I recently went ice fishing on LOTW, out of Baudette, MN. Stayed at the Sportsman's Lodge, with my son-in-law and 18 year old grandson, for a few days. We were on the meal plan, which meant that we had our choice of great food for 3 meals per day. One of those was lunch, which they delivered out at our heated shack. We got transportation out and back, bait, holes drilled, propane-heated shack, etc. It was a hoot! Fishing was a bit slow, but we ended up doing well enough. We jigged up a nice limit of walleyes and saugers, plus a nice pike. No tullibees or eelpout, though. Still, a great time and great memories with the grandson, before college starts eating up all his time. If you've never done this, I'd recommend checking it out. There are a variety of plans, including sleeper shacks, that fit various budgets. Anyone on here ever done this? Anything to add to my notes?
I do the sleeper shacks on LOTW out of Sportmens Lodges every year. It is always a great time. The fishing has always been just ok. Could be much better, but could also be worse. We have not caught much for size of walleyes. Last year I don't think we had a fish in the slot. Hard to believe you didn't catch any tullibees. we usually get quite a few of those. Going again the first weekend of March. What baits and what colors were working the best?
Quote from: Houndhead on February 04, 2016, 12:27:32 PM
I do the sleeper shacks on LOTW out of Sportmens Lodges every year. It is always a great time. The fishing has always been just ok. Could be much better, but could also be worse. We have not caught much for size of walleyes. Last year I don't think we had a fish in the slot. Hard to believe you didn't catch any tullibees. we usually get quite a few of those. Going again the first weekend of March. What baits and what colors were working the best?
My son-in-law and grandson have gone the past few years, so we used a variety of their glow jigs. It seemed like the preferred bait changed throughout the day. Probably the most productive was a rattle jig that was spotted with just about every color, tipped with a minnow head. Pink and white was also pretty good. One day, they seemed to prefer 2 or 3 minnow heads. We got our best fish on deadsticks, with a split shot, red treble hook, and a live minnow. The past couple of years, they caught many walleyes; got a lot of them in the slot. Last year, my grandson got a 28 inch walleye. This was the first time they didn't catch lots of tullibees or any walleyes in the slot. In fact, we only caught 3 walleyes. All the rest were saugers. We were fishing in 25 feet of water and the fish were staying very tight to the bottom. My grandson did awesome on the last day, by deadsticking a jig and minnow head. They had the shacks in pretty close compared to previous years, according to my son-in-law, due to the late ice development. The day we left, they were just starting to use the bombers. Maybe by the time you go up, they will have the shacks out by the border, which is where they did so well in the past. One thing they said was that they had not experienced a night bite, so they decided to spend the extra cash for the lodge rooms and meal plan. We stayed 3 nights and fished 2 days. The food was great and it was fun shooting the bull with other fishermen and watching the Badgers basketball team beat Indiana in overtime. It cost about $500 per person, tax included, though.
Quote from: imnofish on February 04, 2016, 12:47:57 PM
Quote from: Houndhead on February 04, 2016, 12:27:32 PM
I do the sleeper shacks on LOTW out of Sportmens Lodges every year. It is always a great time. The fishing has always been just ok. Could be much better, but could also be worse. We have not caught much for size of walleyes. Last year I don't think we had a fish in the slot. Hard to believe you didn't catch any tullibees. we usually get quite a few of those. Going again the first weekend of March. What baits and what colors were working the best?
My son-in-law and grandson have gone the past few years, so we used a variety of their glow jigs. It seemed like the preferred bait changed throughout the day. Probably the most productive was a rattle jig that was spotted with just about every color, tipped with a minnow head. Pink and white was also pretty good. One day, they seemed to prefer 2 or 3 minnow heads. We got our best fish on deadsticks, with a split shot, red treble hook, and a live minnow. The past couple of years, they caught many walleyes; got a lot of them in the slot. Last year, my grandson got a 28 inch walleye. This was the first time they didn't catch lots of tullibees or any walleyes in the slot. In fact, we only caught 3 walleyes. All the rest were saugers. We were fishing in 25 feet of water and the fish were staying very tight to the bottom. My grandson did awesome on the last day, by deadsticking a jig and minnow head. They had the shacks in pretty close compared to previous years, according to my son-in-law, due to the late ice development. The day we left, they were just starting to use the bombers. Maybe by the time you go up, they will have the shacks out by the border, which is where they did so well in the past. One thing they said was that they had not experienced a night bite, so they decided to spend the extra cash for the lodge rooms and meal plan. We stayed 3 nights and fished 2 days. The food was great and it was fun shooting the bull with other fishermen and watching the Badgers basketball team beat Indiana in overtime. It cost about $500 per person, tax included, though.
Yep, the nite bite is almost non-existent. It is nice staying on the ice and not not having to go anywhere for 3 days though. The cost for the sleepers is about $275 per person for 3 nites. Every time I have went it has been super cold out. 2 years ago it never got above 0 the whole time, with -35 at nite. I am doing some reseach on Sleeper shacks in SD for next year.
Quote from: Houndhead on February 04, 2016, 12:54:03 PM
Quote from: imnofish on February 04, 2016, 12:47:57 PM
Quote from: Houndhead on February 04, 2016, 12:27:32 PM
I do the sleeper shacks on LOTW out of Sportmens Lodges every year. It is always a great time. The fishing has always been just ok. Could be much better, but could also be worse. We have not caught much for size of walleyes. Last year I don't think we had a fish in the slot. Hard to believe you didn't catch any tullibees. we usually get quite a few of those. Going again the first weekend of March. What baits and what colors were working the best?
My son-in-law and grandson have gone the past few years, so we used a variety of their glow jigs. It seemed like the preferred bait changed throughout the day. Probably the most productive was a rattle jig that was spotted with just about every color, tipped with a minnow head. Pink and white was also pretty good. One day, they seemed to prefer 2 or 3 minnow heads. We got our best fish on deadsticks, with a split shot, red treble hook, and a live minnow. The past couple of years, they caught many walleyes; got a lot of them in the slot. Last year, my grandson got a 28 inch walleye. This was the first time they didn't catch lots of tullibees or any walleyes in the slot. In fact, we only caught 3 walleyes. All the rest were saugers. We were fishing in 25 feet of water and the fish were staying very tight to the bottom. My grandson did awesome on the last day, by deadsticking a jig and minnow head. They had the shacks in pretty close compared to previous years, according to my son-in-law, due to the late ice development. The day we left, they were just starting to use the bombers. Maybe by the time you go up, they will have the shacks out by the border, which is where they did so well in the past. One thing they said was that they had not experienced a night bite, so they decided to spend the extra cash for the lodge rooms and meal plan. We stayed 3 nights and fished 2 days. The food was great and it was fun shooting the bull with other fishermen and watching the Badgers basketball team beat Indiana in overtime. It cost about $500 per person, tax included, though.
Yep, the nite bite is almost non-existent. It is nice staying on the ice and not not having to go anywhere for 3 days though. The cost for the sleepers is about $275 per person for 3 nites. Every time I have went it has been super cold out. 2 years ago it never got above 0 the whole time, with -35 at nite. I am doing some reseach on Sleeper shacks in SD for next year.
Sounds like the big thing is the food quality and the ability to shower, use a normal toilet, etc., when it came to my son-in-law's decision to change course this year. Of course, he makes the big bucks, so he can pretty much do what he wants. ;) 5 years ago, he, I, and some friends went out to ice fish the Glacial Lakes area in SD. We rented a house, then drove to various lakes. We used 4-wheelers to pull portable shacks. That was a mistake. Snow was too deep and there was a crusted layer that we kept breaking through. The weather was brutal, also. We did get a lot of big perch (13+ inches) and some pike around 30". If I was going to do it again, I would definitely consider renting a sleeper shack... or at least bring snowmobiles.
Quote from: The Angry Fish on February 04, 2016, 01:15:26 PM
I've never gone ice fishing, how hard is it to learn?
Not that hard, but you need the right equipment. Team up with someone who knows what they are doing and get them to mentor you. That's how I got started, back when I was a kid. Many guys are happy to get some company and pass on their knowledge. Don't spend too much on equipment until you know if it's something you will keep doing.
Quote from: imnofish on February 04, 2016, 01:14:20 PM
Quote from: Houndhead on February 04, 2016, 12:54:03 PM
Quote from: imnofish on February 04, 2016, 12:47:57 PM
Quote from: Houndhead on February 04, 2016, 12:27:32 PM
I do the sleeper shacks on LOTW out of Sportmens Lodges every year. It is always a great time. The fishing has always been just ok. Could be much better, but could also be worse. We have not caught much for size of walleyes. Last year I don't think we had a fish in the slot. Hard to believe you didn't catch any tullibees. we usually get quite a few of those. Going again the first weekend of March. What baits and what colors were working the best?
My son-in-law and grandson have gone the past few years, so we used a variety of their glow jigs. It seemed like the preferred bait changed throughout the day. Probably the most productive was a rattle jig that was spotted with just about every color, tipped with a minnow head. Pink and white was also pretty good. One day, they seemed to prefer 2 or 3 minnow heads. We got our best fish on deadsticks, with a split shot, red treble hook, and a live minnow. The past couple of years, they caught many walleyes; got a lot of them in the slot. Last year, my grandson got a 28 inch walleye. This was the first time they didn't catch lots of tullibees or any walleyes in the slot. In fact, we only caught 3 walleyes. All the rest were saugers. We were fishing in 25 feet of water and the fish were staying very tight to the bottom. My grandson did awesome on the last day, by deadsticking a jig and minnow head. They had the shacks in pretty close compared to previous years, according to my son-in-law, due to the late ice development. The day we left, they were just starting to use the bombers. Maybe by the time you go up, they will have the shacks out by the border, which is where they did so well in the past. One thing they said was that they had not experienced a night bite, so they decided to spend the extra cash for the lodge rooms and meal plan. We stayed 3 nights and fished 2 days. The food was great and it was fun shooting the bull with other fishermen and watching the Badgers basketball team beat Indiana in overtime. It cost about $500 per person, tax included, though.
Yep, the nite bite is almost non-existent. It is nice staying on the ice and not not having to go anywhere for 3 days though. The cost for the sleepers is about $275 per person for 3 nites. Every time I have went it has been super cold out. 2 years ago it never got above 0 the whole time, with -35 at nite. I am doing some reseach on Sleeper shacks in SD for next year.
Sounds like the big thing is the food quality and the ability to shower, use a normal toilet, etc., when it came to my son-in-law's decision to change course this year. Of course, he makes the big bucks, so he can pretty much do what he wants. ;) 5 years ago, he, I, and some friends went out to ice fish the Glacial Lakes area in SD. We rented a house, then drove to various lakes. We used 4-wheelers to pull portable shacks. That was a mistake. Snow was too deep and there was a crusted layer that we kept breaking through. The weather was brutal, also. We did get a lot of big perch (13+ inches) and some pike around 30". If I was going to do it again, I would definitely consider renting a sleeper shack... or at least bring snowmobiles.
I do a late season trip to Leech every year also for perch. Not the 13"+ fish but plenty in the 9"-12" range but a great, fun trip, ecpesially if you have any kids or grandkids in the 8-16 age. Usually some great weather days in late March.
Quote from: The Angry Fish on February 04, 2016, 02:02:01 PM
I just hire the Hound as my guide.
How far from Escanaba are you ?
http://www.adventureoutmi.com/
Hound No offence, but I was just wondering as to why a person in Gods country, like yourself, would opt and go to Minn to fish when there are so many different Lake in Wis in your area to fish...Personally i have take trips to Canada and Leech as well, but of course i live in southern Wis too :( ...I do understand that the Canada Bit is off the charts as is Leech's...but you have so many, many Nice, different lakes so close to choose from...was just asking...
I suspect Hound is like me. I have plenty of good lakes to fish near my home and near my campsite up north, but I like a change of pace sometimes. It's especially fun if you can have that adventure with some good friends or relatives.
you boys are lucky to live there
Quote from: maggie on February 05, 2016, 03:18:45 PM
you boys are lucky to live there
I count my blessings every day. When I was 14, I decided to move to this region as soon as possible. I figured it made more sense to enjoy the great natural resources here throughout my life, rather than just waiting for retirement. Ten years later, I was here. Never regretted it.
Quote from: maggie on February 05, 2016, 01:39:00 PM
Hound No offence, but I was just wondering as to why a person in Gods country, like yourself, would opt and go to Minn to fish when there are so many different Lake in Wis in your area to fish...Personally i have take trips to Canada and Leech as well, but of course i live in southern Wis too :( ...I do understand that the Canada Bit is off the charts as is Leech's...but you have so many, many Nice, different lakes so close to choose from...was just asking...
Quite honestly, the fishing is much better in MN than it is around here. Heck, the fishing is better in the southern half of WI than it is here. Green Bay, Winnebago, Madison Chain, Petenwell, Mississippi River are all better. I wondering what the difference is?
i DON'T AGREE WITH THAT AT ALL 84. :o ..where is around here?
Quote from: maggie on February 05, 2016, 07:23:47 PM
i DON'T AGREE WITH THAT AT ALL 84. :o ..where is around here?
Northern WI
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 05, 2016, 08:47:30 PM
Quote from: maggie on February 05, 2016, 07:23:47 PM
i DON'T AGREE WITH THAT AT ALL 84. :o ..where is around here?
Northern WI
Plenty of great fishing here in the north. Just need to put the time in. Learn your local waters and hone your skills.
Quote from: The Angry Fish on February 06, 2016, 09:43:26 AM
Quote from: Houndhead on February 04, 2016, 04:10:35 PM
Quote from: The Angry Fish on February 04, 2016, 02:02:01 PM
I just hire the Hound as my guide.
How far from Escanaba are you ?
http://www.adventureoutmi.com/
How much does the gear cost? This sounds like a great idea. Pretty sure I'm on the hook now for "next year". I mentioned it to my sons and they are all for it.
http://www.whyknotguideservice.com/sleepershacks.html
You might want to find a place to go where the eqipment is provided.
Quote from: Houndhead on February 08, 2016, 12:57:14 PM
Quote from: The Angry Fish on February 06, 2016, 09:43:26 AM
Quote from: Houndhead on February 04, 2016, 04:10:35 PM
Quote from: The Angry Fish on February 04, 2016, 02:02:01 PM
I just hire the Hound as my guide.
How far from Escanaba are you ?
http://www.adventureoutmi.com/
How much does the gear cost? This sounds like a great idea. Pretty sure I'm on the hook now for "next year". I mentioned it to my sons and they are all for it.
http://www.whyknotguideservice.com/sleepershacks.html
You might want to find a place to go where the eqipment is provided.
Good idea. Maybe hire a guide, too (unless you have an experienced friend willing to school you).
www.seansguideservice.com
Looks like a great resource, Hound. Looks like some great ice fishing packages available, if you follow the links. 8)
Returned sunday from LOTW. Fished thur, fri, sat in Sportsmen Sleepers. Fishing was the worst of any time I have been there. 38 fish in 3 days for 3 guys. 33 saugers, 2 tiny walleyes, and 3 tullibees. We will be looking for somewhere else to go next year.
Sorry to hear that your experience was sub-par. I suspect the unusual weather patterns certainly came into play this year. My son-in-law said it was excellent last year, so I'm guessing the fish are still there. Hope you find a more satisfactory experience, wherever you end up.
Quote from: imnofish on March 09, 2016, 09:32:12 AM
Sorry to hear that your experience was sub-par. I suspect the unusual weather patterns certainly came into play this year. My son-in-law said it was excellent last year, so I'm guessing the fish are still there. Hope you find a more satisfactory experience, wherever you end up.
Unfortunately, it looks like my perch fishing trip to Leech Lake next weekend is going to be cancelled due to the ice conditions. I was just checking out the barge fishing on the Mississippi. Has anyone ever done this? Big G?
Quote from: Houndhead on March 09, 2016, 10:16:42 AM
Quote from: imnofish on March 09, 2016, 09:32:12 AM
Sorry to hear that your experience was sub-par. I suspect the unusual weather patterns certainly came into play this year. My son-in-law said it was excellent last year, so I'm guessing the fish are still there. Hope you find a more satisfactory experience, wherever you end up.
Unfortunately, it looks like my perch fishing trip to Leech Lake next weekend is going to be cancelled due to the ice conditions. I was just checking out the barge fishing on the Mississippi. Has anyone ever done this? Big G?
Why fish for barges? Gotta be hard to eat. ;)