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ice fishing out of crane


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I'm a city guy who visits VNP a couple times a year but not in the winter yet. I'm one of the "Skinny Minnows" that play music at Voyagaire lodge every year. Any hints on where to start looking for some crappies and walleyes thru the ice up there?

I was thinkin of getting a room at the lodge and venturing out with the sled and a portable a couple days in a row during the day. Would it be logical to try the same spots we catch them in the summer (grassy bay, little trout, etc..)? or is anyone willing to point me in a more productive direction.

I'm not cemented into Voyagaire lodge (though i do like jim, gretchen and the lodge) so any and all tips/hints would be welcome.

It sure is beautiful up there in the spring, summer and fall and am looking forward to the experience in the winter.

Thanks. george

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Hey HP,

Not that you're being ignored but few CL fisherpeople and the resorters just aren't on this site (Crane part) enuf to reply consistently.

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Maybe I wasnt too clear. I am certainly not opposed to heading over to kab or rainey for some decent lodging and fishing. Its been years since Ive been to Kab. Wouldnt even know where to start for lodging or fishing spots. Of course all of the websites for the places state wonderful accomodations and superb fishing. I dont expect them to say differently. Experience has shown me that all of these claims are not true. I dont expect anyone to trash any place either. Just a couple posotive tips on some places i might want to consider.

Our group started over at rainey 20 years ago and have been migrating east throughout that time frame. A few years on rainey (rainey lake house boats) , a few years on Kab and now about 10 years on crane/sandpoint/namakan.

So dont be shy about suggesting any good ideas about rainey or kab.

I suppose if i get no response i can always just take the sled out to a few spots ive had softwater success and give it a shot. it will be beautiful regardless of the bite.

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I haven't icefished Crane/Sandpoint/Namakan but the guys I've seen while sledding are fishing Grassy Bay mostly and some in Mukooda. There are usually a group of houses near the outlet of Sullivan Bay on Kab too. Most of the icefishing in the area that I'm aware of is on Rainy. Check out Woody's. He's the sponsor of the Rainy Lake thread.

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Most of the fishing in the CL area takes place for crappies in the spring in Grassy Bay and trout on Mukooda or Little Trout. A lot of guys use CL as a base and then do day trips via sled in Canada--Lac la Croix, David, etc.

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How is the fishing in Canada from CL? I have never ventured into Canada by sled for ice fishing but would like to some day. How far are those lakes from CL?

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They are maybe a 30 minute ride. The best thing to do is to pickup some maps and talk to some locals about how to access the lakes--I personally have only gone up in there twice.

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