Resort question for early March

[401TE]

A few buddies and I are heading up to fish out of Baudette March 8-11. We're looking at doing a 3 night lodging, 2 days of fishing package. I'm wondering who you all would recommend for that time of year? Do some of the resorts get their day houses out to the reefs that late in the year, or do most of them off Wheeler's Point just stay within a few miles of Pine Island? Wondering if the extra money to have them transport is worth it. Are any of their houses better than others?

[Ballyhoo]

Quite a few of them do fish the reefs but mainly because it is better than the fishing on the south end. If the fishing stays good, even half as good as they are doing now I don't think the resorts will go North. It would not be just because of the fishing but also because of the ice conditions this year. I don't know if anyone is thinking about going to the reefs with rental houses right now. They have the best fishing they have had in years and are not burning a lot of fuel doing it.

[bturck]

Riverbend will run to the reefs in late Feb and into March. They will put several houses up there and transport you up and back. Last year they added a converted bus to thier transportation, great ride, jump on and sit back in the seat just like going to school. As stated above if the bite stays this good into Feb and Mar they may not want to pull houses up there however. It is a lot of work and usually done only because the bite dies off farther south. With the ice conditions as also noted this may not be a viable option as well. We've had some awesome fishing up there in past years, but have also had some great late season bites on the deep mud as well. Good luck, give em a call.

[fiskyknut]

401TE, Bill there knows whats up, he makes those reef trips with Riverbend every year. I'd say iffin your doing a resort package deal it'd be worth doing it one day for sure. Waaay fewer huts peeps and pickups and the fishing can be plain wild.

Bill, seems iffin I remember right the reefs were rather spotty on your late ice trip last year. No spitballs on the bus this year okay!!

[bturck]

Fisky, good to hear from ya. Been wondering when you were going to be jumping in with some reports. See you've been over west chasing the the eyes.

Last year was a little slower on the reefs 3rd week in Feb. We did ok, but have done better. then yours truly got sick and didn't even make it out there the second day, kind of sucked for the other two guys as they didn't want to run up there and leave me alone in the cabin. Heck I woulda been fine, lodge was only 30' away. The sick had nothing to do with keeping Gordie company the night before either. Yes we have had some awfully good bites up there, would sure make one day trip at least if you're staying there.

Headed up next Monday with the wife for our annual trip. Fish Tues/Wed. She's already packed and ready to go.....Maybe our paths will cross this time....Take care, stay safe my friend. Bill

[401TE]

Booked with Riverbend yesterday for March 8-11. I'm excited! Now I just need to find someone to go with next weekend! Really don't know why I wasted time and money on Mille Lacs or Red for the past 10 years...or local lakes for that matter.

[bturck]

you'll have a good time no doubt. I've noticed during the years that we have fished up there that the walleye bite is better than the saugers. It seems that the walleyes have a real tendency to supsend in that area over deeper water, so be sure to watch your flasher and chase those suspended marks. they are usuaslly very agressive when suspended. We have also had some great days with the perch bite, not unusual to catch perch consistently in the 11-12" range. A nice bonus for sure.