Where to go??

[lungdeflator]

I was planning a 4 day weekend up on LOTW the 2nd weekend of Janurary. But everything I have heard and seen from there this year is pretty poor.

I know Red Lake has been pretty good, but has slowed down and the size of the fish isn't that great.

Would it be worth going to LOTW? Or would something like Rainy Lake, Vermillion, Leech, Winnie,...??? be better???

[NAMASafetyDirector]

I wouldn't count out a LOW visit, however I would modify your plan just a little. My suggestion would be to look into one of Sportsman's Lodges Island adventure packages and get yourself up to the NW Angle Resort location. The fishing up there is typically more consistant with nicer fish and a good variety and you cant beat the scenery and serenity of the area. You can either drive around on the mainland through the NW Angle/Youngs bay and drive right to the front door at the Oak Island resort on the ice road or drive to the Rainy River location and take the Bombardier ride across the lake up there which is kind of fun if you havent been across the lake before. The only issue I see is on short notice, you might have a tougher time securing accomodations but I would definitly give that a try! Good Luck!

[zppeterson]

As NAMA suggested, maybe take a look at the NW angle part of the lake to see if you can secure lodging.

If not, I say stick with the original plan. It's a big lake with lots of places to fish and most likely they are biting somewhere on the lake that day, it's just figuring out where (this depends on how mobile you will be).

[Mike Stark]

Come up to Ely after the third weekend of January and chase some lakers.

[Hawg]

Red is still the best bet in my book.

[dougger222]

Look into reports on Devils. Last year saw the best perch fishing in 10 years and suspect another good year. Always bring more fish back compared to MN lakes.