First time to minnesota, recommendations?

[cabsav]

My Alaska trip fell through, so I'm thinking having never been to Minnesota that should be my destination. thinking a week in august. Probably start International Falls or Duluth. We need a resort with sit on top kayaks or

aluminum boats, comfortable lodging without being plush and not ripping our heads off pricewise.  We will target Smallmouth, but if it will hit a lure I will fish for it. any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Edited March 27, 2017 by cabsav

[AlwaysFishing23]

Well I've traveled all around northern MN. As far as fishing goes lake vermilion in northern MN that's a place that's fits what your looking for. Lodging I'm not sure about. Your staying for a week so anywhere you stay is going to be expensive due to length of stay but a lot of resorts offer discounts for staying so many nights. Hope this helps you narrow your decision.

[bowhuntingboy1]

Mills Lacs!! Tons of resorts, and unlimited 20 inch smallmouth over the rocks.

[delcecchi]

7 hours ago, bowhuntingboy1 said:

Mills Lacs!! Tons of resorts, and unlimited 20 inch smallmouth over the rocks.

 

Advantage of Vermilion over Mille Lacs is that no matter the weather, you can get out on Vermilion and find someplace to fish.   If you are on the downwind side of Mille Lacs, could be tough, especially in a little fishing boat.  

 

But Rainy lake would be good too, as would NW Ontario.

[monstermoose78]

The ely area is good as well or up the gunflint trail in grand Marais 

[T-water]

The good news is you can't lose!  Let us know what you decide.

[cabsav]

thanks, I really appreciate!  20" smallmouth!  got my pulse going with that!

[bowhuntingboy1]

On 3/27/2017 at 8:12 PM, delcecchi said:

 

Advantage of Vermilion over Mille Lacs is that no matter the weather, you can get out on Vermilion and find someplace to fish.   If you are on the downwind side of Mille Lacs, could be tough, especially in a little fishing boat.  

 

But Rainy lake would be good too, as would NW Ontario.

You are right, mille lacs would be the last place you would want to be in the middle of during wind or a thunderstorm.

[AlwaysFishing23]

16 minutes ago, bowhuntingboy1 said:

You are right, mille lacs would be the last place you would want to be in the middle of during wind or a thunderstorm.

 

+1 It can get real nasty real quick out there.

[cabsav]

I am familiar with big water and big wind, and do my best to avoid that combination.

[bowhuntingboy1]

Plus, resorts would love to have you, now that no one goes to them due to the closing of walleye fishing.

[JBMasterAngler]

Mille Lacs would be good. If the wind is bad, the Brainerd lakes aren't too far away. Rainy Lake (or Kabetogama) would be a really good choice if you want more of a wilderness experience. Big water, but many places you can escape bad weather.

[cabsav]

thanks everyone for the input, we have decided to drive and take our own kayaks for the convenience. plus we can carry more tackle.