Virginia Mn. area

[Rip_Some_Lip]

I am thinking about applying for a job up in Virginia Mn. I was wondering if any of you live up there or know the area very well. I have the wifes blessing to move north, but I am not familliar with the area except I drove through there heading to Kabetogema once. I see there is not many lakes real close to there. Looks like Lake Vermillion is probably the best bet for fishing. If anyone has any knowledge of the area, I would appreciate some input. Thanks.

[upnorth]

I live up in Chisholm, just down the road a ways. I am kind of a newbie to the area too, only been here about 4 years. There are a pile of smaller lakes in the area that I have yet to explore. Vermilion is my fav so far for walleyes. Winnie is also just a little over an hour from here.

If you look on the map there are a lot of smaller lakes within probably 30 miles of the virginia area. Then of course you the Voyagers chain within an hour or so and the Ely area is within a day trip.

So many lakes so little time

[BD110]

Rip_Some_Lip,
My In-laws have a cabin 20 miles north of Virginia That I use mostly for hunting. There are more lakes in the area then one would think also fishing in some area Mine Pits. If you like the outdoors Hunting, Fishing, 4 Wheeling, etc. I'm sure you should be able to find something to do .
I live in Duluth but I'm sure others from the area will give you some good info.
Take care, Tom (BD110)

[BD110]

upnorth,
I was putting my post together while you posted yours. I just wanted to drop a line and say that my father lives in Chisholm. I also lived ther for 8 years. I was on the Fire Dept. while I was there I still have a few friends in the area. Drop a post If you want to hook up in the area sometime.
Take care, Tom (BD110)

[SledNeck_X]

I live near Virginia and there is good lakes and pits everywhere in all directions, plus only 20 minutes from vermilion.

[guideman]

There are many lakes besides the Big V around Virginia. It's an outdoorsmens dream to live in this area. Not only is there great fishing and hunting, there is also snowmobile and ATV trails, all over the place.

The people are friendly and it's really a great place to raise a family. Houses are cheep and rents are low and the air is clean. Believe me as a long time big city resident, you'll never want to go back after living here.

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Terry "Ace" Sjoberg
aceguideservice.com
Lake Vermilion
Muskies and More.

Pro Staff Member.
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[Dr. Bob]

Whiteface is a really nice lake too that is not to far from Virginia. In fact I am taking the Mrs. out there tomorrow afternoon for a little fishing and a shrimp dinner at one of the boat-in campsites on the lake.

I do most of my fishing on the bigger lakes because they are AWESOME and not to far away. Basswood is my FAV!

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The Doctor is in.............Everybody stand back!!!

I.B.O.T. # 144
Boundry Waters Chapter

[Animal]

I live just north of Duluth and travel to range lakes, Vermillion, Rainy, BWCA all the time. Ace is right about this area being a sportsman’s' dream. But, on the downside the weather is a lot different than southern MN. The winter comes early and stays. The temperatures can sink to zero and below and hover there for weeks at a time. That's not so bad, butw winter hangs on and won't give way to spring until May. When it does give way it is still cold, windy and rainy until the second week of June. This year it was even later. If your wife isn't into the outdoor sports there isn’t a lot of fine dining or other entertainment close by.

I moved north from KY about 25 years ago and I have made my peace with the weather, but the hardest nut I had to crack was developing relationships with people to fish and hunt with. It seemed that the locals were all engrained in their family traditions at the hunting shack and family cabins, the annual trip to Canada, etc. which left little room for outsiders. It took me a good 5 years to find some regular fishing & hunting buddies and I'm the kind of guy who can start a conversation with anyone, anywhere, about anything. I persisted and have since developed many wonderful friendships and never have to look far to organize a fishing trip for a weekend or even longer. I don't want to discourage you, but just wanted to throw my comments on the pile.

[Dr. Bob]

This site is really good for hooking up with other fishermen!

[Animal]

Dr. Bob:

I have friend who has a cabin on the river near the campground. Yesterday he fished the islands as you leave the river in about 25 feet of water and limited out with 14 to 16 inchers. He said fishing has been pretty good on Whiteface in the last week.

[Dr. Bob]

Thanks Animal.

I'll have to check it out.

[upnorth]

BD110, we may have to try to hook up sometime.

[RowShow]

I swing by Virginia ever year I go up to the Boundary Waters. We visit the open pit mining displays and go up to the visitor area where you can look at the mammoth trucks they use. The lady in the building there is always super nice, but then again, I don't think they would put anyone too grumpy at a place that's supposed to welcome visitors!

[SledNeck_X]

I dont know what your favorite type of fishing is, but if you like largemouth bass fishing, the virginia area is great. All the lake I fish around here are loaded with bass and huge pike. Everytime I go out bass fishing it seems like im the only guy on the lake fishing for them (sometimes Im the only guy on the lake period. As for walleye fishing, I do that quite a bit but it gets monotonous after a while catching one after another, but everyonce in a while you get a big walleye and its fun, but not even close to catching a muskie, huge pike or bass. ....but on the point of people not accepting outsiders, I dont think its true with people that are around my age (28). I believe people on the Range are some of the most friendly help your neighbor people in america. Returning from the air force to back here helped me realize this. yeah the winters are long, but im a snowmobiler and Ill take it. The bugs are horrid, but you go numb after the first 10000 bites. And if a Ranger invites you out for drinks you better be able to hold your liquor cause youre in for a rough one.

[Big G]

I've been fishing Whiteface for years. Ooooodles of little walleyes easily to be found. You will have to work to find the big ones though...........Trust me, they are there.........Lots of big pike there too.......My largest is 29lbs.

It is a "clean" community, but good luck being welcomed up there as "one of their own". I've known too many people who have moved up there and not been "accepted", only to leave several years later. These are good people too.

I know I might be stepping on some toes, but I know too many people that are not considered "residents" by the local community, who have lived there for several years. For that reason, I will not move there.......

It is a true sportsmans paradise. You have everything related to the outdoors you want.

Good luck with your decesion!

[Rip_Some_Lip]

Thanks for the replies, it makes my decision easier to make if I go that way...lol. I still have to weigh my options and see where I stand. The job pays more starting out than I am making right now and the housing is cheaper. I work 4 day weeks now and will have to work 5's if I get it. I just think it would be great to raise my 3 yr old boy up there (I live in Mankato now). If I get the job, I will post up here and see if I can find some "fishing buddies".

[can it be luck?]

I have friends in Eveleth and Virginia, and yes, they are a "tight knit" group IMO. Although every time I've been up there I've been welcomed with open arms. A great bunch of guys.....And girls too!
I noticed for some reason many of them weren't big into the outdoors, as I always tryed to pump them for "local" fishing info. None the less, I always have a place to stay when I'm in the "Range".
PS: Any of you "locals" know any tatooists in Eveleth??

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http://groups.msn.com/canitbeluck

[esoxguy2004]

I enjoy fishing Burntside. It is a beautiful lake with lots of big fish. Has anyone fished it recently? Heading up there this week, looking for a fishing report.

[upnorth]

Don't get me wrong on this, cause I like living up here on "da range" or as President Bush calls it the Iron Ridge People are very, very friendly, but it is hard to make actual friends. It seems to be something like I already am friends with the people I grew up with so I don't need any new friends.

Any one will stop and make small talk forever with you, but they aren't gonna ask you to go fishing with them or share a good lake much less a true hotspot. They are few exceptions, and I mean a few.

But as far as being a group of plain old good people it don't get any better.