LOW planning a trip: Tips, suggestions?

I am in the process of planning a trip for a few guys up to lake of the woods in January. I have never been there before nor have any of the guys that will be going so I am hoping I can get a few tips and suggestions from you guys.

We are not sure if we want to go the guide route or just bring up our sleds and fishing gear and make a go of it on our own. For newbies up there is it possible or practical to do so?

Right now I have looked at Ballards and Sportsmans for lodges, both looks great any other places I might look at that you guys have been too?

Obviously we are heading after walleye but would also really like to get into a mess of crappies if possible, what area is best for that or is there a guide that specializes in crappies that we might hire one day?

Any other suggestions is very welcome.

I have been to all of them I personally love Zippel Bay. I like the people more than anything. I feel it is like visiting family.

Nick is a great resort owner and they have usually put us on fish that exceeds our expectations.

This price is on par with everything around the area.

Everybody has a favorite place – and that goes to show that there are a LOT of great choices up there. Pick one and go.

As far as going on your own with sleds and portables, from my experience, every place up there will willingly point newbies in the right direction to put you on good fishing off the beaten path. Enjoy your trip, and if you hit it rig – it will amaze you.

T

If you want crappies in the game, the south side is not the place to be. Flag Island Resort In the NW Angle, its got everything, and especially crappie!

No one in our self guided group is willing to make January or February LotW reservations any longer. We went on a Feb. trip where the high for 3 of the 4 days we were there was -20 deg. with strong winds. Setting up portables in 25 mph winds at those temperatures is miserable. ATV’s left out on the ice overnight because they will not start, trucks not starting, canvas shacks not warm enough etc… That was it for that option. We do make reservations for mid-December and mid-March, IMO the fishing is better then, on average. It may already be too late to book a Saturday in December. When we go Jan.-Feb. it is short notice based on the 5 day weather forecast. Most places will want a deposit so if you back out on short notice it will cost you. Plan on $50/day/person for just cabin rental, more if you want fish house rental, guides, bombardier rides etc. Another factor for self guided trips is snow depth, last winter off road travel with wheeled ATV’s was not possible. Our friends with tracked ATV’s got stuck in March. Like any new outdoor adventure where no one in your group has done it before the first few trips are spent climbing the learning curve. LotW is a wonderful walleye fishery and you have a very realistic chance to get that 30″ there. Not every trip, of course. Our worse trips we still eat 2 meals there and bring home a limit.

Check out freds beds…nice big sleepers…and nels is super nice normal guy…oh and he puts you on fish…IMO sleepers are the way to go…wake up and fish, no waiting for anyone….and our first yr we went through Riversbend resort long story short we will never go back…