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Author Topic: Need outfitter advice.  (Read 1501 times)

Offline iluvgillz

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Need outfitter advice.
« on: Dec 16, 2011, 03:04 PM »
A few of us Michigan guys wanna head your way to fish lake of the woods. Did some research and rainy river resort is catching my eye.(no pun intended) wondering if any of u guys would be willing to pass along any advice. Thanks a lot fellas.

Offline Hagigun

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #1 on: Dec 16, 2011, 03:55 PM »
I have never been up that way, but I have heard good things down here in the MPLS/St.Paul area that Ballards resort is one of the best options up there. I would check that out.

Plus, if you are a big hockey fan, you would be in for an extra treat as this is where NHL'er Keith Ballard is from and this is his parents resort. I have heard they always have NHL games going in the lodge. He is currently with the Vancouver Canucks.

www.ballardsresort.com
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Offline meatman

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #2 on: Dec 16, 2011, 08:09 PM »
the wife and i stayed at Sportsmans Lodge last year. really enjoyed our stay.  good food.  nice people.  stayed in one of the small cabins.     

Offline spearchucker

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #3 on: Dec 18, 2011, 09:15 AM »
Arneson's Rocky Point was great. The guides kept checking in and are more than willing to move you to keep you on the fish.

Offline DIRTBALL2

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #4 on: Dec 18, 2011, 10:38 AM »
I totally agree with spearchucker about Arnesen's Rocky Point. They run a first class, top-drawer operation! All of which will probably cost you more. Zipple Bay Resort is another place I always recommend. Nick & Deanna are the nicest people you will ever meet on LOW. They knock themselve's out to see that you get the best care possible. They even have a place set up out on the ice that serve's as a bar! The Igloo! You can drop in for a beer and they even provide a hole for you so you don't lose any fishing time. For the budget minded individual I like to recommend Walleye Retreat. The cabin's are very nice and comfy. They don't have all the frill's that many of the resort's up here do. Like no restaurant, no bar. Which is why they are less expensive than say, Arnesen's. Hope this help's you out a little. DIRTBALL2 ;)
YOU CAN'T BS AN OLD BS'ER!

Offline iluvgillz

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #5 on: Dec 18, 2011, 05:31 PM »
Thanks guys, will look into all of these options. Much appreciated.

Offline meatman

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #6 on: Dec 18, 2011, 07:54 PM »
that's the one thing that sportsmans didn't do was move you to a different house if things were slow.  they checked in thru the day but we never changed houses during the day.

Offline gillcommander

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #7 on: Dec 18, 2011, 10:15 PM »
I just booked Arnesens for my girlfriend and me! I did lots of research and heard nothing but good things about them! Will be going out around March 8 thru the 12th. That was the earliest I could get a reservation...so full bookings till then should tell you something about them! Also...when everyone else talks about reef fishing they are referring to the lake structure around Rocky Point which is right where Arnesens is located. All the resorts on Rainy River charge you extra(up to $20 per person per day) for the 20 mile trip up on the Reefs!! Zipple Bay was a close second for me but after speaking to the owners of Arnesens Resort it sealed the deal! If you are looking for outfitter type guide experiences google Fords Guide Service Lake of the Woods or Elkhorn Outfitters Lake of the Woods. Good luck!

It's a fine line between fishing & sitting on the ice like an idiot

Offline Hard Ice

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #8 on: Dec 21, 2011, 04:35 PM »
Take your pic they are all good and they all want your money ..
Hard Ice

Offline amortec

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #9 on: Dec 21, 2011, 10:26 PM »
Take your pic they are all good and they all want your money ..
     Fish  Bite = $CASH$ FLOW!! ;D ;D
I only work so that I can afford to fish, hunt, & farm

Offline DIRTBALL2

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #10 on: Dec 26, 2011, 11:45 AM »
Here's a link for current ice condition's on LOW! DIRTBALL2 ;)   http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2728207/all/CURRENT_ICE_CONDITIONS
YOU CAN'T BS AN OLD BS'ER!

Offline tla100

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #11 on: Dec 27, 2011, 02:11 AM »
Lyon Sleepers...Great people, take care of you and caught lots of fish. Big shacks

http://lyonsleepers.com/

Offline UFCreel

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #12 on: Dec 29, 2011, 08:42 AM »
Got to second Lyons sleepers Tim and the guys are great. They will move your shack if its slow. Clean your fish. Tim is a guide at Ballard's during soft water. For the price they are hard to beat. I have been there twice and will return.
Flags up! Bobbers down!

Offline Beets

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #13 on: Dec 29, 2011, 09:38 AM »
X2
the wife and i stayed at Sportsmans Lodge last year. really enjoyed our stay.  good food.  nice people.  stayed in one of the small cabins.     

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Offline SKilo

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Re: Need outfitter advice.
« Reply #15 on: Jan 05, 2012, 10:03 PM »
I heard Zippels was the only one leting vehicles on or at least over New Years weekend. Co-workers brother went up there and said it had about fourteen inches on it. Not sure I would be ready to venture out there yet with my truck especially with the warmer temps.

 



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