US side resorts on Rainy

[bfisherman11]

Years ago my dad would take my brother and I to NW bay on Rainy to fish. We stopped doing our annual trips (20yr lapse) mostly because I got into Archery/deer hunting and stopped fishing. Recently we have gotten back at fishing and found out we (I) missed doing that together. The last few years we have fished Kab and I like that a lot but we come up in July/Aug and walleye are tough on Kab then. My brother and Dad are pushing Rainy next year but my dad (78yrs) does not have a passport and just does not want the bother (old and set in his ways, ha) of getting one nor fishing Canada. Anyhow, they are hoping Rainy might be a bit better to us during these months as it was years ago.

 

With all that explained, we are thinking about fishing the MN side of Rainy next year. As I looked at resorts I see Camp Idlewood, Sha Sha, Thunderbird and Island view. Any others?

 

Would any of you have a recommendation being familiar with this area? We primarily like walleye fishing but enjoy pike and smallmouth bass. We typically release the bass. We have our own boat but we do also rent one for my brother and nephew. We like being on the water or close enough to just walk to the dock and go. As far as accommodations we are not that picky as far as things needing to be new. Mostly CLEAN is good.

 

 

 

Thanks,

Bill

[Scotteye]

I have stayed at all resorts you you mentioned, and Camp Idlewood is the best option (all updated cabins, great docks within steps of cabins, good boat rental options, & great hosts).  You will absolutely love Camp Idlewood; IM with any questions.  

 

Scott

[gtaggart]

I have stayed at Island View and Thunderbird. Of these two, we now stay at Thunderbird. Island View has a great location with great views, but I would spend your money elsewhere. 

[bfisherman11]

Thanks guys, We really love this area. Last two years fishing Kab made me remember how much I enjoyed fishing. After catching the bowhunting bug and traveling around chasing critters it is nice to relax on the water and enjoy the beauty this area offers.

My dad will be pretty happy when my brother and I tell him we are going to Rainy in 2016.

Again "THANKS".

Oh, any pointers would be welcome. I know I will need to just wait to see whats going on around the time I get there but running down to Black Bay looks interesting as well as working our way down towards Kettle falls.

 

Regards,

Bill

[Xplorer]

I would also consider staying at Kettle Falls.  They have condo's that are right on the water, have private docks and electricity for charging trolling motor batt's, and if your looking at late July- August the reef fishing east of the Brule is good to great for eyes and casting points and islands for smallies can be a blast.

 Its an easy 12 mile boatride from the NPS Ash River boat landing to Kettle, and then a truck portage over to the Rainy side.  They have boats to rent there also. 

[bfisherman11]

Thanks X, I will look into that.

 

Bill

[Sculpin]

I have also stayed at Thunderbird, and Island View.  The folks at Thunderbird are great, as are the accommodations, and all aspects of the service. I would not recommend Island View, I made two trips there, the first, and last...

[Scotteye]

Also, if you are thinking of Camp Idlewood, I would book quick as they fill up fast 

[Black_Bay]

If you like to get into fist fights and have drunk people using your cabin as an outhouse I'd head to Sha Sha. The owners seem to be trying to run the place into the ground. Too bad. it used to be a good place.   

 

[bfisherman11]

Black Bay, Ha, umm no. 

That is a shame. Sounds like you had a bad experience there. In all my years of staying at resorts I have never seen that. I did have one bad experience, won't say what resort but it was the owners wife that aggravated me. I had emailed the resort on cabin availability. They quoted me a rate and availability. I called and said I am coming. They wanted payment up front which seemed unusual but it was short notice so I agreed. I gave them my CC# and got an email they billed me $170 more than I was quoted. I called and brought this up and they said sorry they would look into it. Soon after I got an email saying I would get a $170 credit. I thought that meant a credit to my CC# but upon arrival I found out different. 

Upon arriving and in front of other guests the owners wife made it a point how I got such a "bargain" and was quoted the wrong rate and that I had $170 in store credit. I felt like she was trying to guilt me in to paying more and was trying to make a point but let it go since I wanted to enjoy my vacation.

When I went to check out, I had not used all the $170 so she went on and on about the "bargain" I got and if I had to have a refund she could write me a check but really I got such a "bargain". Finally I had enough. I told her "you act like I am stealing money out of your pocket. So there is $50 left. Give that to the dock boy since I would have tipped him anyhow."

The look on her face was shock. She played innocent saying that was just her nature to bring things up she should not. I knew her game and I won't go back even though it was a very nice place otherwise.

My issue seems to pale in comparison to yours.

I am thinking Idlewood at this point.

 

Thanks!

[Tom Hubbard]

Scotteye, gtaggart, Sculpin, and Black Bay:  Please check your messenger (I sent a pm).... Thanks!

[tcwin]

I second Camp Idlewood -- we have been going up there for many years, Freshly updated cabins - protected harbor (somewhat) and great hosts. Great family place with nice sandy beach.

No worries about people coming in to visit a bar or restaurant - great safe place with plenty of good fishing nearby.