If you want walleyes, it is pretty tough to beat Wigwam come August or even late July. At that time, running bottom bouncers with spinner rigs/crawlers is HOT for BIG walleyes on the Reefs! You need a “solid, sea worthy” rig for this type of fishing, because you are going to travel 10 to 20 miles across open water to get to the big, productive reefs on the Minnesota side. I have never focused on pike fishing on the southern section of LOTW, so I cannot tell you what kind of pike fishing there is. (but I must mention that I caught a 24lb pike while trolling cranks in the fall). I also know there is A LOT of ice fishing for pike in the Gap too. I know people pike fish down there in open water, but when and where is something someone else is going to have to chime in on.
Another option is to look at Flag Island and Oak Island resorts, also look into the “Angle” for different resorts there. There is great walleye fishing there and you don’t have to travel very far. Also, there is “decent” pike fishing in that area too.
If you are “stuck” to only Minnesota waters, these are your two options, basically.
One other option to look into is this:
When staying at Flag or Oak Island, you can go to “Burnt Is” I believe and request a daily pass to fish canadian waters. I know they either ask for DL or Social Security number, if I recall correctly to allow you to cross the border for the day. You phone in at the remote Island. I do not know if a prior DUI will prevent the daily crossing or not.
All of the general locations I stated are in Minnesota and have very good daily rates and offer all the amenities you wish for.
I haven’t lodged at Wigwam yet, but eaten their GREAT food many times and have visited their bar in both spring and fall. I’ve stayed at Borderview previously due to relations of my fishing buddy. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Wigwam and will lodge there next time up.
I’ve been at both Oak Island “Bonnie Brae Resort”, which is now an attachement of “Sportsman’s Lodge”. Great, clean place with great service.
Also, Staying at Angle Inlet Lodge, at the “Angle” is another great place to stay that is cheap on the pocket book as well.
The Sportsman’s show is coming in a couple of months. It would be of good advice to sit with your crew prior too, and find out what you “can” and “cannot” do. Then hit the show and find what you are looking for, if the above mentioned doesn’t help.