Grand Marais area fishing(long post)

[AnglerJake]

We used to come from hot, humid Indiana to spend a week or two on Pike Lake. We always looked forward to getting away from the sticky weather and enjoying the cool weather from the proximity to Lake Superior. We usually had pretty good fishing - jigs or slip bobbers at dusk for walleye; perch and smallmouth during the day. We always stayed at Pike Lake Resort, which was run by Jim and Jody Daugherty. It was not a large scale, full service resort, which suited us just fine. If we wanted an evening campfire after fishing, we just had one. Noone was planning activities for you. There was always someone around to help if you needed it, but you were more or less on your own. Unfortunately, it seems that all good things come to an end. They sold off the cabins to private owners and no longer are available. I would like to take my family somewhere that would be somewhat like what that was. How has the walleye fishing on Pike been the last few years? Does anyone know whether there are any private cabins for rent on Pike? Or, is there another lake with good fishing in the general area with cabin rentals available that don't cost an arm and a leg? I have looked at some farther up the Gunflint, but their prices are rather high, it seems. Does anyone know anything about the walleye fishing in Devil Track, White Pine, Caribou, Crescent or Two Island? If you would rather email me my address is [email protected]. Thanks in advance from a dad with fond memories of the North Shore who would like to share it with his children. Thanks and God bless, Jake. (Sorry this is so long)

[Viking]

I have stayed at Devils Track Cabins several times. The Walleye fishing is usually great in the evenings, with a slip bobber and leach. I usually fished the rock points on the south side of the lake. Straight accross from the Cabins, and the public access. The small mouth bite was real good, early in the season, Could catch them one after another from the dock. I usually went the weekend after opener. After May 30th they are pretty booked up there. There is also a real nice state campground about a half mile down the road, that has lake access spots.
Good Luck

[AnglerJake]

Thanks for the info. Do you have a number/address for Devil Track Cabins?

[Viking]

Devils Track cabins 1-218-387-2194 was the number I called last time I made a reservation.

[protrapper]

Hope I can help you out here. I live 5 miles from Pike Lake. The Resort you are talking about is closed. There is a new owner of a resort next to the public launch. The walleye fishing was slow last year on Pike. The smallie action was great. Tube jigs, top - water rapalas, or jigs with leeches and crawlers will catch youb plenty of smallies.

There was some problems about the launch. It was on private land or something, and the DNR was going to build a new one. I have not heard any recent info to post further. The launch is very shallow and is not suited for big boats. You have to get out and push your boat off. With 4 wheel drive some guys just back right in.

As far as I know there are no cabin rentals on Pike. Though a friend of mine has some lots for sale!! The price is crazy!!

Devils Track cabins are nice and all new. New bar to. And nice folks from what I hear. The fishing on Devils is good. Walleyes are on the smaller side but you will catch mostly eaters. Jig and leeches work great. Use the same smallie rigs on Devils as you would on Pike.

Crescent Lake fishing is ok. Nice campground there. It does fill up fast though. Good muskie fishing, although there Shoepac strain and they run on the small side. There are smallies in there but there not as abundant as the the othere lakes. Walleye fishing is ok around the Points and islands. Jig and leeches, spinners etc will turn fish.

Two Island is a great lake. Nice smallies and walleyes, and there some nice bluegills in there. If you can find them. Nice campground there also. Plus Trestle Pine is right up the road if you like to trout fish. Same tactics for eyes and smallies are the same as the other lakes. Trout you can float a worm of the bottom or throw small spinners.

Yup the Gunflint area can be a high priced affair. But hte filks up there gotta make some cash. We survive on the travel industry up here. And we had some weak winters where nobody made squat. Plus theres no price on the great outdoors up here.

Good Luck,

Trapper

[This message has been edited by protrapper (edited 05-05-2004).]

[AnglerJake]

Trapper - Thanks for all the great info. Didn't mean to offend about Gunflint prices - I realize it's tough making a living there. And you are right - cna't hardly put a price on the experience. Do you know if there is any place to stay on Two Island other than the campground. Also, is there anyone who would rent a boat, motor and trailer if we didn't pull ours up there? Thanks again, Jake

[Surface Tension]

Gunflint Trail resorts are pricey but well worth it just for its beauty.
Heck I've $150 for one night in a sleeper shack at Red lake.

[protrapper]

Theres only the campground at Two Island. Devils Track cabins I think rent boats and motors for that lake. And the resort at Pike I don't know about. I can ask around. Otherwise if you could afford it there is plenty of guys guiding those lakes. Some will just take you out in the evening to catch walleyes if you wanted.

But I would pull up your boat and hit a bunch of different lakes.

[AnglerJake]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. Surface - if we were to go up the Gunflint, what lake would you recommend for walleye? Thanks, Jake
Trapper - If you have some names & numbers of guides, I'd appreciate that also. Thanks.

[This message has been edited by AnglerJake (edited 05-06-2004).]

[protrapper]

Seagull and Sag are by far the best walleye lakes up the Trail. Northern Light Lake is also good for big ones. The northerns and perch are also nice in there.

Cathcing walleyes and Gunflint Lake can be tough at times. There are many other good lakes up there.

As for guide info contact the Beaver House, or Bucks hardware. Mike Berg is the best guide up the Gunflint Trail. And I would say Stacey Houglum for any other lakes. Both are excellent guys.