Resorts on Winnie.....

[wisconsinguy]

A group of us from Wisconsin are planning a trip in late February. Most of the resorts are booked with a few exceptions. Anyone ever stayed at Tamarack Lodge on the east side of Winnie ? It looks to be one of the few resorts with openings. Thanks for any info !!

[bearplott]

Have you tried Beckers Resort. Very nice cabins and people.

[doser]

Did you try High Banks ? Great people and helpful.

[wisconsinguy]

Yes, High Banks is booked that week. I've heard good things about that resort.

[get-the-net]

I've stayed at three different locations on Winnie in the past few years, Beckers - Highbanks - Denny's. Beckers is reserved for our walleye opener due to their protected harbor. Highbanks and Denny's have been our winter location. For our first Winnie trip this year, a buddy and I are staying at Tamarack. The owners sound like really nice folks. Decent rates too. Our only concern is if they'll have bait available. I'll give you the report when we get back if it's not to late for you to make a decision.

[wisconsinguy]

I'd appreciate that, and I agree that the owners seem like good people from my phone conversation with them. Our trip is from the 19th of February until the 24th. Thanks and good luck !

[get-the-net]

We're going 19,20,21 of this month. I'm so excited I just about can't sleep. What part of Madison? I lived there for 6 years before, during, and after college. I really enjoyed my time there.

[wisconsinguy]

I'm on the southwest side of town near Verona. Good luck when you go and let me know about the bait situation. It would be nice to skip the 8 hour drive and catch some perch here, but to do that it looks like I'll have to get the boat out. There is open water on Lake Mendota.

[get-the-net]

True, that drive does bite, but you can't beat a good perch jerkin session on Winnie. Our family cabin is just south of Winnie, so I've made that drive many times. Usually I'd go up 53 to Superior and then across on 2 instead of going up I35. Much more scenic and sane then going through MSP traffic. If they don't have bait, you can always get it at the c-store at the south end of the lake. I'm sure highbanks would have bait to sell as well. I know Denny's does too. Don't forget your gps. That lake has a way of swallowing up your favorite spot with a night of strong winds and some snow.

[wisconsinguy]

We're heading up on a Sunday so hopefully the cities traffic won't be too bad. Any nightlife in the area that we could check out ?

[Papa]

Just give Tamarack a call or email. I'm sure they would be happy to have your bait of choice available.

[get-the-net]

Nightlife? Well, I think that Tamarack serves cocktails, I know Denny's and Highbanks mix a pretty stiff one. You'll have to do some driving to get to a tavern. We've always just kept to the resort to avoid any chance of a DWI. If you really want to get out, you could go to Benson's in Walker (an hour) or one of the college bars in Bemidji (40 min).

[Bobberboy]

Gosh Dam Place on the NE side at the intersection of Hwy. 46 and 9 I believe, has good food and cocktails. They will even cook off your fillets for you.

Quiet is the word for choice in the area. Not much to look at accept your buddy. There is one woman to every 20 guys in the bars I've been in.

Great fishing and friendly people.

"Your bobbers down!"

[wisconsinguy]

That's not good to hear because I've got some ugly buddies !! Thanks for the info

[Rolly22]

Gosh Dam Place isn't bad or head up to Squaw Lake(Crow Bar). A lot closer than Bemidji.

[Jason Boser]

the pines is open, williams narows is also open I think

Jason

[get-the-net]

Well, We got back from our trip without incident and I'd like to say that we slayed the fish, but we didn't. High pressure, cold temps and fish in the middle of a transition to their winter haunts made catching difficult. Still, it was a great trip. The folks at Tamarack were very nice and the accomodations were just what we expected. You'll have to consider a few things before you go though. They have one pail of crappie minnows and a few wax worms and that's it for bait. My advice is to pick up your bait beforehand and keep it in oxygen packs until you use it. You can also get bait at one of the other resorts on the lake. Access to the lake was not a problem. We drove on between two of their permananent docks (piers for those of you from WI). They do not plow roads out to the fishing areas though. With the present lack of snow, the only hinderance to driving around the lake was the pressure ridge that runs from tamarack point to the mouth of Cut Foot Sioux. You have to drive northwest to the end of it, but once you turn the corner, the whole lake is open for business. If they get any serious amount of snow you might have to plan on driving on at Highbanks or one of the other resorts with plowed roads for a $10 access fee. Make sure you bring your own towels, dishrags, and soap, because the cabin doesn't come with them. Other than that, it was warm, quiet and the hot shower sure felt good after a cold day on the lake. Good luck.

[limited out]

GTN-

What cabin did you stay in if you don't mind telling. We have two of them rented for the 2nd weekend of the walleye opener. Thanks.

[get-the-net]

We were in #8. If you go to their website, it shows where they are located. 8 was nice because it is at the end of the line and you end up getting more room to put your trailers, sleds and extra stuff out of the way of other vacationers. I think that it should be a good place for the opener because their harbor should be well protected from the wind. Plus, there is some good structure right out in the bay in front of the resort.

[Papa]

Just an FYI..There are now roads plowed out from Pines and Tamarack that go around the pressure ridge off Tamarack Point. The roads will be maintained if there is any additional snow. The roads out of Tamarack Bay are linked with the roads on the main lake.

[get-the-net]

That is great to know. Thanks for the heads-up.

[wisconsinguy]

I appreciate the info !!! I guess I can't ask about the fish cleaning house if you didn't use it. Were the owners helpful in putting you on fish ? I realize they weren't biting but was just hoping maybe they have some clues on where to try. Thanks again, and nice buck !!!

[get-the-net]

Yes, they were very helpful. They pointed out the humps and gave us some techniques to use. It was just a really tough bite that weekend. I see from the Boser/Highbanks report that things are picking up now.