Based on this year’s early ice out (April 14, 4:34 p.m.), we have all been eagerly awaiting Minnesota’s scheduled fishing opener, which is Saturday, May 13. Because of our location in Minnesota, please know that bass (smallmouth and largemouth) open this same date, with walleye and northern pike.
In this early season, fisher people will easily find panfish, especially crappies in good numbers in the 5-10 foot deep areas. Kids can easily catch them from our docks during the first few weeks of the season. Walleyes will be found in the 13-20 foot depths and the most successful colors, in my opinion, are black and yellow.
While most of our early season fishing guests choose to stay in a cabin, we can easily accommodate guests in our lakeside bunkhouse. You’ll only be lacking in a bit of privacy and need to make special plans for your meals (restaurants or prepared meals brought in coolers), as we have no kitchen for bunkhouse guests. This is such a wonderful opportunity for early season walleyes, it’s surprising to me that we don’t have more avid fishermen choose to stay in the bunkhouse at this time. It can be a little chilly, so guests should be prepared with good sleeping bags and some extra blankets.
I am so ready to cast a line – I can hardly wait!
Nick Ott
Packsack Canoe Trips & Log Cabins