US vs. Canada

[IHUNT]

Hello all,

I'm new to the site and impressed with the wealth of knowledge here ... My family and some friends will be houseboating with Northernaire July 20. (We've talked about this for 10 years and finally are doing it!) Someone told me I should get the necessary paperwork and fish the Canada side of the water, he says better fishing, less pressure. Comments? I'm looking for good fishing and great sites to see and swimming for the kids. I'm open to recommendations as to a general area of the lake to target during this time for walleyes and possibly crappies. If you had four days, where would you go??

[Fish&Fowl]

Shhh...that's a local secret! While fishing on the Canadian side is a lot less aggravating and sometimes better, if there is a good-sized group coming the paperwork and extra hassle can be a pain. If it's on a weekend it will even be worse. I would take the money you save and head farther east up the lake, lots of beautiful tie up spots and great fishing close by. It's pretty hard justifying licenses, permits and learning all the regs about boats, bait, etc. if you are only going to be here a short time. I fish the Canadian side quite a bit more than our side for the reasons mentioned, but I'm here every day! Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip.

[harvey lee]

IHUNT

Welcome to Fishing Minnesota & Hot Spot Outdoors. Let us know how the fishing went.

[tearin' lips]

I agree with F&F. Well at times fishing is better on the Canadian side, it doesn't pay to get the extra paperwork especially if you are only here for a few days. If it were for a week that may be a different story.

As F&F said, go to the east end. There are plenty of sites in the saginaw area that have nice sandy beaches for the kids, and yet great fishing is within eyesight.

As for the crappies...Canadian waters are better, but if you stick around the Harrison Bay area, you'll be able to fish crappies in Black Bay, North Grindstone, and Sand Bay. Sand Bay has a good population of crappies and if you can get on top of them you will have some good action.

Take Care and Good Luck Fishing!

[IHUNT]

Guys,

I really appreciate the welcome and the valuable advice. I've done a lot of fishing in my life, but am not afraid to ask for guidance on a huge new body of water like this, especially when there will be kids along on the trip and I'd like to put them onto some fish sooner than later! I want to have a plan of attack before we ever leave the dock at Northernaire. Thank you all for the input. I'll contribute a report, and may be back with more specific questions between now and the late July departure.