. My wife wanted an early June trip for smallies this year and I obliged as I missed them. When they're up shallow the action is usually fast n' furious.

I did manage a 25" monster Muskie while working for walleyes though.

I'm thinking we'll make an October trip as long as diesel isn't $7/gallon by then.

I've never stayed at Frank's but we used to stay at Oak Island Resort waaaayyyy back when Jack Hawkins still ran it. Someday I'd like to stay at Frank's and spend a day fishin' with Pearson.

[ogrefish]

I think that Dick is done with the guiding thing, pitty! The Woods is a wonderful and terrible place. Evil lurks there!

[NETim]

Originally Posted by ogrefish

I think that Dick is done with the guiding thing, pitty! The Woods is a wonderful and terrible place. Evil lurks there!

I wasn't sure about that. I don't think he has the patience to deal with rookies day in and day out. Pretty intense guy.

Still, he hangs out at Frank's place so a guy might be able to absorb some wisdom while they're there.

[Tone2129]

ive fished it about 6 times. We go up in Obabican (sp?) bay for the big muskie! They go up there to feed on the numerous small pike. If you go up there make sure you have a gps map, or a good co-pilot. there are just tons of boulders, and reefs in the middle of no where!

BIG BIG BIG BOYS by the way

[Craiginc]

Been fishing the lake for 18 Straight Years in Northern Half (Whitefish, Yellow Girl. Andrews, Big Narrows, Cliff Island Areas). For the last 8 years have been going the end of July/1st week in August on a Houseboat with the Family out of Sioux Narrows. This is the only way to truely experience LOTW !

As the water warms, and the algea bloom moves--as it does at this time of year throughout the Lake--you can also move to better waters. Have caught countless fish (None above 50") across the lake averaging around 48." The Pike are just as impressive with multiple fish over 38" on each trip on Musky Lures. I've had a true Monster (that I still can see Nightly in my Dreams) in the French Narrows two years ago that (at the surface) appeared wider than my John Boat with the head on one side swinging at my son's Suick as he raised it out of the water and a tail that stucking out the other side of our 64" beamed boat. We raised this fish 4 times in 20 minutes with no hookups. I have also raised a 50+ outside of Knickerbocker Bay on a Black Suick (four times in one hour) that just would never commit...outside of making me shake so bad, I had to sit down for a few minutes.

This year, we saw more fish in one week follow our baits to the gunwale and never realy commit than ever. Our count was over 50 plus at the end of the week. In one Evening we raised 12 Muskies (all apperared to be upper 40'S +) in Whitefish Bay on the Bars in one hour. Followed by three in row as the sun set on surface lures. I could go on and on........

For the Money, $32-45oo.oo for a week of fishing with Family and Friends (8+) on your own HouseBoat. It just cannot be beat. Floating Lodges has the best boats, the best support staff, the friendliest owners on the Lake.....Period. We have tried the Kenora and Nestor Bay Areas--they just do not compare. Floating Lodges has their own web page for further review.

I am from Northern Wisconson, and for the money at Trip to the Hayward Area is also excellent with multiple fishing opportunities at little or no cost to a boat owner. There is just as many fish, but they all seem to be smaller than those from LOTW. But fishing with a 10-14" sucker in late October, still cannot be beat as the most fun and enjoyable way to catch a Musky. Of course, this will probably open up the ongoing single hook versus quick strike debate......but, a single hook has always been good enough for my Father's Father and Mine, so I guess I will always prefer this method of fishing.....I think its the 20-30 minute wait while you row after the bobber that get you.

If I can offer and advice or direction on the Northern Half of LOTW or Northern Wisconson, please email me.