When Penn Flathers returned from his latest angling adventure “up north,” he had doubts about returning to “Lake Catch-a-Few” in the future. His tradition of having the same dates, same location, same results (ahem, marginal fishing) was becoming less enjoyable with each passing year.
Was Flathers ready for a new angling adventure? One person in his fishing circle, Berkley Longcast, may have the answer for him. They met for coffee Saturday morning at the local Walleye Brew House.
For the uninitiated, Berkley Longcast is a legend. His angling lore stretches from Patagonia all the way to the Northwest Territories. A multi-species freshwater angler by nature, his love for the sport took root during his youth while fishing the rivers and lakes in his hometown.
“Well, Penn, it certainly sounds to me like you might be ready for a change in fishing destinations,” Longcast said as they sipped coffee and watched the sunrise. “Now mind you, I am not opposed to visiting the same lake year after year in honor of carrying on traditions with friends and family. But there is something to be said for trying new adventures.”
From his jacket pocket Longcast removed a small notebook and plopped it on the table for Flathers to see. The first page read: “Your epic fishing adventure.”
“I know a place that you won’t want to miss out on,” said Longcast.
“Oh yeah. Where?” Flathers asked, perking up a bit.
Meet the Walleye Capital of the world
With 14,000 islands and 65,000 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, is the Walleye Capital of the World. This location is famous for trophy fishing, and walleye is the most sought-after fish in the Midwest. Its thick, white fillets, handsome shape and coloring, and elusive nature make it the ultimate prize among anglers. Each year, anglers in Minnesota keep roughly 3.5 million walleyes totaling 4 million pounds. The average walleye caught and kept is about 14 inches long and weighs slightly more than 1 pound.
A close cousin of the walleye is the sauger. Sauger have a more limited distribution than walleyes, and they don’t grow as large. The two species look similar, but you can tell them apart by looking at the tip of the lower part of the tail. That part of the tail is white on a walleye, but not on a sauger.
Other fish up for the catching are northern pike and sturgeon. Lake of the Woods catch rates are traditionally high so you’re sure to have a hoot. You can check out the area’s seasonal fishing calendar here.
Lodging, fishing and fun
Over in Baudette, Ballard’s Resort offers access to Lake of the Woods and fishing services year-round (wahoo!), ice fishing, you name it. Ballard’s Resort has packages for lodging, guided trophy walleye fishing, meals, beverages — the works. Anglers from the Midwest and beyond have been drawn to Ballard’s Resort since 1961. Families with kids are welcome. Fishing is a fun way to make lasting memories with the littles in the great outdoors.
Bring your own boat or go on a guided tour. Hosted trips are designed for individuals and groups and are the latest rage in the fishing world. The great thing about taking a hosted trip is that you are led by an expert fisher who can take you to all the good spots and help enhance your fishing vacation.
Walleye Connection tours
Package deals are the way to go. They take the heavy lifting out of planning a fishing trip. These trips have dates in May through September.
This summer, Walleye Connection tours include four nights’ lodging, three days of fully guided walleye fishing, all meals, beverages and round-trip motorcoach transportation from their respective cities. All summer Walleye Connection packages also include rod and reel combos, bait, tackle and fish processing.
Maybe you’re ready to splurge on a trip of a lifetime or if your budget is smaller, Ballard’s Resort can work with you to reserve a trip within your budget. Reach out and the friendly folks at Ballard’s are happy to talk with you to help you plan your trip.
For more information about trophy walleye fishing, please visit ballardsresort.com.
