Andy or anybody……Garrison

Looking for info on the Garrison area. Are winds generally a problem on that area of the lake?
My preference for fish in order are Pike, Smallmouth, Walleye. Are there decent spots for each relatively close or am I making long runs? Basically a troller so are there decent break-lines or weedlines to work?

Any info will certainly help.

Thanks

Prevailing winds are most frequently NW so it’s a great corner of the lake if you’re concerned about wind. There is a ton of structure very close to the Garrison access with great fishing for walleye, pike, smallmouth all along the West shore. There is plenty of structure and great weed lines over there Dutch.

Will

Thanks Will.

and you’re only 15 minutes to the Casino, Dutch.

I’m here Brian

….just got home from my Target run.

As far as the question “Are winds generally a problem on that area of the lake?”…well, yes they can be a problem anywhere on that lake depending on wind direction unless you’re tucked back in the bays. So for Garrison and the NW corner would be an east wind which is rare, or a strong south wind.

W N/W wind is your friend.

And there isn’t just decent spots relatively close, there are large expanses of water that is outstanding.

The large Garrison reef always produces even though it is pressured hard. Really a large area out there with everything… deep rocks, shallow weeds, complex reef structure right out from Garrison so close in. Pike, walleye, SMB all out there.

Next area fairly close just to the north would be the east and west Myr Mar reefs, which is right out in front of my place. Again both highly productive. Early to mid summer, big SMB cruise near shore and can be an easy catch. Pike out and along the weeds which runs intermittently all along the NW side.

And if it’s not blowing too heavy, it’s a short boat ride to the flats for walleye although SMB bass are out there too.

Just look at a Mille Lacs map that shows some detailed structure and you can’t help but notice on the NW side, these areas will jump off the map.

Oh, and also they’re large enough areas I’ve never been pushed off, or couldn’t find plenty of room without crowding someone else.

Thanks Andy, I’m still thinking of the area. Time will tell.

Great Question Dutchboy… I’m on the Garrison side too so I’d love to here from those that know the Garrison side where to fish it. I have been studying Garrison Reef quit a bit. There is a pretty good drop off on the shore line at about 5 or 15 feet. Here are some Coords to help you out.

Garrison Reef
Lat: 46°17’32.34″N
Long: 93°47’32.46″W

Lat: 46°17’24.05″N
Long: 93°47’21.05″W

West Myr Mar Reef
Lat: 46°19’7.58″N
Long: 93°45’47.42″W

East Myr Mar Reef
Lat: 46°19’22.25″N
Long: 93°45’6.57″W

I understand you can catch Walleye and Pike in and around these two areas.

Lat: 46°17’22.18″N
Long: 93°49’6.12″W

Lat: 46°19’4.04″N
Long: 93°47’39.57″W

Also… Can someone tell me what the North Garrison Bay Public Access is like for launching boats? Not all Public Access proved to be equal up there last year. I’ve launched out of the Garrison Bay Public Access and it’s deep enough. But how is the north access?

Kevin Collins wrote:

Also… Can someone tell me what the North Garrison Bay Public Access is like for launching boats? Not all Public Access proved to be equal up there last year. I’ve launched out of the Garrison Bay Public Access and it’s deep enough. But how is the north access?

I’d say it’s deep enough for the majority of boats. The challenge is the small parking lot and the 90 degree backward turn to access the ramp. If you are confident in your ability to back a trailer you’ll be fine.

Can’t help you on access. I either have done Cove or the Casino access. Lately (last 10 or so times) I launch from private accesses at resorts. They can always use my money I figure.

Eelpoutguy wrote:

and you’re only 15 minutes to the Casino, Dutch.

Ya….but no. You likely were still in your short pants the last time I hit that Casino. I will do Fortune Bay Casino however.

Francis K wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Kevin Collins wrote:</div>
Also… Can someone tell me what the North Garrison Bay Public Access is like for launching boats? Not all Public Access proved to be equal up there last year. I’ve launched out of the Garrison Bay Public Access and it’s deep enough. But how is the north access?

I’d say it’s deep enough for the majority of boats. The challenge is the small parking lot and the 90 degree backward turn to access the ramp. If you are confident in your ability to back a trailer you’ll be fine.

Awesome… thanks Francis

From Myr Mar to Rocky Reef is the best stretch of the lake, IMO. It’s also the hardest pressured d/t easy access to hey 169.
There are numerous areas you can get a little shelter from the wind, too. Like Will said, it’s often a western wind; NW in the winter and when cooler, and SW during warm fronts. All the bays in between the points south of Garrison will have weeds and pike, St. Albans, Wigwam, Shaboshkung, and Vineland. The top portion of Garrison Reef has some weedbeds, as does the main body of Myr Mar reef.