crane lake Houseboat Trip

[First Ice]

Going up to Crane Lake for a week beginning July 10 with the family.  We will be looking to find some walleyes while we are there.  Which of Crane, Sand Point, or Namakan do you think is the best walleye lake? Or are they all pretty close?  We have never been up there before so I expect we will struggle for a while to find fish - really looking forward to it though.  Also, are minnows a must have, or can we get by with leaches and crawlers?

[Xplorer]

First Ice,

I will be up the 8th thru the 12th on Namakan, camping in the Wolf Pack islands.  Generally in July and August fishing is better for eye's in Sand Point and Namakan.  

We have camped the week after the 4th for many years, and I always just take leeches and crawlers. I either lindy rig or pull spinners, and start at about 20' and work my way out from there, tho in low light I may go as shallow as 10'.

Eyes are normally just starting to transition from shorelines out to reefs.  I do use my electronics to cruise potential spots before I drop a line, looking for marks.  And dont be afraid to throw a slip bobber/leech off the back of the houseboat in the evening, especially if the wind has been blowing in during the day.

Good luck and enjoy, its a great time of year to be up there!