Need a little heads up on an access for Opener??

[eyehead]

Well we are going to be on the big pond for our first opener. We are going to launch from a resort and I guess my question is. What would be a good time to get up there and launch the boat without having to wait for hours?? What would be a good one to launch from?? Thanks for any advice!!

[Benfishin]

Depends what side of the lake you are fishing but I would say a general rule is get there before 6:00AM and it shouldn't be too bad. BUT w/ the low water levels this year I do think the resorts will be busier than normal. See ya on the pond!

[rodmaker]

Check back in the next couple of weeks. The Crakner is going to give access updates. Usually, if your'e up there no later than 5:00 you s/b ok to launch. Bring a pair of waders with you this year!!

[youngie22]

We ususally put the boat in Friday night after dark, get the cabin ready, eat some food and hit the lake a little before midnight. Last year I caught first keeper @ 12:03, I was so amazed... 3 minutes trolling and a perfect 19 1/2" walleye. I hope this year works that well.

[minniwinni91]

Youngie22 I Hear ya We do about the exact same thing except our first fish took 15min and it was a 20 1/100000 just tad to big. good luck

[FL SNIPER]

I should know this...but opening weekend you can fish at night right? We are going up opening day...in the past I recall putting in just prior to daylight...a little after 5am. But then I also remember putting in right at 6am some days also because of the rules. (man...I'm getting old if I can't remember this stuff) I'll check the regs but you guys are so quick and right on with your info I figure you can set me straight. Thanks...good luck to all and be nice to each other up there! FL Sniper

Edit: Found it...looks like you can be out at 5am opening day if you want. Night ban starts May 14.

[eyebjim]

For opening weekend you can fish nights until sunday at 10pm. Then it is closed until June 11.

This is a quote from 2007 regulations.

"No one may fish for any

species or possess fishing gear on the lake from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. starting at

10 p.m. on May 14 and ending at 12:01 a.m. on June 11. "

[perchman]

May 14th is Monday, so you can fish late Saturday and Sunday night.

[chris_c]

Are the launches packed all morning on the opener? Or is it a little better at say 10am than it is from 6-9?

[youngie22]

I would say there is apretty steady in and out of traffic all day and all weekend! Patience is the key. I have pulled boat onto shore, grabbed truck and trailer to go back to cabin to rest and eat while the lines die down.

[nater2416]

HOW PACKED ARE THE ACCESSES AT SAY 10 PM NIGHT OF???

[youngie22]

Hard to say on that one, it depends a little on the weather and forcast. Usually I put my boat in around that time and then head back to the cabin and wait for the clock to strike 12.

[nater2416]

when u do that is it usually pretty crowded??

[youngie22]

if there is fair weather it can be busy, poor weather not terrible.

[tonkapat]

should be a little busier than normal being as most public accesses will be unusable, especially north

[Finlander]

How about the Garrison access? Good to go or not?

[youngie22]

depends what you mean "good to go", the water is still low, not great for big boats. May need to get truck in the water a little.